 While studying in Nanjing the following year, however, Chen learned that the program was illegal, and he petitioned central authorities in Beijing to end the system, thereby irritating local officials.In 2000, Chen returned from his studies in Nanjing to his village of Dongshigu in an effort to confront environmental pollution.A paper mill constructed in 1988 had been dumping toxic wastewater into the Meng River, destroying crops and harming wildlife.