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President Ma's Environmental Policy Sees Three Years of Good Results

Feature Article

Feature Article

Environmental, Police, and Mobile Vehicle Agencies Jointly Crack Down on Noisy Modified Vehicles

Noise Control Environmental, Police, and Mobile Vehicle Agencies Jointly Crack Down on Noisy Modified Vehicles In 2016, the EPA combined the forces of environmental, police, and motor vehicle agencies to jointly conduct roadside inspections in a crackdown on noisy modified vehicles. A total of 744 inspection sessions were carried out to check 26,963 vehicles. Noise tests were done on 4,274 vehicles, of which 2718 were found to be deficient in noise control and whose owners were reported for a violation. This comprises a violation reporting rate of 63.6%, a 12% growth over that of 2015, indicating that experience and improved skills had been accumulated through the joint operation to pick out violating vehicles more effectively.

Environmental, Police, and Mobile Vehicle Agencies Jointly Crack Down on Noisy Modified Vehicles In 2016, the EPA combined the forces of environmental, police, and motor vehicle agencies to jointly conduct roadside inspections in a crackdown on noisy modified vehicles. A total of 744 inspection sessions were carried out to check 26,963 vehicles. Noise tests were done on 4,274 vehicles, of which 2718 were found to be deficient in noise control and whose owners were reported for a violation. This comprises a violation reporting rate of 63.6%, a 12% growth over that of 2015, indicating that experience and improved skills had been accumulated through the joint operation to pick out violating vehicles more effectively. According to the EPA’s statistics, in 2016 Taoyuan City reported the most noise violation cases, at 1,286 vehicles. Among all the noisy vehicles reported in Taiwan in 2016, 110 decibels was the loudest noise recorded. Considering the high number of violations and noise level, it is important to continuously crack down on inappropriately modified vehicles to prevent excessive noise. The EPA stated that, according to Article 26 of the Noise Control Act, vehicle owners or users are to be penalized with fines of NT$1,800-3,600 for not complying with the Motor Vehicle Noise Control Standards. Violators failing to improve before the given deadline will be subject to further penalties for each occurrence. Also, the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act specifies that vehicle owners or drivers are to be fined NT$6,000-24,000 if found to be producing noise by dismantling mufflers or other means, and can be banned on the spot from driving the vehicle. During joint operations of environmental, police, and motor vehicle agencies, law enforcement officers issued penalties based on the most serious offenses found on-site. In 2017, the EPA will coordinate a trial run with several counties and cities aimed at preventing reported vehicles from reinstalling modified exhaust pipes. Violations will be reported and penalties will be issued during roadside inspections. The EPA urges owners not to test their luck. Since inappropriately modified vehicles greatly disturb the peace, violators will surely receive punishment in accordance with relevant regulations.

2017

Noise Control

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Amendments to Prohibitions on Activities Causing Water Pollution Preannounced

Water Amendments to Prohibitions on Activities Causing Water Pollution Preannounced

Amendments to Prohibitions on Activities Causing Water Pollution Preannounced On 16 February 2017, the EPA preannounced amendments to the Prohibitions on Activities Causing Water Pollution. The EPA discovered recently that there are some unscrupulous industrial operators who discharged colored wastewaters, seriously affecting the quality of water bodies. Yet, due to the fact that these enterprises are either not on the control list of the Water Pollution Control Act or because the scales do not reach the scale for control, these operators cannot be brought to justice. The EPA is therefore adding new control targets in the amendments to cover industries involved in processes that produce colored wastewater, as well as chemical substance preparation, barrel and trough cleansers, or other specified targets whose business scale do not reach the scale for control. If the pollutant concentration in the effluent of these enterprises exceeds imposed limits, this will be considered as activity sufficient to cause water pollution. Offenders will be subject to a fine of NT$30,000 to 3 million. The major amendments are as follows: 1. Enterprises involved in incense-making, dyeing, or other processes which produce colored wastewater shall be considered as engaged in activity sufficient to cause water pollution if the color of effluent reaches 550 ADMI rating or higher. 2. Enterprises involved in chemical substance preparation, barrel or trough cleansing, food production, fermentation or livestock slaughtering that do not reach the scale for control should be considered as engaged in activity sufficient to cause water pollution if their effluent does not meet the standards for eight control items (such as biochemical oxygen demand of 80 mg/L, chemical oxygen demand of 250 mg/L, suspended solids of 80 mg/L, color of water at 550 ADMI, and copper content of 3 mg/L). 3. The river section of a work in progress refers to a construction project that is actually being implemented. The water sampling points are to be determined by the upstream and downstream engineering work. The appropriate points are 10 meters upstream and 10 meters downstream of the construction site.

water

Promoting Natural Gas Power Generation during Poor Air Quality Season

AirPromoting Natural Gas Power Generation during Poor Air Quality Season To improve air quality, the EPA advocates a policy of expanding the use of natural gas for power generation. During the time of year most prone to poor air quality, it is necessary to adjust the means of power generation, and thus power plants are required to increase the use of natural gas for power generation, or, natural gas receiving stations are required to increase their supply to power generation plants. To facilitate this, the EPA waives the restrictions on power plants regarding emission volumes and total quantity control, as specified in the plants’ business certificates.

