BEIJING — China addressed more environmental pollution cases in the first half of this year than the same period in 2016, according to the country’s environmental protection watchdog.

From January to June, China investigated and dealt with 17,169 violations of environmental protection laws and regulations, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP).

Over 610 million yuan ($89.95 million) in fines was issued in 503 cases where violators must pay daily fines until they address their wrongdoings, up 131 percent and 64 percent year on year respectively.

Meanwhile, 1,294 cases were transferred to public security departments, rising by 54 percent year on year.

This is the third year the MEP has launched a national inspection on violations of environmental protection laws and regulations.