Most pollution complaints stem from Hebei province

Hebei Province in China's north has most complaints from the public regarding pollution, the environment authority said on Thursday. The Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) released its monthly report on pollution complaints through the"12369" hotline during November 2013, and 29 out of the total 218 originated in Hebei. The province, neighboring on Beijing, produces most of China's steel. Hebei, Beijing and surrounding areas are frequently hit by heavy smog. The two other provinces with most complaints are Jiangsu and Shandong provinces. The Ministry said 176, or 81 percent, were confirmed after investigation. Furthermore, 113 cases concerned air pollution. Involved parties have been suspended, fined, shut down, or passed on to relevant authorities.