Environmental public-interest lawsuit settled through mediation

A company in Beijing has agreed to restore the environment it damaged after an environmental public-interest lawsuit was brought against it by a non-profit organization.

The company, Aier, specializes in the production and sale of metal packaging containers and paper-related products. It was accused of discharging excessive water and air pollutants over an extended period, as well as neglecting to monitor the emission of nitrogen oxides from its gas boilers.

The Beijing No 4 Intermediate People's Court mediated the dispute and Aier agreed to plant trees and flowers across 10,000 square meters in local scenic areas. The company also pledged to undertake biannual beach cleaning initiatives along the Ciwei River and Dashi River.

Judge Ma Jun, who presided over the case, said the court chose mediation because Aier had ceased polluting and committed to complying with environmental protection standards. He also praised the company's plan to restore the environment, saying it was more direct and effective than a mere financial settlement.

Data from the court said that it heard 28 such public-interest cases involving environment and ecology between 2016 and 2021. The cases covered a wide range of issues, including air pollution, solid waste pollution, wetland protection, and wildlife conservation.