Promoting Natural Gas Power Generation during Poor Air Quality Season To improve air quality, the EPA advocates a policy of expanding the use of natural gas for power generation. During the time of year most prone to poor air quality, it is necessary to adjust the means of power generation, and thus power plants are required to increase the use of natural gas for power generation, or, natural gas receiving stations are required to increase their supply to power generation plants. To facilitate this, the EPA waives the restrictions on power plants regarding emission volumes and total quantity control, as specified in the plants’ business certificates. To cope with seasonal poor air quality, the EPA announced on 31 October 2016 that public or private premises that adopt low-polluting fuel power generation facilities or supply low-polluting gas fuel to power generation facilities shall be exempt from punishment under the Air Pollution Control Act once their proposed actions have been reviewed and approved beforehand. This is done to enhance the flexibility of using natural gas for power generation. Qualifying enterprises, however, must file their applications with the local competent authority before they can conduct their operations. Once their applications are approved, they should still comply with regulations governing standards for air pollutant emissions. In the event that weather conditions are not conducive to the diffusion of air pollutants, or when air quality shows clear signs of deterioration, or when enterprises fail to conduct their operations in accordance with regulations, the relevant competent authorities shall have the power to order suspension or stoppage of such enterprises’ operations. The EPA emphasized that Taiwan’s poor air quality season occurs from October to March. Academics and people from all sectors of society have called attention to the fact that many lower-polluting natural gas power generation plants have not been put to full use in this period. They maintain that during fall and winter, the operation of coal-fired power plants should be reduced, and principally replaced by natural gas power plants to greatly reduce air pollution. Natural gas power plants also produce air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, however they produce much less air pollution compared to coal-fired power plants. The EPA has thus specifically revised its restrictions on natural gas power generation, allowing Taipower and ten other private power companies to reduce their impacts on air pollution during the poor air quality season, and improve the air quality during fall and winter. According to the EPA, the low nitrogen oxide burner (LNB) has been developed to the point where source control of nitrogen oxide emission concentrations can be below 10 ppm, and selective catalyst reduction equipment (SCR) nitrogen oxide tube end treatment efficiency has been raised up at least 80%. In the future, the EPA will request existing power generation plants to phase out old LNBs so as to reduce the production of nitrogen oxides, while at the same time increasing the number of preventive facilities such as (SCRs). In addition, the EPA will supervise local governments to control the emission volumes from natural gas power generation plants through continuous automated monitoring and strengthen the control measures during fall and winter. In this way, the emission of pollutants can be greatly reduced, and domestic air quality can be greatly improved.

2017

0

20

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Air

EPA Holds International Forum on Environment and Transportation Management

1550

EPA’s Sustainability Plans Affirmed

The Community Environmental Reform Plan promoted by the EPA Department of Planning has received the first place Sustainable Development Action Plan Implementation Award in the second annual National Sustainable Development Awards presented by the National Council for Sustainable Development Executive Yuan (NCSD). This award winning plan, which implements a pilot “community alliance” strategy, promotes community based environmental initiatives and has already provided assistance to over 800 communities with excellent results. EPA Acting Minister Tsay Ting-kuei expressed that the community environmental reform plan is a product of cooperation between the EPA and NGOs to promote overall reconstruction of communities. The EPA is the only government agency that has so much interaction and involvement at the community level, most intimately and most substantial example of interaction with community members. Among the three winners of this year’s Sustainable Development Action Plan Implementation Award includes the Bureau of Environmental Inspection’s food waste recycling and reuse plan. Many other sustainable development plans have also received high approval.

The Community Environmental Reform Plan promoted by the EPA Department of Planning has received the first place Sustainable Development Action Plan Implementation Award in the second annual National Sustainable Development Awards presented by the National Council for Sustainable Development Executive Yuan (NCSD). This award winning plan, which implements a pilot “community alliance” strategy, promotes community based environmental initiatives and has already provided assistance to over 800 communities with excellent results. EPA Acting Minister Tsay Ting-kuei expressed that the community environmental reform plan is a product of cooperation between the EPA and NGOs to promote overall reconstruction of communities. The EPA is the only government agency that has so much interaction and involvement at the community level, most intimately and most substantial example of interaction with community members. Among the three winners of this year’s Sustainable Development Action Plan Implementation Award includes the Bureau of Environmental Inspection’s food waste recycling and reuse plan. Many other sustainable development plans have also received high approval.

