[ { "no": "4697", "title": "Talent Recruitment Online: \"Green Collar Information Platform\" Receives $630,000$ Pageviews in First Year", "preview": "The \"Green Collar Talent Information Platform\", engineered by the National Envi-ronmental Research Institute (NERI) specifically tailored for job seekers and corpo-rate professionals, redefines traditional government websites by shifting away from rigid regulatory pronouncements to prioritize intuitive user experience (UX). It has transformed into a vital digital portal that seamlessly integrates \"career naviga-tion, course anti-fraud verification, and instant official certificate downloads.\" The platform has sparked a green-collar trend in just one year since its launch and ac-cumulated nearly 630,000 pageviews from more than 100,000 visitors, showing that it has become a must-visit website for people looking for green careers.", "content": "Dr. Shuen-Chin Chang, President of NERI, pointed out that big data analytics from the platform reveal that this wave of \"green-collar fever\" has transcended geographical boundaries, flourishing dynamically across all sectors of Taiwan. In terms of web-browsing preferences, users' click patterns are highly concentrated on practical ap-plication portals. The top three most visited pages were: \"Net Zero Green Collar Tal-ent Training Courses and Value-Added Courses\", \"Ministerial Courses for Green Collar Training\", and \"Certification and Examination Information\", suggesting that users are seeking career transformation rather than just browsing.\nThe platform interface has been specially optimized for mobile devices so as to cater to the fragmented learning habits of people today. Statistics show that, among the 170,000 clicks, as many as 54% of users chose to browse on mobile phones, followed by 45% on desktops and 1% on tablets, allowing people such as office workers to stay informed of the latest carbon reduction business opportunities anytime, anywhere, whether commuting or taking a lunch break.\nThe platform's most popular feature is undoubtedly the seamless integration of \"Of-ficial Qualification Credential Verification and Download\" system. The public may reg-ister for the \"Cultivation Alliance\" or formal courses offered by 37 colleges and uni-versities across Taiwan through the platform at https:\/\/ulvis.net\/iTs8. After complet-ing the training and passing the NERA’s exclusive test, trainees may download the official qualification certificate issued by the MOENV online. This nationally approved certificate becomes a powerful asset for job seekers who wish to demonstrate their qualifications to prospective employers.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "5", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "" }, { "no": "4696", "title": "Technology-Driven Enforcement and Cross-Border Alliance: EMA Convenes \"Northern Taiwan Prosecutors, Police, and Environmental Authority Conference\" to Deploy Smart Fencing Against Thousands of Tons of Illegally Buried Waste", "preview": "Determined to uphold environmental justice and stringently penalize Eco flouting violations, the Northern Center of Environmental Management under the Environ-mental Management Administration (EMA), Ministry of Environment (MOENV), convened the \"2026 Northern Taiwan Prosecutor-Police-Environmental Authority Strategic Enforcement Conference\" on 27 May 2026 at the MOENV’s Rear Building Conference Center. The meeting reflected the expanded scale of regional joint de-fense, bringing together core protection forces from the prosecutors' offices and environmental protection agencies of the nine local governments in northern Tai-wan, the Seventh Special Police Corps of the National Police Agency under the Min-istry of the Interior, and the Environmental Management Administration. The de-partments in attendance held in-depth conversations on emerging forms of envi-ronmental crimes and how to fight such crimes with technology for stronger deter-rence, cross-departmental information sharing and a more comprehensive defense line for protecting the homeland.", "content": "I. Presenting key evidence: Revealing “how chemical plants illegally dumped thousands of tons of waste” \nA major highlight of this conference featured a keynote presentation by Prose-cutor Lai Ying-Yu of the Taiwan Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office. She eluci-dated a shocking judicial case that has sent shockwaves through the industry, entitled: \"Unveiling a Long-Buried Secret of a Chemical Company: The Case of Il-legally Burying Thousands of Tons of Industrial Waste Within a Factory's Raft Foundation.\"\nDuring the meeting, Prosecutor Lai provided an in-depth analysis of the latest trends in environmental crimes and how they are becoming more organized and covert. She detailed how her office, through collaborative efforts among the en-vironmental, prosecutorial, and police departments, using front-end big data in-vestigations, detailed evidence collection and judicial warrants, successfully un-covered the egregious act of a chemical company hiding thousands of metric tons of waste deep within its factory. This case not only demonstrated the me-ticulous investigative strategies employed by law enforcement agencies but also highlights the crucial importance of cross-departmental intelligence sharing in combating environmental crimes.\nII. Technological defense upgrade: First “intelligent fence against illegal dumping” in Taiwan\nSmart technology has become a powerful tool for protecting the environment in response to increasingly sophisticated methods of circumventing the law. The Environmental Management Administration shared at the meeting its nation-wide \"Smart Fence for Illegal Dumping\" system, which is being developed and under active construction. The core advantages of this technological defense in-clude:\ni. Precise early warning for waste disposal: Sharing the application of smart fenc-ing in illegal waste dumping cases, providing the most forward-looking early warning prompts for waste disposal cases to law enforcement officers from the procurators, police and environmental protection departments.\nii. Nationwide dynamics monitoring: The Environmental Management Admin-istration plans to build a nationwide system network to expand the coverage of technological monitoring in high-risk areas.\niii. Building cross-departmental collaboration: effectively build and enhance col-laboration among environmental inspectors and police for practical implemen-tation through the advancement of innovative law enforcement tools and technology.\nIII. Declaring and upholding environmental justice: Building a sustainable Taiwan where people \"dare not, cannot, and do not want to\" engage in environmental violations\nDeputy Minister Chih-Hsiu Shen of the MOENV, concurrently serving as the Act-ing Director-General of the EMA, emphasized at the meeting that environmen-tal crimes not only devastate the environment, but can also cause irreversible harm to national security and public health. The government has zero tolerance for illegal acts, and prospective criminals should not take chances.\nThe \"Prosecutor-Police-Environmental Authority Joint Platform\" will continue to be deepened, combining big data analysis and digital forensics technology to give envi-ronmental crimes nowhere to hide. The government will continue to build a detailed environmental protection system that ensures that people \"dare not, cannot, and do not want to commit crimes\" through strict law enforcement and legal education, and will resolutely uphold national laws intended to leave a clean and green environment for future generations.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "5", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4695", "title": "Resource Circulation Administration of the Ministry of Environment and Taoyuan Inter-national Airport Corporation Sign MOU on \"Promoting Plastic Resource Circulation\"", "preview": "On 15 May 2026, the Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) and Taoyuan International Airport Corporation (TIAC) offi-cially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on \"Promoting Plastic Re-source Circulation\" in response to the global trend of reducing plastic and imple-menting the transformation into a re-source-circulating society. The ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Minister Shen Chih-Hsiu of the MOENV and Secretary-General Shen Hui-Hung of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC). The MOU was signed by Director-General Lai Ying-Ying of the RECA and General Man-ager Fan Hsiao-Lun of TIAC. Professor Chang Tien-Chin, Chair Professor of the De-partment of Environmental Engineering at Chung Yuan Christian University, and representative entities of the Airport Service Alliance were also invited to partici-pate in the landmark event. It is hoped that this collaboration will deeply integrate the concepts of plastic reduction and resource recycling into TIAC's daily manage-ment and operations, demonstrating the determination and concrete actions of cross-ministerial, cross-agency, and multi-sectoral cooperation to promote the transformation to resource recycling, thereby creating a pioneering green model for sustainable aviation hubs.", "content": "I. Deepening the Plastic Resource Circulation Initiative Through Three Core Stra-tegic Pillars\nTaoyuan International Airport serves as Taiwan's premier aviation gateway. Pas-senger traffic has rebounded rapidly in the wake of the COVID pandemic, reach-ing 47.8 million passengers in 2025. Coupled with the large volume of shift-service and operational staff on duty daily, the airport constitutes a highly inten-sive and continuously operating ecosystem for both living and working. Regard-ing environmental achievements, TIAC was awarded Level 4 Airport Carbon Ac-creditation (ACA) by Airports Council International (ACI) in 2025, marking it as the first airport in Taiwan to attain this milestone. The airport continues to ad-vance proactively toward Level 5 certification, establishing a robust demonstra-tion foundation for low-carbon transformation and circular management.\nSecretary-General Shen Hui-Hung of the MOTC remarked that Taoyuan Airport is not only an important gateway for passengers traveling to and from Taiwan, but also a place where many workers spend their daily life and provide services. The promotion of plastic reduction at the source, enhanced recycling, and sustaina-ble management at this location will yield substantial and highly visible results, projecting a clear narrative of Taiwan’s sustainability milestones to international travelers. Secretary-General Shen pointed out that resource circulation is not just a policy slogan, but a tangible manifestation of a mindful culture and sus-tainable lifestyle. The initiative aims to reduce single-use waste, optimize sorting processes, alleviate the operational burdens on frontline staff, and encourage travelers, employees, and airport stakeholders to participate in environmental efforts, thereby driving a comprehensive sustainability transition at the nation’s prime gateway.\nThe RECA and TIAC reached a consensus after several rounds of technical dis-cussions, structuring their framework around three major pillars for plastic ma-terials: \"source reduction,\" \"enhanced recycling,\" and \"circular reuse,\" while emphasizing \"immediate execution and active employee engagement\" to roll out concrete measures. For \" source reduction\", Taoyuan Airport will initiate ac-tions by reducing single-use disposable tableware across food courts under its jurisdiction, encouraging employees to bring their own reusable utensils for takeout, and adopting circular, reusable lunch boxes for institutional catering and conferences. For \" enhanced recycling,\" the backend waste-sorting work-flows were optimized through rigorous on-site process inspections and com-prehensive waste inventory audits. Existing plastic resource recycling categories were expanded to capture a wider array of polymer types, such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) milk bottles and detergent containers. Official statistics from January and February of 2026 indicate that the volume of collected recy-clable plastics has increased significantly by 126% compared to the correspond-ing period last year. For \" circular reuse\", the RECA will serve as an expert con-sultancy and matchmaking intermediary, providing TIAC with standardized ref-erence guidelines for airport resource circulation, assisting in linking with vali-dated downstream upcycling networks, and providing follow-up technical coun-seling to participating stakeholders. Moving forward, the Airport Service Alliance will leverage its network to systematically disseminate re-source-recovery methodologies and circular engineering experiences across the airport envi-ronment, optimizing the collective benefit of airport resource circulation and in-stitutionalizing a long-term collaborative mechanism between the RECA and TIAC.\nII. Sharing Taiwan's Circular Prowess Globally: Green Living Exemplified at the Nation's Gateway.\nDeputy Minister Shen Chih-Hsiu of the MOENV pointed out that Taiwan has es-tablished a globally acclaimed, comprehensive recycling framework through the closely-knit synergy of consumers, local municipal cleaning fleets, commercial recycling processors, advanced reprocessing technologies, and a robust trust fund mechanism since the launch of the \"Four-in-One Recycling Program\" in 1997. This legacy holds significant value for international knowledge transfer. As Taiwan's primary international gateway, TIAC can leverage the institutional ca-pacity of the Airport Service Alliance and its workforce of approximately 38,000 employees to firmly embed resource recycling, plastic reduction, and circular reuse into daily airport operations. This will not only allow domestic and inter-national travelers to experience Taiwan's green lifestyle first-hand but also ex-pand its macro demonstration effects. Looking ahead, by compounding plastic resource circulation frameworks onto the existing ACI ACA Level 4 foundation, Taiwan is poised to sculpt a flagship \"Green Airport\" paradigm capable of repli-cation across other transportation and transit sectors.\nIII. Aligning Shared Visions for a Net-Zero Circular Future\nMOENV has been deeply committed in recent years to formulating tailored plas-tic reduction frameworks calibrated to the operational profiles of diverse public venues. As Taiwan's preeminent international gateway, Taoyuan Airport carries massive passenger volume and profound spatial influence, serving as a critical demonstration crucible for promoting resource circulation and low-carbon in-dustrial transformation. The signing of this MOU ensures that the tripartite strategies of \"source reduction, enhanced recycling, and circular reuse\" are deeply institutionalized into daily airport infrastructure activities. This will not only strengthen carbon emission management across the supply chain, particu-larly within Scope 3 parameters, but also demonstrate to the international community Taiwan's steadfast determination to implement resource circula-tion—from domestic daily lives to large-scale public transit nodes—as we march together toward the goal of net-zero emissions.\nDirector-General Lai Ying-Ying of the RECA stated that she envisions Taoyuan Airport as the primary catalyst, where cross-departmental cooperation and resource integra-tion will systematically accelerate sustainable consumption and circular initiatives. By deepening the active participation of both airport personnel and international pas-sengers, this partnership aims to crystallize an iconic \"Green Airport\" identity. Every traveler crossing this border will witness Taiwan’s absolute resolve in spearheading a green transformation, positioning TIAC as a national benchmark for resource circula-tion that will progressively scale to other national transit and logistical hubs in the future.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "5", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4694", "title": "Ministry of Environment and Ocean Affairs Council Join Forces to Build a Monitoring and Control Defense Line Against Microplastics", "preview": "Facing the global challenge of microplastic pollution, Minister Peng Chi-Ming of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) and Minister Kuan Bi-Ling of the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) held a joint press conference on 8 May 2026. They announced a cross-ministerial initiative to build a comprehensive monitoring and control de-fense line \"From Land to Sea\". By combining strategic pillars such as lifestyle trans-formation, advanced scientific monitoring, and targeted environmental remedia-tion, the government is actively partnering with the private sector to reduce micro-plastics. Associate Professor Shiu Ruei-Feng, Professor Cheng Tsun-Jen, and Princi-pal Huang Chien-Jung of Yue-Ming Elementary and Junior High School in Yilan were invited to share the fruitful results of this public-private partnership (PPP) and to call on the general public to mobilize for plastic reduction and marine conservation, thereby collectively safeguarding Taiwan.", "content": "The core paradigm of microplastic governance lies in lifestyle transformation and the integration of green product design. As early as 2017, MOENV enacted a ban on in-tentionally added microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products. Currently, the MOENV is actively advancing legislative amendments to the Two Acts of Re-source Circulation to pivot from traditional \"prohibitions and restrictions\" toward \"evaluating and optimizing a product's circular potential at its source.\" This involves promoting robust reuse models to decrease the consumption of single-use products and eliminate the intentional introduction of plastic particulates. Regarding environ-mental detection frameworks, the National Environmental Research Institute (NERI) under the MOENV has established cutting-edge analytical methodologies in recent years. According to 2025 m (with only 8 sites testing positive), with concentration values spanning strictly from 0 to 4 particles\/liter. This baseline performance is signif-icantly cleaner than the global metrics published by the international non-profit Orb Media, which cited an 83% detection rate and a concentration scale of 0 to 57 parti-cles\/liter.\nMarine environments are one of the final environmental receptors of microplastics. Taiwan is bringing several ministries together to promote the \"Salute to the Ocean - Coastal Cleanup and Maintenance Plan.\" (陸海聯手環保實績與數據矩陣) According to MOENV statistics for 2020 to 2025, a total of 8,442 beach clean-up operations were completed and approximately 362,000 metric tons of waste were cleaned up, decreasing plastic waste on beaches by about 50.8% in 2025 compared to 2019. The OAC stated that in 2025, 3,641 metric tons of marine debris were cleaned and re-moved in campaigns such as the Clean Ocean Alliance and Clean Ocean Actions, for which the OAC also actively recruited private forces to assist in cleaning up. From 2020 to the end of 2025, an environmental protection fleet totaling 6,665 vessels was recruited to collect marine debris, and 6,089 divers were recruited to remove un-derwater debris.\nThe OAC established a systematic monitoring architecture in 2020 spanning seawater and bioindicators at the estuaries of Taiwan's major rivers, strategically intercepting pollutants before they disseminate into open marine ecological networks. Further-more, to synchronize with global scientific standards, Taiwan's authenticated marine microplastic data is regularly uploaded to the \"Atlas of Ocean Microplastics (AOMI)\" global open database, an international repository commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan. Concurrently, the OAC actively promotes the circular up-cycling of marine debris into high-value resources. By founding the Marine Debris Recycling Coalition—which seamlessly connects commercial recyclers, brand manu-facturers, and research institutions, Taiwan has successfully developed and commer-cialized 66 distinct commercial products manufactured from recycled marine waste.\nLooking ahead, the MOENV and the OAC will intensify their collaboration to co-develop analytical testing technologies, build comprehensive environmental base-lines, harness multi-sectoral resources to maintain terrestrial and marine cleanliness, and foster localized environmental stewardship within the next generation. Comple-menting these efforts, the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) and the Na-tional Science and Technology Council (NSTC) have dedicated resources to conduct comprehensive human exposure risk assessments regarding microplastics. Mean-while, MOENV is actively evaluating preventative policies surrounding circular pack-aging design, drinking water contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), and micro-plastic emissions derived from vehicular tire wear. Through these progressive, multi-dimensional strategies, Taiwan continues to optimize its frameworks to protect pub-lic health and its ecological environments.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "5", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4693", "title": "Green Fee Rates Incentivize Green Design and Use of Recycled Materials in Plastic Containers", "preview": "The Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) launched the \" Green Fee Rates\" (綠色費率) policy on 1 January 2025, establishing a powerful economic incentive to encourage 53 key indicator business-es to adopt circular design frameworks aimed at maximizing resource efficiency. In the first year of implementation, official statistics show the policy successfully inte-grated recycled materials into the production of 368 million consumer plastic con-tainers.", "content": "The RECA indicated that the green fee rates policy for plastic containers encourages businesses to design packaging that is more easily recyclable and presents lower en-vironmental burdens. The policy provides economic incentives in the form of re-duced recycling and clearance fees, ensuring that every container’s value within the resource circulation cycle is maximized. The number of participating businesses has grown from 32 at the inception in 2025 to 53 in 2026, spanning sectors such as skin-care products, household detergents, beverages, bottled water, health foods, and lubricating oil. The pioneering enterprises that invested early in the policy have played a significant demonstration role, driving upstream and downstream supply chains to re-evaluate and adjust product design strategies. Many brand enterprises are actively putting plastic-reduction concepts into practice. Adjusting for one enter-prise that met two assessment criteria simultaneously, the verified total comprises 53 unique corporate entities, representing a cumulative production of 368 million certified containers in the first year of implementation. Details are as follows: \nI. Materials “Recycled and Reborn” (159 million containers): There are 35 busi-nesses in this category, including Nice, Magic Amah, HUCC, and CPC. They have successfully introduced 25% or more recycled material content into their pack-aging matrices, resulting in a reduction of more than 1,600 metric tons of virgin plastics. Through this mechanism, recycled materials are no longer confined as testing samples in a lab but have successfully transitioned into mainstream household products found in daily life.\nII. “Simple and Clean” bottles (149 million containers): Thirteen beverage giants, including Vedan, Taisun, and HeySong, have aligned with the principles of \"pure materials, original colors, and reduced labeling.\" By simplifying material compo-sitions, the purity and quality of recycled plastics are greatly improved, effec-tively resolving the long-standing industry pain point of \"low recycling efficiency caused by colored bottles\" and facilitating the transformation of waste contain-ers into high-quality recycled feedstock.\nIII. Cap “Tethered to Bottle” (70 million containers): The “tethered cap” (non-detachable cap) design was adopted by 6 leading enterprises, including Grape King, Taisun, and Pro-Partner, ensuring that bottle caps remain attached and re-enter the recycling chain along with the bottles. This intervention effectively eliminates the risk at the source of micro-plastic caps scattering into terrestrial and marine environments.\nIV. Dual-Category Excellence (10 million containers): Taisun delivered the most outstanding performance by overcoming manufacturing and technical difficul-ties in the recycling process to meet the statutory specifications for both bottles and caps, successfully realizing an eco-friendly synergistic value of 1+1 > 2.