A couple weeks old, and possibly shared before, but it still seems worth sharing again.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-07/13/content_6842317.htm
Beijing prepares adequate water for Olympics
Xinhua
Updated: 2008-07-13 09:46
BEIJING - Beijing has more than enough water to meet demand over the Olympics, despite suffering years of drought, a senior official of the Beijing Water Bureau has said.
"Beijing has combined all water resources, including reservoirs, underground water and rainfall, to ensure the supply for the Olympics," said the bureau's head of publicity, Yu Yaping.
Guanting and Miyun, the two largest of Beijing's 85 reservoirs, were holding more than 1 billion cubic meters of water.
"Normally, one person would only use 3 cubic meters of water a month," Yu said. "Even if two million people come in August for the Olympics, they wouldn't consume more than 6 million cubic meters of water. It wouldn't cause a water shortage when we have more than 1 billion cubic meters of reserves."
Last year, Beijing's daily tap water supply stood at 2.48 million cubic meters, or 74 million a month, and it had increased to 2.93 million.
After nine years of drought, Beijing had made water saving a primary task. In 2000, the city used 4 billion cubic meters of water, but last year, it used 3.4 billion cubic meters, a saving of almost 100 million cubic meters a year.
In 2007, it used 480 million cubic meters of recycled water, or 14 percent of the total water supply, to supplement watercourses, wash cars and irrigate crops.
The government had diverted 156 million cubic meters of water from the Yellow River, the country's second longest, to refill the northern area's largest freshwater lake, Baiyangdian, this year, as the lake's headwaters were used for emergency reservoirs.
Three of the lake's upstream reservoirs in Baoding City of Hebei -- Wangkuai, Xidayang and Angezhuang -- provided 300 million cubic meters in contingency supplies for Beijing.
"Beijing has no plans to divert water from neighboring cities during the Games. We are confident of ensuring the supply with our own capacity," Yu said.
In addition to surface and underground water, Beijing has built 600 rainwater collection pools. "These pools can hold 60 million cubic meters of rainwater. There has been a lot of rain this year, which will ease the situation," Yu said.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
China Water: July 26, 2008: Wisconsin hosts China-Water Symposium.
http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=132071
WisBusiness: China-U.S. water symposium opens door to cooperation
7/25/2008
By David A. Wise
For WisBusiness.com
MILWAUKEE -- A week-long China-U.S. water symposium that brought more than 25 government officials and environmental experts from China wrapped up in Milwaukee today with a luncheon and rounds of appreciation.
The week-long symposium consisted of exchanges in the areas of academics, water quality science and public policy. In addition to lectures and discussions, the symposium included visits to the Björklunden campus of Lawrence University, the Green Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Fox River, an Appleton Coated, LLC paper mill, and the Holsum-Elm Dairy farm in Hilbert, in addition to the UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee campuses.
“Like most of these kinds of thing, it was probably too much,” New North executive director Jerry Murphy told WisPolitics. “But at the same time I think they got a really, really good sense of the value proposition for Wisconsin water quality expertise.”
The exchange with China and the New North began a year ago, Murphy said, and has included two tours of delegates to America and two trips of American delegates to China
The trip was organized by New North, in cooperation with Marquette University, the UW Madison Center for World Affairs and the Global Economy, Lawrence University, the Environment & Public Health Network for Chinese Students and Scholars, UW campuses in Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee and Oshkosh and state agencies including DNR, Commerce and the Public Service Commission.
This morning, the group toured the UW-Milwaukee's Great Lakes WATER Institute and were given a ride on the institute's research vessel to the Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin. During lunch, the group appropriately toasted to water before exchanging gifts. The Chinese delegation presented their hosts with a plaque, while each of the delgates received a gift bag that included a scenic art print and four DVDs that included a movie, conference materials, and pictures from the trip.
Murphy said this stage has been relationship building, but the next step is to align the resources and expertise of the New North to tackle a specific water problem in China, which suffers from significant water pollution problems.
In turn, Murphy said, the New North and Wisconsin will benefit through the involvement of local business in implementing solutions to that problem.
.
Murphy said the Asian culture is focused on relationships first, business second.
“The relationship is the absolute essential first piece to this thing,” Murphy said.
Xiaojun Lu, a UW-Madison microbiology doctoral candidate who is president of the Environment & Public Health Network for Chinese Students and Scholars and the one who initiated the international exchange, said the symposium has exceeded his expectations.
Lu said there has been active discussion between delegates and their American hosts both during the instructive and social events over the past week.
He said the highlights were the tours the delegation took, as they gave the delegates tangible ideas they can bring back to China.
Lu said he envisions many areas in which the two countries can work together, such as cooperation between the universities in Wisconsin and China on research and development involving water issues.
WisBusiness: China-U.S. water symposium opens door to cooperation
7/25/2008
By David A. Wise
For WisBusiness.com
MILWAUKEE -- A week-long China-U.S. water symposium that brought more than 25 government officials and environmental experts from China wrapped up in Milwaukee today with a luncheon and rounds of appreciation.
The week-long symposium consisted of exchanges in the areas of academics, water quality science and public policy. In addition to lectures and discussions, the symposium included visits to the Björklunden campus of Lawrence University, the Green Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Fox River, an Appleton Coated, LLC paper mill, and the Holsum-Elm Dairy farm in Hilbert, in addition to the UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee campuses.
“Like most of these kinds of thing, it was probably too much,” New North executive director Jerry Murphy told WisPolitics. “But at the same time I think they got a really, really good sense of the value proposition for Wisconsin water quality expertise.”
The exchange with China and the New North began a year ago, Murphy said, and has included two tours of delegates to America and two trips of American delegates to China
The trip was organized by New North, in cooperation with Marquette University, the UW Madison Center for World Affairs and the Global Economy, Lawrence University, the Environment & Public Health Network for Chinese Students and Scholars, UW campuses in Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee and Oshkosh and state agencies including DNR, Commerce and the Public Service Commission.
This morning, the group toured the UW-Milwaukee's Great Lakes WATER Institute and were given a ride on the institute's research vessel to the Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin. During lunch, the group appropriately toasted to water before exchanging gifts. The Chinese delegation presented their hosts with a plaque, while each of the delgates received a gift bag that included a scenic art print and four DVDs that included a movie, conference materials, and pictures from the trip.
Murphy said this stage has been relationship building, but the next step is to align the resources and expertise of the New North to tackle a specific water problem in China, which suffers from significant water pollution problems.
In turn, Murphy said, the New North and Wisconsin will benefit through the involvement of local business in implementing solutions to that problem.
.
Murphy said the Asian culture is focused on relationships first, business second.
“The relationship is the absolute essential first piece to this thing,” Murphy said.
Xiaojun Lu, a UW-Madison microbiology doctoral candidate who is president of the Environment & Public Health Network for Chinese Students and Scholars and the one who initiated the international exchange, said the symposium has exceeded his expectations.
Lu said there has been active discussion between delegates and their American hosts both during the instructive and social events over the past week.
He said the highlights were the tours the delegation took, as they gave the delegates tangible ideas they can bring back to China.
Lu said he envisions many areas in which the two countries can work together, such as cooperation between the universities in Wisconsin and China on research and development involving water issues.
China Water: July 26, 2008: Flood watch along Huai He River in Anhui Province.
Since we are now in "Phase Three" of this project, I shall be adding to the blog only intermittently. But I do intend to add to it from time to time, so long as I continue to learn and improve my knowledge of such things.
According to the article, the Huaihe river, also sometimes written as Huai He, is the third largest in China. The flood watching is taking place along the river in Anhui Province.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/26/content_8773353.htm
New flood peak appears on Huaihe River
www.chinaview.cn 2008-07-26 11:20:12 Print
HEFEI, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 3,000 people in east China's Anhui Province have been patrolling the embankments on the upper middle reaches of Huaihe River while a new flood peak was passing by early on Saturday.
The flood peak, the second this year, reached Wangjiaba, a key hydrological station on the upper middle reaches of Huaihe River, at 4 a.m., and the water level in the river then rose to 28.23 meters, 0.73 meters above the danger line, while the water flowed at a speed of 3,970 cu m per second, said a source with the Huaihe River Water Resources Committee of the Ministry of Water Resources.
The water level at Wangjiaba was at 27.91 meters at 8 a.m. on Friday, 0.41 meters above the danger line. And the water flow was 3,200 cu m per second.
The rising level of the river was caused by concentrated rainfall in the valley of the Huaihe River from Monday through to Wednesday, said the committee.
Wangjiaba station began to monitor a rise in the level of water at 8 a.m. on Tuesday from the mark of 21.2 meters, and the rising trend last for 92 hours.
The flood peak continued to surge eastwardly after passing by Wangjiaba.
The first flood crest occurred on April 22, and the water level monitored at Wangjiaba was 27.78 meters. It was the largest spring flooding since 1964.
The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has sent a working team to give guidance in the flood control efforts over Huaihe River.
The Huaihe, the country's third longest and one of China's most flood-prone rivers, runs between the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, running through Henan Province in central China and Anhui and Jiangsu provinces before entering the Yangtze River via Hongze Lake.
Editor: Jiang Yuxia
According to the article, the Huaihe river, also sometimes written as Huai He, is the third largest in China. The flood watching is taking place along the river in Anhui Province.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/26/content_8773353.htm
New flood peak appears on Huaihe River
www.chinaview.cn 2008-07-26 11:20:12 Print
HEFEI, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 3,000 people in east China's Anhui Province have been patrolling the embankments on the upper middle reaches of Huaihe River while a new flood peak was passing by early on Saturday.
The flood peak, the second this year, reached Wangjiaba, a key hydrological station on the upper middle reaches of Huaihe River, at 4 a.m., and the water level in the river then rose to 28.23 meters, 0.73 meters above the danger line, while the water flowed at a speed of 3,970 cu m per second, said a source with the Huaihe River Water Resources Committee of the Ministry of Water Resources.
The water level at Wangjiaba was at 27.91 meters at 8 a.m. on Friday, 0.41 meters above the danger line. And the water flow was 3,200 cu m per second.
The rising level of the river was caused by concentrated rainfall in the valley of the Huaihe River from Monday through to Wednesday, said the committee.
Wangjiaba station began to monitor a rise in the level of water at 8 a.m. on Tuesday from the mark of 21.2 meters, and the rising trend last for 92 hours.
The flood peak continued to surge eastwardly after passing by Wangjiaba.
The first flood crest occurred on April 22, and the water level monitored at Wangjiaba was 27.78 meters. It was the largest spring flooding since 1964.
The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has sent a working team to give guidance in the flood control efforts over Huaihe River.
The Huaihe, the country's third longest and one of China's most flood-prone rivers, runs between the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, running through Henan Province in central China and Anhui and Jiangsu provinces before entering the Yangtze River via Hongze Lake.
Editor: Jiang Yuxia
Monday, July 21, 2008
China Water: July 21, 2008: Ban on floating restaurants in Suzhou.
This story takes place in Anhui province.
This is a good map to get a view of where Suzhou, Yangcheng Lake, and Shanghai are and how they relate to one another geographically.
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/print.asp?id=367381
Published on ShanghaiDaily.com (http://www.shanghaidaily.com/)
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200807/20080719/article_367381.htm
Floating feasts banned as hairy crabs flourish
Created: 2008-7-19 0:53:01
Author:Yang Lifei and Xu Fang
LOCALS won't be able to enjoy hairy crabs in floating restaurants in the Yangcheng Lake Town, Jiangsu Province, one of the resorts for hairy crab tasting, this year.
In an effort to protect the water of Yangcheng Lake, the Suzhou environment protection authority has banned floating restaurants, the Shanghai Morning Post reported.
The lake is a famous breeding area for the hairy crabs, a popular delicacy, and formal regulations are still under discussion as the ban involves compensation for licensed operators.
Such restaurants have led to severe pollution in Yangcheng Lake, a major source of drinking water for Suzhou, as garbage and other waste is dumped into the water.
"We shut down all floating restaurants within the area before June for fear that greater environmental problems will occur," an unidentified official of the Yangcheng Lake Environment and Sanitation Administrative Station said. "Some licensed operators were offered compensation."
The town government has helped licensed operators open restaurants on land and financed pollution control systems, according to a town official. A former floating restaurant owner said his boat received 50 to 60 diners every day and that business on the water was more profitable.
"When the boat becomes a kitchen, it is inevitable that garbage and polluted water will be dumped into the river directly," the owner said.
Bacheng Town in Kunshan, Jiangsu, another major hairy crab tasting resort for Shanghai people, closed all floating restaurants on the lake in 2005. More than 180 were shut down.
Yangcheng Lake is about a one-hour drive from Shanghai. Its hairy crabs are considered the best in the country. Hairy crabs are popular in the autumn, when they are in season.
In addition to the ban, the water area in which purse nets are set to breed hairy crabs has been reduced sharply to 2,133 hectares this year from a peak 9,467 hectares. This can help improve water quality, and as a result, improve the quality of hairy crabs, according to Yang Weilong, director of the Suzhou Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crab Association.
Meanwhile, hairy crabs have been bred in a 4,400-hectare water area without nets this year. Hairy crabs can move freely in a much larger area and are believed to grow stronger, Yang said. But it is too early to predict output and price of hairy crabs this year, he said.
This is a good map to get a view of where Suzhou, Yangcheng Lake, and Shanghai are and how they relate to one another geographically.
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/print.asp?id=367381
Published on ShanghaiDaily.com (http://www.shanghaidaily.com/)
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200807/20080719/article_367381.htm
Floating feasts banned as hairy crabs flourish
Created: 2008-7-19 0:53:01
Author:Yang Lifei and Xu Fang
LOCALS won't be able to enjoy hairy crabs in floating restaurants in the Yangcheng Lake Town, Jiangsu Province, one of the resorts for hairy crab tasting, this year.
In an effort to protect the water of Yangcheng Lake, the Suzhou environment protection authority has banned floating restaurants, the Shanghai Morning Post reported.
The lake is a famous breeding area for the hairy crabs, a popular delicacy, and formal regulations are still under discussion as the ban involves compensation for licensed operators.
Such restaurants have led to severe pollution in Yangcheng Lake, a major source of drinking water for Suzhou, as garbage and other waste is dumped into the water.
"We shut down all floating restaurants within the area before June for fear that greater environmental problems will occur," an unidentified official of the Yangcheng Lake Environment and Sanitation Administrative Station said. "Some licensed operators were offered compensation."
The town government has helped licensed operators open restaurants on land and financed pollution control systems, according to a town official. A former floating restaurant owner said his boat received 50 to 60 diners every day and that business on the water was more profitable.
"When the boat becomes a kitchen, it is inevitable that garbage and polluted water will be dumped into the river directly," the owner said.
Bacheng Town in Kunshan, Jiangsu, another major hairy crab tasting resort for Shanghai people, closed all floating restaurants on the lake in 2005. More than 180 were shut down.
Yangcheng Lake is about a one-hour drive from Shanghai. Its hairy crabs are considered the best in the country. Hairy crabs are popular in the autumn, when they are in season.
In addition to the ban, the water area in which purse nets are set to breed hairy crabs has been reduced sharply to 2,133 hectares this year from a peak 9,467 hectares. This can help improve water quality, and as a result, improve the quality of hairy crabs, according to Yang Weilong, director of the Suzhou Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crab Association.
Meanwhile, hairy crabs have been bred in a 4,400-hectare water area without nets this year. Hairy crabs can move freely in a much larger area and are believed to grow stronger, Yang said. But it is too early to predict output and price of hairy crabs this year, he said.
China Water: July 21, 2008: Heavy rains, flooding in Shaanxi Province.
There are torrential rains and flooding in Shaanxi Province. Please note that there is both a Shaanxi and a Shanxi province. Shanxi province is directly to the east of Shaanxi province,
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-07/21/content_6862315.htm
Three dead after downpour hits northwest China
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-07-21 07:43
Comments(0) PrintMail
XI'AN -- Rainstorms which swept northwest China's Shaanxi Province from late Saturday to early Sunday left three people dead and seven missing, flood control authorities said.
From Saturday afternoon to the early hours of Sunday, the downpours hit six counties in central and southern Shaanxi Province with rainfall of up to 92 millimeters, the Shaanxi Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said.
Floods and mudflow destroyed two homes in the worst-hit areas, leaving three dead and four missing. Another three villagers were swept away by floodwater and remain missing.
Local government has organized search parties. The provincial headquarters also dispatched a team on Sunday to the worst hit Mianxian County to help rescue and relief work.