2005

8

8

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Sustainable Development

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2186

Korean Recycling Association Draws on Taiwan’s Experience

Recycling Korean Recycling Association Draws on Taiwan’s Experience

Recycling Korean Recycling Association Draws on Taiwan’s Experience

2008

11

11

6

1

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Recycling

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2705

President Ma's Environmental Policy Sees Three Years of Good Results

General Policy

General Policy

2011

6

14

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General Policy

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1457

Managing the Nation’s Drinking Water Quality

The EPA seeks to directly improve the daily lives of citizens by providing safe high quality drinking water. This involves regular monitoring and testing to make sure drinking water and water quality management are up to standard. Recently, it has become necessary to develop certain reform measures to integrate related regulations and jurisdiction. In coordination with government reorganization plans, the next task of water quality management involves integrating related water quality management regulations and division of authority.

The EPA seeks to directly improve the daily lives of citizens by providing safe high quality drinking water. This involves regular monitoring and testing to make sure drinking water and water quality management are up to standard. Recently, it has become necessary to develop certain reform measures to integrate related regulations and jurisdiction. In coordination with government reorganization plans, the next task of water quality management involves integrating related water quality management regulations and division of authority.

2004

7

7

12

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water

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1513

Complete Sorting/Zero Waste Policy Gains High Public Support

The EPA has announced the latest survey results of citizens’ and students’ environmental knowledge showing that over 90% of respondents comply with measures calling for compulsory garbage sorting, and garbage and food waste sorting and recycling at fast food chains. Already 92% of citizens say they bring a shopping bag with them when going out shopping, and over 90% of elementary and junior high school students say they are doing so as well.

The EPA has announced the latest survey results of citizens’ and students’ environmental knowledge showing that over 90% of respondents comply with measures calling for compulsory garbage sorting, and garbage and food waste sorting and recycling at fast food chains. Already 92% of citizens say they bring a shopping bag with them when going out shopping, and over 90% of elementary and junior high school students say they are doing so as well.

2005

8

8

4

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waste

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1220

Expanded Opportunities for International Exchange in Environmental Protection

The EPA enjoyed frequent exchanges with the international community this September. First EPA Administrator Hau Lung-bin visited Singapore and Germany and invited foreign firms to set up in Taiwan’s new Environmental Science and Technology Parks. Then the EPA welcomed US EPA delegates to Taiwan to renew a Taiwan-US environmental protection technology cooperation agreement for five more years. This agreement fosters friendly relations between Taiwan and the US through environmental technology exchanges.

The EPA enjoyed frequent exchanges with the international community this September. First EPA Administrator Hau Lung-bin visited Singapore and Germany and invited foreign firms to set up in Taiwan’s new Environmental Science and Technology Parks. Then the EPA welcomed US EPA delegates to Taiwan to renew a Taiwan-US environmental protection technology cooperation agreement for five more years. This agreement fosters friendly relations between Taiwan and the US through environmental technology exchanges.

2003

6

6

10

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General Policy

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EPA, Police and Prosecutors Jointly Crack Down on Illegal Dumping and Excavation Refill

Environmental InspectionEPA, Police and Prosecutors Jointly Crack Down on Illegal Dumping and Excavation Refill Several enterprises in Kaohsiung City, Hsinchu County, Taoyuan City and Miaoli County disposed of sludge and waste solvents through illegal waste clearance companies for a low price. The wastes were later found illegally dumped in six warehouses and illegal landfills located in Taoyuan City and Hsinchu County. On 17 March 2017, after a year of investigation, the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office prosecuted all the violating enterprises involved in the cases in accordance with the Waste Disposal Act. The violators will face sentences of up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of NT$15 million, and a requirement to pay for cleaning and recovery of the dumping sites. In addition, an enterprise in Yunlin County that was found to be refilling sites illegally was fined, and its illegal gains were confiscated.

EPA, Police and Prosecutors Jointly Crack Down on Illegal Dumping and Excavation Refill

2017

0

20

0

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2

Environmental Inspection

221

A Look Inside the EPA: The Bureau of Solid Waste Management

According to the Environmental Protection Administration Organization Statutes the EPA’s Bureau of Solid Waste Management is primarily responsible for managing waste and drafting soil contamination control policies and regulations; plotting, guiding and overseeing industrial waste and soil contamination controls; and other items related to waste management and soil contamination control.

According to the Environmental Protection Administration Organization Statutes the EPA’s Bureau of Solid Waste Management is primarily responsible for managing waste and drafting soil contamination control policies and regulations; plotting, guiding and overseeing industrial waste and soil contamination controls; and other items related to waste management and soil contamination control.

1999

2

2

4

1

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waste

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509

Predicting the Future: A Brief Introduction to Air Quality Forecasting

In order to raise the general public’s environmental awareness and get a better handle on air quality the EPA began daily air quality forecasting in 1992. By 1996, an island-wide forecasting network had been established. After many years of implementation, the quality of air quality forecasting is moving towards maturity. In the future, the EPA will raise forecasting accuracy through gradually developing a more objective forecasting system based on the special characteristics of various regions.