\nThe RECA highlighted that for each single criterion met in their product design (incorporation of recycled materials, easily recyclable architectures, or tethered caps), a business is eligible for a 15% discount on baseline recycling fee rates, scaling up to a maximum cumulative discount of 45% for full compliance across all three pillars. Currently, Taisun has taken the lead in meeting two criteria sim-ultaneously, qualifying for the Level 2 Green Fee Rate and a 30% financial incen-tive discount.\nV. The Demonstration Effect Deepens as Resource Circulation Standardizes Across Supply Chains\nThe RECA pointed out that the green fee rates policy has yielded remarkable success in its first year. To build on this momentum and further expand the cir-cular economy, the \"Key Points for Promoting Circular Products and Circular Ser-vices\" (循環產品及循環服務推動作業要點) were officially announced on 6 May 2026 to incentivize broader enterprise investment. In addition to support-ing products made with recycled materials, future promotional priorities will target manufacturing pipelines that minimize natural resource depletion and utilize 100% fully recyclable materials. Looking ahead, the RECA will continue to integrate industrial supply chains and drive consumer market transformation, thereby systematically increasing the market penetration of product recycling and circular applications to achieve the definitive goals of resource-use efficien-cy and source waste reduction.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "5", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4692", "title": "National Environmental Research Institute Demonstrates Top-Tier Analytical Capabilities; Water Quality Testing Performance Internationally Recognized", "preview": "The National Environmental Research Institute (hereinafter the NERI) under the Ministry of Environment recently participated in drinking water and wastewater proficiency testing (PT) programs organized by the internationally renowned pro-vider Environmental Resource Associates, Inc. (ERA) of the United States, demon-strating outstanding analytical and testing capabilities. In the two major categories of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals in water, all evaluated items received a “Satisfactory” rating. The NERI was also awarded the “Laboratory of Excellence” certificate by ERA, underscoring that its environmental testing tech-nologies meet world-class international standards.", "content": "I. Drinking Water VOC Testing: Strong Analytical Capability Ensures Drinking Wa-ter Safety\nThe NERI conducted PT on 16 VOCs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (such as chloroform), benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and vinyl chloride, all of which pose potential health risks. In a global comparison involving 349 partici-pating laboratories, the NERI achieved a 100% pass rate for the parameters it submitted, demonstrating the stability and accuracy of its analytical capabilities for trace-level VOCs in drinking water.\nII. Heavy Metal Testing in Effluent: Strict Safeguards Against Water Pollution\nTo ensure the continued reliability of its analytical capabilities for pollutants in industrial wastewater discharges, the NERI participated in a PT program for ef-fluent analysis. The tested parameters included seven key heavy metals: cadmi-um, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, silver, and zinc. In an even more competi-tive interlaboratory comparison involving 963 laboratories worldwide, the NERI once again delivered outstanding performance, achieving a 100% pass rate across all evaluated items.\nThe NERI explained that PT is an essential external quality assurance tool for verifying laboratory analytical capability. By comparing results with those of participating la-boratories worldwide, it helps confirm the effectiveness of testing methods, instru-ment operation, and quality assurance and quality control (QA\/QC) procedures. Di-rector-General Chang Shun-Chin emphasized that VOCs in drinking water and heavy metals in effluent are critical analytical parameters for environmental quality man-agement and public health risk control. Successfully passing this international PT program organized by ERA not only demonstrates that the NERI’s analytical testing capabilities continue to meet international standards, but also helps strengthen the credibility of Taiwan’s environmental monitoring data, providing a solid scientific foundation for drinking water safety, pollution source control, and environmental quality management.\nThe Ministry of Environment stated that, going forward, the NERI will continue to participate in international PT programs and advance the continuous improvement of laboratory quality management systems. These efforts aim to enhance technical capacity for environmental testing and analysis and ensure that testing data remain accurate, reliable, and traceable, thereby supporting policy objectives related to en-vironmental governance and the protection of public health.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "5", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "" }, { "no": "4691", "title": "Strengthening Taiwan–UK Bilateral Engagement: “2026 Taiwan–UK Industrial Decarbonization Workshop” Brings Stakeholders Together to Advance Net-Zero Transition and Climate Cooperation", "preview": "To deepen the climate partnership between Taiwan and the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Environment and the British Office Taipei jointly held the “2026 Taiwan–UK Industrial Decarbonization Workshop” （2026臺英工業減碳工作坊） on May 12, 2026, bringing together experts from both sides for in-depth dialogue on net-zero emissions and decarbonization strategies. On May 13, Minister Peng Chi-Ming of the Ministry of Environment also received visiting delegates from the UK De-partment for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and representatives from indus-try. He emphasized the long-standing importance of Taiwan–UK cooperation on climate issues and expressed hope that collaboration could extend beyond policy dialogue to stronger industrial linkages, working together to accelerate progress toward net-zero emissions goals.", "content": "On May 12, Taiwan and the United Kingdom jointly held the “2026 Taiwan–UK Indus-trial Decarbonization Workshop,” which was attended by Deputy Minister Hsieh Yen-Ju of the Ministry of Environment and Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones of the Brit-ish Office Taipei. The workshop brought together experts from both sides for in-depth exchanges on policy frameworks, power grid modernization, emissions reduc-tion in heavy industry and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and a just transition. Through discussions on the challenges and opportunities of industrial de-carbonization, participants built a shared understanding of policy directions, pro-moted cooperation in decarbonization technologies across industries and supply chains, and enhanced overall industrial competitiveness.\nDeputy Minister Hsieh Yen-Ju of the Ministry of Environment stated that Taiwan has formally incorporated the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 into law and has strengthened its interim carbon-reduction targets, setting a reduction target of 28% ± 2% by 2030 and 38% ± 2% by 2035. He further noted that Taiwan’s carbon pricing mechanism, which took effect in 2025, will in the future be paired with a NT$10 bil-lion “Green Growth Fund” to comprehensively accelerate the low-carbon transition of industry.\nRepresentative Ruth Bradley-Jones of the British Office Taipei emphasized that the United Kingdom and Taiwan possess highly complementary strengths in addressing industrial decarbonization. At the same time, both face a number of shared chal-lenges. More importantly, she noted that, like Taiwan, the United Kingdom views in-dustrial decarbonization not merely as an isolated climate issue, but as a broader driver of economic transformation.\nThe workshop was further contextualized through keynote speeches delivered by Director-General Tsai Ling-Yi of the Climate Change Administration under the Minis-try of Environment and Harley Collins, Head of Industrial Decarbonization Strategy at the UK DESNZ, who outlined the policy vision and direction. This was followed by four focused panel discussions featuring experts from government, industry, and ac-ademia. The sessions explored key topics, including the development of smart and flexible grid infrastructure, practical decarbonization solutions for heavy-industry transition, ways to help SMEs overcome barriers to emissions reduction, and the ex-change of approaches to just-transition policies supporting the workforce.\nThe Minister further emphasized during the meeting with the delegation that Taiwan and the United Kingdom have long maintained a close partnership on climate issues, and expressed appreciation for the UK’s assistance in supporting Taiwan’s develop-ment and implementation of its carbon pricing mechanism. Looking ahead to more substantive exchanges, the Minister outlined three key areas for future cooperation:\nI. Introducing Market-Based Mechanisms: Taiwan hopes to draw on the UK’s ex-perience to incorporate more market-oriented approaches and institutional ar-rangements, with the aim of strengthening and improving the future operation of its emissions trading system (ETS).\nII. Expanding Investment in the Green Energy Industry: Taiwan welcomes invest-ment from UK enterprises and capital in Taiwan, particularly in net-zero sectors such as offshore wind power and carbon capture and storage (CCS), to jointly create new green business opportunities.\nIII. Joint Expansion into Global Markets: Taiwan aims to combine its strengths in semiconductors and the information and communications technology (ICT) manufacturing supply chain, as well as its robust capital market capacity, with the United Kingdom’s advantages in finance, climate policy, and innovation. To-gether, the two sides seek to serve net-zero markets across Asia and the world.\nThe Ministry of Environment stated that, through the courtesy meeting and the in-depth exchanges held during the workshop, Taiwan and the United Kingdom look forward to continuing to leverage their respective strengths to advance more sub-stantive cooperation in emissions reduction and net-zero transition efforts.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "5", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4690", "title": "Taiwan–Paraguay Climate Cooperation: Creating New Opportunities for Cross-Border Emissions Reduction", "preview": "To expand opportunities for cooperation and exchange between Taiwan and Para-guay in addressing climate change, the Ministry of Environment held the “Interna-tional Mitigation Cooperation Exchange Roundtable” （國際減量合作交流座談會） on 7 May, 2026. The session was chaired by Minister Peng Chi-ming. The meeting brought together Mr. Victor González, Director of the Carbon Market Division of Paraguay’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, representatives from Paraguay’s carbon market sector, Taiwan’s Green Growth Alliance （綠色成長聯盟）, and the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange （臺灣碳權交易所）, among other stakeholders. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the potential for collaboration in carbon credit development between Taiwan and Paraguay, as well as possible implementation mechanisms and future policy pathways. Through strengthened international cooperation and public-private partnerships, the Minis-try expressed its hope of creating a mutually beneficial outcome for both govern-ments and enterprises in Taiwan and Paraguay.", "content": "The Ministry of Environment stated that the Republic of Paraguay is one of Taiwan’s key diplomatic allies. Paraguay’s abundant forest resources serve as its primary car-bon sink and a central pillar of its emissions-reduction strategy. Following the signing of the “Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation under the Paris Agreement” （在《巴黎協定》下合作備忘錄） on 1 October, 2025, Minister Peng of the Minis-try of Environment announced in November the launch of 12 “Taiwan–Paraguay En-vironmental Governance Action Plans” （臺巴環境治理行動方案）. The roundtable brought together enterprises from both sides to exchange views on future mecha-nisms for tangible emissions-reduction cooperation.\nIn his remarks, Minister Peng stated that as the global net-zero transition continues to advance, Taiwan should align both its national strategic mitigation planning and corporate development needs with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement in implementing international mitigation cooperation. This includes the generation of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) and the application of corresponding ad-justments, ensuring high-integrity carbon credits that are real, transparent, and free from double counting. The government is currently in discussions with Paraguay re-garding the signing of an Implementation Agreement (IA). Under this framework, the government will lead enterprises in jointly establishing emissions-mitigation cooper-ation with Paraguay, ensuring that bilateral projects comply with international stand-ards for high-quality mitigation outcomes. These efforts are expected to be eligible for offsetting up to 5% of taxable carbon-fee emissions. Minister Peng also expressed hope that Taiwan-funded enterprises will participate in forestry carbon-sink projects in Paraguay. This would not only help Taiwan advance toward its emissions-reduction targets and enhance corporate competitiveness, but also deliver tangible benefits to local communities and ecosystems in Paraguay.\nDirector González stated in his remarks that, in recent years, Paraguay has actively advanced cooperation mechanisms under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, working to establish a robust, transparent system for the transfer of ITMOs that ensures high environmental integrity and avoids double counting. He noted that Paraguay has al-ready engaged in cooperation with multiple countries and accumulated practical ex-perience, and that its efforts are highly complementary to Taiwan’s initiatives in ad-vancing international emissions-mitigation cooperation. He expressed hope that Tai-wan and Paraguay can deepen collaboration in areas such as expanding natural car-bon sinks, renewable energy, and green transportation, and that their partnership could serve as a practical demonstration of how Article 6 of the Paris Agreement can be implemented.\nIn an increasingly competitive international landscape for mitigation cooperation, Minister Peng expressed deep appreciation and sincere gratitude that Director Gon-zález and Paraguayan business representatives traveled to Taiwan to discuss cooper-ation on emissions rights. Beyond future cooperation with Paraguay on reforestation and afforestation projects for emissions reduction, Taiwan is also concurrently ad-vancing domestic planning for “urban forests.” Through public-private partnerships, the Ministry aims to achieve multiple win-win outcomes, including strengthened cli-mate action, expanded green investment, sustainable development, and the further consolidation of bilateral diplomatic ties.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "5", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4689", "title": "World Environment Day: Advancing Climate-Friendly Actions Through Public Participation", "preview": "To actively respond to the 2026 World Environment Day call for global climate ac-tion, the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with local governments, held the “National Climate Action Joint Carnival”（氣候行動全國聯合嘉年華） on 30 May, 2026, at the Pier-2 Art Zone in Kaohsiung. In light of the increasing risk of heat-related illness driven by extreme global climate conditions, the event was specially scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. In doing so, government agencies led by example, demonstrating concrete climate adaptation measures and flexible response strate-gies to enhance climate resilience.", "content": "At the launch ceremony, Minister Peng Chi-Ming of the Ministry of Environment em-phasized that climate change is an ongoing, real-time challenge facing both the na-tion and the world. In line with the principles of the “Climate Change Response Act”（氣候變遷因應法）, he stressed that advancing climate adaptation and emissions-reduction efforts is an urgent priority. Minister Peng further noted that, in response to global warming trends, President Lai Ching-te assigned an important task six months ago to deliberate on and develop a climate adaptation policy to promote ur-ban forestry in Taiwan. The Executive Yuan also convened the first meeting of the “Urban Forest Promotion Committee” （都市林推動委員會） this week, chaired by Vice Premier Cheng. The initiative aims to promote climate adaptation through na-tionwide greening efforts, leveraging trees’ dual functions as “nature’s air condition-ers” (cooling urban areas through shade and reducing the need for air conditioning) and “water-absorbing sponges” (absorbing rainfall during heavy storms to mitigate flooding risks).\nMinister Peng further called on the public to recognize that Taiwan’s path toward 2050 Net-Zero Emissions （2050淨零排放） depends critically on a society-wide “lifestyle transformation.” Government efforts alone are not sufficient; achieving this goal requires collective action from all citizens to put the “Three Major Actions to Cool the Earth” into practice and help lighten the planet’s burden:\nI. Bring Your Own and Share (Plastic Reduction Action): Encourage the public to carry reusable water bottles in daily life and share eco-friendly shopping bags. The Minister highlighted the successful revamp of Taipei’s Jianguo Holiday Flow-er Market, where approximately 50% of visitors now bring their own reusable bags, with a target of increasing this rate to 70%. In the future, the Ministry also plans to work with Kaohsiung to select a site for cultivating a culture of plastic reduction.\nII. Choose Low-Carbon and Local Ingredients: In daily diets, prioritize low-carbon, local, and seasonal foods to reduce carbon footprints at the source and avoid food waste.\nIII. Prioritize Green Mark-Certified Products: Look for the Taiwan Green Mark eco-label （環保綠色標章） when you shop, and put your money behind manufac-turers that are producing environmentally friendly products.\nAt the carnival, awards were also presented for the “Mission for the Planet” video competition, recognizing the administrative ingenuity and outstanding achievements of local environmental protection agencies in implementing environmental policies on the front lines. In the expert panel’s professional judging, the host-side entrant, the Kaohsiung City Government, led by the mayor, who personally delivered a highly creative presentation, earned first place nationwide in the Professional Category. In addition, the Pingtung County Government also delivered an excellent performance, standing out among 22 entries from across Taiwan to win first place in the online popularity vote.\nThe 30 informational booths set up at the event showcased the innovative capabili-ties of cities and counties across Taiwan in advancing emissions reduction and re-source-circulation initiatives. Yunlin County promoted its “Protect the Pomelo, Green Action for the Planet” campaign, featuring whole-fruit utilization of pomelos and hands-on hydrosol-making activities, thereby advancing the valorization of agricul-tural waste. Tainan City and New Taipei City engaged the public through a “Green Ac-tion Spin Wheel” and interactive challenge games, helping participants better under-stand environmental labels and incorporate net-zero green living practices into their daily routines. Kinmen County highlighted the concept of green consumption by en-couraging the purchase of locally grown cosmetically imperfect produce, guiding the public toward reducing resource waste at the source. The host city, Kaohsiung, estab-lished a “Green Living Laboratory,” offering on-site demonstrations that decode prac-tical formulas for achieving a net-zero lifestyle. Taichung City focused on creating a more environmentally friendly home environment, actively promoting indoor air quality management and the repair and reuse of furniture. Through these immer-sive, educational, and entertaining experiences, local governments successfully turned substantive environmental policies and green knowledge into practical every-day actions that the public can easily adopt to reduce carbon emissions.\nThe Ministry of Environment further explained that, in order to translate often ab-stract climate change policies into a more visual and engaging theatrical language, this event partnered with the Ifkids Theatre Studio （如果兒童劇團）to adapt an environmental education picture book into a stage production titled “The North Wind and the Sun: Earth Mission Activated!” （北風與太陽：地球任務啟動！）, which was performed as a featured highlight. The program also included a Taiwan-exclusive interactive real-world puzzle game, “Future City: The Mystery of the Old Harbor” （北城市未來式：舊港未解之謎）, along with a closing performance by the rising boy band “ARKis.” Together, these elements successfully brought climate action closer to younger generations and family audiences, helping to deepen public engagement and understanding.\nThe Ministry of Environment expressed its hope that this event will not only serve as a meaningful showcase of achievements, but also mark a new starting point for deepening “net-zero green living” across Taiwan. The Ministry earnestly calls on eve-ry household and industry to translate environmental awareness into everyday ac-tions. Working hand in hand with the government through public-private collabora-tion, all sectors of society are encouraged to jointly build a better future for Taiwan—one that is low-carbon, sustainable, and resilient to climate change.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "5", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4688", "title": "Expanding Green Consumer Choice: Ministry of Environment Issues Key Points to Advance Circular Products and Services", "preview": "The Resource Circulation Administration of the Ministry of Environment promul-gated the “Key Points for Promoting Circular Products and Circular Services” （循環產品及循環服務推動作業要點）on 6 May, 2026. To accelerate industrial green transition, the Key Points encourage businesses to invest in the circular economy by developing products that reduce resource consumption, are made from fully recy-clable materials, or incorporate recycled content. At the same time, they promote the reuse of packaging and containers, as well as the provision of repair services that extend product life cycles. Through the transformation of consumer markets and consumption patterns, the Ministry aims to improve resource-use efficiency and reduce waste generation, thereby advancing the transition toward a more sus-tainable circular economy.", "content": "The Resource Circulation Administration stated that the Key Points clearly define the eligibility criteria for recognizing circularity features. Products and services that re-duce the use of natural resources, adopt mono-material designs to facilitate full re-cyclability, are made using recycled materials, or can extend their life cycles through reuse and repair are all eligible to apply to the Resource Circulation Administration for authorization to use the circular label. This system not only helps businesses en-hance product visibility and market competitiveness, but also serves as a reference for procurement by consumers, as well as public- and private-sector buyers, making green consumption more straightforward and intuitive.\nThe Resource Circulation Administration explained that the application process for authorization to use the circular label is divided into two stages: documentary (for-mal) review and substantive review. Application materials should primarily demon-strate operational performance or production information related to circular prod-ucts and services. To facilitate industry applications, cases that comply with the an-nounced product categories and technical specifications will, in principle, be re-viewed through a documentary assessment based on submitted materials. The first batch of circular product and service categories was announced on May 28, covering five major categories—textiles, plastics, glass containers, circular services, and inor-ganic materials—and comprising 12 product and service items in total, representing a wide range of product types and service models. Authorization to use the circular label is generally valid for three years. If there are no revisions to the relevant tech-nical specifications, the authorization may be extended once for an additional six years.