The State Council Information Office held a regular policy briefing on the “Implementation Opinions on Strengthening the Supervision and Management of Wastewater Discharge Outfalls into Rivers and the Sea.”

Release Date:

2022-04-06

　　At 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2022, the State Council Information Office held a regular policy briefing, during which Vice Minister Qiu Qiwen of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment presented details on the “Opinions of the General Office of the State Council on Strengthening the Supervision and Management of Wastewater Discharge Outfalls into Rivers and the Sea,” and answered questions from reporters.
　　Shou Xiaoli, Deputy Director of the News Bureau and Spokesperson of the State Council Information Office: Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to the State Council’s regular policy briefing. The General Office of the State Council has recently issued the “Implementation Opinions on Strengthening the Supervision and Management of Wastewater Discharge Outfalls into Rivers and the Sea.” Today, we have invited Mr. Qiu Qiwen, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, to brief you on the key aspects of these Implementation Opinions and to answer any questions you may have.
　　Next, we will first invite Mr. Qiu Qiwen to give an introduction.
　　Qiu Qiwen, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment: Distinguished friends from the media, good afternoon! Thank you very much for attending today’s policy briefing, and for your continued attention, concern, and support for ecological and environmental protection efforts.
　　On January 29, 2022, the General Office of the State Council issued the “Implementation Opinions on Strengthening the Supervision and Management of Pollutant Discharge Outfalls into Rivers and the Sea” (hereinafter referred to as the “Implementation Opinions”). Below, I will provide a brief overview of the relevant circumstances surrounding the issuance of these Implementation Opinions.
　　The CPC Central Committee and the State Council attach great importance to the reform of the supervision and management of wastewater discharge outlets into rivers and the sea. In 2021, leading officials of the CPC Central Committee issued important instructions on the issue of untreated sewage overflows directly discharging into the Yangtze River, calling for effective remediation of river‑bound discharge outlets and robust measures to intercept and treat pollutants, while also designating the strengthening of oversight and management of such outlets as a key central reform task.
　　To implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment has conducted multiple on-site investigations and symposiums at the grassroots level, extensively solicited opinions and suggestions from relevant departments, local authorities, enterprises, and experts, and organized pilot programs for the identification and remediation of pollutant discharge outlets in the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Bohai Sea. Drawing fully on the experiences of relevant departments and localities and summarizing the outcomes of these pilot initiatives, the Ministry drafted the “Implementation Opinions” (draft for review). Following deliberation and approval by the Central Commission for Comprehensively Deepening Reform, the document was issued and put into effect by the General Office of the State Council.
　　The “Implementation Opinions” thoroughly implement Xi Jinping’s Thought on Ecological Civilization, and, in line with the reform directions set forth by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, articulate specific requirements for strengthening the supervision and management of pollutant discharge outlets across five key areas: overall principles, investigation and source tracing, categorized remediation, oversight and administration, and supporting measures. The document also sets out guiding principles, including integrated land–water management, adopting a water‑centric approach to shoreline planning, clarifying responsibilities and enforcing rigorous oversight, applying uniform standards while implementing differentiated management, prioritizing key issues, and advancing implementation in stages. Furthermore, it specifies the target tasks and milestones for 2023 and 2025.
　　The Implementation Opinions set forth three key tasks: First, conduct surveys and trace the sources of discharges. Provincial-level people’s governments shall coordinate and organize the identification and remediation of discharge outlets within their administrative jurisdictions, while prefectural- and city-level people’s governments shall assume primary responsibility for carrying out these activities. In accordance with the principle of “inspecting every outlet and thoroughly investigating all that should be inspected,” they are to undertake comprehensive surveys and, guided by the principles of “the polluter pays” and government liability as a safety net, identify the responsible entities for each outlet and establish a roster of such entities. Second, implement categorized remediation. Discharge outlets are classified into four types—industrial outlets, urban sewage treatment plant outlets, agricultural outlets, and other outlets—and, in line with the approach of “banning a batch in accordance with the law, consolidating and cleaning up another batch, and standardizing and upgrading a third batch,” prefectural- and city-level governments are to formulate and execute remediation plans, prioritizing the interception and treatment of pollutants. Third, strengthen oversight and management by adopting specific measures across five areas: enhancing planning guidance, tightening approval procedures, reinforcing supervision and enforcement, enforcing environmental laws rigorously, and building an information platform.
　　To ensure the smooth implementation of the “Implementation Opinions,” clear requirements have been set forth in four areas: strengthening organizational leadership, enforcing rigorous performance assessment and accountability, bolstering science and technology support, and enhancing public oversight.