The heavy rainfall also resulted in flood peaks in two rivers, but their water levels began to drop on Sunday afternoon.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-07/21/content_6862315.htm
Three dead after downpour hits northwest China
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-07-21 07:43
Comments(0) PrintMail
XI'AN -- Rainstorms which swept northwest China's Shaanxi Province from late Saturday to early Sunday left three people dead and seven missing, flood control authorities said.
From Saturday afternoon to the early hours of Sunday, the downpours hit six counties in central and southern Shaanxi Province with rainfall of up to 92 millimeters, the Shaanxi Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said.
Floods and mudflow destroyed two homes in the worst-hit areas, leaving three dead and four missing. Another three villagers were swept away by floodwater and remain missing.
Local government has organized search parties. The provincial headquarters also dispatched a team on Sunday to the worst hit Mianxian County to help rescue and relief work.
The heavy rainfall also resulted in flood peaks in two rivers, but their water levels began to drop on Sunday afternoon.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Here's an interesting story off of a China travel and tourism site.
It discusses the shrinking of a lake in Gansu province to the northwest. For a map, see Dunhuang, Gansu province.
http://www.travel-china.net/crescent-moon-spring.html
Crescent Moon Spring
The Crescent Moon Spring is located five kilometers south of the city of Dunhuang, Gansu Province. It is as well-known as the Mogao Grottoes, Sanwei Mountain, and Mingsha Mountains: all scenic areas in Dunhuang. For thousands of years, the Crescent Moon Spring has coexisted with the desert, without being buried, and has become one of nature’s wonders. But since the 1960s, the Crescent Moon Spring has been shrinking and the water level has dropped substantially for several reasons. For instance,the affect of the surrounding environment has been deteriorating; the level of groundwater has decreased; and the waters have been buried in sand. These events have gained widespread attention.
In recent years, Dunhuang City has adopted several measures to protect the Crescent Moon Spring’s local ecological environment. The city has banned land reclamation for cultivation; prohibited the drilling of wells; and developed highly efficient water-saving agriculture. These measures have achieved certain results, but still did not prevent the Crescent Moon Spring’s water level from dropping year by year.
It discusses the shrinking of a lake in Gansu province to the northwest. For a map, see Dunhuang, Gansu province.
http://www.travel-china.net/crescent-moon-spring.html
Crescent Moon Spring
The Crescent Moon Spring is located five kilometers south of the city of Dunhuang, Gansu Province. It is as well-known as the Mogao Grottoes, Sanwei Mountain, and Mingsha Mountains: all scenic areas in Dunhuang. For thousands of years, the Crescent Moon Spring has coexisted with the desert, without being buried, and has become one of nature’s wonders. But since the 1960s, the Crescent Moon Spring has been shrinking and the water level has dropped substantially for several reasons. For instance,the affect of the surrounding environment has been deteriorating; the level of groundwater has decreased; and the waters have been buried in sand. These events have gained widespread attention.
In recent years, Dunhuang City has adopted several measures to protect the Crescent Moon Spring’s local ecological environment. The city has banned land reclamation for cultivation; prohibited the drilling of wells; and developed highly efficient water-saving agriculture. These measures have achieved certain results, but still did not prevent the Crescent Moon Spring’s water level from dropping year by year.
Taiwan Water: July 20, 2008: Heavy rains, flooding in southern Taiwan.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iZaqoKrFLW-Sw9Av4L22H4kA0E6wD920O0680
Tropical storm floods southern Taiwan
1 day ago
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Tropical storm Kalmaegi churned along the Chinese coast Saturday, after leaving 13 dead in heavily populated Taiwan and its president scrambling to explain the island's apparent lack of preparedness in the face of the devastation.
President Ma Ying-jeou, faced with the first major natural disaster since his May 20 inauguration, blamed the lack of preparedness for the storm on the Central Weather Bureau, which he said provided inadequate warning to the island's residents.
The bureau said some parts of the south had recorded up to 39 inches of rain, much higher than its original prediction of up to 14 inches.
Kalmaegi has also caused agricultural damage estimated at $10.2 million, Taiwanese authorities said.
On Friday, television footage showed water pouring down a mountain road, flooding a large area of Kaohsiung county in southern Taiwan. The Disaster Relief Center said a woman was rescued from a house buried in a landslide, but her 1-year-old daughter and a brother died.
A soldier was killed after falling into a drainage ditch in Taichung, central Taiwan, the center said.
Four people drowned and four others were washed away by flood waters in Kaohsiung and Tainan, also in southern Taiwan, the center said.
A man and a woman were missing after the police motorboat that rescued them from their home overturned in flood waters in Tainan county, it said. Three rescuers were pulled from the waters unharmed, it said.
Water supplies were cut in the county for more than 650,000 households because of flooding, officials said.
Television showed firefighters using ladders to rescue several people trapped in a flooded house in coastal Yunlin county, and several drivers being rescued after hollering for help on top of their trucks in a flooded freeway in Taichung.
The storm started lashing Taiwan late Thursday. It headed away from Taiwan and toward southern China early Friday, packing winds of 52 mph, the Central Weather Bureau said.
In the Philippines, the government disaster agency said two people died earlier this week as the storm pounded the country's northern corner with rain and strong winds.
Kalmaegi is the Korean word for sea gull.
Tropical storm floods southern Taiwan
1 day ago
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Tropical storm Kalmaegi churned along the Chinese coast Saturday, after leaving 13 dead in heavily populated Taiwan and its president scrambling to explain the island's apparent lack of preparedness in the face of the devastation.
President Ma Ying-jeou, faced with the first major natural disaster since his May 20 inauguration, blamed the lack of preparedness for the storm on the Central Weather Bureau, which he said provided inadequate warning to the island's residents.
The bureau said some parts of the south had recorded up to 39 inches of rain, much higher than its original prediction of up to 14 inches.
Kalmaegi has also caused agricultural damage estimated at $10.2 million, Taiwanese authorities said.
On Friday, television footage showed water pouring down a mountain road, flooding a large area of Kaohsiung county in southern Taiwan. The Disaster Relief Center said a woman was rescued from a house buried in a landslide, but her 1-year-old daughter and a brother died.
A soldier was killed after falling into a drainage ditch in Taichung, central Taiwan, the center said.
Four people drowned and four others were washed away by flood waters in Kaohsiung and Tainan, also in southern Taiwan, the center said.
A man and a woman were missing after the police motorboat that rescued them from their home overturned in flood waters in Tainan county, it said. Three rescuers were pulled from the waters unharmed, it said.
Water supplies were cut in the county for more than 650,000 households because of flooding, officials said.
Television showed firefighters using ladders to rescue several people trapped in a flooded house in coastal Yunlin county, and several drivers being rescued after hollering for help on top of their trucks in a flooded freeway in Taichung.
The storm started lashing Taiwan late Thursday. It headed away from Taiwan and toward southern China early Friday, packing winds of 52 mph, the Central Weather Bureau said.
In the Philippines, the government disaster agency said two people died earlier this week as the storm pounded the country's northern corner with rain and strong winds.
Kalmaegi is the Korean word for sea gull.
Phase Three Begins.
Time goes on and things change.
First of all, for those wondering where I've been the last several days, I've been away taking care of things and preparing for big changes in my life. I shall soon be starting a new job and although it has nothing to do with China or water there is a possibility that it could lead there someday. Also, like most new jobs, it will require its time and its energy and a sufficient amount of focus.
Therefore it only makes sense that I reduce the amount of time I spend on this project. I do expect, however, to continue China Water Blog, but I shall no longer do so on a daily basis nor will I attempt to contribute daily. But I expect to maintain some interest in the subject and to share some of my findings here. Check in from time to time and see what happens. Feel free to ask questions, leave a comment or poke around if you wish.
Peter Huston
First of all, for those wondering where I've been the last several days, I've been away taking care of things and preparing for big changes in my life. I shall soon be starting a new job and although it has nothing to do with China or water there is a possibility that it could lead there someday. Also, like most new jobs, it will require its time and its energy and a sufficient amount of focus.
Therefore it only makes sense that I reduce the amount of time I spend on this project. I do expect, however, to continue China Water Blog, but I shall no longer do so on a daily basis nor will I attempt to contribute daily. But I expect to maintain some interest in the subject and to share some of my findings here. Check in from time to time and see what happens. Feel free to ask questions, leave a comment or poke around if you wish.
Peter Huston
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
China Water: July 15, 2008: Shanghai reduces water, air pollution by 2%.
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200807/20080715/article_366843.htm
City reduces air, water pollution by 2%
By Christine Cai | 2008-7-15 | NEWSPAPER EDITION
SHANGHAI is getting greener as it reduced its major pollutants in air and water by 2 percent last year, according to a national report issued by the government.
This is the first drop in Shanghai's levels of sulfur dioxide and chemical oxygen demand, said the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
The city's emissions of sulfur dioxide were 497,800 tons in 2007, 2 percent lower than in 2006, and COD discharge was 294,400 tons, dropping 2.5 percent from the previous year.
Sulfur dioxide is a major air pollutant and can cause illnesses. COD measures pollution in water.
Local environmental officials said Shanghai made great efforts to reduce pollution, especially since emissions rose in the first half of last year.
The Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau has upgraded or closed power plants, upgraded or built sewage-treatment plants and monitored factories and sewage plants.
Shanghai received top marks for its sewage treatment and monitoring system in the ministry's report.
Desulfurization equipment installed in electricity plants last year effectively decreased the emission of sulfur dioxide. And 10 new sewage plants were built last year, enabling it to treat 100,000 tons more sewage each day by building a 659-kilometer network of pipes.
City reduces air, water pollution by 2%
By Christine Cai | 2008-7-15 | NEWSPAPER EDITION
SHANGHAI is getting greener as it reduced its major pollutants in air and water by 2 percent last year, according to a national report issued by the government.
This is the first drop in Shanghai's levels of sulfur dioxide and chemical oxygen demand, said the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
The city's emissions of sulfur dioxide were 497,800 tons in 2007, 2 percent lower than in 2006, and COD discharge was 294,400 tons, dropping 2.5 percent from the previous year.
Sulfur dioxide is a major air pollutant and can cause illnesses. COD measures pollution in water.
Local environmental officials said Shanghai made great efforts to reduce pollution, especially since emissions rose in the first half of last year.
The Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau has upgraded or closed power plants, upgraded or built sewage-treatment plants and monitored factories and sewage plants.
Shanghai received top marks for its sewage treatment and monitoring system in the ministry's report.
Desulfurization equipment installed in electricity plants last year effectively decreased the emission of sulfur dioxide. And 10 new sewage plants were built last year, enabling it to treat 100,000 tons more sewage each day by building a 659-kilometer network of pipes.
China Water: July 15, 2008: Algae largely cleared from Olympic site in Qindao.
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7507233.stm
Algae cleared from Olympic venue
By Quentin Sommerville
BBC News, Qingdao
Before and after - the beach at Qingdao
The Chinese government has successfully cleared tonnes of algae that was blocking the Olympic sailing course in the eastern city of Qingdao.
A special protection zone was set up using a boom and netting.
But in other areas the thick bright green algae is still polluting the beaches.
The Chinese government had set a goal of clearing the sailing area by Tuesday. The Olympic Games begin on 8 August.
Soldiers involved
The water at the Olympic sailing course in Qingdao is now largely algae free.
Some 10,000 troops from the People's Liberation Army have lifted over half a million tonnes of the thick heavy weed from the coastline.
A boom and netting is stopping more of the algae coming ashore.
Olympic sailing teams here say they can now train and will be able to compete in Qingdao's waters.
But at beaches not protected by the boom, the algae is still coming in.
China says it is a naturally occurring, though rare, phenomenon. Environmentalists blame pollution.
Algae cleared from Olympic venue
By Quentin Sommerville
BBC News, Qingdao
Before and after - the beach at Qingdao
The Chinese government has successfully cleared tonnes of algae that was blocking the Olympic sailing course in the eastern city of Qingdao.
A special protection zone was set up using a boom and netting.
But in other areas the thick bright green algae is still polluting the beaches.
The Chinese government had set a goal of clearing the sailing area by Tuesday. The Olympic Games begin on 8 August.
Soldiers involved
The water at the Olympic sailing course in Qingdao is now largely algae free.
Some 10,000 troops from the People's Liberation Army have lifted over half a million tonnes of the thick heavy weed from the coastline.
A boom and netting is stopping more of the algae coming ashore.
Olympic sailing teams here say they can now train and will be able to compete in Qingdao's waters.
But at beaches not protected by the boom, the algae is still coming in.
China says it is a naturally occurring, though rare, phenomenon. Environmentalists blame pollution.
Monday, July 14, 2008
China Water: July 14, 2008: Floods in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/13/content_8539847.htm
Torrential rain kills one, affects 360,000 in S China
www.chinaview.cn 2008-07-13 23:12:10 Print
NANNING, July 13 (Xinhua) -- Torrential rain has been slamming south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region since Friday, leaving a three-year-old girl dead and more than 364,700 people affected.
The rain demolished 500 rooms and destroyed crops on 18,812 hectares in the cities of Beihai, Hechi and Laibin, causing a direct economic loss of 85.86 million yuan (12.3 million U.S. dollars), said a spokesman for the regional flood control headquarters.
The rain may also lead to a crop failure of about 14,170 tonnes of grain, the spokesman said.
In addition, three industrial and mining enterprises suspended operation and three highways were damaged because of the rain.
Meteorological experts in Guangxi predicted the torrential rain would continue for the coming two days.
Editor: Yan Lian
Torrential rain kills one, affects 360,000 in S China
www.chinaview.cn 2008-07-13 23:12:10 Print
NANNING, July 13 (Xinhua) -- Torrential rain has been slamming south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region since Friday, leaving a three-year-old girl dead and more than 364,700 people affected.
The rain demolished 500 rooms and destroyed crops on 18,812 hectares in the cities of Beihai, Hechi and Laibin, causing a direct economic loss of 85.86 million yuan (12.3 million U.S. dollars), said a spokesman for the regional flood control headquarters.
The rain may also lead to a crop failure of about 14,170 tonnes of grain, the spokesman said.
In addition, three industrial and mining enterprises suspended operation and three highways were damaged because of the rain.
Meteorological experts in Guangxi predicted the torrential rain would continue for the coming two days.
Editor: Yan Lian
Sunday, July 13, 2008
China Water: July 13, 2008: Beijing assures water, gasoline, for Olympics.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/feedarticle/7648502
Beijing has water for Olympics -- if tourists come
* Reuters
* , Sunday July 13 2008
BEIJING, July 13 (Reuters) - The good news for Beijing's Olympics organisers is that they will have enough water and petrol, but they still need to work on vegetables and tourists.
Final preparations for next month's Games are in full swing, with booths of smiling volunteers and flower tubs sprouting across the city.
And it seems Herculean efforts to ensure the capital will not run dry, despite several years of drought, have paid off: the main reservoirs feeding the capital are holding more than enough water for the 1 million or more domestic tourists and up to 500,000 foreign visitors expected during the Games.
"Beijing has combined all water resources, including reservoirs, underground water and rainfall, to ensure the supply for the Olympics," Yu Yaping, a Beijing Water Bureau official, said in remarks reported on Sunday by Xinhua news agency.
To ensure there was no risk of Beijing running short for the Games, officials ordered a 309-km (192-mile) northern section of the larger South-North Water Transfer Project first be completed to pump more water if needed from Hebei, a largely rural province adjoining the capital that is itself acutely short of water.
The authorities are also stockpiling plenty of petrol and diesel, even though cars will be allowed on Beijing's road only on alternate days from July 20.
PetroChina and Sinopec, China's two leading oil producers, are expected to import 310,000 tonnes of petrol and 410,000 tonnes of diesel for use in eastern China, according to ChemNet, a chemical and petrochemical industry information website.
By contrast, supplies of vegetables coming into Beijing have dropped about 10 percent recently, pushing up prices by an average 65 percent, according to Wang Xiaodong, the director of the city's agricultural office.
Xinhua quoted Wang as saying 15 percent fewer trucks transporting vegetables had come into the city in the first 10 days of July because drivers feared falling foul of traffic restrictions being introduced for the Games.
Some checks are already in place, to enhance security and reduce pollution, and they are about go get tougher.
From July 20, authorities in Hebei will check all vehicles headed for Beijing from more than 50 towns and cities, according to a local media report. Security will also be stepped up at airports, railway stations and airports, the report in the Yan Zhao City Journal said.
