Controversies

Aniline leak polluted Zhuozhang River amid late reporting and concealment; 38 people handled

On December 31, 2012, Fangyuan Company of Tianji Coal Chemical Group leaked about 320 tons of aniline after a metal hose ruptured, of which 8.76 tons flowed into the Zhuozhang River, causing cross-provincial water pollution in Shanxi, Hebei, and Henan and cutting water supply in Handan. The company falsely reported the leak as only 1-1.5 tons, and the Changzhi city government delayed reporting for five days. The investigation determined it was a responsibility incident; 38 people were handled, five were transferred to judicial authorities, and the mayor of Changzhi resigned. Major environmental incident, multiple people held accountable.