　　The issuance of the “Implementation Opinions” represents a concrete step in putting Xi Jinping’s Thought on Ecological Civilization into practice, an important measure for implementing the principles of precise, scientific, and law-based pollution control, and a robust initiative to support the successful battle to protect our waters. At the same time, it will help advance the modernization of the ecological and environmental governance system and governance capacity. Going forward, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, in coordination with relevant departments and in accordance with the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, will place improving ecological and environmental quality at the core of its efforts. It will deepen reforms in the establishment and management of discharge outlets, formulate and implement supporting regulatory documents and technical standards, strengthen ongoing and post‑event oversight, and establish a sound, long‑term supervision and management mechanism characterized by clear accountability, rational placement, and standardized administration. These measures will effectively control pollutant discharges into rivers and the sea, thereby making a positive contribution to building a Beautiful China.
　　Now, I am happy to answer the questions that concern our journalists.
　　Shou Xiaoli: Thank you, Vice Minister Qiu Qiwen, for your introduction. We will now proceed to the Q&A session. Before asking your question, please state the name of your news organization.
　　China News Service reporter: The “Implementation Opinions” is the first top-level policy document on the supervision and management of discharge outlets issued following the reform of Party and state institutions. Could you please elaborate on the innovative measures introduced in these “Implementation Opinions”? Thank you.
　　Qiu Qiwen: Thank you for your question. In 2018, the reform of Party and state institutions transferred responsibility for managing discharge outlets into rivers and the sea to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, laying the groundwork for integrating land‑based and aquatic, as well as terrestrial and marine, management. Recently, the General Office of the State Council issued the “Implementation Opinions,” which systematically outlines measures for the supervision and management of discharge outlets, addressing such issues as how to treat existing outlets, how to review newly established ones, and how to manage them on a day‑to‑day basis. It should be noted that this document is the first top‑level policy framework issued by the central authorities on the supervision and management of discharge outlets, featuring numerous innovative initiatives. I believe these are reflected in at least four key areas.
　　First, the scope of regulation has been expanded. Previously, oversight and management of discharge outlets were limited to industrial sources and urban wastewater treatment plants. Building on this foundation, the regulatory framework has been further broadened to include discharge outlets from large and medium-sized irrigation districts, as well as those below a certain scale. Aquaculture Types such as aquaculture discharge outlets are included, essentially covering all common discharge outlets and achieving full coverage.
　　Second, management responsibilities must be firmly enforced. The persistent issue of “unidentifiable responsible parties” for discharge outlets has long plagued frontline regulatory work, making it difficult to implement certain management requirements. The Implementation Opinions mandate that a clear responsible entity be designated for each discharge outlet; where such an entity cannot be determined, the people’s government at the municipal or county level in the jurisdiction shall assume responsibility, or designate a responsible party, thereby ensuring that every matter is managed and every obligation is fulfilled.
　　Third, remediation will be advanced in phases and by category. Issues such as illegally or non‑compliantly established discharge outlets, direct discharge of domestic sewage, and the practice of discharging pollutants via bypass channels are pressing concerns for the public. The Implementation Opinions set forth the requirement to “legally shut down a batch, clean up and consolidate another batch, and standardize and rectify a third batch.” Localities are to refine the classification of discharge outlets in light of their specific circumstances and formulate and implement targeted remediation plans, with a focus on intercepting and treating pollutants.
　　Fourth, streamline administration and delegate power to improve services. The Implementation Opinions implement the State Council’s “delegation, regulation, and service” reform principles by further devolving approval authorities, simplifying approval procedures, building an information platform, and introducing online approval processes—ensuring that data travels more while citizens have to make fewer trips.
　　Going forward, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment will, in accordance with the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, fully implement the “Implementation Opinions,” promote the establishment and improvement of a long-term supervision and management mechanism characterized by clear responsibilities, rational institutional design, and standardized administration, continuously enhance its capacity and level of oversight over discharge outlets, and steadily advance the improvement of water quality in river basins and marine areas. Thank you.
　　Guangming Daily reporter: We understand that tracing the sources of and rectifying pollution discharge outlets is a highly complex task, often encountering situations where the primary polluter cannot be identified or no one is held accountable. Could you please elaborate on how the “Implementation Opinions” address these challenges? Thank you.
　　Qiu Qiwen: Thank you for your question. The issues of “no identifiable responsible party” and “no one taking accountability” at discharge outlets have long been pressing challenges in grassroots management. The Implementation Opinions focus on enforcing principal responsibility and ensuring that inspection and remediation efforts are carried out thoroughly and in meticulous detail, with considerations along the following lines.
