The Stream, December 31: China Hands Down Record Fine for Water Polluters

The Global Rundown

China is fining companies millions of dollars for polluting rivers with chemical waste, and cities in Iowa are studying ways to work with farmers to reduce nutrient pollution. Snowpack in California is higher than last year, but still below average. Farmers and companies in Poland are opposing a new coal mine in part due to water concerns. The government’s response to flooding in Malaysia is inadequate, critics say.

“We are running a headless government with no urgent, cohesive and proactive response to the arising chaos.”–Tony Pua, opposition member, criticizing Malaysia’s government for a slow and inadequate response to severe flooding that has displaced nearly a quarter million people. (Reuters)

By The Numbers

$26 million Amount China fined six companies for polluting rivers in Jiangsu province, the largest fine of its kind. Reuters

21.3 inches Snow on the ground in the Sierra Nevada—more than there was this time last year, but not enough to end California’s drought. Guardian

Science, Studies, And Reports

The Iowa League of Cities is studying how to create a water-quality trading system that would allow cities to pay farmers for nutrient reduction practices upstream of city water supplies, helping municipal water managers meet new state requirements in a cost-effective manner. The Des Moines Register

On The Radar

Polish farmers and 18 companies, including Heinz, have banded together in opposition to a new coal mine that could displace 5,800 people, create crop shortfalls, increase air pollution, and decrease local water tables. Guaridan

“When water goes bad, so do political relations,” writes Anya Groner, tracing the evolution of America’s efforts to provide safe water from drinking fountains to bottled water to major infrastructure projects. The Atlantic

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek