BEIJING, March 6 -- The Ministry of Environmental Protection on Friday announced it had punished 63 environmental impact assessment agencies and 22 assessment engineers for violating laws and regulations.

The agencies either had their licenses revoked, received public criticism or were asked to rectify their practice, according to the ministry.

Professional negligence was identified, some agencies had faked documentation when applying for the environmental impact assessment agency qualification.

Cheng Lifeng, an official with the ministry, said 159 agencies and 169 engineers had been disciplined with over the past two years for violations that threatened environmental safety and damaged social integrity.

"Any violation will be severely punished," Cheng said.