GM faces strong opposition to its new paint-spray plant among highly populated residential areas
By China CSR Watch (www.csrcsr.com)
Shanghai General Motors, GM’s JV branch in China, has announced its plan to set up a paint-spray plant in Shenyang of northeast China, which will have the capacity to paint 150,000 Chevrolet-branded cars per year. The plant is located in highly populated areas and faces strong opposition from local residents for environmental concerns.
According to the public environmental impact announcement jointly issued on May 29th 2007 by Shanghai GM and Liaoning Environment Science Research Institute, the plant will generate pollutants such as P-Xylene.
“I chose to settle down in this area mostly because of the nice environment and the orchard that has decades of history. However, if now we have a pollutant-generating plant very close to my home, my life will surely be greatly effected,” said LI Nong, a local resident, a lawyer, and a representative elected by unhappy local residents.
On June 1st, more than 200 residents protested the potential pollution brought by this new plant in their community plaza and again on June 6th, more than 100 residents gathered in front of the Shenyang government to demonstrate their opposition. It is estimated that around 500,000 people reside within several kilometers of the plant, and the closest residential building is only 50 meters away.
Sources (in Chinese):
China Philanthropy Times: http://www.gongyishibao.com/jrxw.asp?newsid=53&act=jrxw
Soufan.com: http://bbs.sy.soufun.com/1617144623~-1~509/951937_951937.htm
Shenyang Department of Publicity: http://www.syxcb.gov.cn/index/gzdt-13.htm