Travel agents and sports hospitality companies are worried that stifling security, difficulties obtaining visas and recurring warnings about the threat of terrorism will keep many tourists away from the Games, which run from Aug. 8-24.
A 100,000-strong anti-terrorism force is in place, surface-to-air missiles have been deployed around major venues and bag searches are being conducted on the subway.
Five-star hotels are more than 77 percent booked for the Games, but the reservation rate at four-star hotels is only 48 percent and is lower still at more modest hotels, Xiong Yumei, vice-director of the Beijing Tourism Bureau, said on Friday. (Reporting by Alan Wheatley; Editing by David Fox) (For more stories visit our multimedia website "Road to Beijing" at http://www.reuters.com/news/sports/2008olympics; and see our blog at http://blogs.reuters.com/china)
Sport
Saturday, July 12, 2008
China Water: July 2008: Singaporean firm opens water plants in NE China.
Business Times - 11 Jul 2008
I have not reported or shared much concerning water business news lately. This is consistent with my goals during Phase Two of this project. I do not believe that writing about the nitty-gritty details of business deals is terribly useful unless I have a better background on where and in what sort of business and ecological environment those deals take place.
Nevertheless this story is interesting. Shenyang is the capital of Liaoning province. Liaoning is in the Manchurian region of China and although I've never been there my understanding is that it is a declining, at time post-industrial region. Doing business there is not easy at times.
For more details on Shenyang:http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761565768/Shenyang.html
For a map showing the location of Shenyang:
http://encarta.msn.com/map_701516493/Shenyang.html
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/storyprintfriendly/0,4582,287367,00.html?
Sembcorp buys 3 water plants in China
SINGAPORE - Singapore conglomerate Sembcorp Industries said on Friday it will buy and run three water plants in Shenyang, China.
The investment will be done through a joint venture in which Sembcorp will hold an 80 per cent stake. The Singapore firm will invest 330 million yuan (US$48.3 million) in the project.
The plants have a total capacity of 160,000 cubic metres per day and will mainly serve industrial customers in the Shenyang Economic & Technological Development Zone. -- REUTERS
Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.
I have not reported or shared much concerning water business news lately. This is consistent with my goals during Phase Two of this project. I do not believe that writing about the nitty-gritty details of business deals is terribly useful unless I have a better background on where and in what sort of business and ecological environment those deals take place.
Nevertheless this story is interesting. Shenyang is the capital of Liaoning province. Liaoning is in the Manchurian region of China and although I've never been there my understanding is that it is a declining, at time post-industrial region. Doing business there is not easy at times.
For more details on Shenyang:http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761565768/Shenyang.html
For a map showing the location of Shenyang:
http://encarta.msn.com/map_701516493/Shenyang.html
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/storyprintfriendly/0,4582,287367,00.html?
Sembcorp buys 3 water plants in China
SINGAPORE - Singapore conglomerate Sembcorp Industries said on Friday it will buy and run three water plants in Shenyang, China.
The investment will be done through a joint venture in which Sembcorp will hold an 80 per cent stake. The Singapore firm will invest 330 million yuan (US$48.3 million) in the project.
The plants have a total capacity of 160,000 cubic metres per day and will mainly serve industrial customers in the Shenyang Economic & Technological Development Zone. -- REUTERS
Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.
Friday, July 11, 2008
China Water: July 11, 2008: Xinjiang fears drought and floods.
I am sharing this with a bit of wariness because I am not familiar with the source. However, news from Xinjiang is rare and the report in the article fits with my understanding of conditions in Xinjiang.
Peter Huston
===
http://www.aboutxinjiang.com/news/content/2008-07/10/content_2691417.htm
Source: Index >> News >> Local News
In July,flood and drought disaster is still pessimistic in Xinjiang
(tianshannet) Updated: 2008-July-10 12:44:37
Tianshannet(Shi Qiaomei reported)In July,flood and drought disaster is still pessimistic in Xinjiang.What's summarized in the 3rd " Analysing Conference for Flood/Drought Disaster" hold by Provincial Headquarters of Flood Prevention and Drought Resistance on July 4th.
It's learned that the average temperate of North Xinjiang and Tianshan Mountains in July is 0．2℃ to 0．5℃ higher than years before;Temperature in much place of south Xinjiang is 0．3℃ to 0．6℃ higher than years before.The total rainfall amount in Tianshan mountian and west of North Xinjiang increase 1%to 2% than years before,other regions decrease 1% to 2% than years before;Except in much place of North Kunlun mountain ,the total rainfall amount increase,in other regions decrease 2% to 5% than years before. The total water supply of the main rivers in Xinjiang is less or equal to average amounts of years before.In which,the total water supply of rivers in Altay region of North Xinjiang decrease 43%,and other regions decrease 2% to 5%;Except Kadu River、Tuoshigan River 、Kezi River and Tiznapu River in south Xinjiang,decrease 14% to 20% water,water supply in other regions keep before or increase.
It's analyzed that if rainfall or water supply still decrease,drought disaster in part regions would expond,especially in some regions irrgated by reserior and river,dry land and grass land.In July, the main rivers in Xinjiang are all in the mostly flood season,urgent drought change to flood cases caused by rainstorm are very likely to happen in some regions .Because of high temperature in this mounth,middle or small scale flood will be happened in the next 20 days.So Provincial Headquarters of Flood Prevention and Drought Resistance demands all parts of Xinjiang pay attention to flood prevention and drought resistance.
(SOURCES: XJTS)Editor: zhaoqian
Peter Huston
===
http://www.aboutxinjiang.com/news/content/2008-07/10/content_2691417.htm
Source: Index >> News >> Local News
In July,flood and drought disaster is still pessimistic in Xinjiang
(tianshannet) Updated: 2008-July-10 12:44:37
Tianshannet(Shi Qiaomei reported)In July,flood and drought disaster is still pessimistic in Xinjiang.What's summarized in the 3rd " Analysing Conference for Flood/Drought Disaster" hold by Provincial Headquarters of Flood Prevention and Drought Resistance on July 4th.
It's learned that the average temperate of North Xinjiang and Tianshan Mountains in July is 0．2℃ to 0．5℃ higher than years before;Temperature in much place of south Xinjiang is 0．3℃ to 0．6℃ higher than years before.The total rainfall amount in Tianshan mountian and west of North Xinjiang increase 1%to 2% than years before,other regions decrease 1% to 2% than years before;Except in much place of North Kunlun mountain ,the total rainfall amount increase,in other regions decrease 2% to 5% than years before. The total water supply of the main rivers in Xinjiang is less or equal to average amounts of years before.In which,the total water supply of rivers in Altay region of North Xinjiang decrease 43%,and other regions decrease 2% to 5%;Except Kadu River、Tuoshigan River 、Kezi River and Tiznapu River in south Xinjiang,decrease 14% to 20% water,water supply in other regions keep before or increase.
It's analyzed that if rainfall or water supply still decrease,drought disaster in part regions would expond,especially in some regions irrgated by reserior and river,dry land and grass land.In July, the main rivers in Xinjiang are all in the mostly flood season,urgent drought change to flood cases caused by rainstorm are very likely to happen in some regions .Because of high temperature in this mounth,middle or small scale flood will be happened in the next 20 days.So Provincial Headquarters of Flood Prevention and Drought Resistance demands all parts of Xinjiang pay attention to flood prevention and drought resistance.
(SOURCES: XJTS)Editor: zhaoqian
China WaterL July 11, 2008: Government estimates flood costs.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/10/content_8525710.htm
Official: Floods cost China $7 bln so far this year
www.chinaview.cn 2008-07-10 23:17:35
BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Direct economic losses from floods this year reached 48.5 billion yuan (7.08 billion U.S. dollars) as of Thursday, the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said.
The floods left 305 people dead and 73 missing in 23 localities, with more than 61.4 million people and 3.64 million hectares of farmland affected and 249,000 houses destroyed, the office said.
Zhang Zhitong, vice director of the office, said two rain systems hit northeast and northern China, including Beijing, and the southwest and south in early July, which triggered floods in 11 jurisdictions.
However, Zhang said that the death toll and the number of homes destroyed fell by 73 percent and 69 percent, respectively, compared with the same period last year as the central and local governments undertook preventive steps.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
Taiwan Water: July 11, 2008: Taiwan toilet paper campaign becomes complicated.
I'm not sure why I'm sharing this. I suppose the important lesson is that when discussing water systems in Asia, expect the unexpected.
Peter Huston
===
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/07/10/2003416999
EPA flushes Tainan’s loo paper disposal campaign
U-BEND U-TURN: An official said only 18 percent of the nation’s toilets feed into sewage treatment systems; for the rest the paper would flow into rivers and waterways
STAFF WRITER, WITH CNA
Thursday, Jul 10, 2008, Page 2
The Environmental Protection Administration urged the public yesterday not to flush toilet paper.
Wang Yue-bin (王嶽斌), a section chief with the Water Quality Protection division, made the remarks in response to a campaign launched by the Tainan City Government earlier this week encouraging the public to flush toilet paper as a way to cut disposal costs.
The city’s Environmental Protection Bureau held a press conference on Monday to unveil the results of a study showing that the nation uses 340 tonnes of toilet paper each day.
As used toilet paper cannot be recycled, it must be disposed of through treatment that costs about NT$4,600 per tonne. This costs the nation about NT$600 million (US$20 million) per year, the bureau said.
In response, Wang said that although toilet paper does dissolve in water and that flushing it could cut the nation’s treatment costs, there were negative aspects that outweighed this argument.
Much of the public does not know which toilet papers can be flushed and which papers are too thick and could cause clogging, he said.
In addition, only about 18 percent of toilets feed into sewage treatment systems. If toilet paper is flushed down the other 82 percent of toilets, it flows directly into rivers and other waterways and increases pollution, he said.
Many proponents of flushing toilet paper cite Japan as an example of the benefits of disposing of the paper in this way, he said. The problem is that toilet paper in Japan is made of recycled paper, whereas in Taiwan toilet paper has longer fibers that do not dissolve as quickly, he said.
Japanese toilet paper is also much thinner, while in Taiwan thin toilet paper is considered to be poor quality and doesn’t sell very well, Wang said.
Chou Chun-ti (周春娣), chairwoman of the Conservation Mothers Foundation, echoed Wang’s statement, saying that most of the nation’s toilets and plumbing were not up to par, making them easily clogged.
Chou said she was not against promoting the concept of flushing toilet paper, but that it should only be done in areas where toilets are connected to sewage treatment centers to avoid increasing water pollution.
Peter Huston
===
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/07/10/2003416999
EPA flushes Tainan’s loo paper disposal campaign
U-BEND U-TURN: An official said only 18 percent of the nation’s toilets feed into sewage treatment systems; for the rest the paper would flow into rivers and waterways
STAFF WRITER, WITH CNA
Thursday, Jul 10, 2008, Page 2
The Environmental Protection Administration urged the public yesterday not to flush toilet paper.
Wang Yue-bin (王嶽斌), a section chief with the Water Quality Protection division, made the remarks in response to a campaign launched by the Tainan City Government earlier this week encouraging the public to flush toilet paper as a way to cut disposal costs.
The city’s Environmental Protection Bureau held a press conference on Monday to unveil the results of a study showing that the nation uses 340 tonnes of toilet paper each day.
As used toilet paper cannot be recycled, it must be disposed of through treatment that costs about NT$4,600 per tonne. This costs the nation about NT$600 million (US$20 million) per year, the bureau said.
In response, Wang said that although toilet paper does dissolve in water and that flushing it could cut the nation’s treatment costs, there were negative aspects that outweighed this argument.
Much of the public does not know which toilet papers can be flushed and which papers are too thick and could cause clogging, he said.
In addition, only about 18 percent of toilets feed into sewage treatment systems. If toilet paper is flushed down the other 82 percent of toilets, it flows directly into rivers and other waterways and increases pollution, he said.
Many proponents of flushing toilet paper cite Japan as an example of the benefits of disposing of the paper in this way, he said. The problem is that toilet paper in Japan is made of recycled paper, whereas in Taiwan toilet paper has longer fibers that do not dissolve as quickly, he said.
Japanese toilet paper is also much thinner, while in Taiwan thin toilet paper is considered to be poor quality and doesn’t sell very well, Wang said.
Chou Chun-ti (周春娣), chairwoman of the Conservation Mothers Foundation, echoed Wang’s statement, saying that most of the nation’s toilets and plumbing were not up to par, making them easily clogged.
Chou said she was not against promoting the concept of flushing toilet paper, but that it should only be done in areas where toilets are connected to sewage treatment centers to avoid increasing water pollution.
China Water: July 11, 2008: GMOs to be increasingly used.
For several reasons, including shortages of arable land and water, China intends to increase its emphasis on GM crops. This makes me nervous, as I am wary of workers and administrators taking short cuts in procedures and making unnecessary safety risks.
Peter Huston
===
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gsxrm5sbh34o1aifoNC8U_wPr6OA
China to urgently boost GM crop development
1 day ago
BEIJING (AFP) — China has said it must urgently step up the development of genetically modified crops as it faces mounting challenges to feed its 1.3 billion people due to shrinking arable land and climate change.
Newly-approved plans aim to cultivate high-yielding and pest-resistant genetically modified species, the State Council, or cabinet, said in a statement posted on its website late on Wednesday
At a meeting chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao, Chinese leaders said the plans were "of strategic significance" in the country's drive to make its agricultural sector more efficient and competitive internationally, the statement said.
"Departments must fully understand the importance and urgency of this significant project, further improve the programme and waste no time to carry it out," it said.
It gave no details on which crops should be developed, but analysts said the plans were likely to focus on developing genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, including corn and rice.
China has become a major producer of genetically modified cotton and vegetables such as peppers and tomatoes, but it has yet to begin large-scale production of genetically modified rice, corn and soybeans.
"The approval signalled China is attaching more importance to development of GMOs and has made it a national strategy," said Huang Dejun, chief analyst with Beijing Orient Agribusiness Consultant firm.
China's cabinet last week approved a mid- and long-term grain security plan that aims to keep annual grain output above 500 million tonnes by 2010 and increase production to more than 540 million tonnes a year by 2020.
Wen told a cabinet meeting China faces serious challenges in ensuring it will have enough grain to feed its population in the decades to come, citing urbanisation and climate change as two major problems.
"Given the shortage in resources like arable land and water and increasing population, GMO is vital for the country's agriculture output," Huang told AFP.
Peter Huston
===
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gsxrm5sbh34o1aifoNC8U_wPr6OA
China to urgently boost GM crop development
1 day ago
BEIJING (AFP) — China has said it must urgently step up the development of genetically modified crops as it faces mounting challenges to feed its 1.3 billion people due to shrinking arable land and climate change.
Newly-approved plans aim to cultivate high-yielding and pest-resistant genetically modified species, the State Council, or cabinet, said in a statement posted on its website late on Wednesday
At a meeting chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao, Chinese leaders said the plans were "of strategic significance" in the country's drive to make its agricultural sector more efficient and competitive internationally, the statement said.
"Departments must fully understand the importance and urgency of this significant project, further improve the programme and waste no time to carry it out," it said.
It gave no details on which crops should be developed, but analysts said the plans were likely to focus on developing genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, including corn and rice.
China has become a major producer of genetically modified cotton and vegetables such as peppers and tomatoes, but it has yet to begin large-scale production of genetically modified rice, corn and soybeans.
"The approval signalled China is attaching more importance to development of GMOs and has made it a national strategy," said Huang Dejun, chief analyst with Beijing Orient Agribusiness Consultant firm.
China's cabinet last week approved a mid- and long-term grain security plan that aims to keep annual grain output above 500 million tonnes by 2010 and increase production to more than 540 million tonnes a year by 2020.
Wen told a cabinet meeting China faces serious challenges in ensuring it will have enough grain to feed its population in the decades to come, citing urbanisation and climate change as two major problems.
"Given the shortage in resources like arable land and water and increasing population, GMO is vital for the country's agriculture output," Huang told AFP.
China Water: July 11, 2008: Shanghai water usage may hit new high.
Published on ShanghaiDaily.com (http://www.shanghaidaily.com/)
story
Water usage to hit record high as weather heats up
Created: 2008-7-11 1:35:22
Author:Lu Feiran
SHANGHAI'S water consumption may reach the highest ever this year, due to continuous heat, and increasing population and economic development, the local water authority said yesterday.
The Shanghai Water Bureau estimated that daily water usage will peak at about 10.5 million metric tons, up about 2.4 percent from last year's usage.
Nearly 7 million tons will be supplied by downtown water companies, up 2.7 percent from last year, officials said.
