China's highest judicial and procuratorial organs jointly issued a new judicial interpretation on June 18 imposing criminal punishments on polluters.

With more precise criteria for convictions and sentencing, the document, which took effect on June 19, is expected to facilitate the work of judges and tighten punishments for polluters.

The document lists 14 activities that will be considered "crimes of impairing the protection of the environment and resources."

Contaminating drinking water sources or nature reserves with radioactive, pathogenic or toxic waste is a crime. Activities that poison more than 30 people or force the evacuation of more than 5,000 are also designated as environmental crimes.

The interpretation considers pollution near hospitals, schools and residential areas serious offenses.

According to the country's Criminal Law, those convicted of such crimes will face a maximum prison term of seven years and be subjected to fines.