Efforts to control VOCs in Nantong High-tech Zone reinforced
Dust prevention measures are implemented at a construction site in the Nantong National High-tech Industrial Development Zone. [Photo/WeChat account: ntgjgxq]
The Nantong National High-tech Industrial Development Zone is taking intensive measures to control the amount of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, released to the environment.
Industrial enterprises are among the main sources of ambient VOCs, a pollution source that becomes more severe in summer.
Since July, especially after the rainy season, the air quality situation in the high-tech zone became increasingly serious. A VOC-control campaign was therefore launched to tackle the problem.
Construction projects still in the preparation stage are no longer allowed to apply for safety supervision and construction permits if dust-proof facilities are not properly arranged.
During the construction process, daily inspections are conducted to ensure the construction site is entirely enclosed, stacked materials are completely covered, vehicles are washed before entering and exiting, the construction ground is hardened, the demolition site uses wet working methods, and the muck vehicles are 100 percent enclosed before transport.
In addition, the high-tech zone also instructed the enterprises with heavy local VOCs emission within its jurisdiction to formulate "operable, monitorable, and verifiable" emergency emission reduction measures. Implementation of the measures and off-peak production has been randomly checked.
Restriction was put on enterprises engaged in industrial spraying, packaging and printing, furniture, auto repair and others, requiring them to operate within specified hours.
The environmental protection office of the zone also worked with the zone's urban management bureau to intensify prevention and control of pollution from cooking fumes including heavy barbecue smoke.
