Ten cities in Hebei province have launched their heavy air pollution reaction plans as from midday on 12 December, according to the provincial Environmental Protection Administration (EPA). A round of severe air pollution is expected to cover ten cities over 12-15 December, including several major steel-producing cities.

The short term heavy air pollution reaction plan can immediately impose restrictions on steel rolling, sintering lines and some related transport activities, Kallanish notes.

Shijiangzhuang, Baoding, Langfang, Xingtai, Hengshui, Handan, Dingzhou, Xinji, Tangshan and Cangzhou cities have reached an orange warning level for air pollution over the period. The suggested time for removal of the restrictions is 23:59 hours on 15 December but this can be adjusted by local governments according to the local air quality index.

Local EPA-equivalent organisations should report their daily monitoring and actions to the provincial central office before next day at 10:00 hours. An overview for the period is also to be reported within two days of the restrictions being removed.