A boat carrying household garbage and construction waste is found docked at a wharf in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. (Photo/Chinanews.com)
(ECNS) -- Local police in Suzhou city of Jiangsu Province have launched an investigation into 4,000 tons of waste from Shanghai set to be dumped on the picturesque Xishan Island in east China's Taihu lake.
Eight boats carrying household garbage and construction waste were found docked at a wharf inside a provincial rehabilitation center at Jiangdong Village on Xishan island, dubbed the "Venice of the East".
The boats were all covered and suspects planned to dump the waste on the abandoned dike located in the center.
Local authorities worked with police, and environmental and maritime agencies put the boats under detention while an investigation was launched. There's been no change in the water quality.
The Suzhou government has announced that it will conduct a thorough investigation into the case, and vowed harsh punishment for those responsible.
The ship owners said they imported the garbage from Shanghai on June 25 and failed to unload their cargo on time due to heavy rain.
The island, about 40 kilometers southwest of Suzhou, covers an area of 90 square kilometers and is the largest island in Taihu Lake. Besides offering a unique view of the lake, the island is also known for its rolling hills, imposing rocks and winding paths.
Suzhou is a famous tourist destination, renowned for its canals, stone bridges, pagodas, and meticulously designed gardens.
