Water quality in the Three Gorges reservoir remains unchange and the environment around the area has been well protected since sluicing started in June of last year, according to an official from the State Environment Protection Administration (SEPA).

Wang Jirong, vice Director of  SEPA acknowledged  the Chinese government has invested 4 billion yuan, or some US$482 million, to build at least one sewage plants in every county of the Three Gorges area.

Restrictions have also been set on shipping and breeding aquatics to prevent water pollution.

She says China will build some 300 sewage plants in total over the next six years. National nature reserves in this area are in the works as well.

(CRI July 26, 2004)