An evaporation pool used by the Datang Hexigten Qi coal-to-gas plant is located deep in the grasslands, surrounded by barbed wire and many warning signs that read, ‘Stay away and watch your step. Water is deep and there is the possibility of drowning. Evaporation pools are dangerous. It is forbidden for people or livestock to approach.’ China’s flagship coal-to-gas pilot project is already breaking national standards on air and water pollution, according to an on-the-ground investigation by Greenpeace China.