SUEZ Joint Venture Chongqing Derun Simbond Awarded Soil Remediation Project in Support of Yangtze River Ecological Conservation

Spanning 11 provincial-level regions from China’s inland west to its eastern coast, the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) is home to more than 40 percent of the country’s population. Decades of rapid industrialisation along the river have driven remarkable economic growth, while also inflicting environmental damage. Ecological conservation of the Yangtze River is of paramount importance to China.

SUEZ and Chongqing Derun Environment joint venture, Chongqing Derun Simbond, have been awarded the soil decontamination project at the former Minfeng Chemical Plant in Chongqing. Historically used for chromate production, the approximately 73.3 acre site has an estimated 2.7 million m3 of soil contaminated with hexavalent chromium, posing environmental risks.

As the EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contractor, the Chongqing Derun Simbond-led consortium will apply on-site ex-situ remediation and containment technologies to carry out soil remediation work. Following completion of the project, expected by April 2027, the site may be repurposed for parkland or storage use.

This project, which aims to set a benchmark in the field, is part of broader efforts towards the region’s ecological conservation, targeting decommissioned chemical plants across the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle and along the Yangtze River. It supports the high-quality development strategy of the Yangtze River Economic Belt by safeguarding the watershed ecosystem and enhancing the livelihoods of riverside communities. 

The Chongqing Derun Simbond joint venture, a leading operator with extensive experience and strong recognition in soil and groundwater remediation across the Yangtze River Economic Belt

Focused on integrated ecosystem and environmental remediation solutions, Chongqing Derun Simbond has successfully delivered projects in provinces and municipalities such as Chongqing, Shanghai, Sichuan and Jiangsu. In the field of soil and groundwater remediation, the joint venture offers a broad range of technical solutions, including heavy-metal decontamination. Its soil remediation projects at Hanyuan County, Sichuan and Jiangbei District, Chongqing, are referenced as benchmarks for contaminated-site treatment, reflecting high-standard delivery and established engineering, and garnering strong recognition from clients and industry regulators. In watershed ecosystems, its patented in-situ algae control and water-quality restoration solution for deep lakes and reservoirs has been implemented in provinces including Zhejiang. The solution has also received the Innovation Award for Franco-Chinese Teams.

Deng Quanming, Vice-President of Chongqing Derun Environment and Chairman of Chongqing Derun Simbond, said: “Among Chongqing’s first wave of nationally identified soil remediation projects targeting former sites of chemical plants in the 1km zone along the Yangtze River, the Minfeng project is of the largest investment and highest public interest. The consortium for this project comprises both leading industry players and strong local enterprises. We are confident that by combining the strengths and efforts of all relevant stakeholders, we will deliver exceptional results, meet public expectations and make a meaningful contribution to the Yangtze River Protection Strategy.”

Specialised Environmental Solutions Supporting China’s Yangtze River Economic Belt Development Strategy

SUEZ is a long-term partner in China’s ecological transition, with five decades of engagement in the country’s green development. Through sustained involvement in the Yangtze River Economic Belt strategy, SUEZ delivers infrastructure development and operational services across water and wastewater treatment, sludge treatment, environmental services for industrial park, watershed ecosystem restoration, waste recycling and recovery. These activities span multiple provinces and municipalities along the Yangtze River Economic Belt, including Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hubei, Hunan, Chongqing, and Sichuan.

As a strategic hub in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing’s green development has basin-wide significance. With over 20 years of partnership, SUEZ provides the municipality with a broadening portfolio of services, spanning water supply, wastewater treatment, environmental services for industrial parks, innovation and R&D. In July 2025, SUEZ expanded its partnership with Changshou Economic and Technological Development Zone, with both parties jointly investing in, building, and operating an organic solvent recycling facility with an annual treatment capacity of 30,000 tons. This facility is designed to prevent liquid hazardous waste from contaminating water bodies and soil at the source.

As a strategic hub in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing’s green development has basin-wide significance. With over 20 years of partnership, SUEZ provides the municipality with a broadening portfolio of services, spanning water supply, wastewater treatment, environmental services for industrial parks, innovation and R&D. In July 2025, SUEZ expanded its partnership with Changshou Economic and Technological Development Zone, with both parties jointly investing in, building, and operating an organic solvent recycling facility with an annual treatment capacity of 30,000 tons. This facility is designed to prevent liquid hazardous waste from contaminating water bodies and soil at the source.

¹ Chongqing Derun Simbond Environmental Remediation Company Limited, a joint venture established in 2015 between SUEZand Chongqing Derun Environment, a subsidiary of Chongqing Water and Environment Group.