　　First, we are progressively clarifying the responsible entities. Starting in 2019, we launched pilot projects to identify and rectify discharge outlets along the Yangtze River, the Bohai Sea, and the Yellow River. During these efforts, we discovered that some polluting entities were discharging wastewater through stormwater inlets, while others even used underground karst caves for such discharges, making it difficult to assign clear responsibility. In response to these complex situations, the Implementation Opinions stipulate that local authorities must, in accordance with the principles of “the polluter pays” and government liability as a safety net, individually determine the responsible entity for each discharge outlet and establish a corresponding list. What responsibilities do these entities bear? They are accountable for source‑level pollution control, as well as for the remediation, standardized construction, and ongoing maintenance and management of the discharge outlets. For those outlets where responsibility remains unclear, they must not be left unattended; instead, under the principle of local government liability, the county‑ or prefecture‑level people’s government shall assume responsibility, or designate another entity to do so. For example, in some areas, abandoned mine shafts continuously discharge wastewater, and certain tailings ponds persistently release effluent—often because the owners of these tailings facilities have gone bankrupt and can no longer be located. In such cases, the government must step in to oversee source‑level pollution control and the remediation of the discharge outlets, ensuring that there is someone to manage the issue and someone to take accountability.
　　Second, it is essential to strengthen local-level management responsibilities. The Implementation Opinions call for establishing a mechanism for the supervision and management of discharge outlets, under which the state provides overall coordination, provincial governments assume overarching responsibility, and city- and county-level authorities ensure effective implementation. Provincial people’s governments are tasked with coordinating and organizing the identification and remediation of discharge outlets within their jurisdictions, formulating work plans tailored to local conditions, conducting regular progress reviews, and ensuring that all relevant parties fulfill their duties. As for city‑level people’s governments, they should assume primary responsibility by developing specific implementation plans—whereas the provincial government sets the overarching work plan, the municipal government translates it into concrete measures. They are also responsible for carrying out source‑tracing and remediation efforts for discharge outlets within their administrative areas, as well as for day-to-day oversight and management; they must urge the relevant entities to shoulder their remediation obligations and ensure that reform measures are effectively put into practice. Thank you.
　　Pengpai News reporter: The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has previously conducted multiple rounds of surveys to identify discharge outlets into rivers and the sea. Could you please tell us what results have been achieved? In addition, what is the current status of the existing discharge outlets into rivers and the sea? What key characteristics of these outlets have been identified through the survey? Thank you.
　　Qiu Qiwen: Thank you for your question. As I mentioned earlier, since 2019, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, in coordination with relevant provinces and municipalities, has successively launched investigations and remediation efforts targeting discharge outlets along the Yangtze River, the Bohai Sea, and the Yellow River. The main outcomes achieved are as follows, which I would like to share with you.
　　First, we have essentially established a comprehensive inventory of discharge outlets. Employing a combination of drone‑based aerial surveys, on‑foot field inspections, and expert quality‑control reviews, we adhered to the principle of “inspecting every outlet and leaving no stone unturned.” While leveraging advanced technologies, we also invested considerable effort in meticulous, hands‑on verification—each outlet was inspected on site by foot—thereby clarifying the total number of discharge points in pilot areas such as the Yangtze River and the Bohai Sea. Specifically, we identified 60,292 riverine discharge outlets along the Yangtze and 18,886 marine discharge outlets in the Bohai Sea, representing increases of 30‑fold and 25‑fold, respectively, compared with the figures previously reported by local authorities and relevant departments. To put this into perspective: prior to the 2019 campaign to identify and rectify these outlets, the Yangtze had only 1,973 known discharge points; this latest survey has expanded that number by a factor of 30. Similarly, the Bohai Sea, which once had fewer than 800 identified outlets, now boasts over 18,000 following the survey—an increase of 25 times. Meanwhile, the inspection and remediation of the Yellow River are still ongoing; to date, approximately 17,000 discharge outlets along the upper reaches and key tributaries have been surveyed. With the baseline data now firmly established, a solid foundation has been laid for scientifically informed cleanup efforts.
　　Second, the sources of wastewater discharges have been preliminarily identified. Standardized documents, such as the Key Work Guidelines for Discharge Outlet Monitoring, have been formulated and issued, and local authorities have been organized to carry out water quality monitoring and source-tracing efforts, enabling timely understanding of wastewater discharge conditions and their origins. By the end of 2021, monitoring of discharge outlets in the Yangtze River Basin and the Bohai Sea had been largely completed, with over 80 percent of source-tracing tasks finished. Ongoing work continues to address persistent challenges, including misconnections, incorrect connections, and leakage in sewage collection networks.
　　Third, a number of discharge outlets were promptly rectified. Adhering to the principle of “one outlet, one tailored plan; persistent oversight until completion,” pilot areas along the Yangtze, Bohai Sea, and Yellow River regions fully completed the naming, coding, and signage of discharge outlets, and implemented comprehensive “household registration”‑based management. Support was provided to localities in developing more than 100 demonstration projects for remediation, and technical standards covering three-tiered surveys, naming, and coding were issued to guide remediation efforts nationwide. During these efforts, prompt corrective actions addressed over 8,000 cases of direct and improper wastewater discharges.
