Hebei chemical plants illegally store methanol near residential homes

In Xiaomakou Village, Dongguang County, Hebei Province, eight chemical enterprises have been exposed for the illegal storage and mixing of methanol byproducts. These facilities, which process crude alcohol into fuels for restaurants and grain stations, are located dangerously close to residential areas, with some factories separated from homes by only a single wall.

Investigations by CCTV’s “Focus Report” revealed significant safety violations. One enterprise alone stores nearly 2,000 tons of methanol, far exceeding the 500-ton threshold that classifies a site as a “major hazard source.” Of the eight companies involved, five lack the required hazardous chemical business licenses, while the remaining three operate with excessive quantities and outside their permitted scope.

The local village leadership is heavily implicated, as seven of the companies are reportedly owned by the family of the village Party Secretary, and another is owned by the village director. When questioned about the risks, the village Party Secretary dismissed the danger, stating, “It’s fine, we are used to it.” Furthermore, an official from the Dongguang County Emergency Management Bureau noted that while the factories should be relocated according to regulations, local authorities have prevented crackdowns to protect tax revenue.

Similar hazardous conditions involving chemical plants and large tankers have been reported in neighboring villages such as Damakou and Zhendiansun, contributing to severe environmental pollution and air quality issues.