BEIJING – Environmental groups have published a report criticizing Apple’s supply chain in China for alleged environmental pollution.

After five months of research, the Chinese environmental groups, including the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, note the pollution discharge from the $300 billion company has been “expanding and spreading throughout its supply chain,” to the detriment of “local communities and their surrounding environments.”

Apple denies the allegations, maintaining its vigilance in ensuring its suppliers follow environmental safety precautions, say published reports.

The watchdog groups say in their report that Kunshan-based accessory manufacturer Kaedar Electronics and printed circuit board maker Unimicron have been discharging waste water and harmful gas from their plants, citing community complaints and a dramatic rise in cancer.

PCB maker Meiko Electronics has been penalized for more than ten environmental violations, the groups note. The report says the company was found to have polluted a Wuhan lake with copper and nickel. The lake feeds into China’s longest river, the Yangtze.

Other suspected Apple suppliers in China include Ibiden Electronics and Foxconn Technology, the latter of which builds iPhones and iPads.

The report states that “each day,” Ibiden “produces several dozen tons of hazardous waste containing heavy metals copper, nickel and cyanide.” And Foxconn, the groups say, “is involved in serious pollution resulting from its metal surface processing.”

From investigations, “the coalition has discovered more than 27 suspected suppliers to Apple that have had environmental problems.” The researchers say that there is no way to know if Apple is even aware of the problems they have found.

To read the full report, visit http://www.scribd.com/doc/63637255/Apple-II-Final-20-14.