615 Beijing polluters fined total $2.1 million

The Beijing environmental protection authority found 615 companies emitting pollutants in the surrounding area during a six-month inspection and issued fines totaling 13 million yuan ($2.1 million).

From March through August, the environmental protection departments of the municipal and district governments have conducted a campaign that targeted polluting companies. More than 8,000 companies were inspected.

Among the polluters, 200 are in the service industry, including restaurants, hotels and SPA centers. Another 92 polluters are furniture manufacturers.

After the implementation of a regulation on air pollution control in Beijing, the environmental protection and urban management authorities have conducted a week of inspection every month until September.