LUCHENG, Shanxi/HANDAN, Hebei, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 9 tonnes of aniline leaked by a chemical plant in north China's Shanxi Province have ended up in the Zhuozhang River, affecting a downstream city in neighboring Hebei and Henan provinces.
Water in Yuecheng Reservoir and the Red Flag Canal of Anyang City in central China's Henan Province has been tested for excessive aniline and volatile phenol after the pollution in Shanxi, said an announcement released by Anyang municipal government.
Anyang has five water plants, among which only one uses Yuecheng Reservoir as its water source. The city government authorities have cut the water supply from the affected reservoir and canal.
The announcement said drinking water in urban areas is safe with all indexes rated as standard, while the government also told residents living along the pollution-affected river and reservoir not to use water for drinking and irrigation.
An initial investigation revealed that a loose drainage valve in the plant, which is owned by the Tianji Coal Chemical Industry Group in the city of Lucheng, was to blame for the leak.
Plant employees spotted aniline leaking from a broken pipe on the morning of Dec. 31, 2012 while conducting a routine check, a company spokesman said.
Girl wearing "military uniform" parade on the street to publicize the new traffic regulation