In order to raise the general public’s environmental awareness and get a better handle on air quality the EPA began daily air quality forecasting in 1992. By 1996, an island-wide forecasting network had been established. After many years of implementation, the quality of air quality forecasting is moving towards maturity. In the future, the EPA will raise forecasting accuracy through gradually developing a more objective forecasting system based on the special characteristics of various regions.

2000

3

3

9

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air

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573

Environmental Protection Fundamentals Law Reviewed Administrator Proposes 12 New Policies

On June 1st the Legislative Yuan began a review of the draft Environmental Protection Fundamentals Law. During the review EPA Administrator Edgar Lin proposed 12 new policy directions. Due to the large scope of change, Legislators felt adjustments were required to the original draft. While the draft Law will not be recalled, only after a consensus on the changes is reached among the respective Executive Yuan agencies will the Legislative Yuan continue further review.

On June 1st the Legislative Yuan began a review of the draft Environmental Protection Fundamentals Law. During the review EPA Administrator Edgar Lin proposed 12 new policy directions. Due to the large scope of change, Legislators felt adjustments were required to the original draft. While the draft Law will not be recalled, only after a consensus on the changes is reached among the respective Executive Yuan agencies will the Legislative Yuan continue further review.

2000

3

3

13

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General Policy

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593

Feature Article: Draft Industrial Waste Treatment Plan In the Works

The EPA and Industrial Development Bureau completed a draft Industrial Waste Treatment Promotion Plan. The plan aims to reduce the growth rate of industrial waste to zero by 2004 through the encouragement of waste recycling and reuse. At the present excess incinerator capacity will be used to treat general industrial wastes while the Industrial Development Bureau promotes construction of treatment facilities in industry parks. The plan should soon be sent to the Executive Yuan for approval.

The EPA and Industrial Development Bureau completed a draft Industrial Waste Treatment Promotion Plan. The plan aims to reduce the growth rate of industrial waste to zero by 2004 through the encouragement of waste recycling and reuse. At the present excess incinerator capacity will be used to treat general industrial wastes while the Industrial Development Bureau promotes construction of treatment facilities in industry parks. The plan should soon be sent to the Executive Yuan for approval.

2000

3

3

14

1

2

Recycling

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620

Feature Article: EPA Calls for Reducing Gas Consumption by Government Vehicles

To help reduce motor vehicle pollution the EPA recently proposed a plan to lower gasoline consumption by government owned vehicles. The plan which could go into effect as early as 2001, will replace ”gas coupons” with ”gas accounts” and favors rental over purchase of government vehicles. It is estimated that the plan could save an annual NT$2.3 billion from government budgets.

To help reduce motor vehicle pollution the EPA recently proposed a plan to lower gasoline consumption by government owned vehicles. The plan which could go into effect as early as 2001, will replace ”gas coupons” with ”gas accounts” and favors rental over purchase of government vehicles. It is estimated that the plan could save an annual NT$2.3 billion from government budgets.

2000

3

3

16

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air

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637

Eco-Diplomacy: NGOs Participate in Taiwan-US Bilateral Conference

On October 22 EPA Administrator Edgar Lin led a group to Hawaii to participate in a bilateral Taiwan-US meeting entitled ”Sustainable Development and Public Participation — A Vision of the 21st Century”. The trip received much attention as this was the Administrators first opportunity to personally promote environmental diplomacy abroad since assuming office. Aside from government environmental officials representatives from NGO environmental groups in Taiwan were also invited to attend with the Administrator.

On October 22 EPA Administrator Edgar Lin led a group to Hawaii to participate in a bilateral Taiwan-US meeting entitled ”Sustainable Development and Public Participation — A Vision of the 21st Century”. The trip received much attention as this was the Administrators first opportunity to personally promote environmental diplomacy abroad since assuming office. Aside from government environmental officials representatives from NGO environmental groups in Taiwan were also invited to attend with the Administrator.

2000

3

3

17

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international cooperation

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659

Feature: Executive Yuan Approves Expansion of EPA Industrial Waste Control Center

On October 21 the Executive Yuan gave it's seal of approval to the Industrial Waste Control Center. The EPA announced dedication of 16 full time staff and the organization of information management data analysis and inspection groups to begin formal operations. EPA Administrator Edgar Lin noted that the Center's work on at-source waste management, waste tracking, and industry reporting will all be easily available with one look at the computer. Once discovered any problems will be immediately referred to the North, Central, and South Environmental Police brigades for handling.

On October 21 the Executive Yuan gave it's seal of approval to the Industrial Waste Control Center. The EPA announced dedication of 16 full time staff and the organization of information management data analysis and inspection groups to begin formal operations. EPA Administrator Edgar Lin noted that the Center's work on at-source waste management, waste tracking, and industry reporting will all be easily available with one look at the computer. Once discovered any problems will be immediately referred to the North, Central, and South Environmental Police brigades for handling.

