A major solar manufacturer has suspended its operations at one of its plants in China, following protest from residents over the discharge of hazardous waste into a local river.

An initial investigation by the local environmental protection authority has indicated that the pollution may have been caused by the improper storage of waste containing fluoride.

Local residents protested at the facility in Haining city in Zhejiang Province, from September 15 to September 17. Operations will remain paused until the damage has been assessed.

The company’s facility in Haining has the capacity to produce 1,100 MW of solar cells per year.