\nTo help stakeholders better understand the operational management of the Key Points, as well as the subsequent procedures for applying for, issuing, and using the “Circular Label” （循環標誌）, the Resource Circulation Administration held three informational sessions in northern, central, and southern Taiwan on May 12, 15, and 18, respectively. These sessions provided in-depth explanations of the application process, the first batch of announced circular product and service categories, and the principles for verifying technical specifications. A total of 225 participants attend-ed the three sessions in person and online.\nIn addition to promoting and encouraging businesses to apply for and obtain the cir-cular label, the Resource Circulation Administration will also concurrently publicize and promote matchmaking initiatives for circular procurement across both the pub-lic and private sectors, as well as encourage general consumers to prioritize products and services bearing the circular label. For example, in the Ministry of Environment’s 2026 Green Procurement Performance Evaluation for government agencies, pro-curement expenditures on circular-labeled products and services by both public and private entities have been included as an additional assessment item. Through this approach of leveraging public-sector leadership to drive private-sector participation, the government aims to support the transformation of industries toward a circular economy and lay the foundation for a circular society in Taiwan.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "5", "assortment": "Resource Circulation, Water Quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4687", "title": "Amended Air Pollutant Emission Standards for the Cement Industry Issued to Align with International Practices While Advancing the Circular Economy and Air Pollution Control to Safeguard Public Health", "preview": "To support the objectives of resource circulation, net-zero carbon emissions, and air quality maintenance, the Ministry of Environment amended and issued the “Air Pollutant Emission Standards for the Cement Industry” （水泥業空氣污染物排放標準） on May 18, 2026. The focus of this amendment is to align Taiwan’s regulato-ry framework with international standards and strengthen controls on hazardous air pollutants. Specifically, the revised standards introduce regulatory limits for di-oxins and 12 specified heavy metals while also establishing emission standards for hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen chloride (HCl), and carbon monoxide (CO). In ad-dition, a feedstock management mechanism has been introduced to regulate the selection of raw materials and alternative fuels, encouraging the industry to im-plement source reduction measures and strengthen operational management prac-tices, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of pollution prevention and con-trol. Through these amendments, the Ministry of Environment seeks to ensure that the promotion of the circular economy proceeds in tandem with robust air quality protection measures, safeguarding both environmental quality and public health.", "content": "The Ministry of Environment stated that, as net-zero emissions policies continue to be actively advanced, the proportion of waste-derived alternative fuels co-processed in domestic cement kilns has steadily increased. To prevent the potential pollution risks associated with increasingly diverse feedstock sources, and recognizing the strong correlation between pollutant emissions from cement manufacturing and feedstock composition, the amended standards introduce a new “Screening and Us-age Proportioning Management Plan for Raw Materials, Other Materials, and Fuels.” Under this framework, the traceability and use of resource-circulation materials will be subject to enhanced management, encouraging operators to select such inputs based on the processing capacity of their own cement kilns. The mechanism is de-signed to help operators better understand the composition of resource-circulation materials and ensure compliance with emission standards at the source through feedstock screening, quality control measures, and adjustments to feedstock ratios. In addition, recognizing that the industry will require time to upgrade equipment and optimize operating parameters, the amendments include transitional measures. Op-erators may submit the aforementioned management plan to the local competent authority for approval by October 30, 2026, and apply for a compliance transition (buffer) period. This arrangement provides a reasonable timeframe for adaptation, with any approved transition period extending no later than 1 January 2029.\nThe Ministry of Environment emphasized that the amendments were developed through extensive interagency coordination and multiple rounds of consultation with industry, government, and academic stakeholders, resulting in broad consensus among all parties. By adopting a dual-track approach that combines more stringent end-of-pipe emission standards with feedstock composition controls, the revised framework balances the advancement of the circular economy with effective air pol-lution management. Looking ahead, the Ministry will continue to support the steady transformation and upgrading of the industry through rigorous scientific data and a macro-level regulatory framework, fostering a sustainable future in which economic development and environmental protection advance hand in hand.\nIn addition, in response to recent public concern regarding the environmental im-pacts of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), the Ministry stated that it has continued to closely monitor this pollutant and has conducted long-term measurements through air qual-ity monitoring stations located in specialized industrial parks. According to environ-mental ambient air monitoring data collected from 2022 to 2024, the average con-centrations of BaP were 0.07 ng\/m³ in the Yunlin Offshore Industrial Park, 0.15 ng\/m³ in the Linyuan Industrial Park, and 0.136 ng\/m³ in the Linhai Industrial Park. These monitoring results are all below relevant international benchmarks, including the Long-term Air Monitoring Comparison Value (AMCV) established by the Texas Com-mission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which is 3 ng\/m³, and the European Un-ion’s air quality target value for airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), for which BaP serves as the indicator substance, with an annual average concentration limit of 1 ng\/m³. The Ministry of Environment has also announced plans to initiate revisions to the Hazardous Air Pollutant Emission Standards in 2026, under which BaP will be incorporated into the regulatory emission control framework.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "5", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment, Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4686", "title": "MOENV Marks Earth Day by Launching “Clean Air, Better Future” Knowledge Challenge, E-vouchers up to NT$10,000 Available by-Passing Quiz", "preview": "To mark Earth Day (世界地球日) on 22 April 2026, the public air quality knowledge program \"Clean Air, Better Future\" (空品新識力) launched by the Ministry of Envi-ronment (MOENV) entered a new and exciting phase. Starting on Earth Day, the \"Citizens’ Air Quality Knowledge Challenge\" (全民空品知識挑戰) quiz can be offi-cially taken online. Any citizen of Taiwan who completes a digital learning program and passes the online quiz will become eligible for an e-voucher of up to NT$10,000.", "content": "To transform serious air quality issues into tangible actions that can be taken by the public, anyone who registers on the event website and completes 50% of the “Citi-zens’ Air Quality Knowledge Course” (全民空品知識挑戰) can be eligible for prizes from now until 5 June 2026. The system will select 50 random questions from a ques-tion bank. Anyone who answers 35 questions correctly (for a score of 70) will be eli-gible for a lottery. A total of 617 lucky winners will win prizes, including one NT$10,000 e-gift voucher, six NT$5,000 vouchers, ten NT$1,000 vouchers, and six hundred NT$500 vouchers. The list of winners is expected to be officially announced on the event website before 15 June 2026, and winners will also receive their e-gift voucher serial numbers via SMS.\nMOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming personally participated in the “Knowledge Chal-lenge” educational videos. He emphasizes that Taiwan's air quality governance has moved from the traditional approach of “end-of-pipe control” to a new stage of \"net zero and pollution reduction for mutual benefit.\" The videos (11 episodes in total) cover topics such as meteorology and air quality, atmospheric chemistry, how pollu-tion is created, health risks, forecasting technology, and net zero policy. The idea is to transform complex atmospheric science and health risk data into common scientific knowledge and action, For example, helping people break the myth of \"safest air is indoors,\" directly addressing the hidden threats lurking in building materials and third-hand smoke, and enabling people to fully understand the close relationship be-tween air quality and daily life. \nIn addition, the MOENV has called on students, of high schools, vocational schools and junior colleges, aged 15 to 18 nationwide, to participate. Students who complete 100% of the digital program and submit a handwritten \"Love letter to the future blue sky\" of no more than 500 words in black or blue ink before 15 May 2026, will not only be able to download a digital learning certificate to prove they have augmented their learning through completing the program, but will also have the opportunity to com-pete for 20 scholarships worth NT$10,000 each. Selected through expert evaluations, the winning students will be invited to attend a \"Ministerial Air Quality Salon\" in June, where they will have a heartwarming cross-generational dialogue with Minister Peng and express their hopes for a clean blue sky in 2026. \nFrom \"knowing\" to \"doing,\" the MOENV invites everybody to participate online start-ing on Earth Day, to enrich their environmental knowledge, turn knowledge into ac-tion, and work together to create a cleaner homeland for Taiwan.\n\nThe air quality knowledge quiz consists of 6 segments to help participants improve their environmental expertise\n", "year": "2026", "month": "4", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "" }, { "no": "4685", "title": "Resource Circulation Administration Integrates Information on Recycled Plastics to Facilitate Circulation of Resources", "preview": "To advance national resource circulation policies, the Resource Circulation Admin-istration (RECA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has recently launched a dedicated \"Recycled Materials Info Search\" section on its official website. Focusing initially on plastic materials, this specialized portal is designed to shed light on ex-isting third-party verification systems for domestic recycled plastics by compiling and centralizing preliminary market information.", "content": "The RECA stated that this section of its website presents compiled information on recycled materials from commonly used third-party verification systems, both do-mestic and international, including the Global Recycling Standard (GRS), Plastic Recy-cled Materials (PRM), Recycled Material Content Verification (SGS), Recycled Material Verification (TÜV Rheinland), and Recycled Material Content Certificate (UL2809). The verification information is categorized by material type, product type and verifi-cation system. By using keywords and a filtering function, companies may search for information on recycled material suppliers as a preliminary reference for procure-ment evaluation. \nThe RECA further explained that an integrated information framework has been es-tablished in the website section, the contents of which will be gradually enriched de-pending on industrial needs and verification practices. At the same time, businesses that have obtained relevant verifications are encouraged to proactively provide sup-porting documentation to jointly assist in making the information in the section complete, thereby assisting with the goal of resource circulation. \n", "year": "2026", "month": "4", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4684", "title": "MOENV Cooperates with EasyCard for “Plastic Reduction Easy Life” through the Easy Wallet App", "preview": "Members of the public now have yet another way of gaining monetary rewards for environmentally conscious behavior. The Resource Circulation Administration (RE-CA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has partnered with EasyCard on the \"Plastic Reduction Easy Life\" program. To encourage making green actions a part of daily living, cash rewards earned through daily waste reduction are easy to get by simply integrating e-invoices into the Easy Wallet App. From 2 April to 30 June 2026, the first wave of 5,000 members registered will receive a NT$50 cash voucher. There is also a cash voucher of up to NT$100 available continuously carrying out waste reduction actions. Through this program, the public is encouraged to make plastic reductions as part of daily consumption habits and contribute to painless waste reduction.", "content": "Three simple steps need to be taken to participate in the \"Plastic Reduction Easy Life\" program: one must register as an Easy Wallet member, link their invoice carrier, and register their EasyCard. The first wave of the campaign covers three major everyday waste reduction scenarios. First, people who bring their own cup when buying drinks, or rent a reusable plastic cup, will automatically be registered by a system that recognizes their waste reduction efforts. Beyond beverage cups, the campaign ex-tends to everyday shopping. On weekends, shoppers who simply use their own shopping bags at the \"Taipei Jianguo Weekend Flower Market\" can receive an extra NT$25 cash voucher. Environmental actions easily become a part of consumer expe-rience through integrating rewards with payment methods.\n\"Plastic Reduction Easy Life\" is not just about giving back, but also an innovative mar-riage of digital technology and environmental policy. The Resource Circulation Ad-ministration has been promoting plastic reduction policies since 2002, and to further change consumer habits it now has eyes on the large Easy Wallet user base, compris-ing more than 4 million users and 450,000 commuters with carbon reduction savings accounts. The \"Plastic Reduction Easy Life\" program records people's daily behavior of bringing their own cups and bags and using reusable cups as concrete data, help-ing everyone to work together to move towards a green society. \nFor details regarding how to participate in the \"Easy Life\" campaign and the reward mechanisms, please visit the official event page of EasyCard Corporation at https:\/\/link.easycard.tw\/eleventpage.\n\nPlastic Reduction Easy Life – Daily plastic reduction actions and individual plastic reduction data tracking dashboard.\n\nPlastic Reduction Easy Life – Step-by-step mobile membership registration guide.\n\nPlastic Reduction Easy Life – User login interface and reward points accumulation mechanics.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "4", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4683", "title": "After 30 Years in Environmental Testing, NERA Once Again Certified by Reputed International Organization", "preview": "On 24 March 2026, the National Environmental Research Academy (NERA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) was officially notified by the National Associa-tion of Testing Authorities (NATA) of Australia that it has once again successfully passed the periodic re-accreditation assessment in the field of environmental test-ing. It has been more than 30 years since the NERA first obtained NATA’s accredita-tion for \"ISO\/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories\" in 1995, when it was operated under the name Environ-mental Testing Laboratories. Throughout these years, the NERA has been consist-ently proving itself in the proficiency tests conducted by internationally renowned proficiency testing organizations based in the United States and Italy. This demon-strates NERA’s strong foundation in the field of environmental testing and proves that the quality of its testing data consistently meets international standards.", "content": "The reassessment was led by a NATA team comprised of senior assessors Mr. Antho-ny Ogle and technical experts Dr. Bob Symons and Mr. Zac Xavier and was conducted over two consecutive days starting 14 Oct 2025. The assessment team evaluated NE-RA’s quality system and technical capabilities in sampling and analysis of environmen-tal media, including air, water, waste, soil, and groundwater. The NATA experts highly commended NERA for its long-standing commitment to the operation of its quality system, the professional skills of its personnel, and the rigor in its operation of high-tech instruments.\nNERA Acting President Yueh-Chuen Wu stated that accurate test data is the scientific foundation for promoting environmental policies, and continuously obtaining ISO\/IEC 17025 testing laboratory certification is the core of ensuring data quality. Thirty years ago, NERA had the foresight to obtain NATA certification. Through a mutual recogni-tion agreement (MRA), NERA practices adhere to an international system, thus test reports issued by the NERA carry the NATA certification, signifying credibility accept-ed by most countries around the world.\nThe MOENV emphasized that the NERA will continue to refine its laboratory quality system building on its 30 years of excellent work, stay updated with international testing technology trends, and provide strong scientific data support for the formula-tion and enforcement of environmental policies in Taiwan.\n\nNATA experts hold the final assessment meeting with the NERA \n\nA NATA expert visits a NERA lab during field assessment\n\nA NATA expert evaluates groundwater samples from outdoor field assessments \n\nNATA experts witness sampling of a fixed pollution source conducted by NERA personnel at the Beitou Refuse Incineration Plant\n", "year": "2026", "month": "4", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "" }, { "no": "4682", "title": "MOENV Launches Simplified Three-Step Carbon Reporting for Franchise Businesses", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) reminds all entities designated under the \"Regulations and Categories for Emission Sources Obligated to Measure and Re-port GHG Emissions\" (事業應盤查登錄溫室氣體排放量之排放源) that they were required to complete their historic first carbon inventory by 30 April 2026. To assist multi-location operations—such as chain convenience stores, supermarkets, and telecommunications operators—the MOENV has rolled out \"simplified form filling\" and \"automated integration\" functions. Operating on the core principles of \"no hassle, no outsourcing, and no verification\" (不會麻煩、不用委外、不須查驗), these tools ensure businesses can seamlessly submit disclosures on time.", "content": "During a technical workshop held on 31 March 2026, the MOENV introduced a streamlined digital ecosystem designed to lower the operational barriers for frontline and corporate staff:\nI. No professional help needed for stores to report: 8 basic data fields make it easy to use\nFor retail outlets, the MOENV designed a simplified form requiring no complex calculations to be made by retail store personnel. Only eight items of daily oper-ational information, such as store location, electricity meter number, equipment name, and activity volume data, are needed for basic information collection, significantly reducing the operational threshold for frontline staff.\nII. Automatic data integration in three steps using Excel’s Power Query \nMOENV introduced an automated tool for data integration. With Excel's built-in Power Query, headquarters staff can instantly merge thousands of records submitted from retail outlets in just three simple steps. This eliminates the ad-ministrative burden of copying and pasting every data item, and effectively pre-vents errors from manual data handling, ensuring greater accuracy of data.\nIII. Clarified regulatory alignment: Franchised stores all included together\nThe MOENV pointed out again the keys to the “Regulations and Categories for Emission Sources Obligated to Measure and Report GHG Emissions” revised at the end of 2025, including:\ni. Scope of regulation: Both contracted and franchised stores are included in the inventory scope simultaneously.\nii. Simplified procedures: Simplified operating procedures are provided for small-scale fugitive emission sources.\niii. Regulatory adjustments: Fuel and raw material testing regulations are adjusted, and the content of inventory reports for businesses covered under expanded regulations has been clarified.\nThe MOENV urged all businesses included in the expanded thresholds to upload their 2025 emissions registration and audit report on the \"Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting System\" at https:\/\/ghgregistry.moenv.gov.tw by 30 April 2026. The MOENV held a second workshop on 8 April, targeting service industries, transporta-tion, hospitals, and universities. All were welcome to participate and provide sugges-tions for improvements to jointly work toward net-zero.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "4", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4681", "title": "Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Economic Affairs Jointly Launch CBAM Service Platform, Serving as the Strongest Support for Industry", "preview": "To help domestic industries address the challenges arising from the full implemen-tation of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held a press conference on 2 April 2026, titled \"Launch of the CBAM Service Platform—The Government Has Your Back.\" At the event, the Ministry announced a joint initiative with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and officially launched an interagency CBAM Service Platform that integrates cross-ministerial resources. This initiative demonstrates the government’s determination to stand alongside businesses, working in partnerships to transform green trade challenges into low-carbon opportunities.", "content": "The EU’s CBAM officially entered its implementation phase on 1 January 2026. Its primary scope covers industries such as iron and steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen. Starting in 2027, operators will be required to complete the reporting and submission of the previous year’s data by September 30 each year. Ac-cording to statistical analysis of 2024's export data provided by the Customs Admin-istration of the Ministry of Finance, approximately 2,600 Taiwanese companies are affected. Among the regulated products, steel-related goods account for the largest share, totaling around 2.8 million metric tons. The press conference featured repre-sentatives from industry, government, and academia, who shared insights and rec-ommendations from their respective perspectives.\nI. The Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Chuang Ming-Chih, not-ed that although approximately 2,200 Taiwanese companies have export vol-umes below the EU CBAM exemption threshold of 50 metric tons per year, the threshold is calculated based on the total import volume of EU importers. As a result, even if an individual Taiwanese exporter ships only small quantities, it may still be required to provide relevant data if the buyer’s total imports exceed the threshold.\nII. Professor Shih Wen-Chen of National Chengchi University noted that the service platform offers two key advantages: it is completely free of charge, and it serves as an authoritative source for regulatory interpretation. These features enable businesses to access timely and accurate information, helping them avoid mis-information and unnecessary costs driven by external rumors.\nIII. Chen Hung-Wen, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese National Federation of Industries, suggested that the government further strengthen carbon emis-sions management and the cultivation of green talent, assist enterprises in ex-panding the use of recycled materials, and accelerate the second phase of the energy transition. He emphasized that public–private collaboration is essential to advancing the industrial low-carbon transition.\nIV. Yang Bo-Geng, Senior Advisor to the Manufacturers United General Association of Industrial Park of R.O.C., stressed that the industry is fully willing to support the policies. He also called for policy communications to be made more “plain and accessible,” so that businesses can clearly understand the requirements and implement them correctly.