Landmark environmental group legal victory over toxic school tracks

The toxic tracks are now replaced by grass. [Photo:bjnews]

A landmark legal case involving a Chinese environmental group suing a kindergarten over toxic running tracks has ended with the two sides agreeing to mediation.

The Beijing higher court hearing the case has hailed the outcome as a new way of settling public interest cases.

In the first case of its kind in China, China Biodiversity Conservation and the Green Development Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Liu Shikun Wanxiang Xiantian Kindergarten accusing it of installing a toxic rubber track in its schoolyard, causing damage to the air and soil, and so infringing public rights.

The environmental groups said the tracks released toxic gas with a pungent smell last year.

On learning about the situation, the foundation sent letters to the kindergarten, demanding it demolish the tracks.

The kindergarten admitted its misconduct and began the demolition process in June, 2016. It also said it would shoulder all responsibility and make up for any damage caused.

Both parties agreed to seek conciliation over the case and came to an agreement in February with the school to demolish the tracks, resurface the schoolyard and donate 100 thousand yuan to the foundation.

It's reported the kindergarten has completed its commitments.

There have been a number of recent cases where toxic running tracks have caused illnesses among students. China's education ministry is working with research institutions and government bodies to draft a new set of standards to ensure the quality of these tracks.