Officials said they may limit the water consumption of some sites if the increasing water usage threatens supply, especially when daily maximum temperatures rise above 35 degrees Celsius for more than 10 consecutive days, especially in the Huaxin area of the southern city, Xibeidi areas of the northern city and Songbei area in Minhang District.
"We will first target some entertainment sites which are not vital to people's daily life, such as sauna houses," said Chen Yuanming, director of the bureau's water supply department.
"We have to ensure the water supply in residential areas, hospitals, Olympic and Expo venues and foreigner-related hotels."
According to the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau's forecast, from Sunday the city will experience another period of extremely hot weather following thunderstorms over the weekend.
From Sunday, the daily high temperature will rise back to over 35 degrees, and the maximum temperature for next week will likely reach 36 to 37 degrees, forecasters said.
Chen said this year supply capacity had dropped to 10.8 million tons a day back from 11.3 million tons in 2006, because the northern branch of the Nanshi Water Co had stopped working to give way to the construction of the exhibition halls of the 2010 World Expo.
Authorities said although blue-green algae was not likely to bloom in the Huangpu River, they would still put potassium permanganate and active carbon into the flocculation basin as a precaution.
Copyright © 2001-2008 Shanghai Daily Publishing House
story
Water usage to hit record high as weather heats up
Created: 2008-7-11 1:35:22
Author:Lu Feiran
SHANGHAI'S water consumption may reach the highest ever this year, due to continuous heat, and increasing population and economic development, the local water authority said yesterday.
The Shanghai Water Bureau estimated that daily water usage will peak at about 10.5 million metric tons, up about 2.4 percent from last year's usage.
Nearly 7 million tons will be supplied by downtown water companies, up 2.7 percent from last year, officials said.
Officials said they may limit the water consumption of some sites if the increasing water usage threatens supply, especially when daily maximum temperatures rise above 35 degrees Celsius for more than 10 consecutive days, especially in the Huaxin area of the southern city, Xibeidi areas of the northern city and Songbei area in Minhang District.
"We will first target some entertainment sites which are not vital to people's daily life, such as sauna houses," said Chen Yuanming, director of the bureau's water supply department.
"We have to ensure the water supply in residential areas, hospitals, Olympic and Expo venues and foreigner-related hotels."
According to the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau's forecast, from Sunday the city will experience another period of extremely hot weather following thunderstorms over the weekend.
From Sunday, the daily high temperature will rise back to over 35 degrees, and the maximum temperature for next week will likely reach 36 to 37 degrees, forecasters said.
Chen said this year supply capacity had dropped to 10.8 million tons a day back from 11.3 million tons in 2006, because the northern branch of the Nanshi Water Co had stopped working to give way to the construction of the exhibition halls of the 2010 World Expo.
Authorities said although blue-green algae was not likely to bloom in the Huangpu River, they would still put potassium permanganate and active carbon into the flocculation basin as a precaution.
Copyright © 2001-2008 Shanghai Daily Publishing House
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
China Water: Guangzhou review
This article dates from January 11, 2005, making it far from new.
However, it does contain some interesting information on water usage in China that I have not seen before. Therefore, I decided to share it.
Peter Huston
===
http://chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-01/11/content_407977.htm
Guangdong to divert water to fight salt tides, drought
By Zheng Caixiong (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-01-11 21:35
More than 750 million cubic metres of fresh water from Southwest China will soon be diverted to the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong Province to help fight severe drought and salt tides currently striking the region, officials say.
The water diversion project -- the largest of its kind in the country's history -- will start on January 17 and last two weeks.
The massive amount of water from the upper reaches of the Pearl River will have travelled as far as 1,336 kilometres to reach the major cities in the Pearl River Delta region, which borders the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.
The move is to help ensure drinking water supplies to the provincial capital Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Foshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing in the prosperous Pearl River Delta; and, the Macao Special Administrative Region, officials said.
The target date is Chinese lunar New Year that starts on February 9, a traditional peak period for water supply demand.
Water conservation departments in Guangdong are now busy negotiating with their counterparts in Guizhou Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on details and technical issues for the large water diversion project, according to Wang Qiusheng, deputy director of Pearl River Water Conservation Committee.
The Ministry of Water Resources will continue to help co-ordinate the draw-off of water to lower reaches of the Pearl River in the coming months if it is required, Wang told local media yesterday.
Located in the upper reaches of the Pearl River, many large and mid-sized reservoirs in Guizhou and Guangxi have abundant water reserves, Wang said.
Guizhou's Tianshengqiao Reservoir alone has a water reserve of 10.2 billion tons. And more than 5 billion tons of the reservoir's water reserves can be used or regulated.
Li Ronggen, vice-governor of Guangdong Province, said Guangdong is now experiencing its worst salt tides in two decades and its most severe drought in 55 years, Li told a recent working conference in Guangzhou.
Fresh-water supply falls short of the province's demand by more than 12 billion tons, which are vitally needed in fighting the drought the severe salt tides that have hit major cities in the Pearl River Delta.
"Water supplies to more than 15 million people in the prosperous Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong and Macao will be affected in the coming months unless effective measures can quickly be taken to defuse the crisis,'' he said.
The cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Huizhou, Dongguan and Foshan are among the hardest hit by the salt tides
Many waterworks in the Pearl River Delta have ceased production due to the impacts of severe drought and salt tides.
Li has also urged relevant departments at all levels to take whatever measures they can to help fight the natural disaster and ensure drinking water supplies to local residents and domestic animals.
Drought has affected more than 2.5 million people and several millions of animals in Guangdong.
By the end of December, more than 930,000 hectares of farmland in Guangdong have been affected.
However, it does contain some interesting information on water usage in China that I have not seen before. Therefore, I decided to share it.
Peter Huston
===
http://chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-01/11/content_407977.htm
Guangdong to divert water to fight salt tides, drought
By Zheng Caixiong (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-01-11 21:35
More than 750 million cubic metres of fresh water from Southwest China will soon be diverted to the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong Province to help fight severe drought and salt tides currently striking the region, officials say.
The water diversion project -- the largest of its kind in the country's history -- will start on January 17 and last two weeks.
The massive amount of water from the upper reaches of the Pearl River will have travelled as far as 1,336 kilometres to reach the major cities in the Pearl River Delta region, which borders the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.
The move is to help ensure drinking water supplies to the provincial capital Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Foshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing in the prosperous Pearl River Delta; and, the Macao Special Administrative Region, officials said.
The target date is Chinese lunar New Year that starts on February 9, a traditional peak period for water supply demand.
Water conservation departments in Guangdong are now busy negotiating with their counterparts in Guizhou Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on details and technical issues for the large water diversion project, according to Wang Qiusheng, deputy director of Pearl River Water Conservation Committee.
The Ministry of Water Resources will continue to help co-ordinate the draw-off of water to lower reaches of the Pearl River in the coming months if it is required, Wang told local media yesterday.
Located in the upper reaches of the Pearl River, many large and mid-sized reservoirs in Guizhou and Guangxi have abundant water reserves, Wang said.
Guizhou's Tianshengqiao Reservoir alone has a water reserve of 10.2 billion tons. And more than 5 billion tons of the reservoir's water reserves can be used or regulated.
Li Ronggen, vice-governor of Guangdong Province, said Guangdong is now experiencing its worst salt tides in two decades and its most severe drought in 55 years, Li told a recent working conference in Guangzhou.
Fresh-water supply falls short of the province's demand by more than 12 billion tons, which are vitally needed in fighting the drought the severe salt tides that have hit major cities in the Pearl River Delta.
"Water supplies to more than 15 million people in the prosperous Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong and Macao will be affected in the coming months unless effective measures can quickly be taken to defuse the crisis,'' he said.
The cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Huizhou, Dongguan and Foshan are among the hardest hit by the salt tides
Many waterworks in the Pearl River Delta have ceased production due to the impacts of severe drought and salt tides.
Li has also urged relevant departments at all levels to take whatever measures they can to help fight the natural disaster and ensure drinking water supplies to local residents and domestic animals.
Drought has affected more than 2.5 million people and several millions of animals in Guangdong.
By the end of December, more than 930,000 hectares of farmland in Guangdong have been affected.
China Water: July 9, 2008: Two Chinese "green" programs possible world model.
Posted without comment save for let's wait and see.
Peter Huston
===
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2008/07/09/Chinas_green_programs_World_models/UPI-30901215616918/
Science News
View archive | RSS Feed
China's 'green' programs: World models?
Published: July 9, 2008 at 11:21 AM
EAST LANSING, Mich., July 9 (UPI) -- A U.S. study shows two of the world's largest environmental programs are in China and they might become models for the rest of the world.
Michigan State University Professor Jianguo Liu and colleagues reviewed the two Chinese projects -- the Natural Forest Conservation and the Grain to Green programs. While finding both, with a governmental investment of more than $72 billion, have been "generally successful," the scientists said key reforms could transform them into world models.
The two programs were introduced after major natural disasters -- drought in 1997 and massive floods in 1998.
"China has experienced many environmental crises; the 1998 flash floods alone affected more than 200 million people," Liu said. "This is a new way of thinking for China. They have begun to realize the importance of dealing with environmental issues in relation to social and economic issues, and it is paying off."
Liu said both programs have important global implications because they increase vegetative cover, enhance carbon sequestration and reduce dust by controlling soil erosion.
The research appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Peter Huston
===
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2008/07/09/Chinas_green_programs_World_models/UPI-30901215616918/
Science News
View archive | RSS Feed
China's 'green' programs: World models?
Published: July 9, 2008 at 11:21 AM
EAST LANSING, Mich., July 9 (UPI) -- A U.S. study shows two of the world's largest environmental programs are in China and they might become models for the rest of the world.
Michigan State University Professor Jianguo Liu and colleagues reviewed the two Chinese projects -- the Natural Forest Conservation and the Grain to Green programs. While finding both, with a governmental investment of more than $72 billion, have been "generally successful," the scientists said key reforms could transform them into world models.
The two programs were introduced after major natural disasters -- drought in 1997 and massive floods in 1998.
"China has experienced many environmental crises; the 1998 flash floods alone affected more than 200 million people," Liu said. "This is a new way of thinking for China. They have begun to realize the importance of dealing with environmental issues in relation to social and economic issues, and it is paying off."
Liu said both programs have important global implications because they increase vegetative cover, enhance carbon sequestration and reduce dust by controlling soil erosion.
The research appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Taiwan/China Water: July 9, 2008: Kinmen wants to buy water from China.
Will wonders never cease? To anyone who knows the history of China and Kinmen island, for this idea to have come this far is incredible news.
Peter Huston
===
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/print/164613.htm
www.ChinaPost.com.tw
MOEA to assess water supply plans from China to Kinmen
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
CNA
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) said yesterday that it is scheduled to submit an assessment at the end of this month on supplying the outlying island of Kinmen with water from China.
But Chen Shen-hsien, director of the Water Resources Agency (WRA) under the MOEA, said the Mainland Affairs Council -- the nation's top China policy coordination agency -- and the Executive Yuan will make the final decision on the matter.
The Kinmen county government has repeatedly asked the central government to agree to buying water from Xiamen in Fujian Province to help it address the problem of poor water quality in Kinmen's reservoirs.
The WRA conducted an assessment of buying water from China as early as 2001, but the political environment under the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party administration of that time did not allow it.
WRA officials said Kinmen's own water resources can supply around 28,000 tons of water daily, exceeding the demand of 21,000 tons. After a planned desalination plant is completed, the daily water supply could be increased to 36,000 tons. which is expected to satisfy demand until 2021.
The desire for water from China is "not because of a water shortage, but due to the poor quality of Kinmen's water," the officials added.
According to the assessment, one possible option would be for China to lay a 26-km undersea pipe to Kinmen. Taiwan would only be responsible for laying water delivery pipes and purification treatment facilities on Kinmen itself.
WRC Director Chen Shen hsien said the matter involves a wide range of aspects and that laying an undersea pipe would raise security concerns. Cost efficiency would also have to be taken into consideration, he noted.
"What's more important is that China would have full control of whether to provide the water and the government has to consider this matter cautiously," he added.
Copyright © 2008 The China Post.
Back to Story
Peter Huston
===
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/print/164613.htm
www.ChinaPost.com.tw
MOEA to assess water supply plans from China to Kinmen
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
CNA
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) said yesterday that it is scheduled to submit an assessment at the end of this month on supplying the outlying island of Kinmen with water from China.
But Chen Shen-hsien, director of the Water Resources Agency (WRA) under the MOEA, said the Mainland Affairs Council -- the nation's top China policy coordination agency -- and the Executive Yuan will make the final decision on the matter.
The Kinmen county government has repeatedly asked the central government to agree to buying water from Xiamen in Fujian Province to help it address the problem of poor water quality in Kinmen's reservoirs.
The WRA conducted an assessment of buying water from China as early as 2001, but the political environment under the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party administration of that time did not allow it.
WRA officials said Kinmen's own water resources can supply around 28,000 tons of water daily, exceeding the demand of 21,000 tons. After a planned desalination plant is completed, the daily water supply could be increased to 36,000 tons. which is expected to satisfy demand until 2021.
The desire for water from China is "not because of a water shortage, but due to the poor quality of Kinmen's water," the officials added.
According to the assessment, one possible option would be for China to lay a 26-km undersea pipe to Kinmen. Taiwan would only be responsible for laying water delivery pipes and purification treatment facilities on Kinmen itself.
WRC Director Chen Shen hsien said the matter involves a wide range of aspects and that laying an undersea pipe would raise security concerns. Cost efficiency would also have to be taken into consideration, he noted.
"What's more important is that China would have full control of whether to provide the water and the government has to consider this matter cautiously," he added.
Copyright © 2008 The China Post.
Back to Story
Be careful out there!
Ooops! I just thought this was interesting.
I stumbled across this article,
http://www.naturalnews.com/023593.html, today and read it with interest. However it speaks frequently of "Fuqing" province, when there is no such province. So, I got suspicious.
It appears these folks at Natural Health, tried to rewrite this article here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/15/world/asia/15fish.html.
Not only did they not do a good job but they also neglected to mention that their source was 8 months old.
Oh well, years ago I was active in skepticism and frequently published as a critic of so-called "New Age" ideas and thinking. Now you know why I looked at these things with some suspicion.
I stumbled across this article,
http://www.naturalnews.com/023593.html, today and read it with interest. However it speaks frequently of "Fuqing" province, when there is no such province. So, I got suspicious.
It appears these folks at Natural Health, tried to rewrite this article here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/15/world/asia/15fish.html.
Not only did they not do a good job but they also neglected to mention that their source was 8 months old.
Oh well, years ago I was active in skepticism and frequently published as a critic of so-called "New Age" ideas and thinking. Now you know why I looked at these things with some suspicion.
China Water: July 10, 2008: Economic problems loom in China.
I do not consider myself an expert on Chinese economics, although I am advanced in the study of that country. Unfortunately, however, when one studies a nation or region, what many people expect from you seems to be the ability to prophecize events and conditions in that region. They say, "Oh, you study China. Great, what will happen there next?" or "Do you think their economy will continue to improve?"
I cannot do this for China, at least not with much accuracy, and I cannot do it for the United States either.
But in my opinion, the Chinese economy will continue to grow for a bit and then slow down. At that point the Chinese economy will continue to be important in the world, but much of its current activity will shift southward to Indonesia and Vietnam.
This assumes, of course, that catastrophe such as civil war or economic collapse does not occur. Then again, although I think such things are possible, I don't think they are going to happen.
I think a parallel could be drawn between China now and Japan and its economic boom in the 1980s.
Peter Huston
===
http://business.theage.com.au/if-china-slips-on-oil-it-will-learn-that-distance-is-tyranny-20080708-3bxp.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2
If China slips on oil, it will learn that distance is tyranny
July 9, 2008
China's days as the world's manufacturing base may be numbered, writes David Hirst.
AS MUCH of the financial world comes to realise the extent of our economic woes and the possibility of catastrophic consequences, reports on the scope of the crisis are coming at bewildering speed, killing any hopes of sharemarket rises daily.
On Monday, the Dow, buoyed by falling oil prices in the morning, was buffeted and continued to take water when Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae began to founder. Those two organisations, if one can use that word loosely, are the bears' best friends, and a mention of them is enough to send the indices into troubled waters.
But along with the publicised Bank of International Settlements reports, and apparently unreported outside of Europe, is an extremely dire study (on which the BIS reports may be partly based) that finds that banking losses have skyrocketed to $US1.6 trillion ($A1.7 trillion), with total debt risk of $US26.6 trillion, which has stunned European financial authorities.