\nThe Climate Change Administration of the Ministry of Environment reported during the meeting that, given the broad scope of the CBAM—spanning export trade, emis-sions reporting, verification mechanisms, and carbon fee deductions, the govern-ment has established a one-stop service window with both online and in-person channels operating simultaneously. Additionally, complex regulatory requirements are being translated into clear and simple information, focusing on the three core areas that businesses most urgently need to understand:\nI. Two Dedicated Sections Now Online: The Ministry of Economic Affairs has es-tablished a dedicated section on the “Taiwan Greening Your Life” （綠色貿易資訊網） portal. Further, the Climate Change Administration of the Ministry of Environment has officially launched a “CBAM Response Section” on its website (https:\/\/www.cca.gov.tw\/affairs\/cbam\/25848.html), which goes live today.\nII. One-Stop Service Window: Through this platform, enterprises can access front-line assistance from dedicated staff via a consultation hotline and a dedicated email inbox. This eliminates the need to navigate multiple channels, delivering a true “one-stop” solution to address their needs efficiently.\nIII. Three Core Service Areas: In coordination with the EU’s forthcoming release of detailed regulations, the platform provides three key services: (1) Product Car-bon Content and Emissions Calculation, which helps companies understand EU-CBAM requirements for emissions data reporting and calculation; (2) Certifica-tion and Verification System, which offers guidance on relevant standards for EU-recognized verification bodies; and (3) Carbon Fee Offsetting, which provides real-time information on how domestic carbon fees can be offset through emis-sions reduction credits.\nThe Climate Change Administration specifically reminds industry operators that though the data must be verified by an EU-recognized verification body if they choose to report using “actual values,” they may be eligible to offset carbon fees paid domestically in the future (relevant regulations are still under development). Howev-er, operators that choose to report using “default values” will be subject to a pro-gressive annual mark-up mechanism beginning in 2026. The government urges com-panies to proactively reduce the carbon emissions of their products and to adopt ac-tual-value reporting to maintain their competitive advantage.\nIn his closing remarks, Minister Peng Chi-Ming of the Ministry of Environment em-phasized that he had personally visited the EU in February to convey Taiwan’s posi-tion and concerns regarding the detailed regulations still under development by the EU. He added that in response to international CBAM-related developments, the is-sue has been elevated to national trade and economic negotiations. Amid the grow-ing wave of green trade, he called for “forcefully dispelling misinformation and mak-ing full use of the official one-stop service window.” He reaffirmed that the govern-ment would serve as the strongest backing for all stakeholders and, through the ser-vice platform, provide concrete support to help Taiwan’s industries continue to lead globally on the path toward low-carbon transition.\n\nGroup photo from the press conference “Launch of the CBAM Service Platform—The Government Has Your Back”\n\nFrom left to right: Yang Bo-Geng, Senior Advisor of the Manufacturers United General Association of Industrial Park of R.O.C.; Chen Hung-Wen, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese National Federation of Industries; Peng Chi-Ming, Minister of the Ministry of Environment; and Chuang Ming-Chih, Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "4", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4680", "title": "Strengthening Risk Control of Toxic Chemical Substances: Amendments to “Regulated Toxic Chemical Substances and Their Operational Management Requirements” （列管毒性化學物質及其運作管理事項）", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has announced key amendments to the \"Regulated Toxic Chemical Substances and Their Operational Management Re-quirements.\" This update adds global persistent organic pollutants—including methoxychlor, decachloropentacyclooctadecene (Dechlorane Plus), and 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-pentylphenol (UV-328)—to the national registry of regulated toxic chemical substances alongside corresponding control measures. Furthermore, management frameworks for mercury and tetrachloroethylene have been tightened in alignment with international chemical management trends, fur-ther perfecting Taiwan’s toxic chemical regulatory safety net. The amended regula-tions will officially take effect on 1 July 2026.", "content": "The Ministry of Environment noted that methoxychlor, Dechlorane Plus, and UV-328 are persistent in the environment and not easily degraded; they also exhibit bioac-cumulative properties. They may affect ecosystems and human health through food chains, potentially causing long-term harm to both human health and the environ-ment. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants has already decid-ed to list these substances under Annex A for elimination, with the goal of eliminat-ing, restricting, and reducing persistent organic pollutants to protect human health and environmental safety. According to the Convention, the Ministry has thus added methoxychlor, Dechlorane Plus, and UV-328 to the list of regulated toxic chemical substances, aligning Taiwan’s regulatory framework with international control stand-ards.\nMethoxychlor has been classified as Type I, Type III, and Type IV toxic chemical sub-stance due to its bioaccumulative properties, persistence in the environment, and acute ecotoxicity. Dechlorane Plus, due to its bioaccumulative and non-degradable characteristics, has been designated as a Type I and Type IV toxic chemical substance. In line with the provisions of the Stockholm Convention, its use is broadly prohibited except for purposes such as research, testing, and education, with a regulated con-centration limit set at 0.1%. Similarly, because of its bioaccumulative and persistent properties, UV-328 has been listed as a Type I and Type IV toxic chemical substance, with a regulatory concentration limit set for all concentrations. Additionally, refer-encing the European Union’s (EU’s) regulations on persistent organic pollutants, thresholds for unintended trace contaminants have been established, and permitted uses have been explicitly defined in accordance with both the Convention and do-mestic operational conditions.\nMercury was designated as a Type I toxic chemical substance in 1991. Given its wide-spread use in civilian applications, a phased regulatory approach has been adopted to progressively restrict its use. Aligning with the implementation progress of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, this revision further tightens controls. Except for certain industrial applications where no viable substitutes are available, the import, sale, and manufacture of mercury are now broadly prohibited. At the same time, the provisions governing prohibited activities and permitted uses of mercury have been updated accordingly.\nTetrachloroethylene, due to its persistence in the environment and carcinogenic properties, was designated as a Type I and Type II toxic chemical substance in 1997. However, it is widely used in cleaning and dry-cleaning agents and is closely connect-ed to everyday life. Drawing on the United States’ final risk management rule as well as Taiwan's actual operational conditions, the revision adds a prohibition on the use of tetrachloroethylene in cleaning products. For entities that have already obtained registration or approval for its use in cleaning applications, continued use will be permitted until the chemical has been fully cycled through dry-cleaning machine sys-tems.\nThe Ministry of Environment stated that considering the time required for operators to comply with the newly added regulatory requirements for toxic chemical sub-stances—such as applying for permits or approvals, implementing labeling and transportation measures, installing detection and alarm systems, and appointing qualified technical management personnel and emergency response specialists—a transition period of one to one and a half years will be granted to existing operators. However, no grace period will be provided for entities that are not existing operators at the time these regulations take effect.\n\nChemicals Administration – Amendments to the “Controlled Toxic Chemical Substances and Their Operational Management Requirements”\n", "year": "2026", "month": "4", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4679", "title": "Amendment and Issuance of the “Water Pollution Control Measures and Test Reporting Management Regulations”: Advancing the Digital Transformation of Wastewater Management", "preview": "Aligning with the nation’s dual-track strategy of digital transformation and green transformation, the Ministry of Environment amended and promulgated the “Wa-ter Pollution Control Measures and Test Reporting Management Regulations” on April 20, 2026. Given providers and maturity of digital governance mechanisms, this revision focuses on expanding the scope for installing automated monitoring facili-ties, establishing a regulatory framework for monitoring service providers, and strengthening technical standards to prevent data falsification. These measures are intended to ensure the completeness and accuracy of foundational data for water pollution control efforts.", "content": "This amendment introduces four major revisions tailored to industry needs:\nI. Listening to Stakeholder Concerns: Introduction of a Flexible “3+2” Mechanism to Allow Adequate Preparation Time\nThe Ministry of Environment recognizes that equipment procurement and engi-neering upgrades require substantial time. To alleviate initial transitional pres-sures on operators with permitted daily wastewater discharge volumes exceed-ing 10,000 metric tons, a “3+2” flexible mechanism has been established. Under this framework, the regulation’s effective date is set at three years after prom-ulgation. If operators encounter implementation difficulties, they may submit a “Wastewater Digital Transformation Self-Management Plan” by June 30, 2028. Upon approval, they will be granted an additional two-year extension, ensuring that industry partners can complete upgrades at a stable and manageable pace.\nII. Reducing Burden: Pragmatic Optimization of Monitoring Locations for Targeted Investment and Waste Elimination\nGiven the complex characteristics of wastewater and to avoid imposing unnec-essary maintenance costs on operators, the monitoring framework has been streamlined. Monitoring points have been adjusted to representative locations, specifically at equalization tanks and the convergence points of biological treat-ment units. This approach significantly reduces the number of required moni-toring installations and effectively lowers ongoing maintenance expenses, en-suring that environmental protection investments are more precise and cost-effective.\nIII. Safeguarding Integrity: Establishing a Transparent Governance Framework to Protect the Rights of Compliant Operators\nTo preserve a fair and competitive market environment, the Ministry is estab-lishing a regulatory system for monitoring service providers and restoring healthy market competition. Beyond preventing data falsification, these measures are also designed to protect high-quality enterprises and prevent “bad actors from driving out good ones.” At the same time, the regulations gov-erning the operational rights of monitoring service providers have been revised to better safeguard legitimate businesses.\nIV. Data Trust and Transparency: Enhancing Data Transmission Technologies to Make Environmental Outcomes Visible\nThe Ministry is improving the connectivity and transmission methods of auto-mated wastewater monitoring systems by introducing a standardized communi-cation interface and unified data format, as well as establishing a mechanism for the direct transmission of raw data. These measures are intended to ensure that every data point is authentic and reliable.\nThe Ministry of Environment emphasized that this regulatory revision represents a key step in implementing digital environmental governance. It will help guide indus-tries toward upstream source management and strengthen efforts to prevent pollu-tion incidents before they occur.\n\nWastewater Management Now Has “Weather Forecasting”: The Ministry of Environment Advances the Digital Transformation of Wastewater Systems.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "4", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4678", "title": "Strengthening Ecological Impact Assessment Procedures: Revision of Technical Specifications for Vegetation, Wildlife, and Marine Ecology Assessments, Effective December 1, 2026.", "preview": "Between 2002 and 2011, prior to its reorganization into the Ministry of Environ-ment (MOENV), the former Environmental Protection Administration of the Execu-tive Yuan established technical specifications for vegetation, wildlife, and marine ecological assessments. These specifications were designed to ensure that devel-opers conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) follow consistent and standardized procedures and methodologies for ecological evaluation. Given that these specifications were established more than 20 years ago, the Ministry of Envi-ronment has revised the \"Technical Specifications for Plant Ecological Assessment,\" （植物生態評估技術規範）\"Technical Specifications for Wildlife Ecological As-sessment,\" （動物生態評估技術規範）and \"Technical Specifications for Marine Ecological Assessment.\" （海洋生態評估技術規範）This overhaul ensures that survey methods and technologies align with current scientific advances, thereby enhancing the credibility of ecological surveys and improving the quality of EIA documentation. Through the standardization of survey methodologies, strength-ened data transparency, and the adoption of standardized digital data manage-ment, these revisions aim to protect ecosystems, environmentally sensitive areas, and endangered species more effectively.", "content": "This revision focuses on integrating three major aspects to elevate the scientific rigor of ecological data. First, in terms of methodological rigor and quantitative indicators, it introduces a comparative framework between \"impact areas\" and \"control areas,\" encouraging study designs capable of assessing causality. The guidelines now require the inclusion of quantitative indicators, such as species diversity and richness, in as-sessment reports, ensuring that empirical scientific data reflect the actual ecological impacts of development activities. Second, the revision strengthens the survey and protection requirements for protected and sensitive species. When regulated spe-cies are identified during assessments, developers must propose concrete avoid-ance, mitigation, or compensation measures. Where necessary, they are also re-quired to consult with relevant authorities to incorporate alternative options or long-term monitoring programs. Finally, for marine ecological assessments, the updated guidelines explicitly incorporate survey requirements related to offshore wind power development, including underwater noise, seabed substrate conditions, and biologi-cal sampling across multiple taxa. New requirements for evaluating ecological com-pensation measures have also been added to ensure that marine engineering pro-jects maintain ecological balance alongside development.\nThe Ministry of Environment stated that the three revised ecological assessment technical specifications will officially take effect on 1 December 2026, aligning with the winter survey period. This scheduling accommodates the seasonal and long-term nature of ecological fieldwork, avoiding disruptions to environmental impact assess-ment cases already in progress and ensuring that developers have sufficient time to adjust their operational procedures. Through this institutional enhancement, the revisions are expected to help establish more reliable baseline ecological data for en-vironmental impact assessments. They will also encourage developers to incorporate more rigorous ecological conservation considerations at the planning stage, effective-ly preventing and mitigating potential ecological impacts from development projects and strengthening the protection of ecological resources.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "4", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4677", "title": "Amendments to the “Penalty Guidelines for Environmental Testing and Analysis Institutions Violating Environmental Protection Laws” （環境檢驗測定機構違反環保法規罰鍰額度裁罰準則） and the “Penalty Standards for Environmental Testing and Analysis Institutions Violating Environmental Protection Regulations” （環境檢驗測定機構違反環保法規罰鍰額度裁罰基準）", "preview": "To align with recent revisions to the regulatory framework governing environmen-tal testing and analysis institutions and to uphold the principle of proportionality in administrative penalties, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) announced key amendments on 30 May 2026. The updates specifically modify Articles 1, 2, and 4 of the \"Penalty Guidelines for Environmental Testing and Analysis Institutions Violat-ing Environmental Protection Laws,\" as well as Points 4 and 5, and Appendices 1–3 under Point 3 of the \"Penalty Standards for Environmental Testing and Analysis In-stitutions Violating Environmental Protection Regulations.\" In addition to incorpo-rating the Climate Change Response Act as an updated legal basis, these amend-ments adjust the penalty calculation formula to ensure that fines are commensu-rate with the severity of violations, thereby enhancing the credibility and fairness of law enforcement.", "content": "The Ministry of Environment stated that these amendments were introduced to align with the recently revised \"Environmental Analysis Organization Management Regula-tions\" and the \"Regulations Governing Motor Vehicle Air Pollutant and Noise Emission Testing Organizations.\" The updates establish a clear penalty calculation framework for newly identified types of violations, such as falsified sampling reports and the suspension or revocation of specific testing services.\nThe core purpose of these amendments is to ensure fair and proportionate penalties that align closely with judicial requirements. To avoid potential disputes arising from the previous approach of automatically imposing the maximum fine regardless of the specific gravity of the violation, the provision mandating the maximum penalty for serious cases has been removed. In the future, administrative sanctions will be de-termined based on a holistic assessment of factors, such as the violator’s degree of negligence or misconduct, number of violations, and scope and number of noncom-pliant items, thereby ensuring more reasonable and proportionate enforcement out-comes. Furthermore, the penalty calculation formula for violations by testing and analysis institutions has been significantly refined. New grounds for sanctions have been added for offenses such as falsified sampling reports, and both the frequency and the volume of noncompliant elements have been explicitly incorporated as mathematical calculation factors (x or n variables). This ensures that penalty amounts accurately reflect the empirical severity of the misconduct.\nThe Ministry of Environment emphasized that high-quality environmental monitoring data forms the foundational bedrock for implementing all environmental policies. These amendments are intended to establish a much fairer, more reasonable, and more transparent penalty framework. By introducing more granular enforcement standards, the revised rules aim to ensure sufficient deterrence against violations while simultaneously safeguarding the legality, appropriateness, and proportionality of administrative sanctions.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "4", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "" }, { "no": "4676", "title": "Ministry of Environment Releases Public Opinion Survey: Strong Public Support for Source Reduction and Low-Carbon Transition", "preview": "On 7 April 2026, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) released the results of its first Environmental Policy Opinion Survey of 2026. The survey found that public sat-isfaction with the Ministry’s overall environmental governance reached 64%. The Ministry expressed its appreciation for the public’s recognition and stated that it will continue to strengthen efforts in key areas such as carbon pricing, the circular economy, and environmental information transparency, to achieve its sustainable development goals.", "content": "I. Marked Improvement in Overall Public Satisfaction with Environmental Gov-ernance\nThis survey was conducted from 25 March to 30 March 2026, targeting individu-als 18 years and older. Data was collected through both residential and mobile phone interviews, yielding 406 and 772 valid responses respectively (a total of 1,178 samples). At a 95% confidence level, the overall margin of sampling error does not exceed ±2.86 percentage points.\nSatisfaction Results: Currently, approximately 64% of the public report being satisfied with the Ministry of Environment’s overall performance.\nII. Strong Public Support for Source Reduction and Pollution Prevention\nIn the area of environmental quality management, several policies received overwhelming public support:\ni. Circular Economy and Resource Recycling: 90% of respondents expressed sup-port for and willingness to use a policy promoting the borrowing of reusable \"circulation bags\" in public spaces.\nii. Marine Protection and Technology-Based Oversight: As many as 98% of re-spondents agreed that countries should avoid causing marine pollution while pursuing economic development. Additionally, 95% supported the use of GPS tracking and electronic manifests to monitor waste-hauling vehicles and effec-tively prevent the illegal dumping of excavated soil and construction debris.\niii. Post-Disaster Cleanup Efficiency: The establishment of temporary disaster waste storage sites in public areas to accelerate cleanup efforts received sup-port from 90% of respondents.\nIII. Positive Outlook for Carbon Pricing and the Growth of Green Industries\nThe Ministry of Environment’s climate change response measures have also re-ceived favorable public feedback:\ni. Carbon Pricing Mechanism: The Ministry’s carbon pricing policy is supported by 80% of respondents.\nii. Advancing the Green Economy: Approximately 70% of respondents believe that the government’s collection of carbon fees, coupled with incentives for corporate transition, will meaningfully promote the development of green in-dustries and expand employment opportunities.\nIV. Recognition for Information Transparency and Public Health Protection\ni. Air Quality Forecasting: As many as 90% of respondents expressed support for the government’s release of air quality forecasts and health protection guide-lines, believing these measures would help protect people’s health.\nii. Multiple Public Feedback Channels: The Ministry of Environment’s environ-mental information disclosure efforts and public complaint and feedback channels were also identified by most respondents as highly beneficial policy initiatives.\nV. The Ministry of Environment’s Future Response and Commitments\nResponding to the findings of this survey, the Ministry of Environment has out-lined three key directions for future policy improvement:\ni. Strengthening Decarbonization Communication and Industry Coordination: The Ministry will continue to enhance communication with businesses and la-bor organizations while implementing decarbonization transition subsidies and workforce training programs. These efforts aim to ensure that the carbon pric-ing system effectively serves as a driving force for Taiwan’s green economy.\nii. Strengthening Circular Economy Systems and Waste Management Support Measures: In preparation for the full ban on using food waste as pig feed in 2027, the Ministry will actively collaborate with local governments to develop food waste resource recovery and recycling facilities. It will also continue to improve the reusable bag lending system in public locations, further strength-ening efforts to reduce waste at the source.\niii. Eliminating Environmental Quality Issues in Daily Life: To respond to the eve-ryday environmental concerns currently faced by the public, the Ministry of En-vironment will instruct local environmental protection bureaus to strengthen enforcement and inspections. Emphasis will be placed on issues directly im-pacting daily life, including air quality, noise pollution, and environmental sani-tation. The Ministry will also continue enhancing the appeal of environmental education facilities and sites to encourage greater public participation.