2000

3

3

18

1

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waste

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686

Feature Article: EPA Aims to Inspire a Green Consumer Trend Through Government Procurement

Green consumer behavior is a major trend in modern society. With the goal of promoting this trend the EPA has presented to the Executive Yuan the draft of its Program for the Promotion of Green Procurement by Government Organizations. This program aims to use the power of government procurement in order to promote the production of environmentally friendly goods. It also hopes to encourage consumers to purchase these green products. The first stages of this program will focus on the procurement of office supplies, paper and office equipment. The program sets the target for green procurement at 30% of total procurements for 2001 and then raises this target to 50% for 2002.

Green consumer behavior is a major trend in modern society. With the goal of promoting this trend the EPA has presented to the Executive Yuan the draft of its Program for the Promotion of Green Procurement by Government Organizations. This program aims to use the power of government procurement in order to promote the production of environmentally friendly goods. It also hopes to encourage consumers to purchase these green products. The first stages of this program will focus on the procurement of office supplies, paper and office equipment. The program sets the target for green procurement at 30% of total procurements for 2001 and then raises this target to 50% for 2002.

2001

4

4

2

1

2

Eco-labeling

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702

Feature Article: Sustainable Development of Green Silicon Island Main Theme of Premier Chang's Administrative Report

Executive Yuan Premier Chang Chun-hsiung's administrative report of June 20 contained the heading ”Taiwan's transformational direction-a Green Silicon Island.” Chang emphasized that ”green” implies that sustainable development and environmental protection must take precedence while ”silicon” highlights the need for entrepreneurial spirit, especially the quality of ”innovation.” The blueprint for a Green Silicon Island calls for harmonious, coordinated progress in economic development, social development, and ecological development.

Executive Yuan Premier Chang Chun-hsiung's administrative report of June 20 contained the heading ”Taiwan's transformational direction-a Green Silicon Island.” Chang emphasized that ”green” implies that sustainable development and environmental protection must take precedence while ”silicon” highlights the need for entrepreneurial spirit, especially the quality of ”innovation.” The blueprint for a Green Silicon Island calls for harmonious, coordinated progress in economic development, social development, and ecological development.

2001

4

4

3

1

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General Policy

print/V4/V4-03

751

Feature Article: At Source Controls on Oil Product Quality Delivers Results

With the number of vehicles in Taiwan rapidly increasing the quality of oil products has a direct impact on air quality in municipal areas. In the spirit of managing pollution by targeting the source, the EPA initiated a long-term program in 1987 to phase out lead gasoline, culminating in a complete ban in 2000. In addition, the sulfur content of diesel fuel has decreased from 0.5% to 0.05% over the last ten years. In 2000, the EPA promulgated standards for the composition and properties of gasoline and diesel fuels, thereby completing the establishment of a comprehensive set of regulatory measures to manage the quality of oil products.

With the number of vehicles in Taiwan rapidly increasing the quality of oil products has a direct impact on air quality in municipal areas. In the spirit of managing pollution by targeting the source, the EPA initiated a long-term program in 1987 to phase out lead gasoline, culminating in a complete ban in 2000. In addition, the sulfur content of diesel fuel has decreased from 0.5% to 0.05% over the last ten years. In 2000, the EPA promulgated standards for the composition and properties of gasoline and diesel fuels, thereby completing the establishment of a comprehensive set of regulatory measures to manage the quality of oil products.

2001

4

4

6

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air

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Amendments to Effluent Standards Preannounced

Water Amendments to Effluent Standards Preannounced On 10 February 2017, the EPA preannounced amendments to the Effluent Standards, aimed at strengthening risk management and achieving higher water quality in water bodies. They include merging control standards with existing standards for specified industries, and added or tightened controls on heavy metals, ammonia nitrogen, and harmful substances.

Amendments to Effluent Standards Preannounced On 10 February 2017, the EPA preannounced amendments to the Effluent Standards, aimed at strengthening risk management and achieving higher water quality in water bodies. They include merging control standards with existing standards for specified industries, and added or tightened controls on heavy metals, ammonia nitrogen, and harmful substances.

2017

3

20

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water

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3485

Amendments to Water Pollution Control Measures and Permit Application Review Management Regulations Preannounced

Water Amendments to Water Pollution Control Measures and Permit Application Review Management Regulations Preannounced To combat illegal practices while encouraging law-abiding enterprises, the EPA plans to simplify permit applications for wastewater discharge. According to the draft amendments to the Water Pollution Control Measures and Test Reporting Management Regulations, permit management will be categorized based on the type of industry. Also, permits will not be issued to enterprises with multiple serious violations.