And perhaps more frightening is a report published by the London Telegraph on Monday that China oil prices threaten the "blowing-up" of the Chinese economy and the demise of the Chinese economic model, as distance from markets threatens to impose a harsh tyranny. "The great oil shock of 2008 is bad enough for us," writes the Telegraph, citing some very solid sources. "It poses a mortal threat to the whole economic strategy of emerging Asia."
China's economic model is, like most economic models, based on oil prices far below what they are today. Even the ships that transport the basic goods to be assembled in China and then freighted around the world are built assuming cheap oil. And its super-mass production relies on very slim profit margins. And, before we take heart in the hope of cheaper oil, China's banks, controlled as they are by the Communist Party, are not exactly models to follow, except for those elements in the US Government that seem to be uncovering new and exciting ways to nationalise or socialise that country's banking system. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are likely starters for formalising such, but more of that when we have digested the problems to Australia's north.
On Monday, a US website posted a translation of a German newspaper report from Marco Zanchi, a noted European writer and editor of Finanz und Wirtschaft of Zurich, commenting that his "dire" predictions for world markets had "echoes of Japan written all over it, with the spectre of zombie banks slowing the US for years" unless its mess was cleared away.
The report, titled "The large financial crisis has just begun", opens with the statement: "Those that assume the misery is coming to an end are wrong. When it comes to write-downs, losses and raising fresh capital, the crisis has only just begun for banks. Losses are expected to reach $1.6 trillion, only a fraction of which have been uncovered."
"But that is not everything," the study continues. "While banks give their word of honour that no further capital is needed, the paper by Bridgewater Associates says: 'We have big doubts that financial institutions will be able to obtain enough new capital in order to cover the losses. This will worsen the credit crunch."'
The suggestion that China may soon be dead in the water is so unthinkable that it should be unprintable. Especially in Australia. For Australia has de-coupled in its mind from the US and found a new great and powerful friend. Along with news of the huge strains Vietnam is experiencing — I believe no sharemarket in history has, like Vietnam, fallen every day for a solid month — the news out of China might result in a blow to the lucky country's glass jaw.
The Telegraph report follows a weekend Reuters story, "Asia's exporters suffering as global demand weakens", which quotes a Deutsche Bank estimate that 20% of China's low-end exporters will go belly-up this year.
China's official inflation rate is 7.7% but it has started rolling back domestic subsidies for fuel — and fertiliser, the price of which has increased about 300% recently. The Chinese Government has realised a bit late that its energy inefficiency puts it at a competitive disadvantage; ending the subsidies is seen as necessary to force businesses to become more efficient energy users. This will be a painful process.
Likewise, the cost of a 40-foot container from Shanghai to Rotterdam has tripled since the price of oil exploded. China's industries have been built on cheap transport over the past decade. A report cited by the Telegraph from Stephen Jen, currency chief at Morgan Stanley, states that "at a stroke, the trade model looks obsolete. Asia's intra-trade model is a Ricardian network where goods are shipped in a criss-cross pattern to exploit comparative advantage. Profit margins are wafer-thin. Products are sent to China for final assembly, then shipped again to Western markets. The snag is obvious …
"Energy subsidies have disguised the damage. China has held down electricity prices, though global coal costs have tripled since early 2007. Loss-making industries are being propped up. This merely delays trouble. The true impact of the shock will only be revealed over time, as subsidies are gradually rolled back."
Last week, China raised internal rail freight rates by 17%.
BP's Statistical Review says China's use of energy per unit of gross domestic product is three times that of the US, five times Japan's, and eight times Britain's.
China's factories "were not built with current energy levels in mind", says Jen. The outcome, he suggests, will be "non-linear". Translation: "China is at risk of blowing up."
The Asian outsourcing game is over, says CIBC World Markets. "It's not just about labour costs any more: distance costs money," says chief economist Jeff Rubin.
Although many governments might envy the stability of Communist Party rule of 60 years next year, it masks potential social instability, a condition common with many of the most successful but newer economies. China is being crunched by the triple effects of commodity costs, 20% wage inflation, and sagging import demand in the US, Canada, Britain, Spain, Italy and France. And critics warn that Beijing has repeated the errors of Tokyo in the 1980s by over-investing in marginal plant. A Communist Party banking system has let rip with cheap credit — steeply negative real interest rates — to buy time for the regime.
Whether or not this is fair, it is clear Beijing's mercantilist policy of holding down the yuan to boost exports has hit the buffers.
Of course, oil prices may fall. But broader international economic issues are coming into play.
The research paper published in Europe is "hot" in professional circles not only because of its content, but also because of the originator: Bridgewater Associates is the second-largest hedge fund in the world. The people behind it are brilliant, first among them Ray Dalio, who founded the company more than 30 years ago. And Bridgewater's macro-analyses have special weight with central banks as some of them are Bridgewater customers.
What is at risk for the banks? To identify the dimensions of the crisis for financial institutions, Bridgewater has calculated the expected losses on a wide range of risky credit-based US assets. Then, one would need to know basically who had how much on the books. The total value of these risky loans comes to $US26.6 trillion. The losses on these assets would then sum to $US1.6 trillion, if all of the assets were valued at market prices, writes Dalio.
David Hirst is a journalist, documentary maker, financial consultant and investor. His column, Planet Wall Street, is syndicated by News Bites, a Melbourne-based sharemarket and business news publisher.
I cannot do this for China, at least not with much accuracy, and I cannot do it for the United States either.
But in my opinion, the Chinese economy will continue to grow for a bit and then slow down. At that point the Chinese economy will continue to be important in the world, but much of its current activity will shift southward to Indonesia and Vietnam.
This assumes, of course, that catastrophe such as civil war or economic collapse does not occur. Then again, although I think such things are possible, I don't think they are going to happen.
I think a parallel could be drawn between China now and Japan and its economic boom in the 1980s.
Peter Huston
===
http://business.theage.com.au/if-china-slips-on-oil-it-will-learn-that-distance-is-tyranny-20080708-3bxp.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2
If China slips on oil, it will learn that distance is tyranny
July 9, 2008
China's days as the world's manufacturing base may be numbered, writes David Hirst.
AS MUCH of the financial world comes to realise the extent of our economic woes and the possibility of catastrophic consequences, reports on the scope of the crisis are coming at bewildering speed, killing any hopes of sharemarket rises daily.
On Monday, the Dow, buoyed by falling oil prices in the morning, was buffeted and continued to take water when Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae began to founder. Those two organisations, if one can use that word loosely, are the bears' best friends, and a mention of them is enough to send the indices into troubled waters.
But along with the publicised Bank of International Settlements reports, and apparently unreported outside of Europe, is an extremely dire study (on which the BIS reports may be partly based) that finds that banking losses have skyrocketed to $US1.6 trillion ($A1.7 trillion), with total debt risk of $US26.6 trillion, which has stunned European financial authorities.
And perhaps more frightening is a report published by the London Telegraph on Monday that China oil prices threaten the "blowing-up" of the Chinese economy and the demise of the Chinese economic model, as distance from markets threatens to impose a harsh tyranny. "The great oil shock of 2008 is bad enough for us," writes the Telegraph, citing some very solid sources. "It poses a mortal threat to the whole economic strategy of emerging Asia."
China's economic model is, like most economic models, based on oil prices far below what they are today. Even the ships that transport the basic goods to be assembled in China and then freighted around the world are built assuming cheap oil. And its super-mass production relies on very slim profit margins. And, before we take heart in the hope of cheaper oil, China's banks, controlled as they are by the Communist Party, are not exactly models to follow, except for those elements in the US Government that seem to be uncovering new and exciting ways to nationalise or socialise that country's banking system. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are likely starters for formalising such, but more of that when we have digested the problems to Australia's north.
On Monday, a US website posted a translation of a German newspaper report from Marco Zanchi, a noted European writer and editor of Finanz und Wirtschaft of Zurich, commenting that his "dire" predictions for world markets had "echoes of Japan written all over it, with the spectre of zombie banks slowing the US for years" unless its mess was cleared away.
The report, titled "The large financial crisis has just begun", opens with the statement: "Those that assume the misery is coming to an end are wrong. When it comes to write-downs, losses and raising fresh capital, the crisis has only just begun for banks. Losses are expected to reach $1.6 trillion, only a fraction of which have been uncovered."
"But that is not everything," the study continues. "While banks give their word of honour that no further capital is needed, the paper by Bridgewater Associates says: 'We have big doubts that financial institutions will be able to obtain enough new capital in order to cover the losses. This will worsen the credit crunch."'
The suggestion that China may soon be dead in the water is so unthinkable that it should be unprintable. Especially in Australia. For Australia has de-coupled in its mind from the US and found a new great and powerful friend. Along with news of the huge strains Vietnam is experiencing — I believe no sharemarket in history has, like Vietnam, fallen every day for a solid month — the news out of China might result in a blow to the lucky country's glass jaw.
The Telegraph report follows a weekend Reuters story, "Asia's exporters suffering as global demand weakens", which quotes a Deutsche Bank estimate that 20% of China's low-end exporters will go belly-up this year.
China's official inflation rate is 7.7% but it has started rolling back domestic subsidies for fuel — and fertiliser, the price of which has increased about 300% recently. The Chinese Government has realised a bit late that its energy inefficiency puts it at a competitive disadvantage; ending the subsidies is seen as necessary to force businesses to become more efficient energy users. This will be a painful process.
Likewise, the cost of a 40-foot container from Shanghai to Rotterdam has tripled since the price of oil exploded. China's industries have been built on cheap transport over the past decade. A report cited by the Telegraph from Stephen Jen, currency chief at Morgan Stanley, states that "at a stroke, the trade model looks obsolete. Asia's intra-trade model is a Ricardian network where goods are shipped in a criss-cross pattern to exploit comparative advantage. Profit margins are wafer-thin. Products are sent to China for final assembly, then shipped again to Western markets. The snag is obvious …
"Energy subsidies have disguised the damage. China has held down electricity prices, though global coal costs have tripled since early 2007. Loss-making industries are being propped up. This merely delays trouble. The true impact of the shock will only be revealed over time, as subsidies are gradually rolled back."
Last week, China raised internal rail freight rates by 17%.
BP's Statistical Review says China's use of energy per unit of gross domestic product is three times that of the US, five times Japan's, and eight times Britain's.
China's factories "were not built with current energy levels in mind", says Jen. The outcome, he suggests, will be "non-linear". Translation: "China is at risk of blowing up."
The Asian outsourcing game is over, says CIBC World Markets. "It's not just about labour costs any more: distance costs money," says chief economist Jeff Rubin.
Although many governments might envy the stability of Communist Party rule of 60 years next year, it masks potential social instability, a condition common with many of the most successful but newer economies. China is being crunched by the triple effects of commodity costs, 20% wage inflation, and sagging import demand in the US, Canada, Britain, Spain, Italy and France. And critics warn that Beijing has repeated the errors of Tokyo in the 1980s by over-investing in marginal plant. A Communist Party banking system has let rip with cheap credit — steeply negative real interest rates — to buy time for the regime.
Whether or not this is fair, it is clear Beijing's mercantilist policy of holding down the yuan to boost exports has hit the buffers.
Of course, oil prices may fall. But broader international economic issues are coming into play.
The research paper published in Europe is "hot" in professional circles not only because of its content, but also because of the originator: Bridgewater Associates is the second-largest hedge fund in the world. The people behind it are brilliant, first among them Ray Dalio, who founded the company more than 30 years ago. And Bridgewater's macro-analyses have special weight with central banks as some of them are Bridgewater customers.
What is at risk for the banks? To identify the dimensions of the crisis for financial institutions, Bridgewater has calculated the expected losses on a wide range of risky credit-based US assets. Then, one would need to know basically who had how much on the books. The total value of these risky loans comes to $US26.6 trillion. The losses on these assets would then sum to $US1.6 trillion, if all of the assets were valued at market prices, writes Dalio.
David Hirst is a journalist, documentary maker, financial consultant and investor. His column, Planet Wall Street, is syndicated by News Bites, a Melbourne-based sharemarket and business news publisher.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
China Water: July 8, 2008: 15 dead in SW China landslides.
Landslides in Hubei and in Yunnan.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hist3_LSG0eoJOSTfZ0tPP_6fEhA
15 dead or missing in landslides in southwest China
23 hours ago
BEIJING (AFP) — Up to 15 people were dead or missing after torrential rains in southwest China triggered landslides in mountainous areas toppling houses and burying villagers, state press said on Tuesday.
Nine people were confirmed dead and six others were missing since the rains last week set off mud and rock slides engulfing the Liangshan prefecture in Sichuan province, Xinhua said.
Fatalities could rise as rescuers sought to dig out at least six villagers buried beneath the debris of five toppled houses in one area, the report said.
Six of the confirmed fatalities occurred in Long'en village which was swamped by 223 millimetres of rain (8.9 inches) over the five-day period, the report said.
China is deluged by torrential rains each summer as rivers coming down from its mountainous western regions swell and flood rural farmlands in the east, killing hundreds every year.
At least 12 people were killed in the central Hubei province and six in southwestern Yunnan due to torrenital rains over the weekend, Xinhua said.
More than 250 people died when torrential rains and flooding swept China last month, the China Daily reported over the weekend.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hist3_LSG0eoJOSTfZ0tPP_6fEhA
15 dead or missing in landslides in southwest China
23 hours ago
BEIJING (AFP) — Up to 15 people were dead or missing after torrential rains in southwest China triggered landslides in mountainous areas toppling houses and burying villagers, state press said on Tuesday.
Nine people were confirmed dead and six others were missing since the rains last week set off mud and rock slides engulfing the Liangshan prefecture in Sichuan province, Xinhua said.
Fatalities could rise as rescuers sought to dig out at least six villagers buried beneath the debris of five toppled houses in one area, the report said.
Six of the confirmed fatalities occurred in Long'en village which was swamped by 223 millimetres of rain (8.9 inches) over the five-day period, the report said.
China is deluged by torrential rains each summer as rivers coming down from its mountainous western regions swell and flood rural farmlands in the east, killing hundreds every year.
At least 12 people were killed in the central Hubei province and six in southwestern Yunnan due to torrenital rains over the weekend, Xinhua said.
More than 250 people died when torrential rains and flooding swept China last month, the China Daily reported over the weekend.
China Water: July 8, 2008: Upscale Green Living in China.
As mentioned previously, it's official! Clean Air and Clean Water, or "Green Living" is now a luxury item in China and is being marketed as such.
Peter Huston
===
Green living makes headway in China
By Qian Yanfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-07 13:45
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-07/07/content_6824708.htm
As environmental living becomes synonymous with high-end living, green buildings are making headway in China's construction industry as a solution for both environmental protection and market differentiation.
Motivated by the prospect, a small number of real estate developers in China are working to develop the Chinese concept of "green" and feed the growing demand among middle-class Chinese and foreigners for healthier living and working environments.
Embracing such a corporate strategy for the development of sustainable buildings, Shenzhen-based infrastructure and property developer Shenzhen Fountain Corporation has aligned itself with the green building industry in China. The company will develop LEED-registered residential buildings in Zhuhai in Guangdong province and Changsha in Hunan province, in order to bring world-class environmental standards to more Chinese people.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is an internationally accepted rating system and benchmark for evaluating and certifying sustainable sites, water and energy efficiency, material selection and indoor environmental quality.
The United States Green Building Council, a non-profit organization committed to sustainable building design and construction, developed the LEED.
The Shenzhen developer will cooperate with a US-based green building and design consulting firm Environmental Market Solutions Inc (EMSI) for LEED consulting and certification services for both projects.
With LEED certification, buildings are expected to bring both environmental and economic benefits. They can save 20 to 60 percent on energy consumption and enhance indoor comfort. With such returns-on-investment, LEED-certified buildings are highly competitive with other projects although they are comparatively pricier to build, says Zhou Yan, project manager from EMSI.
The incremental costs for the construction of LEED-certified buildings depend on different levels and may vary from 5 to 15 percent or more of the original estimate.
But by going green developers can build a competitive edge, which showcases their international status as well as environmental responsibility, says Zhou.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-07/07/content_6824708_2.htm
Page Two.
Green living makes headway in China
By Qian Yanfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-07 13:45
"China's increasing appreciation of green has made green building certification sought-after for many real estate developers with an eye for market differentiation," Zhou says.