　　Over the past few years, efforts to identify and remediate pollution discharge outlets have significantly improved water quality in relevant river basins and marine areas, as evidenced by available data. By the end of 2020, the mainstream of the Yangtze River had, for the first time, achieved Class II water quality along its entire length, a status that was sustained in 2021, marking a historic breakthrough. The Yellow River’s mainstream has also met the Class III water quality standard across its entire course, while the proportion of nearshore waters in the Bohai Sea meeting Class I or II standards increased by 16.9 percentage points compared with 2018.
　　Earlier, you asked about the characteristics of wastewater discharge outlets. After summarizing and analyzing the data, we found that discharge outlets in different river basins and sea areas indeed exhibit distinct features. For example, the Yangtze River’s riverine discharge outlets are characterized by “four abundances and four scarcities”: more outlets downstream than upstream; more tributaries than the main stem; more mixed discharges than centralized collection—where various types of wastewater are discharged together—and fewer outlets with proper centralized collection; more blind spots and fewer standardized practices. In contrast, the Bohai Sea’s marine discharge outlets display a pattern of “one abundance, one wide distribution, two strengths, and one weakness”: a large number of outlets spread over a broad area; “two strengths” referring to strong seasonality and pronounced intermittency—some outlets operate in winter, others in summer, some during flood seasons, and others on an intermittent basis; and “one weakness,” namely weak infrastructure.
　　Going forward, building on the pilot program, we will, in light of the specific characteristics of discharge outlets in different river basins and sea areas, guide local authorities in developing scientifically sound work plans and steadily and systematically advancing the identification and remediation of these outlets. Thank you.
　　Southern Metropolis Daily reporter: Earlier reports also indicated that, during the Ministry of Ecology and Environment’s special inspection and remediation campaign, a large number of discharge outlets were identified, with complex circumstances. As you just mentioned, these outlets exhibit numerous characteristics, making their remediation quite challenging. The “Implementation Opinions” propose to “legally shut down a batch, consolidate and clean up another batch, and standardize and rectify a third batch.” Could you specify which particular discharge outlets will be shut down or subject to remediation? Thank you.
　　Qiu Qiwen: As you just mentioned, although discharge outlets may be small in size, the issues they pose are highly complex. Based on the information we currently have, some outlets are open, some are concealed, and others consist of “large outlets enclosing smaller ones.” Moreover, many are unauthorized or improperly connected, with problems arising from incorrect or mixed connections. To ensure the smooth implementation of remediation efforts, we have drawn extensively on the outcomes of pilot projects and local experience, and have established a categorized approach to addressing these issues: “legally shut down a batch, clean up and consolidate another batch, and standardize and rectify a third batch.”
　　First, a number of discharges will be shut down in accordance with the law. What does this mean? It means that any discharge outlets illegally established within drinking water source protection zones, nature reserves, or other areas requiring special protection—where such activities contravene relevant laws and regulations—must be ordered to be dismantled or closed by the people’s government at or above the county level in the jurisdiction, or by the ecological and environmental authorities, in strict compliance with the law. Of course, during the remediation process, we place particular emphasis on safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the public, properly addressing legacy issues, and refraining from adopting a simplistic “one‑size‑fits‑all” approach. For enterprises and institutions that face genuine difficulties and cannot complete the rectification of their discharge outlets in the short term, we will establish reasonable transition periods and provide guidance and support to facilitate the process. In particular, for areas not yet covered by sewage collection networks, as well as for scattered domestic wastewater discharge points, we will allow sufficient time to carry out thorough and prudent remediation. This entails upgrading underground and collection sewer systems and ensuring the standardized operation and management of wastewater treatment plants—steps that require a gradual, systematic approach.
　　Second, a number of discharge outlets will be consolidated and eliminated. To put it simply, there are three scenarios. First, within the coverage area of urban sewage networks, domestic wastewater discharge points that operate in a scattered manner should, in principle, be consolidated and eliminated, with wastewater legally and properly connected to the centralized collection system. This is because such scattered outlets constantly release black water and sewage, which, over time, cannot be tolerated. Second, within industrial parks, other types of development zones, or various specialized clusters, existing discharge outlets of enterprises should, wherever possible, be consolidated and closed. Wastewater should be collected via interceptors and conveyed to centralized treatment facilities located within the park or zone for unified processing. In industrial parks, where numerous discharge outlets currently exist, they must, in accordance with regulations, be routed to the park’s centralized treatment system for collective processing, after which effluent is discharged into the environment through standardized outlets. What about those outside the park? These too should, as far as practicable, be consolidated and closed, with the general principle being that each enterprise retains only one discharge outlet. Of course, for some large-scale enterprises, maintaining just one outlet may not be feasible; in such cases, two or more outlets may be permitted, but they must be duly registered with the local ecological and environmental authorities. Third, for small and medium-sized areas that are densely clustered… Aquaculture Aquaculture discharge outlets: Localities are encouraged to implement unified collection and treatment of aquaculture effluent and to establish standardized discharge points.