\nThe Ministry of Environment emphasized that public opinion is the cornerstone of policy success or failure. Looking ahead, it will uphold the principles of transparency and science-based governance to build a higher-quality and more sustainable home-land.\n\nResults of the 1st Environmental Policy Opinion Survey of 2026\n", "year": "2026", "month": "4", "assortment": "Department of Statistic", "url": "" }, { "no": "4675", "title": "Initial Class of MOENV’s \"Net Zero Green Collar Talent Training Program\" for Laborers Held, Assisted by Tuition Subsidies", "preview": "The National Environmental Research Academy (NERA) of the Ministry of Envi-ronment (MOENV) and the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) of the Ministry of Labor worked together with National Yunlin University of Science and Technol-ogy (YunTech) to launch Taiwan's first \"Net Zero Green Collar Talent Training Pro-gram\" specifically for laborers on 21 March 2026. Acting NERA President Wu Yueh-Chuen stated that this program demonstrates the government's de-termination to promote industrial net-zero transition. While the tuition fee is NT$12,000 per per-son, laborers who meet certain requirements are eligible for a full government subsidy.", "content": "Professor Chiang Hung-Lung of YunTech, the designer of this labor training pro-gram, noted its immense popularity. The 40 enrollment spots were filled in less than a week after registration opened, suggesting a high demand among grass-roots laborers to upgrade their net-zero policy knowledge and professional skills. Statistics show that this year's participants come from various backgrounds and are of high quality, with more than 50% coming from the manufacturing and con-struction industries. The av-erage age is 42, with an equal gender ratio. Notably, 30% of the trainees hold postgraduate degrees or higher, indicating that the net-zero transition has become a core issue of concern for professionals with cross-disciplinary skills.\nActing NERA President Wu stated that central Taiwan has long been an important manufacturing hub for Taiwan, with well-developed industrial clusters in precision machinery, petrochemical products, and construction engineering. While most trainees came from manufacturing and construction, the class also included pro-fessionals from finance, healthcare, transportation, and fisheries. This highlights that green skills have steadily become a standard requirement for laborers to en-hance their workplace competitiveness and successfully transition across indus-tries amid the net-zero trend.\nTo meet the demand for net-zero transition talent, the NERA has collaborated with 36 universities to establish the “Ministry of Environment’s Net-Zero Green Collar Talent Cultivation Alliance,” setting up centers in northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan. The Central Taiwan Training Center, led by YunTech, is responsible for Miaoli, Taichung, Nantou, Changhua, and Yun-lin. YunTech's pioneering estab-lishment of this laborers' program demonstrates the center's proactive approach to addressing the local industry's need for a sustainable workforce.\nThe NERA stated that the training program consists of 48 hours of coursework with a tuition fee of NT$12,000. The curriculum covers policy trends, greenhouse gas inventorying, voluntary reductions, and product carbon footprints, helping train-ee’s systematically build a professional foundation ranging from policy under-standing to practical application. To alleviate the financial burden on workers, the WDA provides subsidies covering 80% of the tuition. Full subsidies are available for socially disadvantaged groups, including those from low- and middle-income households, people with disabilities, and the elderly. Details can be found on the WDA's website at https:\/\/reurl.cc\/j6k7K1.\nGiven the enthusiastic response, YunTech plans to offer two more similar pro-grams this year. Interested workers may check availability on the WDA's \"Taiwan Jobs\" platform at https:\/\/ojt.wda.gov.tw\/ClassSearch.\nIn addition to the YunTech class, these alliance courses are being launched na-tionwide and are open to all majors. To encourage youth participation, students under 30 (excluding part-time students) are eligible for a NT$6,000discount upon passing the re-quired test, while those from low-income households or with disa-bilities may apply for a full NT$12,000 tuition waiver. More information is available at the \"Green Collar Talent Information Platform\" (https:\/\/reurl.cc\/AbvZk3).\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "" }, { "no": "4674", "title": "MOENV Marks World Meteorological Day by Launching Public Learning Platform with Prizes for Completing Lessons", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) launched the public learning platform \"Clean Air, Better Future\" on 23 March 2026 to mark 2026 World Meteorological Day, themed “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow.” The MOENV stated that the day focuses on the importance of observing and understanding climate and environmental change, noting that meteorological conditions have a significant influence on air quality. With global climate change and urbanization, air quality management has gradually shifted from focusing primarily on end-of-pipe pollu-tion control to a \"net-zero win-win\" approach that combines carbon reduction and pollution reduction. The platform combines professional air quality knowledge with everyday content, providing digital learning and public participa-tion opportunities. Learners are eligible for prizes by completing a quiz. It is hoped the platform will elevate public awareness from mere \"understanding\" to \"taking action,\" guiding citizens to work together to protect clean blue skies.", "content": "The platform is centered on a \"General Knowledge Course on Air Quality\" in which experts from various fields share their in-sights, illuminating the close relationship between air quality and quality of life. The digital course consists of 6 units and 11 lessons, covering topics such as: Meteorology and air quality. Air pollution sources. Atmospheric chemistry and pollutants. Health risks. Air quality forecasting tech-nology. Air pollution control policies and the net-zero transition.\nThe MOENV explained that the prizes for taking the quiz are divided into two learner categories: \"General Public\" and \"Youth.\" Interested individuals may sign up on the platform website and engage with the online course. After completing 50% of the lessons, they can participate in the \"Knowledge Challenge\" activity. Fifty random questions will be selected for the test; those who answer 35 questions correctly (a score of 70 points or more) by 31 May 2026 will be eligible for the prize draw. The total prize value is NT$350,000 in electronic gift vouchers, with a grand prize of NT$10,000. All are encouraged to improve their knowledge of air quality issues through these lessons.\nIn addition, to encourage youth involvement in environmental issues, those who complete all digital courses will receive a digital learning certificate to serve as evi-dence of self-directed learning in their learning portfolios. A special \"Letter of Love to the Future Blue Sky\" campaign has also been launched. Students from high schools, vocational schools, and junior colleges across Taiwan are invited to share their visions for clean air in a handwritten letter of no more than 500 words. Twen-ty students will be selected to receive a scholarship of NT$10,000 and a certificate of honor. They will also be invited to an \"Air Quality Salon with the MOENV Minis-ter\" for face-to-face dialogue, promoting intergenerational exchange on environ-mental governance.\nMOENV invites everyone to participate, learn, and take action to protect the blue sky, realizing the vision of \"breathing comfortably and living well for generations to come.\"\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "" }, { "no": "4673", "title": "Ministry of Environment Launches “Rebag” Matching Program to Revitalize Hidden Re-sources", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) announced on 26 March 2026 an extended promotional campaign for the “Rebag” program, encouraging citizens to donate stockpiled unused paper and reusable bags. These items will be redistributed to shopping districts and markets through a matching platform. The MOENV will provide official graphics for free download, enabling businesses, markets, and merchants to build recycling stations at a \"low cost.\" This second-hand bag recy-cling mechanism aims to turn idle resources into social wealth, demonstrating Taiwan's social resilience in promoting resource circulation.", "content": "Minister Peng Chi-Ming pointed out that many shopping bags accumulate at home unnoticed, eventually becoming waste if not disposed of regularly. \"The MOENV hopes to revitalize these hidden resources and channel them to business districts and traditional markets through the 'Rebag' matchmaking platform,\" stated Minis-ter Peng. He emphasized that the ministry would provide a program logo for free download, inviting companies to participate in this \"circle of kindness\" as the MOENV facilitates the matching of supply and demand.\nI. Corporate Responses Visible at Jianguo Flower Market\nMinister Peng explained that while past plastic reduction relied heavily on rigorous restrictions, practical implementation had its limits. MOENV has now shifted its focus to field interaction, establishing convenient alternative mech-anisms that guide behavioral changes.\nUsing the Jianguo Flower Market as an example, the proportion of plastic-free shopping increased from 1.5% to 10% following the introduction of second-hand bag recycling. Due to recent international trends, plastic bags have be-come more expensive; therefore, the Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) is further promoting the \"Rebag\" platform to connect businesses with markets, revitalizing idle materials and fostering a nationwide plastic-reduction culture.\nII. Sharing of Practical Experience\nMr. Chang Hsueh-Tan (President of the Jianguo Holiday Flower Market Associa-tion): Noted that the use of second-hand or self-provided bags reached 10%, with a future goal of 20–30%. Mr. Wang Chuan-Kuo (Chairman of the Nanmen Market As-sociation): Pointed out that over half of their shoppers have devel-oped the habit of bringing their own bags. Leezen Company: Shared their suc-cessful internal recycling model and expressed support for the MOENV’s na-tional expansion. Japan Airlines (JAL) & ADATA Technology: Announced that they have integrated bag donation into their ESG initiatives, mobilizing em-ployees to contribute to the flower market's reduction efforts.\nIII. Creating the “Rebag” Matching Platform and Establishing “Low Threshold” Recycling Stations\nTo improve resource utilization, the MOENV launched the \"Rebag: Second-hand Bag Recycling Platform\" (https:\/\/sup.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/rebag). The platform offers: Seamless Matching: Initial registration via digital forms to connect supply and demand efficiently. Standardized Templates: Free down-loads of the \"Rebag\" logo and professional layouts. Zero-Capital Setup: Busi-nesses can create professional recycling bins by simply attaching printed labels to existing card-board boxes. The MOENV also urged participants to imple-ment a \"dedicated maintenance\" mechanism to ensure bags remain clean and tidy, thereby building consumer trust and preventing site clutter.\nIV. Circle of Kindness: Corporate ESG Contributions Commended\nThe MOENV stated that companies actively participating in collection efforts and partners setting up recycling points will be commended. This recognizes their environmental contributions and turns Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into visible, sustainable results. As the global environment remains tur-bulent, the MOENV hopes \"Rebag\" will become a vital force for environmental and economic stability, inviting more retailers to help build a resilient Taiwan.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4672", "title": "MOENV Leads 2026 Net-Zero City Expo with Display on “AI Environmental Technology Management”", "preview": "The 2026 Smart City Expo & Net Zero City Expo was held from 17-20 March 2026 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Cen-ter. Representatives from cities around the world, as well as experts and businesses from industry, government, academia, and research institutions, were in attendance to exchange ideas and discuss the future development of smart cities and the net-zero transition.", "content": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) had an exhibit at the Expo this year under the theme of \"AI Environmental Technology Management,\" which showcased the innovative applications of artificial intelligence and digital technology in environ-mental governance, and how technology can be used to propel Taiwan toward net-zero emissions by 2050.\nThe MOENV stated that this exhibition focused on governance using environmental technology, in line with the national policy direction of promoting net-zero and digital \"bi-axial transition.\" It showed how artificial intelligence and smart technol-ogy can help improve the efficiency of environmental management, promote in-dustrial transformation, and promote green living.\nThe Expo covered three themes: \"Smart Management,\" \"Net Zero Transition,\" and \"Circular Economy,\" comprehensively show-casing the innovative achievements of environmental technology and sustainable development, from lifestyle transfor-mation and environmental monitoring to resource circulation.\nThree Exhibition Themes: The Integration of Technology and Sustainability\nI. Smart Management: Creating a New Model for AI-based Smart Environmental Management\nSmart Management exhibits showcased how AI and digital technology can en-hance environmental management capabilities. This area featured an \"acous-tic camera\" system that combines acoustic recognition and image analysis technology to accurately identify noisy vehicles and improve the efficiency of enforcement, thus helping to maintain peace and quiet in urban environ-ments. The demonstration also showed smart fencing and environmental monitoring technologies, using IoT sensors and remote monitoring equipment to instantly identify and manage pollution hotspots. The area also featured smart devices such as robodogs and unmanned boats, assisting personnel in entering high-risk or inaccessible environments for patrols and monitoring, thereby improving operational safety and efficiency. In addition, MOENV is promoting the transition to digital administration and has now achieved 100% electronic verification of documents. It is estimated that this will reduce paper use by about 3.2 million sheets per year. The next plan is to introduce AI-powered smart documents, moving toward a low-carbon digital office.\nII. Net Zero Transition: Low-carbon Actions from Daily Life to Urban Life\nNet-Zero Transition exhibits showcased how environmental technology can be integrated into daily life and urban governance to promote public participa-tion in the transition to low-carbon. Exhibits displayed various environmental data applications and smart warning systems, enabling the public to access real-time air quality and environmental information and strengthening their capability to reduce exposure to environmental risks. It also showcased real-world examples of net-zero living, from monitoring the quality of the living environment to urban low-carbon management, demonstrating how technol-ogy can help create a healthier and more friendly living environment.\nThrough interactive displays and data visualizations, viewers learned about the key role of technology in the net-zero transition process and were en-couraged to start adopting low-carbon practices in their daily lives.\nIII. Circular Economy: Resource Reuse Creates Sustainable Value\nCircular Economy exhibits focused on resource circulation and regeneration applications, showcasing Taiwan's innovative achievements in the field. The display area featured various waste recycling technologies and products, in-cluding examples of recycled coffee grounds and seashell calcium recycling, demonstrating how waste products can be technologically con-verted into new sustainable materials. In addition, the area showcased smart recycling and material identification, where AI is used for identification and classifica-tion, thereby improving recycling efficiency and driving industry toward a cir-cular economy. Real-world examples and interactive exhibits illustrated how resource circulation—from reduction at the source to reuse—is becoming an important part of building a sustainable society.\nThe \"Net Zero Transition Forum II\" was held on the afternoon of 18 March, themed \"Green Technology.\" Guests from industry, government, academia, re-search, and NGOs were invited to explore development trends, strategic layouts, and governance. These cross-ministerial and cross-sectoral dialogues connected action paths across policy, R&D, finance, and industry, inspiring participants to act toward a net-zero future.\nIn addition to cutting-edge technologies, the “AI Environmental Technology Man-agement\" display featured interactive experiences, including an electronic stamp collection activity, motion-sensing games, and quizzes with prizes. Furthermore, the booth itself was a net-zero practice, built with \"rent-to-own\" materials, digital billboards, and recycled materials, avoiding designs that lead to unnecessary waste.\nMOENV hoped this exhibition would help more people understand environmental technology and promote participation in the net-zero transition. The exhibition offered interactive activities and Green Point rewards, inviting everyone to explore a future where technology and the environment coexist harmoniously.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4671", "title": "Minister Peng Explores New Opportunities in Green Intelligent Technology with Indo-Pacific Partners at Yushan Forum", "preview": "The 9th Yushan Forum was held in Taipei City on 16-17 March 2026. President Lai gave opening remarks at the ceremony, noting that the theme of this year’s forum, “Indo-Pacific Partnership Prospects: Taiwan’s Values, Technology and Resilience,” emphasizes Taiwan’s concrete determination to continue deepening exchanges and cooperation with New South-bound Policy partners, Indo-Pacific countries, and global democratic partners based on existing policies. Later that afternoon, Minister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming chaired a session to discuss with Indo-Pacific partners ways of using innovative green and intelligent technologies to drive the transformation to net-zero, strengthen supply chain stability, and en-hance regional resilience under the stresses arising from both geopolitical risks and climate challenges.", "content": "Organized by the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) and the Ministry of For-eign Affairs (MOFA), the forum, named after Taiwan’s highest mountain, serves as a platform for advancing regional dialogue and Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy. The 9th Yushan Forum brought together several officials for in-depth dialogue and the sharing of forward-looking observations from multiple perspectives on issues including policy governance, supply chain layouts, and regional cooperation. This year’s forum was honored to have as special guests former Fijian Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, as well as Lech Wałęsa, the 1983 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former President of Poland, who played a key role in the democratization of his country. Other attendees included: Mr. Lee Jun-Seok, Chairman of the Reform Party of South Korea; Ong Kian Ming, former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia; Jonathan Fried, Chairman of the National Commit-tee for Pacific Eco-nomic Cooperation of Canada; as well as local industry repre-sentatives Mona Yang, Sustainability Manager at Delta Electronics; Steven Wu, Sen-ior Vice President of UMC; and Hsieh Chi-Yeh, Chairman of Fengyu Group.\nWhile chairing the third discussion session, entitled \"Technology Innovation Part-nerships — Green and Smart Technology Incubation Hubs,\" Minister Peng pointed out that the net-zero transition is closely linked to technological innovation, eco-nomic security, industrial competitiveness, and regional cooperation within the context of global political and economic restructuring, supply chain reorganiza-tion, and escalating climate risks. Most importantly, innovation in green technology is the driving force behind the net-zero transition.\nMinister Peng further emphasized that Taiwan is working to elevate climate gov-ernance to the level of a national strategy in full swing, with Taiwan’s President personally leading the \"National Climate Change Countermeasures Committee\" and proposing the \"Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0),\" which set a target of reducing carbon emissions by 38%±2% by 2035. Taiwan launched a carbon fee system in 2025 to steer companies toward investing in voluntary emission re-duction and low-carbon development and is planning for a carbon emissions trad-ing system in line with international standards. The policy-driven net-zero transi-tion has motivated the gradual reshaping of industry and employment. Studies show that the added eco-nomic benefits spinning off from Taiwan's green technol-ogy industry have exceeded NT$500 billion accounting for about 2% of GDP and creating 380,000 jobs. Among these benefits, the circular economy, renewable en-ergy systems, and energy efficiency account for more than 70%, indicating that the green transition has been an integral part of industrial upgrading, investment planning, and talent development.\nMinister Peng summarized that integration, trust and resilience, and regional part-nerships are the three pillars of a green transition. To meet imminent risks and challenges, the power of innovation can be transformed into a driving force for regional prosperity only by integrating technology, institutions, and talent, and by deepening cooperation with like-minded partners. Taiwan has a solid foundation in both manufacturing and technology and will further explore cooperation op-portunities in the future to make green and smart innovative technologies an im-portant force contributing to the sustainable development of the Indo-Pacific re-gion.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Green Policy Office", "url": "" }, { "no": "4670", "title": "EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) takes effect: Minister Peng leads MOENV delegation to Europe to prepare through multifaceted measures", "preview": "The EU’s CBAM officially takes effect in 2026. Starting this year, regulated products imported into the EU must report their carbon content, undergo verification by EU-recognized inspection bodies, and have carbon price adjustments calculated. CBAM certificate fees will then be paid to the EU the following year. According to MOENV, in response to the impacts of CBAM, enterprises must be able to track their product carbon emissions and reduce emissions accordingly. Taiwan has al-ready implemented a carbon fee system and will establish a CBAM response ser-vice platform to help businesses lower administrative costs. In February, Minister Peng personally led a delegation to Europe to engage in exchanges and stay abreast of the latest developments. The Ministry aims to work alongside enter-prises to address these challenges and enhance international competitiveness.", "content": "To achieve its carbon reduction targets, the European Union has tightened its total emissions cap under the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and simultaneously im-plemented the CBAM on regulated imported goods, ensuring they bear the same carbon costs as products produced within the EU. The period from 2023 to 2025 serves as a transitional phase, with full implementation scheduled for 2026. The EU has gradually released CBAM-related secondary legislation, although guidance on carbon price adjustments and verification procedures has not yet been issued. According to the European Commission’s list of the top 20 CBAM-regulated import countries during the transitional period, Taiwan ranks 13th, with a total import volume of 3.74 million metric tons. Many of these products are steel-related, in-cluding fasteners, stainless steel, and carbon steel products.