A roundup report issued by the Beijing Environmental Protection Administration indicated that the capital's environmental quality has improved somewhat with 241 "good air" days in 2006, seven days more than the year before. It's surface water environment was also improved. The acoustic environment maintained the same level as last year and the radioactive environment was normal. The municipal government has increased its efforts on pollutants discharge reduction. Although the economy increased at an annual rate of 12 percent, the total sulfur dioxide emission and chemical oxygen demand discharge fell 7.9 percent and 5.2 percent respectively compared with 2005. Therefore, Beijing is among the four cities and provinces that completed the pollutant reduction target set by the State.

In 2006, the government continued to promote the use of clean energy and de-sulphurization in coal-burning power unit. The No.2 coke oven under the Capital Iron and Steel Group. Corp, and the Beijing Coking Plant stopped production this year, obviously contributing to improved local environmental quality.

The city also accelerated the facility construction for disposal of accumulated sewage.

However, the annual average rate of inhalable particles increased by 13.4 percent due to abnormal weather conditions such as sand storms originating in other regions.

Water quality of rivers, lakes and reservoirs were improved to various degrees. In 2006, 47 percent of rivers and 32.9 percent of river reaches met the water standard, compared with 45.3 percent and 28.2 percent of the year before. Some 5.1 percent more water area in lake reached the standard compared with 2005.

Some 88 percent of waters among the 17 monitored areas are up to the standards, with the Miyun and Huairou reservoirs, two key reservoirs, meeting the level of potable water standard.

Noise pollution is facing a serious challenge compared with air and water environment, especially along the highways, with the annual average noise exceeding 10.6 decibels of the national standard. The noise level in some urban areas at night, do not meet State limits.

(Source: Beijing Daily, edited & translated by Li Yuzhu)