　　Third, we will carry out a batch of standardization and remediation efforts. This involves implementing such measures in accordance with the “three‑benefit” principle. The first benefit is to clarify responsibilities: we will focus on dismantling unauthorized branch lines and secondary pipes connected to sewage discharge networks, thereby addressing the issue of discharging pollutants by way of others’ systems; at the same time, we will ensure that entities sharing a common discharge outlet clearly delineate their respective liabilities—when multiple enterprises jointly use the same outlet, they must assign responsibility for pollution accordingly. The second benefit is to improve management: this includes promptly upgrading and maintaining aging or damaged sewage pipelines, and when drainage is obstructed or inspection and maintenance are difficult, adjusting the location of discharge outlets and the routing of pipelines as needed, while installing necessary inspection chambers to facilitate routine inspections, cleaning, and other maintenance activities. The third benefit is to strengthen oversight: signage must be installed in compliance with regulations and arranged in a standardized manner, facilitating on‑site monitoring and supervisory inspections. As this demonstrates, the identification and remediation of discharge outlets is a complex, system‑wide undertaking that requires tailored measures to address diverse circumstances. Thank you.
　　Red Star News Reporter: My question is this: How does the Ministry of Ecology and Environment ensure that identified discharge outlets comply with the law in their discharges? During the inspection process, have any instances of falsification in discharge‑monitoring data been detected, and if so, how were they addressed? Will stricter regulatory measures be imposed on enterprises that engage in illegal discharges or tamper with monitoring data? Thank you.
　　Qiu Qiwen: Thank you for your question. As you know, the Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law, the Water Law, the Marine Environmental Protection Law, and other relevant laws clearly stipulate that unauthorized or non‑compliant discharge outlets shall be ordered to be dismantled within a specified time limit and restored to their original condition; the discharging entities responsible for such outlets shall be required to suspend production for remediation, and fines shall be imposed. To ensure compliance with these legal requirements, the Implementation Opinions call for strengthening environmental enforcement at discharge outlets: violations of laws and regulations regarding the establishment of discharge outlets or non‑compliant discharges shall be subject to lawful penalties; and cases of clandestine pipe connections used to divert wastewater into others’ discharge outlets—thereby evading oversight and management—shall be investigated to identify the responsible parties and dealt with severely in accordance with the law. At the same time, the entities responsible for discharge outlets are required to fully assume their obligations, conduct regular inspections and maintenance of discharge pipelines, and promptly report to the local ecological and environmental authorities—and preserve evidence—upon discovering instances of third‑party diversion of wastewater.
　　With respect to leads on environmental violations identified during inspections, we will urge local authorities to investigate and impose penalties in accordance with laws and regulations. For practices such as illegal discharge and falsification of monitoring data, the ecological and environmental authorities will maintain a stringent enforcement stance, crack down firmly on such offenses in accordance with the law, and publicly expose unlawful conduct. Over the years, similar cases have been repeatedly brought to light, helping to advance the implementation of joint punitive measures. Where criminal offenses are suspected, we will coordinate closely with judicial authorities, promptly refer relevant cases to public security organs, and pursue criminal liability in accordance with the law. Thank you.
　　Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine reporter: The “Implementation Opinions” propose establishing a full‑process supervision and management system encompassing “receiving water bodies, discharge outlets, discharge channels, and discharging entities.” Could you elaborate on the specifics? And how will this comprehensive, end-to-end oversight be ensured? Thank you.
　　Qiu Qiwen: Thank you for your question. River and sea discharge outlets connect rivers, lakes, and seas on one end with production and daily life on the other, serving as a critical link between water and land. The “Implementation Opinions” set forth the fundamental principle of “integrated water–land management, with land‑based controls guided by water‑body conditions,” which means that, based on the ecological and environmental functions of water bodies, we must coordinate efforts across the shoreline and the water, between land and ocean, and among upstream and downstream areas as well as both banks of a river basin. By clearly defining requirements for the siting and management of discharge outlets, these measures will compel improvements in land‑based pollution control and enable comprehensive, end-to‑end oversight and regulation. What does “end-to-end” mean? It refers to the entire chain: starting from the receiving water body—rivers, lakes, and seas—and moving upstream to the discharge outlet, then to the discharge pipelines and channels, and finally to the polluting enterprises themselves. This full‑chain, holistic approach to supervision and management is designed to drive continuous improvement in the ecological and environmental quality of river basins and marine areas. So how can we achieve such end-to-end oversight? The “Implementation Opinions” specify several key measures:
　　First, we must strengthen planning‑driven guidance. Environmental protection plans at all levels, including marine ecological and environmental protection plans as well as water resource protection zoning plans, must fully take into account the requirements for the siting and management of discharge outlets. At the same time, our country has established a system of strategic environmental assessment; within this framework, the implementation of discharge‑outlet management requirements will be treated as a key component. This planning‑based approach effectively addresses the issue of upstream layout and configuration, ensuring that such facilities are sited in a scientifically sound and rational manner.