In partnership with USGBC for LEED projects in China, EMSI has been engaged in more than 20 green building projects that cover a total construction area of more than 5 million sq m.
China has one of the world's largest and fastest-growing construction industries. Statistics from McKinsey Global Institute show that China will build almost 40 billion sq of floor space over the next 20 years, requiring the construction of between 20,000 and 50,000 new skyscrapers.
The World Bank also estimates that by 2015, half of the world's new building construction will take place in China. By that time, urban China will account for 20 percent of the global energy consumption and up to one-quarter of the growth in oil demand and pulling environmental concerns right to the top of the government's agenda.
Pushed by rising environmental concern as well as the demand for better living environments, China has become increasingly interested in LEED and other international green building certification systems.
The Ministry of Science and Technology, for example, has introduced The Green Olympic Building Assessment System for the 2008 Olympics, which is modeled primarily on Japan's Comprehensive Assessment System for Building Environmental Efficiency and, to a lesser extent, LEED.
China has also developed its own green building certification system. Released on June 1, 2006, the Green Building Evaluation System officially defines eco-friendly buildings in China and has three rating levels looking at similar areas of environmental health.
Based on the average energy efficiency of buildings in 1980, the system sets minimum requirements on all new construction in China to decrease their energy use by 50 percent before 2010 and by 65 percent before 2020. But cities like Beijing and Tianjin have already raised their minimum requirement to 65 percent, according to Xu Qiang, chief engineer from Shanghai Research Institute of Building Sciences.
Such certification systems do not only address environmental issues, but also target long-term savings as well. The trend towards sustainable design and high-performance buildings has progressed in tandem with the demand for energy efficiency, says Xu.
According to Qiu Baoxing, deputy director of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, new constructions in China during the first 10 months of last year reduced the consumption of 5 million tons equivalent of coal. The momentum is expected to continue as buildings represent the greatest opportunity for considerable reductions in CO2 emissions, analysts say.
Yet despite the push, the green building industry in China has yet to win recognition from mass consumers, Xu notes.
"Many developers and consumers in China do not have a proper understanding of a building's green standards. Maintaining green lawns and clear swimming pools does not necessarily guarantee a minimum impact on the environment. The certification of a green building should cover the design, construction and operation of a building during its life," Xu says.
"Comfort, resource conservation, and overall environmental health are seen increasingly as the new standard for healthy living, and this is exactly the essence of green buildings," Xu adds. "We need more people to identify with such a life style, even if it comes at an additional cost. These people will help drive the market demand for green buildings."
Peter Huston
===
Green living makes headway in China
By Qian Yanfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-07 13:45
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-07/07/content_6824708.htm
As environmental living becomes synonymous with high-end living, green buildings are making headway in China's construction industry as a solution for both environmental protection and market differentiation.
Motivated by the prospect, a small number of real estate developers in China are working to develop the Chinese concept of "green" and feed the growing demand among middle-class Chinese and foreigners for healthier living and working environments.
Embracing such a corporate strategy for the development of sustainable buildings, Shenzhen-based infrastructure and property developer Shenzhen Fountain Corporation has aligned itself with the green building industry in China. The company will develop LEED-registered residential buildings in Zhuhai in Guangdong province and Changsha in Hunan province, in order to bring world-class environmental standards to more Chinese people.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is an internationally accepted rating system and benchmark for evaluating and certifying sustainable sites, water and energy efficiency, material selection and indoor environmental quality.
The United States Green Building Council, a non-profit organization committed to sustainable building design and construction, developed the LEED.
The Shenzhen developer will cooperate with a US-based green building and design consulting firm Environmental Market Solutions Inc (EMSI) for LEED consulting and certification services for both projects.
With LEED certification, buildings are expected to bring both environmental and economic benefits. They can save 20 to 60 percent on energy consumption and enhance indoor comfort. With such returns-on-investment, LEED-certified buildings are highly competitive with other projects although they are comparatively pricier to build, says Zhou Yan, project manager from EMSI.
The incremental costs for the construction of LEED-certified buildings depend on different levels and may vary from 5 to 15 percent or more of the original estimate.
But by going green developers can build a competitive edge, which showcases their international status as well as environmental responsibility, says Zhou.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-07/07/content_6824708_2.htm
Page Two.
Green living makes headway in China
By Qian Yanfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-07 13:45
"China's increasing appreciation of green has made green building certification sought-after for many real estate developers with an eye for market differentiation," Zhou says.
In partnership with USGBC for LEED projects in China, EMSI has been engaged in more than 20 green building projects that cover a total construction area of more than 5 million sq m.
China has one of the world's largest and fastest-growing construction industries. Statistics from McKinsey Global Institute show that China will build almost 40 billion sq of floor space over the next 20 years, requiring the construction of between 20,000 and 50,000 new skyscrapers.
The World Bank also estimates that by 2015, half of the world's new building construction will take place in China. By that time, urban China will account for 20 percent of the global energy consumption and up to one-quarter of the growth in oil demand and pulling environmental concerns right to the top of the government's agenda.
Pushed by rising environmental concern as well as the demand for better living environments, China has become increasingly interested in LEED and other international green building certification systems.
The Ministry of Science and Technology, for example, has introduced The Green Olympic Building Assessment System for the 2008 Olympics, which is modeled primarily on Japan's Comprehensive Assessment System for Building Environmental Efficiency and, to a lesser extent, LEED.
China has also developed its own green building certification system. Released on June 1, 2006, the Green Building Evaluation System officially defines eco-friendly buildings in China and has three rating levels looking at similar areas of environmental health.
Based on the average energy efficiency of buildings in 1980, the system sets minimum requirements on all new construction in China to decrease their energy use by 50 percent before 2010 and by 65 percent before 2020. But cities like Beijing and Tianjin have already raised their minimum requirement to 65 percent, according to Xu Qiang, chief engineer from Shanghai Research Institute of Building Sciences.
Such certification systems do not only address environmental issues, but also target long-term savings as well. The trend towards sustainable design and high-performance buildings has progressed in tandem with the demand for energy efficiency, says Xu.
According to Qiu Baoxing, deputy director of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, new constructions in China during the first 10 months of last year reduced the consumption of 5 million tons equivalent of coal. The momentum is expected to continue as buildings represent the greatest opportunity for considerable reductions in CO2 emissions, analysts say.
Yet despite the push, the green building industry in China has yet to win recognition from mass consumers, Xu notes.
"Many developers and consumers in China do not have a proper understanding of a building's green standards. Maintaining green lawns and clear swimming pools does not necessarily guarantee a minimum impact on the environment. The certification of a green building should cover the design, construction and operation of a building during its life," Xu says.
"Comfort, resource conservation, and overall environmental health are seen increasingly as the new standard for healthy living, and this is exactly the essence of green buildings," Xu adds. "We need more people to identify with such a life style, even if it comes at an additional cost. These people will help drive the market demand for green buildings."
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Guide to Departments of Ministry of Water
As mentioned, this is "Phase Two" --a period during which I will take a more relaxed, self-instructional approach to this project. This is (obviously perhaps) an English language guide to the sections of the Chinese Ministry of Water. My hope is to gradually start learning to recognize (and share with you, the readers) their names in Chinese.
General Office
Department of Planning and Programming
Department of Policy, Law and regulations
Department of Water Resources Management
Department of Finance and Economics
Department of Personnel, Labor and Education
Department of International Cooperation, Science and Technology
Department of Construction and Management
Department of Water and Soil Conservation
Department of Irrigation, Drainage and Rural Water Supply
The Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief headquarters
General Office
Department of Planning and Programming
Department of Policy, Law and regulations
Department of Water Resources Management
Department of Finance and Economics
Department of Personnel, Labor and Education
Department of International Cooperation, Science and Technology
Department of Construction and Management
Department of Water and Soil Conservation
Department of Irrigation, Drainage and Rural Water Supply
The Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief headquarters
Original Content: algae blooms.
As mentioned this is "Phase Two" of this blog project. To understand China's water systems requires an understanding of a great deal of material, including China's ecology, politics, society, economy and more, as well as an understanding of water systems and problems that are likely to occur with or within water systems. Therefore during "phase two" I am going to make more of an effort to educate myself in these subjects.
So, the topic for today is algae blooms. (Heck, if you're reading this it's quite likely you know more about the subject than I do. Should you catch a mistake please leave a comment. I really do wish to understand these things.)
Also as mentioned, although scholars are quite wary of using wikipedia as a source, and with good reason, I find it useful for getting an introduction to many topics. Therefore, please accept my apologies in advance should the source be incorrect or cause offense. As, hopefully, since I covered this before, the subject should come back to me.
According to wikipedia, in some cases a condition occurs called "eutrophication." (See wikipedia for further details.)
Eutrophication is a condition where water become overly enriched with nutrients, causing aquatic plants to grow extraordinarily quickly or densely. Chemical components, such as nitrogen and phosphorous, are common among the offending nutrients. These tend to enter the water either as pollution from manufacturing or else as run off from fertilizers.
It is not uncommon for the extremely growing vegetation to be algae, in which case one has what is known as an "algae bloom."
This increased growth has many effects. To quote from Wikipedia: "Eutrophication generally promotes excessive plant growth and decay, favors certain weedy species over others, and is likely to cause severe reductions in water quality . In aquatic environments, enhanced growth of choking aquatic vegetation or phytoplankton (that is, an algal bloom) disrupts normal functioning of the ecosystem, causing a variety of problems such as a lack of oxygen in the water, needed for fish and shellfish to survive. The water then becomes cloudy, colored a shade of green, yellow, brown, or red. Human society is impacted as well: eutrophication decreases the resource value of rivers, lakes, and estuaries such that recreation, fishing, hunting, and aesthetic enjoyment are hindered. Health-related problems can occur where eutrophic conditions interfere with drinking water treatment."
Although the United States National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA, a division of the Department of Commerce, has information on these on-line,
http://www.economics.noaa.gov/?goal=ecosystems&file=events/algae/, and the information seems to emphasize coastal algae blooms, they can occur in both fresh and saltwater.
Now let's go back to the dreaded water magazine, the one I used to work for, and check its archives. We'll use this article, http://www.watertechonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=69322 I'll trust the article because I wrote/ summarized it.
Here's a China article that discusses algae blooms:
"China river pollution cuts off water to 200,000
Monday, March 03, 2008
BEIJING — A spill on the Hanjiang River and three of its tributaries in central China’s Hubei province cut off water last week for a few days to 200,000 people, according to a February 26 Xinhua China government news report carried on sina.com.
Water samples showed high levels of ammonia and nitrogen, as well as a high permanganate index.
A later report from the Associated Press said that Chinese environmental officials had determined the source of the pollution to be algae. The algae bloom was said to have been caused by an abrupt rise in temperature, low water levels and slow currents. Pollution from factories and sewage often leads to eutrophication, the deprivation of oxygen in nutrient rich waters, and is a frequent factor in algae blooms.
The water was described as “red with large amounts of bubbles.” Several schools were closed and residents were forced to drink bottled water and rely on a limited number of wells.
The spill was first reported on February 24 and orders to stop use of river water came soon after, according to the report. On February 26, according to the report, water from Changhu lake was used to dilute the pollutants.
The article also reported that a farmer in southern Yunnan province accidentally contaminated the drinking water of 9,000 people and killed tons of fish at a nearby fishery when he tried to use phosphor-containing waste as a fertilizer in his fields."
I'm going to share this one as well. Although it's set in the USA, it does contain useful information. Again I wrote it. I'm proud of much of the work I did at this magazine and I suspect that's part of the problem. My co-workers there liked to aim low at the things they did and they generally succeeded. Yeah, I'm being snotty. I admit it. Please understand however that during the time I was there, I was the only employee of Water Technology who did not miss a day of work and the prime sabotager of my work missed about 25% of her days although our boss hid it from upper management. Also note the use of multiple sources for a single summary. This was an innovation at that publication.:
http://www.watertechonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=69315
Alum treatment clarifies MI lake
Friday, February 29, 2008
SPRING LAKE, MI — In late 2005, the Spring Lake Lake Board spent $1.3 million to pump more than 1 million gallons of aluminum sulfate, also known as alum, into Spring Lake, reports Mlive.com. The intent was to kill algae that made the lake appear as if covered with bright green paint.
In the two summers since the treatment, there have been no major algae blooms. Phosphorous concentrations have dropped by more than 50 percent, as well, according to a recent report. The report came from Progressive AE, a Grand Rapids, MI, engineering firm.
A separate study from the Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) Water Resources Institute is reported to have found similar results.
The alum is explained to have bound with phosphorous in the lake sediment. This reduces the amount of phosphorous that is available to feed aquatic plants and algae.
Prior to treatment, the article says, the highest phosphorous concentration in the lake was 786 parts per billion (ppb). In the past two years that has dropped to 132 ppb, the data said. Average concentrations were said to be 101 ppb before the treatment and are now said to be 39 ppb.
“The lake is healthier, in general, in terms of water quality conditions,” said Alan Steinman, director of the GVSU Water Resources Institute. “But as I said before the alum treatment, this was not a panacea. If you continue to put phosphorous into the lake, with fertilizers and storm water runoff, that’s going to create more algae, which will sit on top of the alum and create a whole new problem.”
So, the topic for today is algae blooms. (Heck, if you're reading this it's quite likely you know more about the subject than I do. Should you catch a mistake please leave a comment. I really do wish to understand these things.)
Also as mentioned, although scholars are quite wary of using wikipedia as a source, and with good reason, I find it useful for getting an introduction to many topics. Therefore, please accept my apologies in advance should the source be incorrect or cause offense. As, hopefully, since I covered this before, the subject should come back to me.
According to wikipedia, in some cases a condition occurs called "eutrophication." (See wikipedia for further details.)
Eutrophication is a condition where water become overly enriched with nutrients, causing aquatic plants to grow extraordinarily quickly or densely. Chemical components, such as nitrogen and phosphorous, are common among the offending nutrients. These tend to enter the water either as pollution from manufacturing or else as run off from fertilizers.
It is not uncommon for the extremely growing vegetation to be algae, in which case one has what is known as an "algae bloom."
This increased growth has many effects. To quote from Wikipedia: "Eutrophication generally promotes excessive plant growth and decay, favors certain weedy species over others, and is likely to cause severe reductions in water quality . In aquatic environments, enhanced growth of choking aquatic vegetation or phytoplankton (that is, an algal bloom) disrupts normal functioning of the ecosystem, causing a variety of problems such as a lack of oxygen in the water, needed for fish and shellfish to survive. The water then becomes cloudy, colored a shade of green, yellow, brown, or red. Human society is impacted as well: eutrophication decreases the resource value of rivers, lakes, and estuaries such that recreation, fishing, hunting, and aesthetic enjoyment are hindered. Health-related problems can occur where eutrophic conditions interfere with drinking water treatment."
Although the United States National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA, a division of the Department of Commerce, has information on these on-line,
http://www.economics.noaa.gov/?goal=ecosystems&file=events/algae/, and the information seems to emphasize coastal algae blooms, they can occur in both fresh and saltwater.
Now let's go back to the dreaded water magazine, the one I used to work for, and check its archives. We'll use this article, http://www.watertechonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=69322 I'll trust the article because I wrote/ summarized it.
Here's a China article that discusses algae blooms:
"China river pollution cuts off water to 200,000
Monday, March 03, 2008
BEIJING — A spill on the Hanjiang River and three of its tributaries in central China’s Hubei province cut off water last week for a few days to 200,000 people, according to a February 26 Xinhua China government news report carried on sina.com.
Water samples showed high levels of ammonia and nitrogen, as well as a high permanganate index.
A later report from the Associated Press said that Chinese environmental officials had determined the source of the pollution to be algae. The algae bloom was said to have been caused by an abrupt rise in temperature, low water levels and slow currents. Pollution from factories and sewage often leads to eutrophication, the deprivation of oxygen in nutrient rich waters, and is a frequent factor in algae blooms.
The water was described as “red with large amounts of bubbles.” Several schools were closed and residents were forced to drink bottled water and rely on a limited number of wells.
The spill was first reported on February 24 and orders to stop use of river water came soon after, according to the report. On February 26, according to the report, water from Changhu lake was used to dilute the pollutants.
The article also reported that a farmer in southern Yunnan province accidentally contaminated the drinking water of 9,000 people and killed tons of fish at a nearby fishery when he tried to use phosphor-containing waste as a fertilizer in his fields."