Amendments to Water Pollution Control Measures and Permit Application Review Management Regulations Preannounced To combat illegal practices while encouraging law-abiding enterprises, the EPA plans to simplify permit applications for wastewater discharge. According to the draft amendments to the Water Pollution Control Measures and Test Reporting Management Regulations, permit management will be categorized based on the type of industry. Also, permits will not be issued to enterprises with multiple serious violations. The EPA preannounced draft amendments to the Water Pollution Control Measures and Permit Review Regulations on 24 February 2017. The purpose of the amendments is to encourage compliance with the law by simplifying wastewater permit application procedures and reinforcing review and management of applications. The main points of the amendments are as follows: 1. Water pollution control plans or permit documents differ according to the type of the industry. There are 3 types of permit: specific, general and simplified. The industries that will need a specific permit are those required to disclose the pollutant content of discharges and information in accordance with Article 14-1 of the Water Pollution Control Act. Because of the high potential (pollution) risks raised by those industries, they will not only need to perform system function tests but also acquire the signature of a qualified engineer for the permit application documents. Moreover, the EPA also tightened the regulation that requires an expert’s review of the pollutant information that enterprises are to disclose. Industries that fall under the general permit category are those with complicated wastewater characteristics such as industrial parks, the dyeing and finishing industry, the leather manufacturing industry, the gold watch manufacturing industry, electroplating industry, and others. Among the enterprises mentioned above, only those with wastewater exceeding 10,000 cubic meters per day (CMD) or with original wastewater that contains more than 100 CMD of toxic substances will be required to conduct system function tests with the signature of a qualified engineer. The simplified permit is for enterprises with simple wastewater characteristics such as the gravel manufacturing industry, livestock industry and service industry. For the abovementioned industries, trial runs, function tests and an engineer’s signature are not required. Even though the EPA has made the standards concerning an engineer’s signature and function tests easier for enterprises in the general and simplified permit category, serious violators will still be tested for system functionality and require a signature from a qualified engineer. 2. Water pollution control plans or permit documents will be suspended if any of the following situations occur: committing multiple violations within 3 years; being suspended by the competent authority at least twice; committing serious violations more than twice; or, being penalized for serious pollution. Once a suspension is issued, an enterprise will not be able to apply for three years starting from the date of the suspension. Also, to prevent enterprises from evading their punishment, the address where any of the abovementioned circumstances take place cannot be used for control plan or permit application. 3. The EPA has simplified the conditions for the modifications to be made before receiving a permit and for the required function tests, such as the following circumstances: the replacement of old wastewater treatment facilities; improvement of accessory equipment at wastewater treatment facilities as well as livestock waste bio-gas collection bags and storage tanks; and, for facilities that reduce water consumption and wastewater production but are unrelated to wastewater treatment, modifications of operating parameters and other registered data can be done after the permits are issued. Although reduction of maximum water consumption and wastewater production levels or improvement of wastewater quality can change operating parameters and other related information of the wastewater treatment facility, functionality tests will not be required since the above circumstances do not reduce the functionality of the wastewater facility. 4. To increase review efficiency, the competent authority should provide guidance and one-time review counselling if application documents are incomplete. 5. To encourage enterprises and operators of sewage systems to comply with the law, procedures are simplified for the application, modification, and extension of water pollution plans and permit documents for those who have never received a penalty from the competent authority under the Water Pollution Control Measures and Test Reporting Management Regulations, in the year prior to the application date. For instance, enterprises with general permits are qualified to apply for simplified permits and are required to only disclose control plans and permit documents issued by the competent authority. 6. To encourage enterprises and operators of sewage systems to comply with the law, enterprises conducting operations outside the permitted parameters may be granted a relief or reduction of the penalty based on the judgment of the competent authority for each individual case within 6 months after the draft amendment is announced, only if they have never been previously reported or found for their violations by the competent authority, and have not caused any actual pollution. With the amendments, about 4,500 enterprises will be eligible for applying for the simplified permit. The competent authorities can focus resources on the investigation and management of illegal enterprises and increase review efficiency. The EPA also points out that law-abiding enterprises can enjoy simpler and cheaper application procedures.

2017

3

20

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water

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Amendments to Vehicular Air Pollutant Emission Standards Preannounced

Air Amendments to Vehicular Air Pollutant Emission Standards Preannounced The EPA formulated the draft of the amendments to the Vehicular Air Pollutant Emission Standards regarding railway emissions to continually ameliorate the air pollution caused by transportation, and to stay aligned with international regulations concerning rail management. The main points of the amendments are as follows: setting air pollutant emission standards for railcars or locomotives with a net power greater than 130 kilowatts; and, adding control values for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and particulate matters.