\nThe European Union emphasizes that CBAM is company-focused, not country-focused—each enterprise should strive to reduce the carbon emissions of its products. When calculating CBAM certificate fees, companies may deduct the ac-tual carbon costs already paid in the country of production, including carbon fees. The MOENV noted that, although Taiwan is not among the EU’s largest CBAM-regulated importers, the production of these goods is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, numbering approximately 2,600 companies. For these businesses, navigating the complex procedures for reporting, verification, and car-bon cost deductions represents a significant administrative burden.\nIn February of this year, Minister Peng led a delegation from the MOENV to Brus-sels, Belgium, to engage with EU officials on CBAM-related issues. Minister Peng presented “Green Strategies in Taiwan,” outlining Taiwan’s net-zero, carbon pricing, and climate governance strategies, and discussed three key issues with the EU:\nI. Carbon cost deduction calculations and documentation: Taiwan’s carbon fee is recognized by CBAM as an eligible carbon price. Since the EU has not yet is-sued secondary legislation specifying the calculation of carbon cost deduc-tions or the required documentation, Taiwan proposed that the EU clarify these methods and requirements to reduce administrative burdens for en-terprises.\nII. Accreditation mechanism for inspection bodies: Taiwan’s accreditation and inspection management aligns with international practice, but CBAM re-quires that verification be conducted only by inspection bodies accredited by the European Union or its member states, which imposes high administrative costs on enterprises. The EU noted that many countries have raised similar concerns. In response, it is drafting inspection guidelines and amending legis-lation to include provisions for mutual recognition of certified inspection bodies.\nIII. Strengthening technical-level dialogue: Taiwan and the EU agreed to enhance exchanges and discussions on product carbon emission default values and other CBAM implementation details.\nThe MOENV stated that, with the EU’s CBAM taking effect this year, Taiwan’s steel manufacturing sector will be the most directly affected. Because many CBAM regu-lations are still under consultation between the EU and its member states and re-main complex and difficult to interpret, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has established a CBAM response service platform. This platform will provide businesses with necessary information, as well as guid-ance and support, using a multipronged approach to ensure the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s industries.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4669", "title": "Minister of MOENV meets with a delegation from “Saint Kitts and Nevis, led by the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy, and Utilities and the Minister of Sustainable Development and Environment,” aiming to deepen bilateral environmental cooperation", "preview": "On March 12, 2026, Minister Peng Chi-ming of the MOENV met a visiting delega-tion from Saint Kitts and Nevis, led by the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Ener-gy, and Utilities and the Minister of Sustainable Development and Environment. Minister Peng emphasized the longstanding friendship between the two countries and noted their shared goals in environmental protection. He expressed interest in exploring the signing of a memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilat-eral cooperation, with the aim of completing preliminary consultations by the end of 2026. To implement this cooperative framework, both sides agreed to establish a technical working group, coordinated by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The group will focus on concrete planning for collaboration in renewable energy, carbon credits, and the circular economy, particularly in alignment with EU recy-cling standards and digital product passports.", "content": "Minister of Public Infrastructure Konris Maynard, representing the government and people of Saint Kitts, expressed sincere gratitude for Taiwan’s longstanding coop-eration across various fields. He emphasized that the strong partnership between the two countries has helped Saint Kitts achieve significant progress in national infrastructure and related development, and he looks forward to deepening bilat-eral cooperation and exchanges of experience on the foundation of this relation-ship.\nMinister of Sustainable Development and Environment Dr. Joyelle Clarke expressed hope for deepening the Taiwan–Saint Kitts sustainable partnership and empha-sized that Saint Kitts’ current environmental policies focus on six key areas: energy, water resources, food security, sustainable settlement, sustainable industries, and the circular economy. Regarding practical cooperation, she suggested prioritizing collaboration in the circular economy and critical minerals sectors and expressed the expectation that both sides will strengthen dialogue to present tangible results of their cooperation at COP31.\nMinister Peng expressed gratitude for Saint Kitts’ longstanding support and advo-cacy for Taiwan in the international arena. He noted that the MOENV will continue to advance the Environmental Partnership Agreement, focusing on climate change adaptation, the circular economy, and sustainable development. These efforts aim to help Saint Kitts strengthen climate resilience and response capacity, while ful-filling shared responsibilities and the spirit of cooperation in global climate action.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "" }, { "no": "4668", "title": "The MOENV updates the “Surface Water Classification and Water Quality Standards” (地面水體分類及水質標準) to protect water environments", "preview": "To keep pace with current needs, improve the quality of water bodies nationwide, safeguard public water safety, and respond to societal expectations for high-quality, accessible aquatic environments, the MOENV has revised and reissued the “Surface Water Classification and Water Quality Standards.”", "content": "The amendments reflect two major new governance objectives for water environ-ments. First, the water quality standards are updated to include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), and to revise the ammonia nitrogen criteria. Second, the designated uses of water bodies are ex-panded to include “aquatic recreation.”\nThe Surface Water Classification and Water Quality Standards are divided into two main categories of environmental criteria: protection of human health, and protec-tion of living environments. Regarding the protection of human health, PFAS have received significant international attention in recent years because of their persis-tence in the environment and potential health risks, prompting proactive preven-tive management by the Ministry. This revision establishes a combined standard of 50 ng\/L for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) for Class A and B waters, consistent with current drinking water quality standards. This ensures safety at the source of the water body. Regarding the protection of living environments, the existing indicator for coliform bacteria has been refined to E. coli to more accurately reflect fecal contamination in water bodies, enhancing public health relevance and aligning with international testing practices. Addition-ally, to ensure consistency between water use and applicable standards, the am-monia nitrogen criterion for Class C waters has been revised to match the drinking water source quality standard.\nMoreover, as domestic river pollution has been significantly reduced, public inter-est in accessing waterfronts and participating in water-based recreational activities has grown, increasing demand for water quality suitable for aquatic recreation. To advance the policy vision of “understand water, protect water, approach water, and love water,” the current revision specifically adds “aquatic recreation” as an appli-cable use for Class C and higher waters, aligning with clear objectives for sustaina-ble water resource management.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4667", "title": "Ensuring testing quality while reflecting administrative costs: MOENV issues amendments to the “Fee-Charging Standards Governing Application for Environmental Analysis Organization Permit” (檢驗測定許可申請收費標準)", "preview": "To uphold the “user-pays” principle and reflect actual administrative costs, the MOENV issued amendments to the Fee-Charging Standards Governing Application for Environmental Analysis Organization Permit on March 20. In addition to incor-porating legal authority under the Climate Change Response Act, the amendments adjust various review and certificate fees based on cost analysis. These changes aim to maintain the quality of inspection and testing services while ensuring sound fiscal management.", "content": "The MOENV stated that the current fee standards have been in effect since May 21, 2003, with the most recent amendment on December 6, 2016. It has been over nine years since any adjustment. Considering that personnel, materials, and ad-ministrative management costs have risen significantly in recent years, the current fees no longer reflect the actual cost of government-provided services. To achieve a balance between fee revenue and expenditures, a cost analysis was conducted in accordance with the Charges and Fee Act (規費法). After completing the public notice and consultation process at the end of 2025, the fee adjustments were fi-nalized and implemented.\nThe current fee adjustments primarily reflect the actual costs of administrative re-view and evaluation. Specifically, the document review fee has been adjusted to NT$13,000; the system evaluation review fee is now NT$14,500 per testing catego-ry; the approval review fee for signatories of testing reports has been set at NT$4,600 per person per instance; and the permit certificate fee has been adjusted to NT$1,000. In addition, to further strengthen and refine the regulatory frame-work, the amendments incorporate changes to the legal basis. The adjustments add Article 61, Paragraph 2 of the Climate Change Response Act as a statutory au-thority for these fee standards and update relevant provisions under the Air Pollu-tion Control Act and the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act ac-cordingly.\nThe National Environmental Research Academy (NERA) of the MOENV emphasized that establishing fair and reliable environmental testing data depends on a robust management system for testing institutions. The current fee adjustments are in-tended to reasonably reflect government service costs, ensuring the continued provision of high-quality review and evaluation services, and thereby safeguarding the credibility of environmental testing data. The related regulatory amendment orders and revised provisions have been published in the Executive Yuan Gazette and on the MOENV’s website for public reference.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "" }, { "no": "4666", "title": "The MOENV amends the Water Pollution Control Measures and Permit Application Review Management Regulations; major violations will result in shortened permit terms and reduced discharge volumes", "preview": "To strengthen the management of water pollution control permits (and related documentation), the MOENV promulgated amendments on March 24, 2026, to the Regulations Governing the Review and Management of Water Pollution Con-trol Measures Plans and Permit Applications (hereinafter, the “Permit Regula-tions”). The amendments introduce two key changes targeting serious violations: (1) provisions allowing for the shortening of permit renewal terms, and (2) re-strictions on wastewater discharge volumes, as well as on the scale of production or services. These measures are intended to safeguard water quality.", "content": "MOENV explained that permits (and related documentation) issued to enterprises or sewerage systems are valid for a period of five years. However, during the validi-ty period, the permit term will be limited to no more than three years if a permit-tee commits major violations of the Water Pollution Control Act (水汙染防治法) (hereinafter, the “Act”), including illegal bypass discharge, inadequate wastewater treatment capacity or equipment, or failure to maintain normal operation of treatment facilities. Furthermore, where a permit has been renewed and subse-quently amended, the validity period may not be reset or recalculated.\nFor impaired water bodies with elevated River Pollution Index (RPI) levels, the MOENV has strengthened discharge controls. Where an enterprise’s wastewater contains parameters associated with the RPI, and the enterprise is found, during the permit validity period, to be in violation of the Water Pollution Control Act (i.e., having inadequate treatment capacity or equipment, engaging in illegal bypass dis-charge, or failing to maintain normal operation of treatment facilities), the permit-ted maximum daily wastewater generation volume, as well as the scale of produc-tion or services, will be reduced to no more than 80% of the originally approved levels. Moreover, no increases may be approved for a period of three years from the date of approval. These measures are intended to reduce river pollution and provide impaired water bodies with an opportunity to recover.\nThe MOENV emphasized that these amendments are intended to strengthen the management of permits (and related documentation), encourage regulated entities to enhance compliance awareness, and safeguard the aquatic environment. Where a permittee’s permit (or related documentation) has been subject to a shortened renewal term or reduced approved maximum daily wastewater discharge volume and production or service scale, and no further major violations occur during the permit’s validity period, the original five-year renewal term and approved produc-tion or service scale may be restored.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4665", "title": "Executive Yuan approved the “Phase III Greenhouse Gas Reduction Action Plan” for six major sectors to achieve Taiwan’s 2030 periodic regulatory goals through concrete five-year decarbonization actions", "preview": "On February 26, 2026, the Executive Yuan approved the Phase III Greenhouse Gas Reduction Action Plan for six major sectors: energy, manufacturing, residential and commercial, transportation, agriculture, and environment. The implementa-tion period runs from 2026 to 2030. Relevant central government agencies will carry out sector-specific mitigation strategies and 20 flagship decarbonization ini-tiatives in accordance with the Phase III Action Plan. These efforts will be sup-ported by regular monitoring and evaluation, information disclosure, and public participation, with all stakeholders contributing jointly to the achievement of Tai-wan’s Phase III periodic regulatory goals for 2030.", "content": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) stated that, in May 2025, the Executive Yuan approved the Phase III Greenhouse Gas Periodic Regulatory Goals (第三期溫室氣體階段管制目標) in accordance with the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法). In November, in accordance with the United Nations Paris Agreement (巴黎協定), it further approved the “Republic of China (Taiwan) Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0).” These set new national emissions reduction targets for 2030, 2032, and 2035 at 28% (±2%), 32% (±2%), and 38% (±2%), respectively, rela-tive to the baseline year of 2005. The competent ministries—the Ministry of Eco-nomic Affairs, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Environment—overseeing the six major sectors are advancing implementation in accordance with the governance framework established under the Climate Change Response Act and the Phase III Greenhouse Gas Reduction Action Plan approved in this round.\nThe MOENV explained that the Phase III Greenhouse Gas Reduction Action Plan for the six major sectors is formulated in compliance with Article 11 of the Climate Change Response Act. Based on the “National Climate Change Action Guidelines” (國家因應氣候變遷行動綱領) and the “Phase III Greenhouse Gas Periodic Regula-tory Goals” approved by the Executive Yuan, the plans incorporate a review and analysis of the implementation of the Phase II Action Plan. They also establish sec-tor-specific periodic regulatory goals and evaluation indicators. The proposed strategies and measures encompass sectoral voluntary reduction action plans aligned with the implementation timeline of the “Taiwan Overall Decarbonization Action Plan” (臺灣總體減碳行動計畫) as well as 20 flagship decarbonization ac-tion programs. In addition, the plans include expected benefits, impact assess-ments, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and comply fully with statuto-ry requirements for information disclosure and public participation. The approved Phase III Action Plans for the six major sectors have been published in full on the Climate Information Disclosure Platform (https:\/\/www.cca.gov.tw\/info\/).\nThe MOENV noted that, to achieve the 2030 Greenhouse Gas Periodic Regulatory Goals for the six major sectors, the approved action plan clearly sets out Phase III policy priorities for each sector. In the energy sector, efforts focus on restructuring the energy mix and improving energy efficiency, with a 2030 periodic target to re-duce the electricity emission factor to 0.319 kgCO₂e per kWh (a decrease of nearly 32% from 0.469 kgCO₂e per kWh in 2024). The manufacturing sector will leverage the carbon fee system and voluntary reduction plans to drive emissions reduc-tions, guided by three key strategies: process optimization, energy transition, and the circular economy, while fostering low-carbon supply chains through large en-terprises leading smaller firms. The residential and commercial sector centers on “near-zero-carbon buildings” and “deep energy efficiency” as core approaches to advance the transition to low-carbon lifestyles. The transportation sector is pro-moting a dual-track transformation focused on public transit and vehicle electrifi-cation. The agriculture sector adopts a two-pronged strategy of emissions reduc-tion and carbon sequestration, actively expanding natural carbon sinks. In the en-vironmental sector, greenhouse gas emissions have already been reduced by more than 70% compared to the baseline year. In addition to continuing efforts to re-duce emissions from pollution sources, the sector has incorporated two flagship decarbonization initiatives—resource circulation and net-zero sustainable green living—to support emissions reductions across other sectors.\nThe MOENV further noted that, during the implementation of the Phase III Green-house Gas Reduction Action Plan, the competent authorities for the six major sec-tors will, in accordance with Article 12 of the Climate Change Response Act, pre-pare and publicly release annual performance reports. These reports will include itemized assessments of progress toward sectoral targets and evaluation indica-tors, accompanied by corrective measures and rolling reviews to ensure continu-ous improvement. All this information will be disclosed to the public.\nThe MOENV emphasized that achieving the nation’s new carbon reduction targets requires joint efforts by the central government, local governments, and the public at large. In accordance with Article 15 of the Climate Change Response Act, each local government must, within eight months of the approval of the Phase III sec-toral reduction action plan, prepare and widely solicit public input on a draft “Phase III Greenhouse Gas Reduction Implementation Plan” (第三期溫室氣體減量執行方案 (草案)). The MOENV has already initiated support measures for local governments through central–local coordination meetings and by providing draft-ing guidelines. Through strengthened collaboration between central and local au-thorities, it aims to ensure the effective implementation of the Taiwan Overall De-carbonization Action Plan, while enabling local governments to develop context-specific mitigation strategies tailored to their unique conditions. Together with broad public participation, these efforts are intended to achieve the nation’s 2030 periodic regulatory goals.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4664", "title": "MOENV Joins Forces with Ministry of Agriculture and Private Businesses to Reach New Milestone for Carbon Footprint Labeling of Agricultural Products", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) held a joint press conference on 25 February 2026 in Taipei City, entitled \"A New Mile-stone in Agricultural Product Carbon Footprinting and the Green Transition for Sustainable Living\" (農產品碳足跡新里程，永續生活綠轉型). The event officially showcased material results of inter-ministerial cooperation in promoting carbon footprint labeling for agricultural products, thereby deepening the transformation toward sustainable living in Taiwan. The central government is guiding the transi-tion of the agricultural sector toward low-carbon production through three major actions: streamlining processes, introducing digital tools, and providing subsidies. It was also announced that, starting in 2026, products with carbon footprint la-bels will be officially included in the \"Government and Corporate Green Procure-ment\" category, incentivizing carbon reduction and governance from the start of production chains and encouraging all citizens to practice sustainable living.", "content": "I. Carbon labeling is an information bridge connecting production and con-sumption, driving billions of dollars in business opportunities by encouraging green procurement.\nMOENV Chief Secretary, Ms. Chen Shu-Ling, stated in her remarks that both the MOENV and the MOA are promoting the carbon footprint system for agri-cultural products, aiming to build a certification environment and procedures that are \"affordable and workable.\" Currently, approximately 100 agricultural products have obtained carbon labels, including rice, eggs, vegetables, and fruits. However, determining carbon footprints for agricultural products is more complicated than for industrial products due to the high diversity and small production scales. To address this, the Product Category Rules (PCR) for \"grains and vegetables\" have been simplified, and digital verification from the MOA has been incorporated into lower barriers to entry for businesses. Car-bon footprint labels provide specific emissions information, helping consum-ers compare and prioritize local low-carbon products, thus linking low-carbon production with sustainable consumption.\nII. Beyond sufficient and safe food, to sustainability and high quality\nMore importantly, MOENV announced that \"carbon footprint labeled prod-ucts\" will be officially included in the scope of green procurement starting in 2026. MOENV statistics show that in 2024, green procurement reached NT$89 billion, of which agricultural products accounted for less than 1%, indicating significant room for future growth. \"We will leverage the strong purchasing power of government agencies and NGOs to drive market demand for carbon-labeled products, allowing environmental and agricultural policies to com-plement each other and achieve a win-win situation for carbon reduction and economic development,\" emphasized Chief Secretary Chen.\nThe press conference featured two pioneering companies sharing their experienc-es. Q-Yo Biotechnology shared how smart production management is used to veri-fy and track low-carbon production from the source, while Leezen Company Ltd. demonstrated how green marketing guides consumers to choose carbon-labeled products. Their practical experiences fully demonstrate the feasibility of Taiwan's agricultural supply chain cooperating to reduce carbon emissions.\nThe MOENV and MOA emphasized that \"low-carbon production\" and \"green con-sumption\" are inevitable in the face of global climate change and pressures to re-duce carbon emissions. The government will continue to optimize the voluntary product carbon footprint system. Inter-ministerial collaboration will not only ena-ble the public to better understand carbon information but also build consensus among industry, government, academia, and the public to create a resilient and sustainable homeland.