　　Second, standardized review and approval procedures are in place. For discharge outlets with significant environmental impacts—such as industrial discharge outlets and those from urban sewage treatment plants—these are subject to statutory review and approval, which essentially serves as a gatekeeping mechanism to ensure compliance. By contrast, discharge outlets discharging into the sea operate under a filing system, which likewise regulates the review process for such outlets.
　　Third, strengthen oversight and management. The ecological and environmental authorities employ a key tool—issuing discharge permits—to legally specify requirements such as self-monitoring and public disclosure by the entities responsible for discharge outlets. In addition, in accordance with the “double-random, one-public” inspection approach, these authorities shall conduct supervisory monitoring of discharge outlets that have significant environmental impacts. Furthermore, they will carry out source‑tracing and remediation efforts and intensify regulatory enforcement against practices such as discharging pollutants by diverting flows.
　　Fourth, we will strengthen science and technology support. As mentioned earlier, we will implement end-to-end, full‑process oversight across the entire chain, including identifying and tracing pollution discharge outlets, and developing practical technologies and equipment for remote sensing monitoring, aerial surveying of water surfaces, underwater exploration, and pipeline inspections. We will also intensify fundamental research to analyze how the spatial distribution and discharge patterns of these outlets affect the water quality of receiving water bodies. The ultimate goal of regulating discharge outlets is to compel on‑shore pollution control and ensure comprehensive coverage of the entire regulatory process. Thank you.
　　People’s Daily reporter: Minister Qiu, hello. The Central Economic Work Conference emphasized the need to uphold the principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, and to carefully calibrate the timing, intensity, and effectiveness of policy adjustments and reform initiatives, adhering to the approach of establishing new frameworks before dismantling old ones and proceeding steadily and surely. Could you please explain how the “Implementation Opinions” reflect these requirements? Thank you.
　　Qiu Qiwen: Thank you for your question. As everyone knows, the Central Economic Work Conference clearly stated that we must adhere to the principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, carefully calibrate the timing, intensity, and effectiveness of policy measures, and follow the approach of establishing new frameworks before dismantling old ones, proceeding steadily and methodically. The “Implementation Opinions” on the identification and remediation of pollutant discharge outlets fully and conscientiously implement these central directives, reflecting the principles of seeking progress within stability, steady and prudent action, and establishing new systems before dismantling the old in several key aspects—namely, in setting objectives, organizing the identification and remediation process, and strengthening oversight and management. Let me briefly highlight a few points.
　　First, in terms of work planning, we have adhered to a strategy of piloting first and proceeding steadily. As I mentioned earlier, since 2019, we have carried out pilot projects to identify and map discharge outlets in the Yangtze River Basin, the Yellow River Basin, the Bohai Sea, and other river basins and marine areas. The Yangtze River project covers 63 cities; prior to rolling out the full-scale survey, we selected pilot sites in Chongqing, Taizhou, and several other cities to test approaches, accumulate experience, and refine our methods. Moreover, the “Implementation Opinions” clearly delineate the tasks for identification and remediation in two phases, setting specific milestones for 2023 and 2025. This approach underscores our commitment to a steady, step-by-step implementation.
　　Second, in the identification and remediation of discharge outlets, we will adhere to the principles of seeking truth from facts and prioritizing people’s livelihoods. As I just mentioned, discharge outlets touch on all aspects of production and daily life, come in many types, and present complex issues—some even directly affect the vital interests of the public. The Implementation Opinions explicitly stipulate that for discharge outlets of public institutions and enterprises closely tied to residents’ daily lives, as well as those in residential communities—including those of sewage treatment plants—comprehensive planning must be carried out. We must avoid a simplistic “one‑size‑fits‑all” approach or mere closure; such measures are strictly prohibited to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the public and ensure that the remediation work proceeds steadily and in an orderly manner. Furthermore, for enterprises and institutions that face genuine difficulties and cannot complete the remediation of their discharge outlets within a short timeframe, reasonable transitional periods may be established. We will also strengthen technical guidance and support to assist them in carrying out the necessary improvements.