2017

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20

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Air

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English Version of Environmental Info Push App Available for Free Download

Environmental Monitoring English Version of Environmental Info Push App Available for Free Download

English Version of Environmental Info Push App Available for Free Download The EPA continues to provide the public with detailed information through real-time air quality information disclosure and warning forecasts. Awarded by the Geospatial Media and Communications Group with the Geospatial World Excellence Awards in 2016, the EPA’s Environmental Info Push App has been downloaded more than 280,000 times, with daily peak usage reaching 20,000 devices and the monthly average number of clicks hitting a million. These statistics show that the app has become part of the populace’s daily lives, with even more use during weekends. According to the EPA's 2016 statistics, the users of the Environmental Info Push App are distributed widely around the world, including east Asia, southeast Asia, North America, western Europe, and Oceania. Around 1.5% of the users used an English mobile OS. In detail, there were more than 3,000 English language users with over 170,000 sessions. This shows that environmental protection transcends national boundaries. To enhance service quality and expand targets, the app is available in English for Android-enabled and iOS-enabled cellphones to provide environmental information service to English language users. Users can monitor the quality of the air in their surrounding area anytime via the Environmental Info Push App. With the air quality index shown in different colors, it is easy to learn about air quality statuses and follow suggestions in the app for corresponding actions and prevention measures. The EPA has also noticed that the public’s demand for environmental information has greatly increased, so the administration continuously works to improve environmental quality and develop more value-added applications. For the next step, not only will the EPA widely set up environmental sensors but will also include micro-level real-time air quality information from the private sector to let users know more details about their local environmental conditions. In the future, the EPA will continue to focus on the public’s needs and offer richer environmental information to boost public participation and take care of our environment anytime and anywhere.

2017

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20

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Environmental Monitoring

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3164

Changes to Halon Fire Extinguisher Controls Considered

Air Quality Changes to Halon Fire Extinguisher Controls Considered

Air Quality Changes to Halon Fire Extinguisher Controls Considered Considering halon fire extinguishers are still required for use by the military and the aviation industry the EPA has drawn up a draft of revisions to the Regulations Governing Chemical Substances Listed in the Montreal Protocol. The revisions modify the listing of halon fire extinguishers so that their use can be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the relevant industry competent authorities. In order to abide by the stipulations of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, Taiwan has adopted at-source restrictions and drawn up a set of criteria for permit applications to import, export or manufacture ozone-depleting substances (ODS) for special uses. Taiwan aims to keep tight control over the circulation of ODS and prevent them from being discharged into the atmosphere. However, in some key areas – such as the aviation industry and the military services – there are no alternatives to the use of halon fire extinguishers. In such special cases the government has thus decided to allow the import of products that contain ODS. Halon fire extinguishers are still necessary for use by Taiwan’s armed forces and aviation industry, and aviation equipment containing halon must be approved by the industry competent authorities in order to meet aviation industry regulations. For aviation equipment businesses wishing to import or export halon fire extinguishers, permit application procedures have been simplified by the amendments to the Regulations Regarding Chemical Substances Listed in the Montreal Protocol, which modify the listing of halon fire extinguishers so that the use of such equipment can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the relevant industry competent authorities. In addition, the definition of listed chemical substances has been modified, regulations concerning the export of listed products have been deleted, regulations regarding deadlines for submitting supplementary information for incomplete or incorrect applications have been added, and the stipulation that returned cargo should be handled according to the Customs Act has been amended.

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Taiwan and UK Hold Training on Low-carbon Cities for Mid- and High-Level Officials

climate change Taiwan and UK Hold Training on Low-carbon Cities for Mid- and High-Level Officials

climate change Taiwan and UK Hold Training on Low-carbon Cities for Mid- and High-Level Officials From 23-27 June 2014 the EPA held the Workshop for Mid- and High-Level Implementors of the Low-carbon Sustainable Homeland Program in conjunction with The Bartlett School of Architecture of University College London (UCL), the first time the two organizations have worked together. The five days of training included personalized courses and classes based on dynamic group discussions. The training was designed to develop deeper and more lateral thinking among Taiwan’s low-carbon sustainability planners and policymakers. Twenty mid- to high-level officials from central and local governments participated in the program. The building of low-carbon cities is a very important part of the energy saving and carbon reduction strategies and measures being adopted by nations worldwide, and many major cities are taking pride in developing low-carbon infrastructure. Low-carbon policymaking touches upon a number of special fields, including environment, energy, transportation, building and construction, land planning, and laws and regulations. Interdisciplinary integration is thus essential for avoiding wasteful repetition and conflict between written regulations and practical administration. It is therefore invaluable to learn how to apply spatial governance, strengthen strategic integration, and break down the barriers between one’s own position and other disciplines so that all related plans and measures are imbued with the concept of low-carbon sustainability. Learning and practicing these skills was the goal for the workshop. As EPA Deputy Minister Shin-Cheng Yeh explained at the beginning of the workshop, The Bartlett School of Architecture is a large institute that combines a number of disciplines – including design, architecture, planning, development, construction, and facilities management – under one roof. This superior capability is the reason it has long been chosen to advise the British government on building low-carbon urban infrastructure, sustainable development strategic planning, and other professional topics. The Bartlett also designs tailor-made training courses for planners, policymakers, and other professionals in various government departments. With regards to the training program, the EPA and UCL designed the course based upon the current state of low-carbon urban development in Taiwan. The course content included overall framework planning for low-carbon sustainable strategies, policy implementation, financial planning, and effective assessment of low-carbon cities. Also included was a review of interactions, cooperation, and mediation between the stakeholders that determine the success or failure of a project (including between central government departments, central and local government, and with the populace). Concepts were introduced to deliberate from the point of highest level, starting with consideration of the reasons and processes behind the formation of policies. The course then moved on to combining theoretical tools and practical skills to implement systematic planning for basic-level administration while applying non-conventional ways of thinking. The trainees were also shown how to nurture the development of knowledge and techniques to create a low-carbon sustainable homeland, how to teach others about sustainable development and urban management, and how to use the principles of planning for low-carbon sustainable cities. UCL sent three of its most experienced experts on low-carbon city planning and construction – Professor Peter Bishop, Dr. Marcos Cruz, and Mr. Oliver Wilton – to Taiwan. They all have many years of hands-on experience in the fields of low-carbon architectural design, urban planning and development, and the green economy, and have visited a number of countries in Europe and Asia to lecture or hold similar training programs. They were thus able to provide an excellent overview of the building of low-carbon cities and offer unique insights and solutions into some of the problems that might be encountered.