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4663", "title": "New Era of Resource Circulation: MOENV Presents Innovation Results and their Practical Benefits, from AI-powered Waste Sorting to Greater Self-reliance for Key Semiconductor Materials", "preview": "On 9 February 2026, the Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) under the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the \"2025 Resource Circulation Scientific Research and Innovation Results Presentation\" at the Ministry of Environment Conference Center, showcasing achievements along three major themes: resource circulation, resource recovery, and sustainable consumption. Various posters were on display and 63 projects were presented. More than 300 people from industry, government, academia, and research institutions were invited to participate in discussions, strengthen cross-domain dialogue, and promote the accelerated ap-plication of R&D results in industry. The aim was to establish an internationally competitive resource circulation system for Taiwan through investment in for-ward-looking technologies.", "content": "In his address to the conference, MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming pointed out that Taiwan's green technology industry exports reached nearly NT$200 billion in 2024, while creating an additional spin-off value of NT$512.3 billion and employing 380,000 people. Among these numbers, the circular economy accounted for the highest proportion and had an average annual growth rate of 9% over the past five years, demonstrating the sector’s high growth potential. In the future, the two ex-isting resource circulation laws will be amended to improve the foundation for in-dustrial transformation. In addition, a \"Circular Economy Advisory Committee\" will be established to focus on four major areas: precious and rare metals, industrial circulation, biomass circulation, and business models, to strengthen Taiwan's re-source resilience.\nThe RECA explained that subsidy programs are provided to accelerate the devel-opment and application of resource circulation technologies in Taiwan and en-courage public and private universities, research institutions, and industries to in-vest in innovative, scalable, and verifiable research and development. The pro-grams cover all stages—from product design, material selection, recycling, and re-use to end-of-life treatment—all of which are fully included in the scope of the research and development subsidies. From 2012 to 2025, 287 innovative projects have been funded, such as the projects presented at this event, which included: \"Assessment of CO2 reduction benefits from adding resin to recycled asphalt con-crete combined with a smart site monitoring system\", \"Development of AI-assisted sorting technology for waste LED lighting devices and low-carbon high-value appli-cation of technology for waste aluminum\", and \"Development of a smart IoT-enabled machine to recycle used clothing\". The project areas ranged from sustain-able product design and high-value reuse of waste to key material circulation tech-nologies and process optimization; all aimed at encouraging diversified circular operation models and promoting the development of the resource circulation in-dustry.\nIn terms of economic benefits, the subsidy program over the past two years has facilitated 15 industrial-academic collaborations, which encouraged businesses and their supply chains to expand or improve equipment and production lines, thus facilitating investments of approximately NT$200 million and cumulatively in-creasing revenue streams by over NT$70 million. Furthermore, 40 innovative circu-lar products were also developed, demonstrating that the subsidy program has played a role in gradually increasing the commercialization and industrial scaling up of R&D results.\nThe event featured a session that displayed solid R&D results. Strong and Wise Material Tech Company developed co-extrusion technology, which involves mixing recycled waste plastic textiles with wood-core pellets to produce three types of co-extruded textile fiber: solid, square-holed, and round-holed. Pade Technology Co., Ltd. developed an IoT-enabled machine to recycle used clothing, which has been piloted at Far Eastern SOGO Department Store. One such machine can process more than 100,000 pieces of used clothing per year under normal operating condi-tions.\nThe RECA stated that this event served not only as a platform for showcasing the year’s R&D achievements but also provided an important venue for policy feed-back and cross-domain collaboration. The RECA will continue to strengthen the connection between technology R&D and industrial needs through subsidy mech-anisms and by incentivizing the attainment of practical results, continuing to work cooperatively according to its \"dual-track\" science and technology policy, thus fa-cilitating Taiwan's progress toward net-zero and sustainable development.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4662", "title": "High-horsepower Protection of Food Safety Starting at the Source of Products", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) is committed to food safety during the Lu-nar New Year period. From legal, regulatory, and prevention perspectives, the ministry continuously upgrades the management of toxic and concerned sub-stances that pose high food safety risks. The central government cooperates with local governments to conduct 3,000 field visits to chemical substance suppliers every year. By combining the efforts of both central and local entities responsible for environmental protection, health, and agriculture, \"full horsepower\" is used for food safety inspections and food chain monitoring.", "content": "The MOENV stated that its Chemicals Administration (CHA) continuously assesses potentially hazardous chemicals. In 2017 and 2018, 20 substances, including Rong alite and Sudan Red, were classified as Category IV toxic chemicals. In 2023, lead monoxide and four other substances were classified as chemicals of concern, and thus their manufacture, import, sale, use, and storage were listed for monitoring. A valid license, registration document, or approval document is required before using such chemicals; furthermore, operational records, containers, packaging, signage at sites, and the provision of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be managed according to regulations. In addition, an annual \"Toxic and Concerned Chemicals Operation and Flow Audit Plan\" is implemented, whereby local environmental pro-tection agencies conduct audits and provide guidance to operators within their jurisdiction to strengthen the management of substances that may pose food safe-ty risks.\nIn addition to regulating chemical substances, the MOENV pointed out that since 2017, it has inspected or advised chemical substance companies over 3,000 times per year in conjunction with local governments to prevent raw chemical materials from entering the food supply. MOENV also cooperates with health authorities to conduct special comprehensive inspections during the Lunar New Year period, re-inforcing investigations into toxic chemicals to prevent them from entering the food chain.\nThe MOENV added that it will continue to work with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) to monitor the food sup-ply chain in a cross-ministerial effort. Once a concern arises about the contamina-tion of commercially available food, agricultural products, or environmental me-dia, an inter-ministerial notification and response mechanism will be activated immediately, with health authorities removing the suspected food from shelves, agricultural authorities implementing control over movement of the chemicals, and environmental protection authorities implementing pollution control. The MOENV also continuously monitors environmental quality. Upon the detection of high concentrations of pollutants in the air, soil, or water, an inter-ministerial noti-fication will be circulated immediately, and agricultural and health authorities will investigate nearby crops and food to ensure complete data tracking.\nThe MOENV emphasized that central and local government agencies will continue to accelerate their efforts in the Year of the Horse through regulatory manage-ment, preventive guidance, and inter-ministerial response mechanisms, maintain-ing food safety for the public \"from farm to table.\"\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4661", "title": "MOENV’s AI-driven Governance Efforts Receive 2026 Smart City Innovation Award; Mobile \"Green Living Map\" Facilitates Environment-friendly Travel", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) won the \"2026 Smart City Innovation Award\" for its project \"From Green Living at Fingertips to AI-Powered Smart Warn-ings: Creating Healthy and Livable Cities Together.\" This honor marks not only Tai-wan's official entry into the era of AI for environmental governance, but also the arrival of technological applications the public can easily put to practical use, lead-ing to substantial CO2 reduction actions. With the Lunar New Year travel and tour-ism rush, the MOENV particularly recommended the award-winning core tool – the \"Environment Info Push App.” Through its powerful built-in \"Green Living Map\" function, this app integrates five types of information – on water dispens-ers, public restrooms, eco-label hotels, eco-friendly restaurants, and reusable cup rental service outlets – making it the best digital assistant to help people enjoy environment-friendly tourism during the busy Lunar New Year period.", "content": "The award-winning \"Environment Info Push App\" not only provides real-time air quality information, but its \"Green Living Map\" is also a \"hidden gem\" for travel-ers, especially useful during the Lunar New Year period. The precise navigation and digital solutions it provide to crowds and for daily life during the Lunar New Year period include the following:\nI. Smart tech to locate drinking water dispensers reduces plastic waste: Smart positioning technology helps people locate tens of thousands of places where they can access free drinking water across Taiwan. Statistics show that millions of plastic waste items can be reduced daily across Taiwan if every traveler dur-ing the Lunar New Year period uses this function to buy one less bottle of wa-ter.\nII. Smart navigation to alleviate anxiety (public restrooms): This feature accu-rately shows locations of high-quality public restrooms throughout Taiwan, with a new user evaluation mechanism. Seniors and children can enjoy a clean and convenient restroom environment when traveling during busy times such as the Lunar New Year period.\nIII. Green dining with big data (environment-friendly restaurants): This app fea-ture carefully highlights restaurants that are committed to good ingredient se-lection, reducing food waste and minimizing other waste, allowing users to support a low-carbon transition during holiday gatherings.\nIV. Digital guide to low-carbon accommodation (eco-label hotels): This guide col-lects information on high-quality accommodations that practice energy and water saving, and that do not automatically supply disposable amenities, thus helping travelers choose high-quality sustainable accommodations even dur-ing the Lunar New Year peak season.\nV. Circular economy at the fingertips (reusable cup loaning outlets): Information provided by the app on reusable cup loaning locations such as convenience stores and fast-food restaurants across Taiwan allows people to easily borrow and return reusable cups by simply scanning a QR code through the app, en-joying CO2 reduction benefits.\nThe MOENV stated that 2026 is a crucial year as Taiwan strives toward net-zero emissions by 2050, and this award indicates the government's determination to promote a \"digital and green dual-axis transformation.\" As the Year of the Horse begins, MOENV sincerely invites everyone to download the \"Environment Info Push App\" and make good use of this award-winning intelligent technology to plan technologically advanced, convenient, and environment-friendly Lunar New Year travels.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Environmental Information Technology", "url": "" }, { "no": "4660", "title": "Ministry of Environment Provides Subsidies to Encourage Replacement of Older Vehicles with Electric Ones", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) continues to promote the \" Vehicle Re-placement and Matching\" program, with the aim of reaching the target of nation-al net-zero emissions. As the Lunar New Year approached and people were busy cleaning and decorating, the MOENV urged owners with older cars and motorcy-cles to take this opportunity and replace their old gasoline-powered vehicles with electric ones. Not only would this reduce CO2 emissions and air pollution, but a generous rebate of up to NT$16,000 was offered to encourage carbon reduction. All citizens of Taiwan are eligible.", "content": "MOENV stated that the replacement of an old motorcycle with an electric one is eligible for incentives of at least NT$3,300 per vehicle, which includes a CO2 reduc-tion rebate of up to NT$2,000 per motorcycle and a scrap vehicle recycling bonus of NT$300, along with a NT$1,000 air pollution reduction subsidy from the MOENV. As for replacing old cars with electric ones, each vehicle is eligible to re-ceive a CO2 reduction rate of up to NT$16,000 with a car recycling incentive of NT$1,000 per vehicle. At the core of this program is a matchmaking platform, launched in 2022, that matches entities seeking carbon offsets with owners of old-er, higher carbon-emitting vehicles. Entities looking to acquire carbon offset credits can do so by helping take old vehicles off the road and thus reducing overall CO2 emissions. These include operators of development projects and local govern-ments, for example, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Tainan City Government, and the Kaohsiung City Government. \nThe MOENV further explained that the carbon reduction rebate scheme varies de-pending on the vehicle type. In addition to this rebate, is an air pollution reduc-tion rebate that ranges from NT$2,000 to NT$5,100, depending on the county or city where the new vehicle purchase takes place. Eligible vehicle owners may sub-mit their applications. More details are below:\nI. Replacement of diesel passenger (cargo) vehicles with electric ones: up to NT$16,000 rebate on purchase price; for hybrid vehicles, up to NT$8,000 re-bate on purchase price.\nII. Replacement of gasoline passenger (freight) vehicles with electric ones: a max-imum rebate of NT$13,000; replacement with hybrid vehicles: a maximum re-bate of NT$6,500.\nThe MOENV pointed out that since the matchmaking mechanism was launched in 111 (2022), as of the end of 2025, it has successfully matched 124,798 owners look-ing to replace their old vehicles with new electric vehicles with entities seeking carbon offsets. These replacements resulted in an estimated cumulative reduction of 529,212 tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e), demonstrating significant effectiveness in emission reduction. Currently, operators of 51 development projects across Taiwan are required to implement greenhouse gas offsetting, and more developers are expected to join the vehicle acquisition process in the future.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4659", "title": "MOENV Includes Energy and Resource Reutilization for Wastewater in Technical Certification", "preview": "I. Environmental governance enhancement for full support for green industry\nThe MOENV has released the amended Directions for Review and Manage-ment of Effectiveness Certificate for Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remedia-tion Technologies (土壤及地下水污染整治技術有效性證明申請審查管理作業要點), renamed Operation Directions for Application Review and Management of Effectiveness Certification for Sustainable Environmental Management Tech-niques (永續環境治理技術有效性證明申請審查管理作業要點), on 25 Febru-ary 2026 to achieve Taiwan’s net-zero emission and circular economy. The most significant breakthrough in this amendment is the formal inclusion of “wastewater energy and resource reutilization technology” under certification, aiming to help Taiwan’s environmental protection industry transition from “end-of-pipe treatment” to “sustainable governance.”\nII. From “waste removal” to “sustainability”: Turning wastewater into green gold is now the mainstream\nMOENV stated that governance has evolved with the times as the MOENV was restructured to become a ministry as it is today. Past technical certification focused only on remediation of soil and groundwater pollution. Now, the new system has been expanded to cover \"sustainable environmental governance technologies\" to align with international trends.\nIt is particularly worth the attention that the newly added \"wastewater energy and resource reutilization technology\" is defined as a technology (including construction methods, equipment, or materials) applied to industrial wastewater improvement to turn pollutants into energy or resources. Once a business generates biogas through anaerobic fermentation or recovers valua-ble substances such as nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater, the tech-nology will be reviewed and approved with a \"Certificate of Validity\" issued by the MOENV. This is an official certification of technical capabilities, but also a sustainable key for enterprises in the industries to demonstrate their technol-ogy in “turning wastewater into gold” and creating green business opportuni-ties.\nIII. Streamlined and convenient administration: Validity extended to five years with limit on the number of extensions removed\nThis amendment significantly relaxes regulations regarding certification validi-ty and extension as an encouragement for domestic development of superior technologies and reduces the administrative burden on businesses\ni. Validity period extended: The valid period of the certificate of validity is ex-tended from originally 3 years to 5 years.\nii. No more limits: The previous limit on the number of extensions has been removed, and businesses are now allowed to maintain their certification sta-tus through extensions.\n", "content": "The MOENV emphasized that the government can assist in ensuring the quality of technology and its theoretical basis and eliminate exaggerated and false commer-cial claims by establishing a rigorous \"technical validity certification\" system. This will protect users’ interests but also facilitate enhancement and globalization of Taiwan's environmental technology industry. Enterprises and academic institutions possess innovative technologies for turning wastewater into energies or resources or soil and water remediation are welcome to submit applications.", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4658", "title": "Committee of Carbon Fee Rate Review Recognizes Reduction Results", "preview": "Taiwan’s own carbon fee system was launched in 2025. The Carbon Fee Rate Re-view Committee had a hearing on 12 February 2026 on the principles for review-ing enterprises with high carbon leakage risks, as well as cost-effectiveness analy-sis of the voluntary carbon reduction plans submitted by those subjects to the carbon fees. All the committee members acknowledged the carbon fee system’s expected reduction results.", "content": "The MOENV said that 430 voluntary reduction plans were submitted by those sub-jects to carbon fee collection in 2025, all under review now. A total of 190 of these plans have been approved by the review committee, while 24 have been with-drawn. In the hearing, the MOENV explained to the committee the \"Directions for Reviewing Applications by Entities Subject to Carbon Fees for Classification as Having High Carbon Leakage Risks\" (碳費徵收對象申請認定屬高碳洩漏風險者審核原則) promulgated in January 2026 and the current status of applications. MOENV’s sta-tistics indicate that there are 234 businesses eligible for application, including 212 across 17 listed enterprise categories and 22 on an ad-hoc basis. The MOENV and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) will assemble a team to jointly review all the applications by the end of April 2026, as those subjects to carbon fee collec-tion are scheduled to pay the fees in May.\nRegarding cost-effectiveness analysis of the voluntary reduction plans, statistics showed that 2,781 reduction measures were proposed in these voluntary reduc-tion plans, which are expected to contribute reductions of approximately 47.45 million tons of CO2e per year by 2030. The MOENV added that the initial assess-ment of the carbon fee system indicated a reduction of 37 million tons of CO2e. Therefore, all those subject carbon fee collection proposed conservative estimates that met the reduction targets specified in Appendix 2. In the end, 67 enterprises chose the stricter reduction targets in Appendix 1, hence expecting to achieve higher reductions. Further analysis of the reduction resulted from various types of measures revealed that switch to low-carbon fuels accounts for 55%, process im-provement and energy efficiency enhancement 40%, and use of renewable energy (including self-generation and self-consumption and purchased green electricity) 5%. The committee members suggested collecting and disclosing relevant cases to the public in a timely manner to encourage Taiwan’s industries to participate in carbon reduction and transition.\nIn addition, the MOENV further broke the reduction costs down for voluntary re-duction plans and found that some of the proposed reduction measures still achieve negative costs as an economic benefit; that is, the energy expenditure saved by amortization is greater than installation and maintenance costs. These are mainly due to improvement on energy efficiency and process, which shows that the carbon fee system does drive industries to take more initiatives to adopt reduction measures that can bring long-term economic benefits.\nThe committee members at this meeting were very concerned about disclosure of information on the voluntary reduction plans. The MOENV is expected to disclose the approved plans in the system by the end of March 2026, including their emis-sion reduction targets and reduction measures adopted.\nFinally, all committee members highly acknowledged and appreciated the rate of those subjects to carbon fee collection that have proposed voluntary reduction plans and the results that exceeded expectations. In addition, most members em-phasized the proposed rate increase put forward by the committee in 2024, which is to increase the fee rate in stages over two years until 2030, and the regulations that the adjustment coefficient will be raised in stages in the future regarding emissions with high carbon leakage risks. Industries are urged to start reductions as soon as possible to adapt to the medium- and long-term planning of the carbon fee system.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4657", "title": "MOENV Announces Amended Types and Limits of Hazardous Substances Banned from Groundwater Injections", "preview": "The MOENV announced the amended Table of Point 1 of the Types and Limits of Health-Hazard Substances Prohibited From Injection Into Groundwater Bodies (禁止注入地下水體之有害健康物質種類、限值) on 23 February 2026. Perfluorooc-tane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are added to the list of hazardous substances that are prohibited from being injected into groundwa-ter, with the limit set as \"not detectable.\"", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that PFASs are difficult to degrade in environment and hazardous to health and environment, not to mention being classified by the In-ternational Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as carcinogenetic substances along with PFOS. To achieve protection on water resources as well as prevention, this amendment was conducted as authorized by Paragraph 4, Article 36 of the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防治法), and will serve as references for law enforcement to ensure safety of groundwater bodies.\nThe MOENV reminded that the Water Pollution Control Act has fully banned injec-tion of any wastewater (sewage) into groundwater bodies. Injection of wastewater containing any health-hazard substances included in this amendment will result in criminal prosecution.