I'm going to share this one as well. Although it's set in the USA, it does contain useful information. Again I wrote it. I'm proud of much of the work I did at this magazine and I suspect that's part of the problem. My co-workers there liked to aim low at the things they did and they generally succeeded. Yeah, I'm being snotty. I admit it. Please understand however that during the time I was there, I was the only employee of Water Technology who did not miss a day of work and the prime sabotager of my work missed about 25% of her days although our boss hid it from upper management. Also note the use of multiple sources for a single summary. This was an innovation at that publication.:
http://www.watertechonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=69315
Alum treatment clarifies MI lake
Friday, February 29, 2008
SPRING LAKE, MI — In late 2005, the Spring Lake Lake Board spent $1.3 million to pump more than 1 million gallons of aluminum sulfate, also known as alum, into Spring Lake, reports Mlive.com. The intent was to kill algae that made the lake appear as if covered with bright green paint.
In the two summers since the treatment, there have been no major algae blooms. Phosphorous concentrations have dropped by more than 50 percent, as well, according to a recent report. The report came from Progressive AE, a Grand Rapids, MI, engineering firm.
A separate study from the Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) Water Resources Institute is reported to have found similar results.
The alum is explained to have bound with phosphorous in the lake sediment. This reduces the amount of phosphorous that is available to feed aquatic plants and algae.
Prior to treatment, the article says, the highest phosphorous concentration in the lake was 786 parts per billion (ppb). In the past two years that has dropped to 132 ppb, the data said. Average concentrations were said to be 101 ppb before the treatment and are now said to be 39 ppb.
“The lake is healthier, in general, in terms of water quality conditions,” said Alan Steinman, director of the GVSU Water Resources Institute. “But as I said before the alum treatment, this was not a panacea. If you continue to put phosphorous into the lake, with fertilizers and storm water runoff, that’s going to create more algae, which will sit on top of the alum and create a whole new problem.”
Friday, July 4, 2008
China Water: July 4, 2008: Nortel improves communication system at Ministry of Water.
Yeah, I said I was going to stop for today, didn't I? I said something about going off to research algae blooms, didn't I? I guess I lied.
This seems both interesting and important as well as easy to miss, so I decided to share it too.
Peace,
Peter Huston
===
http://www.monitortoday.com/printerfriendly.php?page=~~newsitems_180877&renderby=print
Nortel Improves Communications Flow at China's Ministry of Water Resources
Unified Communications Solution Links Employees In 31 Provinces
BEIJING, CHINA - Employees of the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) of the People's Republic of China are enjoying significant productivity gains through improved communications after MWR implemented a unified communications solution from Nortel (TSX:NT)(NYSE:NT) that links branch offices spanning 31 provinces and seven major river systems.
Responsible for water resources across China, MWR decided to upgrade its internal communications by implementing an IP-based communications platform to meet the demands of carrying voice, data, video and presence information on the same communication platform. After a two-year evaluation period, MWR selected Nortel to supply a converged communications platform that would enable delivery of collaboration tools across the organization.
Powered by Nortel technology, MWR's new communication platform is designed and built with a combined IP PBX and soft switch architecture, which enables complete business communications delivery on one unified platform. This helps MWR significantly reduce its operating costs covering network construction and ongoing maintenance costs. MWR's new converged IP network is now able to meet the demands of the new era of Hyperconnectivity which is placing unprecedented demands on the network.
"In organizations with widely distributed employees, maintaining effective communication and collaboration is a complex undertaking that can mean the difference between success and failure," said Jerry Huang, general manager, Enterprise Networks, Nortel Greater China. "Nortel's expertise in unified communications solutions, backed by our Business Made Simple philosophy, has taken the complexity out of this task. MWR now has a robust IP infrastructure that enables instant communication via VoIP, multimedia conferencing, instant messaging and presence-based applications. This means the Ministry's employees can coordinate their activities whenever, however and from wherever they need, simply and effectively."
MWR's unified communications solution is built around Nortel's Communication Server 1000 (CS 1000), a highly reliable IP PBX that offers more than 750 telephony features and supports up to 22,500 simultaneous IP users. MWR has also deployed the Nortel Multimedia Communication Server 5100 (MCS 5100), a SIP-based application delivery solution that delivers IP telephony, multimedia conferencing, instant messaging, presence, and other collaboration tools to a broad range of devices.
About Nortel
Nortel is a recognized leader in delivering communications capabilities that make the promise of Business Made Simple a reality for our customers. Our next-generation technologies, for both service provider and enterprise networks, support multimedia and business-critical applications. Nortel's technologies are designed to help eliminate today's barriers to efficiency, speed and performance by simplifying networks and connecting people to the information they need, when they need it. Nortel does business in more than 150 countries around the world. For more information, visit Nortel on the Web at www.nortel.com. For the latest Nortel news, visit www.nortel.com/news.
Posted On: 2008-07-03, 2:30 pm
This seems both interesting and important as well as easy to miss, so I decided to share it too.
Peace,
Peter Huston
===
http://www.monitortoday.com/printerfriendly.php?page=~~newsitems_180877&renderby=print
Nortel Improves Communications Flow at China's Ministry of Water Resources
Unified Communications Solution Links Employees In 31 Provinces
BEIJING, CHINA - Employees of the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) of the People's Republic of China are enjoying significant productivity gains through improved communications after MWR implemented a unified communications solution from Nortel (TSX:NT)(NYSE:NT) that links branch offices spanning 31 provinces and seven major river systems.
Responsible for water resources across China, MWR decided to upgrade its internal communications by implementing an IP-based communications platform to meet the demands of carrying voice, data, video and presence information on the same communication platform. After a two-year evaluation period, MWR selected Nortel to supply a converged communications platform that would enable delivery of collaboration tools across the organization.
Powered by Nortel technology, MWR's new communication platform is designed and built with a combined IP PBX and soft switch architecture, which enables complete business communications delivery on one unified platform. This helps MWR significantly reduce its operating costs covering network construction and ongoing maintenance costs. MWR's new converged IP network is now able to meet the demands of the new era of Hyperconnectivity which is placing unprecedented demands on the network.
"In organizations with widely distributed employees, maintaining effective communication and collaboration is a complex undertaking that can mean the difference between success and failure," said Jerry Huang, general manager, Enterprise Networks, Nortel Greater China. "Nortel's expertise in unified communications solutions, backed by our Business Made Simple philosophy, has taken the complexity out of this task. MWR now has a robust IP infrastructure that enables instant communication via VoIP, multimedia conferencing, instant messaging and presence-based applications. This means the Ministry's employees can coordinate their activities whenever, however and from wherever they need, simply and effectively."
MWR's unified communications solution is built around Nortel's Communication Server 1000 (CS 1000), a highly reliable IP PBX that offers more than 750 telephony features and supports up to 22,500 simultaneous IP users. MWR has also deployed the Nortel Multimedia Communication Server 5100 (MCS 5100), a SIP-based application delivery solution that delivers IP telephony, multimedia conferencing, instant messaging, presence, and other collaboration tools to a broad range of devices.
About Nortel
Nortel is a recognized leader in delivering communications capabilities that make the promise of Business Made Simple a reality for our customers. Our next-generation technologies, for both service provider and enterprise networks, support multimedia and business-critical applications. Nortel's technologies are designed to help eliminate today's barriers to efficiency, speed and performance by simplifying networks and connecting people to the information they need, when they need it. Nortel does business in more than 150 countries around the world. For more information, visit Nortel on the Web at www.nortel.com. For the latest Nortel news, visit www.nortel.com/news.
Posted On: 2008-07-03, 2:30 pm
China Water: July 4, 2008: Algae blooms in China.
And with this story, I shall take a break from posting and not come back until I have a better background on algae blooms and their causes, effects and treatments.
(Remember! This is phase two of this project. The phase where I increase research and decrease posting.)
All the best,
Peter Huston
===
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/04/content_8492371.htm
Thousands battle algae bloom in Olympic sailing host city
www.chinaview.cn 2008-07-04 22:31:06 Print
QINGDAO, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of soldiers and volunteers in east China's coastal city of Qingdao, host of the Olympic sailing events, are still battling a major algae bloom on Friday.
More than 1,200 vessels were at sea cleaning the foul-smelling algae, and inflatable barriers were placed near the coastline to prevent the algae from encroaching on the shore.
According to an emergency headquarters set up to clean the algae, its coverage in the sailing competition areas, which span more than 50 square kilometers, had shrunk from 32 percent five days ago to less than 10 percent.
More than 110,000 soldiers and volunteers have been engaged in frantic efforts to cleaning the weeds, which was first spotted at the end of May and started to bloom in mid-June.
A municipal government figure published on Wednesday showed the algae had been nearly halved since late June and covered 48.8 square kilometers of water by Wednesday.
On Friday, sporadic remains of algae floated on the water off the Olympic sailing base. Dozens of boats were at sea gathering the algae. An aerial survey was delayed as rain and fog grounded helicopters.
At beaches near the base, soldiers were bagging piles of green algae which were dragged out of the water.
"It's far better now than a few days before, and the water is clearer. Last week, the air was rancid because of the algae, and we all shut our windows," said Zhang Xiaolei, whose office is near the coast at the May 4th Square.
By Thursday, about 285,000 tons of the algae have been removed from the water and seashore. Officials planned to wipe out the algae, called enteromorpha prolifera, before July 15.
Experts from the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) are working to determine the source and cause of the algae outbreak.
The algae also covered parts of a training area, where sailors from more than 30 countries are training, and sometimes blocked sailing routes and affected preparations for the sailing teams for the Games.
The sailing competitions are scheduled from Aug. 9 to 23.
Editor: Yan Liang
(Remember! This is phase two of this project. The phase where I increase research and decrease posting.)
All the best,
Peter Huston
===
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/04/content_8492371.htm
Thousands battle algae bloom in Olympic sailing host city
www.chinaview.cn 2008-07-04 22:31:06 Print
QINGDAO, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of soldiers and volunteers in east China's coastal city of Qingdao, host of the Olympic sailing events, are still battling a major algae bloom on Friday.
More than 1,200 vessels were at sea cleaning the foul-smelling algae, and inflatable barriers were placed near the coastline to prevent the algae from encroaching on the shore.
According to an emergency headquarters set up to clean the algae, its coverage in the sailing competition areas, which span more than 50 square kilometers, had shrunk from 32 percent five days ago to less than 10 percent.
More than 110,000 soldiers and volunteers have been engaged in frantic efforts to cleaning the weeds, which was first spotted at the end of May and started to bloom in mid-June.
A municipal government figure published on Wednesday showed the algae had been nearly halved since late June and covered 48.8 square kilometers of water by Wednesday.
On Friday, sporadic remains of algae floated on the water off the Olympic sailing base. Dozens of boats were at sea gathering the algae. An aerial survey was delayed as rain and fog grounded helicopters.
At beaches near the base, soldiers were bagging piles of green algae which were dragged out of the water.
"It's far better now than a few days before, and the water is clearer. Last week, the air was rancid because of the algae, and we all shut our windows," said Zhang Xiaolei, whose office is near the coast at the May 4th Square.
By Thursday, about 285,000 tons of the algae have been removed from the water and seashore. Officials planned to wipe out the algae, called enteromorpha prolifera, before July 15.
Experts from the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) are working to determine the source and cause of the algae outbreak.
The algae also covered parts of a training area, where sailors from more than 30 countries are training, and sometimes blocked sailing routes and affected preparations for the sailing teams for the Games.
The sailing competitions are scheduled from Aug. 9 to 23.
Editor: Yan Liang
China water: July 4, 2008: Unicef works in China quake zone.
http://www.quamnet.com/newscontent.action?articleId=884596
UNICEF to Support Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in China’s Quake Zone
04 Jul 2008
Xinhua PR Newswire
BEIJING, July 4 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Now that more than 5 million people have been relocated to temporary shelters due to the 12 May Sichuan earthquake, provision of safe water and sanitation is a top priority. A recently concluded UNICEF mission has found that in most tent camps and densely populated settlements, access to safe water and sanitation facilities and the promotion of good hygiene behavior are improving but still inadequate.
According to a June 11 report, the Ministry of Water Resources found that 72,400 rural water supply systems and 36,500 kilometers of water distribution pipelines were damaged by the earthquake, affecting more than 9 million people. A large number of latrines in the worst affected areas have also been damaged. According to UNICEF’s assessment 4,185 villages and 446 townships in the worst affected counties in Sichuan need to repair sanitation facilities.
“In relocation camps and other densely populated settlements there is an urgent need to improve water and sanitation services such as the disposal of human waste, sewage and drainage systems,” said Yang Zhenbo, UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Specialist. Yang has recently returned from a mission to Beichuan, Mianzhu, Shifang, Pengzhou and Dujiangyan in Sichuan.
“Most of the displaced people are using makeshift toilets -- sometimes just very simple pit latrines without water flush or waste treatment facilities. Those latrines are especially dangerous for children and the elderly to use.”
Since the 12 May earthquake no major outbreaks of sanitation and hygiene related illness have been reported. “Chinese authorities have dispatched staff to every settlement to monitor disinfection, the quality of water and food and promotion of hygiene practices,” said Yang, “I am quite impressed with the efficiency of China’s disease control authority.”
Experts suggest that in the next 2 to 3 months, vigorous efforts must be continued to prevent disease outbreaks. As more refugees are transferred to temporary camps, there is a need for expanded response, especially in the provision of sanitation and water facilities in the newer settlements. More water distribution networks will be needed for relocated people who are being moved from the quake-induced lake areas.
UNICEF is finalizing a joint water and sanitation programme with the Government of China to cover the needs of several million children and their families now living in shelters. When finalized, the programme is expected to have a budget of USD 5 million. It will provide technical support and supplies to local partners in water supply, sanitation, hygiene and health education that will cover prefabricated camps, tents, hospitals and schools. The joint project will concentrate on four counties in Sichuan: Pengzhou, Mianzhu, Beichuan, and Qingchuan.
On June 30, UNICEF delivered 25,858 packs of water purification tablets worth US$1,454,081 to Pengzhou and Mianzhu. Another batch of 53,000 packs will arrive in the next few weeks. The whole consignment is expected to benefit 2 million people for 3 months. With the help of such tablets, water pumped from uncertain sources can be made safe to drink, said Ms Nie Ping, UNICEF supply and procurement officer.
About UNICEF in China
UNICEF first assisted China between 1947 and 1951, providing emergency services, food and nutrition, health and hygiene training during and after the Revolutionary War. In 1979 UNICEF officially commenced its cooperation with the Government of China to support child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Original Content: the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief
The office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters is a division of the Chinese national Ministry of Water Resources.
According to the website of the
Ministry of Water Resources:
"The Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief headquarters
Deputy Secretary-General: Mr. Zhang Zhitong
Main functions:to organize nationwide activities of flood control and drought relief, undertake the day-to-day work of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, and carry out unified control of water volume from water conservancy and hydropower facilities all over the country following the directives of the Headquarters."
I will try to find some Chinese language sources on this agency soon, as well as its official name in Chinese.
Peter Huston
According to the website of the
Ministry of Water Resources:
"The Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief headquarters
Deputy Secretary-General: Mr. Zhang Zhitong
Main functions:to organize nationwide activities of flood control and drought relief, undertake the day-to-day work of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, and carry out unified control of water volume from water conservancy and hydropower facilities all over the country following the directives of the Headquarters."
I will try to find some Chinese language sources on this agency soon, as well as its official name in Chinese.
Peter Huston
China Water: July 3, 2008: Flood toll high. Drought also a problem.
Floods are a chronic problem in China and this year is no exception.
Drought is also a chronic problem in many areas of China.
Here we have two stories that discuss these problems.
Floods in the south and northeast. Drought in the center. No wonder there is an extensive canal network that stretches throughout the country and dates back two thousand years.
And look! A mention of "The Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters (SFDH)" of which Zhang Zhitong, is vice director. This, I confess, is a new agency to me. (Oh the joys of blogging! Unlike many forms of writing for publication, in this case, you the reader, experience the joy of watching my expertise in this field improve as time goes on.
Soon I shall look into this further.
Peter Huston
===
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/02/content_8478536.htm
China floods leave 252 dead, 64 missing as flood season begins
www.chinaview.cn 2008-07-02 23:37:36 Print
BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Flooding and related disasters since the beginning of June have left 252 people dead and 64 missing across China, which saw the start of the main flood season on Tuesday, a senior flood control and drought relief official said on Wednesday.
About 50 million people and 3 million hectares of land were affected, with around 200,000 houses destroyed, Zhang Zhitong, vice director of the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, told a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
"The flood control efforts will be hampered by higher than average rains that are expected soon in the Yellow River areas, parts of northeast provinces as well as the quake zone in southwest China," Zhang said.
