Apple supplier called out for polluting river

An Apple supplier known for making iPads has been penalised by Chinese authorities for turning a nearby river in Shanghai “white” after dumping pollutants during the nation’s Spring Festival holiday. 

The supplier, RiTeng Computer Accessory, had wrongfully dumped waste water used for cleaning processes due to suspected staff negligence, according to a Friday statement from a parent company.

Authorities first became aware of the problem after residents had reported that the river’s water had turned white, a local environmental protection bureau reported. The water was then traced back to RiTeng’s facilities in the area.

The bureau’s preliminary investigation found that the waste water included cutting fluid and oil that had flowed from the company’s storm drain. Other environmental problems were also found including noise levels exceeding standards.

The environmental bureau has penalised the supplier, although it is unclear if the company was fined. RiTeng’s parent company, Casetek, made its Friday statement in response to a news report that said the supplier would be forced to pay 270,000 yuan (US$43,000).

The RiTeng facilities, however, are still operating normally. The supplier is complying with the authorities’ investigation, and working to resolve the problems, Casetek added.

RiTeng was previously in the news for a factory explosion that sent 61 workers to hospital in December 2011. One of the factories there is known to assemble iPads. Company workers have complained of chemical smells and unpaid overtime.

Apple, however, has been making progress in keeping its suppliers in line with environmental regulations, said Wang Jingjing, vice director for China’s Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs (IPE). The group had previously been critical of Apple for failing to monitor its suppliers. But the company has since stepped up audits and increased pressure on suppliers to comply, she said.

“Apple has opened up and you can see they have taken a great effort to push their suppliers to take corrective action,” Wang said. The group released a report last month documenting the improvements.

IPE has already informed Apple about the waste water dumping by RiTeng, and the U.S. company is sending staff to investigate, according to Wang.

Apple did not respond to a request for comment.