　　Third, with regard to the establishment and management of discharge outlets, we have implemented the central government’s “delegation, regulation, and service” reform requirements to ease the burden on enterprises. On the one hand, we have devolved approval authority: the Ministry of Ecology and Environment no longer reviews applications for the establishment of discharge outlets; instead, it has delegated this responsibility to the river basin (and marine) supervisory and administrative bureaus. These bureaus are tasked with overseeing outlets at provincial boundaries and national borders, as well as those involving disputes between provinces. For major projects—whose environmental impact assessment reports are reviewed by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment—the approval of discharge outlets is handled by the relevant river basin-level ecological and environmental supervision agencies. All other outlets are subject to localized management at the provincial level, with provincial ecological and environmental authorities determining tiered approval authorities for discharge outlets within their jurisdictions. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, to reduce the administrative burden on enterprises and enhance approval efficiency, we have streamlined procedures through a “one-stop online service,” implementing online review processes that enable data to flow more efficiently while minimizing in-person visits for applicants. This comprehensive approach reflects our commitment to steady progress achieved through prudent and methodical implementation. Thank you.
　　Interface News Reporter: You just outlined the achievements of the inspection and remediation of discharge outlets into rivers and the sea. Could you tell us what experiences and approaches have we accumulated over the past three years, and how will these be applied in the next phase of our work? Thank you.
　　Qiu Qiwen: Thank you for your question. During the pilot phase, we advanced through practice, summarized our findings, and refined our approaches, gradually developing a number of effective practices and methods. These can be broadly categorized into several key areas:
　　First, we adhere to a problem‑oriented approach. We take the continuous improvement of ecological and environmental quality in river basins and marine areas as our starting point, adopting a combined strategy of “systematic diagnosis” and “on‑site inspections.” We ensure that our inspection resources are directed precisely where environmental problems exist; wherever water quality is poor, we focus our investigations and checks there, thereby closely linking remediation efforts with tangible improvements in environmental quality. Wherever problems are most acute, pollution is also most severe—meaning that discharge outlets are almost invariably present—and so we concentrate our efforts on those specific locations.
　　Second, we are concentrating our efforts on tackling the most challenging tasks. The Yangtze River Basin encompasses 63 cities, and the Bohai Sea region involves more than a dozen others—areas that have yet to be thoroughly surveyed. To address this, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment has adopted a “bottom-up” approach, coordinating resources across the entire system. At the same time, we have implemented six coordinated arrangements: integrating work plans, task assignments, timelines, geographic coverage, personnel deployment, and methodologies. We have also streamlined operational procedures and personnel scheduling, while fully leveraging the expertise of specialist teams to ensure that specialized tasks are carried out by qualified professionals. Let me offer an example: take the survey and remediation of discharge outlets along the Yangtze River. Given that this work spans the river’s main stem and tributaries, covering 11 provinces and 63 cities, we divided the entire shoreline into 1,093 grid‑based survey units and conducted systematic, grid‑level inspections. In three phases, we mobilized over 4,600 personnel, who walked the length of the river—from its source to its estuary—covering a cumulative distance of more than 180,000 kilometers—equivalent to circling the Earth’s equator four and a half times. It is easy to imagine that without meticulous planning and the coordinated mobilization of all available resources, such a daunting task would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible, to complete.
　　Third, we innovated our inspection and identification methods. Leveraging satellite remote sensing—particularly the “drones and unmanned vessels plus big data” approach—as a powerful surveillance tool, we combined this with on-the-ground manual inspections, walking along shorelines to systematically check each discharge outlet. This has given rise to a three-tiered inspection framework: drone‑based aerial surveying, ground‑based pedestrian patrols, and expert‑led quality‑control verification. Why involve experts? Because certain complex issues and highly sophisticated instruments demand specialized expertise; expert review ensures rigorous quality assurance. By establishing an integrated “water–land–air” inspection model, we have essentially mapped the total number of discharge outlets in the Yangtze River Basin, the Yellow River Basin, and the Bohai Sea area.
　　Fourth, we have strengthened guidance and support. Throughout implementation, we have continuously explored and distilled lessons learned, intensified investigation, analysis, research, and feasibility studies, and developed a set of technical standards to provide direction at the local level. At the same time, recognizing that source‑tracing and remediation are both labor‑intensive and highly challenging—areas in which no one has prior experience—the Ministry of Ecology and Environment has assisted localities in establishing more than 100 demonstration projects, enabling stakeholders to visit these sites for observation and learning. We have also organized the development of phased remediation plans, formulating them according to the principle of “one plan per site,” thereby providing robust support for precise, science‑based identification and remediation efforts.
