China's leading steel province, Hebei, has postponed planned cuts in production capacity and relocation of factories out of city limits by two months from December to the end of October, according to the provincial environmental department.
“We are left with a relatively large gap to meet our annual air quality target ... So we decided to take more targeted and effective measures to control air pollution,” the province said in a statement on Friday.
The province is committed to reducing air pollution, especially hazardous particulate matter 2.5 microns or less that can penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled.
In the first six months of 2019, the average particle concentration of 2.5 microns in Hebei was at the same level as last year at 58 micrograms per cubic meter, despite the expansion of industrial production restrictions.
The province has set a target of 53 micrograms per cubic meter this year.
“We used to do annual assessments at the end of the year. But this time, we make it clear that we must strive to ensure that the tasks are completed as soon as possible, "- quoted by the press service of Jiang Weining, an employee of the Hebei Department of Atmospheric Environment.
“We expect the 2.5 micron particle concentration in Hebei to decrease by 4.46 micrograms per cubic meter if we fully implement pollution control measures and meet deadlines, which will greatly help us achieve our annual targets. in the field of air quality, ”the statement says.
