Kunming mayor meets residents on chemical plant controversy

In Yunnan, over possible plans to build a PX chemical plant in the provincial capital Kunming. The mayor of Kunming has held a meeting with 40 local residents and oil company staff, discussing public concerns over the risks of PX products to human health. An oil refinery is being built in the area, but the PX project has not yet been approved.

The oil giant SINOPEC says the plant being built now has got nothing to do with PX products.

"We haven't started any construction of PX-related projects. The oil refining plant which is being built will only produce gasoline and diesel," said Hu Jingke, manager of Yunnan oil products, Sinopec.

An environmental activist raised concerns over air pollution from the plant. SINOPEC technical staff said there was no need to worry about.

"The major emission is carbon disulphide, which is no different than vehicle emissions. The strictest standards will be adopted to avoid polluting underground water," Wu Kai, technical staff of Sinopec.

Local authorities admitted that a PX feasibility study IS underway, but said they would respect public view.

"We will act according to the majority's opinions. We'll cancel the project without hesitation if most people oppose it," said Li Wenrong, mayor of Kunming City

Another question focused on transparency.

"What will you do to make sure residents are kept up to date on the project's development?" teacher of Kunming University Yang Yehai said.

"We'll conduct public hearings, and questionnaires will be issued to solicit opinions," said Li Wenrong, mayor of Kunming city.

Others were concerned about the risk of disasters that might be caused by the project. Authorities said the site had been selected that avoids water sources and earthquake faults.

Li said a shortage of gasoline has become a bottleneck in Yunan's province. He said there would be strict supervision of the oil refining project, and regular briefings to the public on the PX program feasibility studies.