People found responsible for illegally discharging dangerous chemicals into water may face up to 15 days' detention, according to a proposal issued by China's National People's Congress(NPC).

Staff directly responsible for pouring poisonous, radioactive and erosive substances, spreading pathogen or illegally disposing of dangerous substances would face detention, says the proposal.

The proposal, posted on the website of the Ministry of Environmental Protection on Tuesday, did not elaborate on the penalty, but said the punishment would be judged on the severity of the incident.

According to the Chinese law, only police authorities above county level could have the power to exercise administrative detention, which is different from criminal arrest and lasts from one to 15 days.

The punishment also applies to leaders on the ground of duty dereliction, it says.

Environmental protection bureaux and authorities are required to investigate cases of alleged water pollution and report to public security bureaux promptly, it notes.

Staff and leaders in environmental watchdogs which failed to transfer suspects of water pollution could face punishment including warning, demerit, demotion, and dismissal, according to the proposal.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2008)