Beijing Environmental watchdog to probe false data claims

Ding Xiaoxiao China Plus Published: 2017-05-05 18:06:04
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A water spray canon allegedly being used next to an air quality monitoring site in Beijing on Thursday, April 4, 2017. [Photo: weibo.com]

A water spray canon allegedly being used next to an air quality monitoring site in Beijing on Thursday, April 4, 2017. [Photo: weibo.com]

Claims of data falsification are being examined by the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau (BMEPB).  

The move follows photos posted online of water sprayers being used in the city’s streets next to an air quality monitoring site on Thursday, the day a blue alert was issued for poor air quality. 

Mointoring stations in Beijing showed PM10 readings of more than 1000 micrograms per cubic meter, and PM2.5 readings of over 400 micrograms, according to official figures.

There has been speculation online that the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau (BMEPB) might have been using the water sprays to give false air quality index readings. 

The bureau responded on Friday, saying that environmental monitoring data are correct, factual and real, and that the bureau would not tolerate any conduct that may interfere with the monitoring. 

The bureau also stated that it will start an investigation into the case, according to the regulations on environmental monitoring data falsification issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. 


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