　　I believe that, since the pilot program for identifying and rectifying discharge outlets was launched in 2019, each prefecture-level city and each province has developed its own distinctive approaches. Moving forward, our priorities are twofold: first, to establish a comprehensive set of technical standards to strengthen guidance; second, to encourage provinces and cities to intensify the exchange of best practices and technical training, thereby providing valuable lessons and reference for the nationwide effort to identify and remediate discharge outlets. Thank you.
　　Shou Xiaoli: One last question.
　　Cover News reporter: The “Implementation Opinions” stipulate that by the end of 2025, all discharge outlets within seven river basins and nearshore waters must be identified and surveyed. Could you please provide a specific timetable and roadmap? What are the key priorities and major challenges in this survey work? Thank you.
　　Qiu Qiwen: As I just explained, the eastern, central, and western regions of our country differ in both their socio-economic development conditions and the requirements for improving environmental quality, which in turn lead to variations in the status of discharge‑outlet remediation. In response, the “Implementation Opinions” set forth a working principle of prioritizing key areas and implementing measures in stages. Since 2019, pilot projects have been carried out to identify and rectify discharge outlets in the Yangtze River Basin, the Yellow River Basin, and the Bohai Sea. Drawing on the experience and practices gained from these pilots, the “Implementation Opinions” explicitly stipulate that priority should be given to the relevant river basins and sea areas—namely the Yangtze, Yellow, and Bohai Seas—while setting clear, phased objectives and targets. The initiative will begin with the monitoring, source tracing, and remediation of discharge outlets entering the Yangtze River. Let me elaborate: first, existing discharge outlets must be inventoried; once identified, they are subject to monitoring, which serves to trace their sources—determining who is responsible, how the pollutants were discharged, and what substances were released. Following source tracing, responsibility for remediation must be assigned to the appropriate entities. After addressing the existing outlets, they are to be brought under routine supervision and management. Thus, the commonly cited sequence of monitoring, source tracing, and remediation is currently being refined in our pilot efforts, particularly in terms of how to conduct the initial inventory. As for source‑tracing tasks, progress in the Yangtze River and Bohai Sea has reached approximately 80 percent, yet much work remains to be advanced continuously. This constitutes our primary focus and aligns with major national development strategies, such as the Yangtze Economic Belt and the high‑quality ecological protection and development of the Yellow River Basin.
　　The “Implementation Opinions” are structured into two phases: by 2023, the identification and inventory of discharge outlets along the main streams and major tributaries, as well as in key lakes and bays, will be completed for the seven major river basins—Yangtze, Yellow, Huai, Hai, Pearl, Songliao, and Taihu—emphasizing the main streams and significant tributaries. By 2025, full coverage will be achieved, with the identification of all discharge outlets across the seven river basins and nearshore waters; moreover, the remediation of discharge outlets along the main streams, major tributaries, and key lakes in these seven basins will be substantially finished. In short, one phase focuses on identification, while the other on remediation—this constitutes the national-level timetable and roadmap. With regard to the specific timeline and roadmap, the “Implementation Opinions” stipulate that each provincial people’s government shall formulate work plans tailored to local conditions, and each prefecture‑level people’s government shall develop implementation plans, clearly defining concrete timelines and roadmaps. Our next step is to guide and urge local authorities to promptly finalize their respective work and implementation plans, and to advance this effort in a solid, prudent, and proactive manner.
　　As for the difficulties and priorities in this work, I believe there are still quite a few. First, the issue of discharge outlets is highly complex: as mentioned earlier, there are large outlets nested within smaller ones, unauthorized connections, both visible and hidden outlets, and even discharges originating from underground rivers and karst caves. Moreover, some discharges occur during rainy seasons or flood periods, while at other times they are “small‑amount deposits with lump‑sum withdrawals,” only to surge outward all at once during high‑water events—making the situation extremely intricate. Second, the requirement is to conduct exhaustive inspections, achieving full coverage by 2025, which poses a significant challenge. Third, the discharge‑related tasks themselves are indeed onerous. With long riverbank shorelines and a substantial workload, coordinated efforts across multiple departments are essential to move forward collectively. That is why this document was issued under the name of the General Office of the State Council—to clearly assign overall responsibility to provincial governments and principal responsibility to prefectural‑level governments—precisely because the issue cuts across so many different sectors and stakeholders.
　　Going forward, we will earnestly implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, adhere to the principle of “conducting checks on every household and leaving no case unchecked,” and work in concert with relevant departments and local authorities, leveraging our respective strengths to forge synergy and ensure that the inspection and rectification efforts advance steadily and effectively. Thank you all.
　　Shou Xiaoli: Thank you, Vice Minister Qiu Qiwen, and thank you to all the journalists. That concludes today’s regular policy briefing of the State Council. Goodbye, everyone.