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Green Point Pilot Scheme Begins with Roll out Set for 2015

Ecolabeling Green Point Pilot Scheme Begins with Roll out Set for 2015

Ecolabeling Green Point Pilot Scheme Begins with Roll out Set for 2015 In July 2014 the EPA began trials of its environmental bonus points – or Green Point – system with the cooperation of a number of enterprises. The system allows consumers to accumulate bonus points every time they buy green products or do something to help the environment, such as saving energy or water. The points can then be exchanged for green products or services, environmental education courses, or entrance tickets to eco-leisure areas. The points can also be redeemed through multiple channels. The system is expected to be formally up and running sometime in 2015. Based on the concept of adding value to environmental activities, the system allows consumers to exchange points for cash or discounts on green products in order to encourage them to adopt greener lifestyles and shopping habits. A logo for the system has already been unveiled, and as of the launch of the trial run in July 2014, the following organizations will be holding a series of promotions to promote the Green Point system and to offer discounted products. ?the General Welfare Service of the Ministry of National Defense ?Tatung Consumer Products (Taiwan) Co., Ltd. (Tatung 3C) ?Far Eastern Ai-Mai Company Ltd. (FE-a.mart) ?Hi-Life International Co., Ltd. (Hi-Life convenience stores) ?Da Fon Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. ?Ding Ding Integrated Marketing Service Co. (HAPPY GO consumer reward scheme) ?ZOJIRUSHI Taiwan Corporation ?Hwang Kuan Metal Industrial Co. (THERMOS) The EPA hopes that this year’s pilot scheme will lead to growth in the market for green products and more and more people making environmental protection an integral part of their daily lives. As a part of the pilot scheme all of the aforementioned companies are offering discounts on their products. Details on all related promotions can be found on the EPA’s Green Living website: http://greenliving.epa.gov.tw/. Many local government environmental protection bureaus are also holding activities to publicize the environmental bonus point scheme, including Taipei City, Taichung City, Tainan City, Chiayi City, Yilan County, Hsinchu County, and Chiayi County. The EPA is urging all residents to lend their full support to the scheme and to make environmental protection a part of their daily lives. The EPA has also announced its selection for the Green Point logo. The logo features a green leaf in the shape of the symbol for infinity (∞) to convey the concept of green shopping and to symbolize the sustainability and renewability of low-carbon, energy saving, carbon reduction, and resource recycling. The green dot in the upper right hand corner represents the various types of low-carbon behavior and environmental actions that can be turned into bonus points to be accumulated and redeemed. The infinity symbol (the body) also combines with the green dot (the head) to make a human figure that signifies that the scheme is for everyone to take part in, so as to contribute a bit to environmental protection while having fun collecting and spending the green points.

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EPA Requires Farmers to Rinse Pesticide Bottles Three Times Before Recycling

recycling EPA Requires Farmers to Rinse Pesticide Bottles Three Times Before Recycling

recycling EPA Requires Farmers to Rinse Pesticide Bottles Three Times Before Recycling The EPA has been holding the “Rinse Pesticide Bottles Thrice before Recycling” events around farm villages from June to November 2014. The events include 20 recycling activities and five explanatory meetings to urge farmers that pesticide bottles have to be rinsed with clean water three times and then have the cap screwed on tightly before handing them in for recycling. The EPA is also reminding farmers that the water used to clean the bottles can be collected and used as diluted pesticide. Used pesticide bottles are listed as recyclable items that can be handed in to local recycling operators refuse collection teams, or, in some places, Farmers’ Association offices or agricultural supply stores. In Taiwan, around 1,000 tonnes of pesticide bottles are recycled annually. EPA personnel recently toured around the nation to ensure farmers in remote villages were fully informed of the importance of resource recycling and to help in the recycling of pesticide bottles close to the site of use.

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