He promised the headquarters would take effective measures to protect people during the main flood season.
However, floods in southern China and northeast regions and typhoons along the coast had come early this year, he said.
The Pearl River delta had already embraced the worst floods in more than five decades, and the first typhoon this year was two months earlier than usual when Neoguri made a landfall in south China in April, he said.
Editor: Yan Liang
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/02/content_8477847.htm
China braces for major flood season, lingering drought in north
www.chinaview.cn 2008-07-02 16:45:45 Print
BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- China's flood control and drought relief authorities warned the country was at risk to the major seasonal flooding that had already killed 233 people and affected more than 34 million by Wednesday.
The Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters (SFDH) announced the major flood season had started on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the severe drought, which had caused temporary shortages of drinking water among 7.39 million people and 5.79 million large livestock, would linger in the north.
The SFDH statistics showed the drought affected more than 10.3 million hectares of farmland, worse than the average of the same period last year.
Zhang Zhitong, SFDH office vice director, said the country's major rivers were facing increasing risk of severe flooding as more rain was expected and the southeastern coastal regions were vulnerable to typhoon.
He added the summer drought would possibly occur in southern regions with the Pacific subtropical high moving northwards.
Zhang said recent downpours had mainly lashed the southern regions, pushing up river levels above warning levels and triggering floods. For example, rainfall in most of the southern coastal areas and the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region ranged between 100 mm to 300 mm in the past week.
Rain had mitigated the drought in north China since June 27, but failed to change the condition as the precipitation was not enough.
He promised the headquarters would take effective measures to protect people from flood danger during the major flood season.
Editor: Amber Yao
Drought is also a chronic problem in many areas of China.
Here we have two stories that discuss these problems.
Floods in the south and northeast. Drought in the center. No wonder there is an extensive canal network that stretches throughout the country and dates back two thousand years.
And look! A mention of "The Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters (SFDH)" of which Zhang Zhitong, is vice director. This, I confess, is a new agency to me. (Oh the joys of blogging! Unlike many forms of writing for publication, in this case, you the reader, experience the joy of watching my expertise in this field improve as time goes on.
Soon I shall look into this further.
Peter Huston
===
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/02/content_8478536.htm
China floods leave 252 dead, 64 missing as flood season begins
www.chinaview.cn 2008-07-02 23:37:36 Print
BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Flooding and related disasters since the beginning of June have left 252 people dead and 64 missing across China, which saw the start of the main flood season on Tuesday, a senior flood control and drought relief official said on Wednesday.
About 50 million people and 3 million hectares of land were affected, with around 200,000 houses destroyed, Zhang Zhitong, vice director of the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, told a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
"The flood control efforts will be hampered by higher than average rains that are expected soon in the Yellow River areas, parts of northeast provinces as well as the quake zone in southwest China," Zhang said.
He promised the headquarters would take effective measures to protect people during the main flood season.
However, floods in southern China and northeast regions and typhoons along the coast had come early this year, he said.
The Pearl River delta had already embraced the worst floods in more than five decades, and the first typhoon this year was two months earlier than usual when Neoguri made a landfall in south China in April, he said.
Editor: Yan Liang
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/02/content_8477847.htm
China braces for major flood season, lingering drought in north
www.chinaview.cn 2008-07-02 16:45:45 Print
BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- China's flood control and drought relief authorities warned the country was at risk to the major seasonal flooding that had already killed 233 people and affected more than 34 million by Wednesday.
The Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters (SFDH) announced the major flood season had started on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the severe drought, which had caused temporary shortages of drinking water among 7.39 million people and 5.79 million large livestock, would linger in the north.
The SFDH statistics showed the drought affected more than 10.3 million hectares of farmland, worse than the average of the same period last year.
Zhang Zhitong, SFDH office vice director, said the country's major rivers were facing increasing risk of severe flooding as more rain was expected and the southeastern coastal regions were vulnerable to typhoon.
He added the summer drought would possibly occur in southern regions with the Pacific subtropical high moving northwards.
Zhang said recent downpours had mainly lashed the southern regions, pushing up river levels above warning levels and triggering floods. For example, rainfall in most of the southern coastal areas and the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region ranged between 100 mm to 300 mm in the past week.
Rain had mitigated the drought in north China since June 27, but failed to change the condition as the precipitation was not enough.
He promised the headquarters would take effective measures to protect people from flood danger during the major flood season.
Editor: Amber Yao
China Water: July 3, 2008: Quake lakes still pose danger.
http://www.reuters.com/articlePrint?articleId=USPEK34837020080702
China still faces flooding risk from "quake lakes"
Wed Jul 2, 2008 7:14am EDT
BEIJING (Reuters) - Expected heavy rain and the risk of aftershocks mean lakes created in southwestern China after May's massive earthquake are still at risk of flooding, despite preventative work, a senior official said on Wednesday.
Landslides after the 7.9 magnitude quake, which killed about 70,000 people, created 35 so-called "quake lakes", the majority in the hard hit province of Sichuan.
Deputy Water Resources Minister Jiao Yong told a news conference in Beijing that though work to drain the lakes had largely been successful, there was still a threat to hundreds of thousands of people living downstream.
"Although disaster relief efforts have achieved a major initial victory, the flood situation in the disaster area is much more severe than in previous years," he said.
"Rainfall is expected to be much higher than in previous years during the flood season, and there may be large floods," Jiao added.
The government sent hundreds of soldiers, armed with explosives and heavy lifting equipment, to clear the blocked rivers, and evacuated residents downstream, causing further misery for people whose houses were destroyed in the quake.
Jiao cautioned that people could still be in danger.
"The quake lakes which are no longer in danger have yet to go through the experience of large floods. Heavy rain and aftershocks may induce rockslides that lead to more quake lakes," he said.
(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Jerry Norton)
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Extensive commentary: China Water: July 2, 2008: School water poisoned.
Earlier this morning, I stumbled across this story and decided that although 60 children falling ill is important, I did not consider it worth sharing as it was not part of any real pattern or trend that I could see. After all, pesticide poisonings are fairly common in China, and deliberate pesticide patterns tragically so. (i.e. if someone wishes I could give a quick aside on suicide patterns in China, save that they are extremely high with suicides by young rural women using pesticides as the instrument of self-harm being the most common. Unlike most countries, rates of successful suicide among women in China occur at a higher rate than among men. Part of this is due to the frequency with which pesticides are used as the instrument of self-harm.)
However, I've also mentioned that I became interested in this field because I was hired by a trade magazine that dealt with water. I also mentioned that I left that magazine because the workers were more interested in playing strange office games and engaging in work sabotage than in getting interesting work done and that they lacked an international perspective (as well as many other desirable traits). Heck, they had trouble using the metric system. --not to mention the odd forced bowling that they would make employees engage in. (Heck, basically the place was one of two things: Either a stepping stone to something better or a dumping ground for people who lack talent.)
Therefore it was with interest that I discovered that after a glut of news in a nation that has a huge amount of fascinating water news, and their consistently ignoring such news, for some odd reason they chose this piece to share with the world as if it were the most important piece of news to occur in China in ages. (???) So. if they've chosen to share this story, I'm just petty enough to dissect what they did.
Here's what they wrote:
"BEIJING — More than 60 primary schoolchildren in southern China fell ill after drinking publicly supplied water that may have been deliberately poisoned, according to a July 1 report from the Chinese government news agency Xinhau.
The water in the school’s storage tank smelled of pesticide, and police found an empty bottle that they said may have contained the poison, Xinhua said.
Thirty-four were hospitalized, suffering from headaches and nausea. The others were under observation at their rural school in Guangxi province, the report said.
The county health department drained the water and disinfected the area.
The investigation is continuing. Meanwhile, the county education department is being accused of mismanagement, the report said."
For starters, they not only misspelled "Xinhua" but they did not even mis-spell it consistently. Secondly "Guangxi" is not technically a province. See, Facts and map about Guangxi Zhuang Nor did they even try to explain where it is located or teach anything about it.
So let's look at the actual Xinhua report:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/01/content_8471568.htm
Police suspect deliberate poisoning of S China schoolchildren
www.chinaview.cn 2008-07-01 22:42:55 Print
GUILIN, Guangxi, July 1 (Xinhua) -- More than 60 children fell sick after drinking water that is suspected of beinge deliberately poisoned at a primary school in southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Tuesday.
Thirty-four of the children were still being treated at the People's Hospital of Guanyang County, where the incident happened, and their parents had arrived to take care of them, said Zou Xin, vice head of the county government.
The rest were under observation at school, said Zou.
The children, all from the boarding school at Dengjia Village, of Xinjie Town, suffered stomachaches, headaches and nausea after drinking the water provided by a public water supplier at the school dining room in the morning.
"It is a surprise. It happened before class. Luckily, some of the children in the school just didn't drink the water," said a teacher, who declined to give his name.
Police found the water of the school's storage tank smelled of pesticide and had an ivory-white substance floating in it. An empty Coke bottle, which is suspected of containing the poison, was found by the tank.
An investigation into the incident is underway. The county education department has accused the school of mismanagement.
The county health department staff had the water discharged and the pool disinfected later in the day and the water supply has resumed.
Editor: Yan Liang"
Now looking more closely, you will see that the article from this water magazine contains several errors. (I said these people were stupid. It seems they cannot even copy correctly.)
1. I already mentioned that they mistated Guangxi as being a province when the article clearly labels it as "Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region."
2. They neglect to mention when the event happened, a full week ago. This is one of the basic 5 Ws of journalism.
3. Is "publicly supplied water" the same as "water supplied by a public supplier"?
4. They give the dateline as Beijing when the dateline is Guilin. They are not very close to each other.
5.They say the area was disinfected while the story says the water tank was disinfected.
6. They wrote the County Education Department has been accused of mismanagement. In fact, the story says that the County Education Department has accused the school of mismanagement.
7. Note that Xinhua is described as the "Chinese government news agency." This is more or less correct, however, these people never made any attempt to verify or check the government source with other news sources. I worked with these folks and they always seemed to find the notion of a state-controlled press to be an insurmountable obstacle, and therefore tend to neglect covering China.
For those interested, here's the Reuters story. You will note that they tie the story in with fears of unsafe toys and food coming out of China. Personally, I find the connection far fetched, to say the least.
http://www.reuters.com/articlePrint?articleId=USPEK326469
Children ill after water poisoned in China school
Tue Jul 1, 2008 1:47pm EDT
BEIJING, July 1 (Reuters) - More than 60 children fell ill after drinking water that may have been deliberately poisoned at a primary school in southern China, state media reported on Tuesday.
Thirty-four were still in hospital, suffering from headaches and nausea, and the rest were under observation at their rural school in Guangxi province after drinking the water in their school canteen, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
The water in the school's storage tank smelled of pesticide and police found an empty bottle that they suspected of containing the poison, Xinhua said.
While the investigation is continuing, local education officials have already accused the school of mismanagement, it added.
Scandals involving substandard food or medicines are reported regularly by Chinese media and schools have been involved before.
A primary school headmistress was jailed last year for taking kickbacks from an unlicensed food company that indirectly led to nearly 200 children falling ill. In a separate case last year, a college student was arrested on suspicion of poisoning his classmates' water.
Food and drug safety in China has grabbed global attention over the past year after its products sparked scares abroad, from substandard pet feed in the United States to allegedly tainted dumplings in Japan. (Reporting by Simon Rabinovitch; editing by Dominic Evans)
However, I've also mentioned that I became interested in this field because I was hired by a trade magazine that dealt with water. I also mentioned that I left that magazine because the workers were more interested in playing strange office games and engaging in work sabotage than in getting interesting work done and that they lacked an international perspective (as well as many other desirable traits). Heck, they had trouble using the metric system. --not to mention the odd forced bowling that they would make employees engage in. (Heck, basically the place was one of two things: Either a stepping stone to something better or a dumping ground for people who lack talent.)
Therefore it was with interest that I discovered that after a glut of news in a nation that has a huge amount of fascinating water news, and their consistently ignoring such news, for some odd reason they chose this piece to share with the world as if it were the most important piece of news to occur in China in ages. (???) So. if they've chosen to share this story, I'm just petty enough to dissect what they did.
Here's what they wrote:
"BEIJING — More than 60 primary schoolchildren in southern China fell ill after drinking publicly supplied water that may have been deliberately poisoned, according to a July 1 report from the Chinese government news agency Xinhau.
The water in the school’s storage tank smelled of pesticide, and police found an empty bottle that they said may have contained the poison, Xinhua said.
Thirty-four were hospitalized, suffering from headaches and nausea. The others were under observation at their rural school in Guangxi province, the report said.
The county health department drained the water and disinfected the area.
The investigation is continuing. Meanwhile, the county education department is being accused of mismanagement, the report said."
For starters, they not only misspelled "Xinhua" but they did not even mis-spell it consistently. Secondly "Guangxi" is not technically a province. See, Facts and map about Guangxi Zhuang Nor did they even try to explain where it is located or teach anything about it.
So let's look at the actual Xinhua report:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/01/content_8471568.htm
Police suspect deliberate poisoning of S China schoolchildren
www.chinaview.cn 2008-07-01 22:42:55 Print
GUILIN, Guangxi, July 1 (Xinhua) -- More than 60 children fell sick after drinking water that is suspected of beinge deliberately poisoned at a primary school in southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Tuesday.
Thirty-four of the children were still being treated at the People's Hospital of Guanyang County, where the incident happened, and their parents had arrived to take care of them, said Zou Xin, vice head of the county government.
The rest were under observation at school, said Zou.
The children, all from the boarding school at Dengjia Village, of Xinjie Town, suffered stomachaches, headaches and nausea after drinking the water provided by a public water supplier at the school dining room in the morning.
"It is a surprise. It happened before class. Luckily, some of the children in the school just didn't drink the water," said a teacher, who declined to give his name.
Police found the water of the school's storage tank smelled of pesticide and had an ivory-white substance floating in it. An empty Coke bottle, which is suspected of containing the poison, was found by the tank.
An investigation into the incident is underway. The county education department has accused the school of mismanagement.
The county health department staff had the water discharged and the pool disinfected later in the day and the water supply has resumed.
Editor: Yan Liang"
Now looking more closely, you will see that the article from this water magazine contains several errors. (I said these people were stupid. It seems they cannot even copy correctly.)
1. I already mentioned that they mistated Guangxi as being a province when the article clearly labels it as "Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region."
2. They neglect to mention when the event happened, a full week ago. This is one of the basic 5 Ws of journalism.
3. Is "publicly supplied water" the same as "water supplied by a public supplier"?
4. They give the dateline as Beijing when the dateline is Guilin. They are not very close to each other.
5.They say the area was disinfected while the story says the water tank was disinfected.
6. They wrote the County Education Department has been accused of mismanagement. In fact, the story says that the County Education Department has accused the school of mismanagement.
7. Note that Xinhua is described as the "Chinese government news agency." This is more or less correct, however, these people never made any attempt to verify or check the government source with other news sources. I worked with these folks and they always seemed to find the notion of a state-controlled press to be an insurmountable obstacle, and therefore tend to neglect covering China.
For those interested, here's the Reuters story. You will note that they tie the story in with fears of unsafe toys and food coming out of China. Personally, I find the connection far fetched, to say the least.
http://www.reuters.com/articlePrint?articleId=USPEK326469
Children ill after water poisoned in China school
Tue Jul 1, 2008 1:47pm EDT
BEIJING, July 1 (Reuters) - More than 60 children fell ill after drinking water that may have been deliberately poisoned at a primary school in southern China, state media reported on Tuesday.
Thirty-four were still in hospital, suffering from headaches and nausea, and the rest were under observation at their rural school in Guangxi province after drinking the water in their school canteen, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
The water in the school's storage tank smelled of pesticide and police found an empty bottle that they suspected of containing the poison, Xinhua said.
While the investigation is continuing, local education officials have already accused the school of mismanagement, it added.
Scandals involving substandard food or medicines are reported regularly by Chinese media and schools have been involved before.
A primary school headmistress was jailed last year for taking kickbacks from an unlicensed food company that indirectly led to nearly 200 children falling ill. In a separate case last year, a college student was arrested on suspicion of poisoning his classmates' water.
Food and drug safety in China has grabbed global attention over the past year after its products sparked scares abroad, from substandard pet feed in the United States to allegedly tainted dumplings in Japan. (Reporting by Simon Rabinovitch; editing by Dominic Evans)
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