Record fine for factory over infamous Songhua spill

China: Jilin Petrochemical, a subsidiary of Petrochina Group, was fined a record CNYI m (USD128,000) as a result of a toxic spill that even reached Russia and caused authorities to cut off water supplies to millions of people. This fine constitutes the maximum amount allowed by law.

In November 2005, a huge explosion caused approximately 100 tonnes of carcinogenic benzene to seep into the Songhua River raising benzene levels to 108 times safety levels in China. The government only announced the severe damage ten days following the incident and after repeated denials that there had been any major environmental impact.

Source: Agence France Press – English Wire, 15 January 2007
Asian Casualty Report 10th Edition June 2008 – Gen Re