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4656", "title": "MOENV Announces Amended Fee Collection Standards Regarding Environmental Agents", "preview": "The MOENV announced the amended Article 2 and Article 7 of the Fee Collection Standards for Environmental Agents Permission Applications and Testing (環境用藥各項許可申請及檢驗收費標準) to ensure the user-pays principle. The revisions were conducted by referring to the price index and evaluating the document re-view procedures, required manpower, and equipment costs concerning applica-tions and inspections under the Environmental Agents Control Act (環境用藥管理法).", "content": "The MOENV stated the amendments’ major points, including evaluating the review fees for current permits and licenses, as well as reviewing procedures, review staff, inspection staff and equipment costs based on the price index. Revisions have also covered implementing the user-pays principle by adding review fees for applica-tions for approval, documents used for extension of approval, and applications for approval of registration samples regarding natural substances manufactured, re-packaged, or mixed under commissions as environmental agents as well as sub-stances used for environmental pest control, rodent control, or to lure rodents.", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4655", "title": "MOENV Announces Amended Standards for Development Activities Requiring EIAs and EIA Enforcement Rules", "preview": "The MOENV released on 5 February 2026 the amended Article 29, Article 42, and Appendix 6 of Article 46 of the Standards for Determining Specific Items and Scope of Environmental Impact Assessments for Development Activities (開發行為應實施環境影響評估細目及範圍認定標準). The revisions are in response to the Legislative Yuan's approval on 14 November 2025 of the new provisions requiring environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for installation of solar power genera-tion systems in Paragraph 3 and 4, Article 5 of the Environmental Impact Assess-ment Act (環境影響評估法) after three readings. The provisions were subsequent-ly promulgated by the President on 28 November 2025, and Article 29 and Ap-pendix 6 of Article 46 of the Standards underwent review and amendment. To-gether, Paragraph 7, Article 42 of the Standards was amended and added as well to avoid environmental impacts caused by CO2 capture and storage sites.", "content": "In response to the aforementioned revision of the Standards, Appendix 1 of Article 12 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Enforcement Rules (環境影響評估法施行細則) was also amended, adding CO2 capture and storage sites as a new type of development activity, for which the MOENV will serve as the competent authority for EIAs.", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4654", "title": "MOENV Ready for EU CBAM by Working with MOEA and Verification Bodies", "preview": "As the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is scheduled for launch in 2026, all regulated products to be imported to the EU will be mandated to de-clare their carbon contents. Declarations will be examined by EU-approved verifi-cation bodies, which calculate and readjust carbon fees, before the CBAM certifi-cation fee is paid in 2027. The MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming invited the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and 20 domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emission veri-fication bodies over a discussion 13 February 2026, stressing that Taiwan is “One Team” facing the CBAM challenge. With well-rounded mechanism and capability on GHG verification, the government and verification bodies will be prepared and lower the cost on verifications for Taiwan’s enterprises exporting products to the EU.", "content": "The EU has promulgated a series of CBAM regulations, where the verification bod-ies approved by the EU or its member states are responsible for the verification of carbon contents in products. A verification body outside the EU will have to sub-mit its application to the National Accreditation Bureau (NAB) of an EU member state. The application procedure is tedious since documents proving the complete technical capability are required with the NAB conducting onsite field examina-tions and reviewing applicants’ verification staff’s actual performance and profes-sional capabilities. However, the EU is yet to release instructions or guidelines de-tailing executions on verification, nor has any verification body submitted applica-tions In Taiwan, those susceptible to the CBAM are approximately 2,600 steel product manufacturers, which puts Taiwan at the 13th place in the top 20 CBAM importing countries released by the EU at the end of 2025 with the total product weight up to 3.74 million tons.\nThe MOENV conducted a survey on 20 approved GHG verification bodies in Taiwan for their preparation for the EU’s CBAM and found that they are still studying the details even already with personnel capable of CBAM execution. In addition, dur-ing the talk these bodies pointed out several major issues, such as excessively fre-quent changes of EU regulations, lack of official EU-approved training materials, and unclear review procedures and evaluation items concerning application and certification.\nAddressing the comments from the verification bodies, Minister Peng emphasized that the MOENV is in partnership with 20 verification bodies and more than 200 verification specialists, fully supporting corporate carbon reduction efforts with expertise and fairness. As a result, further instructions are in place for the Climate Change Administration to collaborate with the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) of the MOEA and Taiwan Accreditation Foundation (TAF) to have regular discussions with verification bodies to improve their verification ca-pacity. A work group on CBAM issues will be set up with these verification bodies to stay in line with international regulations and meet corporate needs. Mean-while, the government will talk to the EU on the front line and provide vital infor-mation to domestic verification bodies and enterprises immediately, allowing en-terprises to remain their edge in the global green competition while ensuring Tai-wan’s role at the core of global supply chain.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4653", "title": "MOENV Holds Public Sector Chief Sustainability Officer Forum on Transition to Net-zero and Resilient Governance", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the \"2026 CSO (Chief Sustainability Officer) Alliance Forum\" on 27 January 2026 in Taipei City to discuss the challenges of climate change and energy transition, focusing on four key issues: \"Net-Zero Solar Energy,\" \"Energy Conservation,\" \"Building Energy Efficiency,\" and \"Resilient Governance.\" CSOs of central and local governments, state-owned enterprises, and representatives from the public sector were invited, with the Ministry of Sports participating for the first time. The forum was aimed at strengthening hori-zontal integration and cross-domain cooperation, deepening public-private part-nerships through cooperation on policy formulation and experience sharing and promoting Taiwan’s sustainable governance and net-zero transition.", "content": "In her address, Cheng Li-Chun, Vice Premier and Chief Sustainability Officer of the Executive Yuan, said her position demonstrates the central government’s high re-gard for sustainable development and inter-ministerial collaboration. She pointed out that \"net-zero solar energy\" is one of the key issues for Taiwan's transition to net-zero by 2050. The government is accelerating its efforts to encourage the in-stallation of rooftop and building facade solar photovoltaic systems on public buildings, new buildings, and renovations of old buildings. Regarding energy con-servation, the Executive Yuan has been working together with industry, adhering to the principle that \"the best energy comes from saving energy.\" Last year alone, 10.895 billion kWh of electricity were saved, equivalent to the electricity consump-tion of 2.62 million households. A professional industrial analysis provided by En-ergy Service Companies (ESCOs) is a powerful tool that can assist with introducing diverse technological and intelligent solutions to improve Taiwan's overall energy efficiency.\nThe forum featured speeches and presentations from the public and industrial sectors. Deputy Director-General Chen Chung-Hsien of the Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Group Leader Lo Shih-Chi of the Architecture and Building Research Institute, Ministry of the Interior, were invited to explain the ac-celerated deployment of solar photovoltaic systems in the public sector and the promotion of regulations on the energy efficiency of buildings. Chairman Li Ming-Hsien of Teco Electric & Machinery Co., Ltd. led his company’s team, while General Manager Chen Heng-Wei explained Teco’s in-depth energy conservation and ESCO practices. Director-General Yen Hsu-Ming of the Environmental Management Ad-ministration, MOENV, explained disaster prevention and management for envi-ronmental resilience at waste treatment plants. Director-General Hung Shu-Hsing of the Department of Comprehensive Planning, MOENV, gave a presentation on the results from and the future potential of the government's in-depth energy con-servation analysis. Deputy Director-General Liu Yi-Kun of the Resource Circulation Administration, MOENV, explained issues such as circular procurement in the pub-lic sector. From system design to practical implementation, this study dug deep in-to the roles and specific practices of all departments in the net-zero transition process.\nThe forum concluded with an experience-sharing session, chaired by MOENV Min-ister Peng Chi-Ming. Several participants were invited to engage in in-depth discus-sions on public-private partnerships and the day's key issues, addressing concerns regarding energy transition and environmental governance.\nThe MOENV hopes to build cross-ministerial consensus and strengthen policy co-ordination by continuing to convene future iterations of the CSO Alliance Forum, to lay a more solid foundation for environmental governance and move Taiwan toward net-zero emissions and sustainable development by 2050.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "2", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "" }, { "no": "4652", "title": "Deputy Ministers of MOENV and MOHW Meet with Experts from Multiple Fields to Discuss Measures for Air Quality and Health", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) held the second \"Expert Consultation Meeting on Air Pollution and Health Impacts\" on 16 January 2026 in Taipei City, aimed at building comprehen-sive air quality and public health protection mechanisms toward fulfilling Presi-dent Lai Ching-Te's policy vision of a \"Healthy Taiwan.\" The meeting was jointly chaired by MOENV Deputy Minister Hsieh Yein-Rui and MOHW Deputy Minister Chuang Jen-Hsiang. Eleven experts from the fields of medical care, public health, and environmental medicine were invited to engage in in-depth discussions on air pollution, extreme temperatures, the impacts on public health thereof, and corre-sponding countermeasures. MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming and MOHW Minister Shih Chung-Liang later held their first joint meeting at the top ministerial level on 26 January 2026 in Taipei City. Members of the Office of the President’s National Climate Change Committee, along with members of the Healthy Taiwan Promo-tion Committee, provided input on enhancing the effectiveness of Taiwan’s re-sponse to climate risks by integrating policy resources concerning core issues such as “response to extreme temperatures,” “improving air quality management,” and “protecting vulnerable groups.”", "content": "MOENV Deputy Minister Hsieh stated that the MOENV and the MOHW will jointly fund \"Air Pollution and Health Impact Research\" to provide the valid and reliable scientific evidence needed to formulate precise governance measures. At the same time, the two ministries will also work jointly on climate change adaptation mech-anisms toward fulfilling their commitment to protect public health, for example, by improving early advisories regarding extreme weather events. An agreement was reached at the deputy ministers’ meeting, and subsequently reported at the joint ministerial meeting on 26 January, on the following four actions:\nI. Strengthen health education for better public understanding of the relation-ship between air pollution and health.\nII. Target the allocation of medical resources toward more medical support for groups highly vulnerable to air pollution.\nIII. Compile a list of high-risk pollution sources and target emitters of pollutants that pose significant health hazards for priority monitoring.\nIV. Establish an inter-ministerial response mechanism to address the health threats that come with extreme temperatures.\nMOENV and the MOHW founded the \"Expert Advisory Committee on Air Pollution and Health Impacts\" in 2025. Its first meeting was held in mid-October 2025, at-tended by 21 experts from the fields of medicine, public health, and environmen-tal medicine. Holding meetings quarterly, the second one occurred on 16 January 2026, focusing on links between air pollution and health. While there was no un-certainty that air pollution and health are linked, there are many types of air pol-lutants and related health conditions. There is established scientific evidence for some health effects; however, others still require further studies.\nThe suggestion of the experts was to compile a list of air pollutants based on type (such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic com-pounds, ozone, and PM2.5), analyze data on their concentrations, and factors in dif-ferent health conditions. It was also recommended to develop health education materials based on how people currently perceive air pollution and its impact on health, and then via multiple channels—such as medical institutions and long-term care facilities—raise public awareness of environmental health factors and encourage self-protective measures. At the same time, to improve the effective-ness of disease prevention and control, it was recommended to allocate medical resources to those most severely affected by air pollution. Medical resources can be invested in more frequent and targeted health checkups and the adjustment of medications based on weather and air quality information. Regarding the control of air pollution sources, priority should be given to pollutants that have greater health impacts. Lastly, it was decided the MOENV would collaborate with the MOHW to engage in further studies and formulate air pollution control policies and disease prevention measures based on the latest scientific evidence.\nFacing the threat of extreme weather events, the Climate Change Administration (CCA) of the MOENV reported on the impact of extreme temperatures on public health at the meeting and held discussions on coordinating and integrating cours-es of action to help people adapt. The CCA showed its \"High Indoor Temperature Early Warning Model for Elderly People Living Alone\" that was developed in coop-eration with National Cheng Kung University, demonstrating the potential of tech-nological applications for better protection of high-risk groups. MOENV Deputy Minister Hsieh stated that efforts should be made to promote scientifically based health measures to adapt to extreme temperatures and to establish and strength-en early warning mechanisms to ensure that the public can safely cope with the challenges of extreme temperatures. The experts at the meeting also recommend-ed that factors such as temperature fluctuations, sustained extreme temperatures, and humidity also be taken into consideration.\nThe MOENV and the MOHW will continue to integrate \"environmental protection\" and \"public health\" strategies to strengthen public protection measures against environmental risks and realize the vision of sustainable health for all.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "2", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "" }, { "no": "4651", "title": "MOENV Secures NT$2.35 billion from Executive Yuan for Full-scale “Intelligent Fence Against Illegal Dumping”", "preview": "To improve waste management and stop illegal dumping, the Ministry of Envi-ronment (MOENV) proposed the “Nationwide Plan for Remote Digital Man-agement and Intelligent Decision-making for Locating Waste” (強化全國廢棄物流向遠端數位管理智慧決策計畫). The plan was approved by the Executive Yuan on 29 December 2025 and now has a budget of NT$2.35 billion to be invested over four years (2026-2029) into a nationwide \"intelligent fence against illegal dumping.\" This initiative will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to help transform environmental law enforcement from traditional \"passive investigation\" into \"proactive prevention.\"", "content": "I. Breaking through past limitations on inspection and improving efficiency of law enforcement\nThe MOENV stated that conventional waste inspection methods rely heavily on manual patrols and public reports. However, limited inspection manpower hinders around-the-clock monitoring of remote or vast areas. Intervention ac-tions are often initiated only after pollution incidents occur, and the process of tracing the source and collecting evidence also requires significant time and labor. In addition, some businesses cover up illegal dumping by making false declarations and fraudulent legal documents. Such evasive activities are difficult to detect in a timely manner—or even at all—under the current in-spection model that relies mainly on manually comparing monitoring data.\nII. Introducing AI analysis to enhance monitoring of waste flows\nIn 2026, MOENV plans to spend NT$500 million in the first year's operating budget for the project, during which 500 IoT monitoring installations are ex-pected to be established. Multimodal AI analysis modules are to be intro-duced for big data analysis to make sense of information in areas sensitive to pollution, such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and animal farming, to de-tect abnormal waste disposal, raise timely alerts, and assist law enforcement personnel to quickly intervene and prevent illegal dumping.\nIII. Central and local authorities to share information to facilitate joint environ-mental defense measures across ministries\nThe new technological law enforcement plan is centered on establishing a \"joint central-local defense mechanism\" and \"inter-ministerial cooperation.\" It will focus on strengthening cooperation between local governments and po-lice agencies, the sharing of information in real time, and improvements to the efficiency of pollution monitoring using big data analysis. For major orga-nized environmental crimes, the MOENV will enable precise tracing by provid-ing evidence of crime hotspots and data analyzed by AI to prosecutors and police through a \"prosecutor-police-environmental alliance.\" Close coopera-tion between administrative and judicial departments will leave groups in-volved in environmental crimes nowhere to hide.\nIV. Technology and regulations to advance together for environmental protection\nThe MOENV emphasized that it is building \"smart fences\" to enhance the strength of technology-based law enforcement, review and improve relevant regulations, study ways to increase criminal liability, raise penalties for envi-ronmental crimes, and establish an inter-ministerial cooperation mechanism with police and prosecutors as instructed by the Executive Yuan. The combi-nation of technological monitoring and deterrence through stronger laws is expected to significantly reduce environmental crimes and safeguard the envi-ronmental security of the nation.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "2", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4650", "title": "First Cross-ministerial Committee Meeting Held to Launch the National “Climate × Health” Strategy", "preview": "The Office of the President's \"National Climate Change Committee,\" along with the \"Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee,\" held their first joint meeting on 26 January 2026 to address President Lai Ching-Te's instructions on national-level strategic integration. The meeting was jointly chaired by the head of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV), Peng Chi-Ming, and the head of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), Shih Chung-Liang. The meeting outlined the \"Five Actions for Air Quality Protection\" (空品守護五行動) and the \"Strategy for Health Adap-tation to Extreme Temperatures\" (極端溫度健康調適戰略), and established a regular inter-ministerial collaboration mechanism to jointly invest in research re-sources and build a comprehensive national network to safeguard health.", "content": "The meeting was opened by Kuo Meng-Yun, Deputy Director-General of the De-partment of Atmospheric Environment (MOENV), who reported on the \"Progress of the Expert Consultation Meeting,\" which reached consensus on four aspects: sci-entific evidence, strengthening health education, precision medicine, and localized research. Next, Hsieh Jen-Shuo, a specialist from the Department of Atmospheric Environment (MOENV), proposed the \"Five Actions for Air Quality Protection\" to establish five lines of defense ranging from forecasting to protection. Finally, Tsai Ling-Yi, Director-General of the Climate Change Administration (MOENV), reported on \"Adaptation Strategies for Health in Extreme Temperatures,\" focusing on estab-lishing a comprehensive governance sequence of \"early warning—action—care\" for vulnerable groups. Following this, the officials exchanged views with committee members on matters discussed in the report.\nMinister Peng stressed in his speech that climate change is not only about scien-tific data but is also a real-life health issue, stating, \"The improvement of environ-mental quality is the most reliable health maintenance measure.\" He said the gov-ernment will elevate its thinking from the affairs of single ministries to a compre-hensive strategy at the national level, which will bring environmental governance and public health closer together and demonstrate the determination to promote a sustainable Taiwan. Meanwhile, MOHW Minister Shih pointed out that \"social determinants\" are critical factors for health. The complexity of climate impacts ex-ceeds what a single ministry can handle. It is necessary to include health among the core of national climate governance and build long-term collaboration mecha-nisms that share data across all involved ministries to implement science-based decision-making.\nThe following suggestions were proposed during the seminar to deal with current challenges:\nI. Extend protective measures to cover both outdoor and indoor environments\nExperts pointed out that lung cancer is caused by the accumulation of expo-sure to risk factors over time; thus, patient exposure history should be traced back at least 10 years, taking into consideration impacts on cardiovascular disease and stroke issues. Attention also needs to be paid to indoor air quali-ty issues such as cooking soot, burning incense for religious purposes, and ventilation, to provide comprehensive science-based health advice to the public.\nII. Optimize extreme weather warnings and care for the vulnerable\nExperts reminded the public that “temperature fluctuations” and \"apparent temperature\" (the temperature felt by the body) are keys to actual health risks. They suggested involving social welfare systems at the local level and conducting risk communication and information dissemination regarding summer heat avoidance, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those living alone.\nIII. Integrate digital health platforms and convert data into tangible actions\nIt was recommended that environmental information be integrated into the widely used \"NHI Action Express\/Health Passbook\" app to provide timely and accurate local warnings. It was also recommended to make use of push notifi-cations and family group functions in communication software to allow family members and social workers to check on the elderly.\nIV. Improve spatial governance and resilience and apply technology to protect the socially disadvantaged\nFrom the aspect of “spatial governance,” recommendations were made for improving protection from extreme heat and ventilation in living environ-ments. Data from “smart power meters” can be used for power consumption analysis to identify the routines of elderly people living alone and provide technologically enhanced care in real time that suits their daily routines without disturbing them.\nTo ensure the implementation of these strategies, the MOENV and the MOHW have agreed to discuss localized air pollution and its health impacts via regular meetings between respective deputy ministers. Meanwhile, the two ministers em-phasized that they will work together to secure budgets to promote research on air pollution and its health impacts, using scientific data to provide more precise governance measures and analyzing complex environmental information to pro-vide practical protective actions for the public.\nThe seminar’s attendees included Cheng Chun-Sheng, Deputy Executive Secretary of both committees and Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of President; members of the National Climate Change Committee, Lai Po-Si, Tsao Shih-Lun, Tseng Wen-Sheng, Lee Ken-Cheng, Chen Hui-Ping, Huang Pin-Han, Lin Tzu-Lun, Tseng Chung-Jen, Lin Tzu-Ping, and Lei Ya-Chi; Chen Chih-Hung, Deputy Convenor of the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee; Chen Wei-Ming, Advisor; Chiu Kuan-Ming, Advisor; Committee members Yu Chung-Jen, Tsai Sen-Tien, and Ho Mei-Hsiang. Representatives from the ministries included: Liao Kun-Fu, Director-General of the Department of Comprehensive Planning, Ministry of Health and Welfare; Lin Li-Ju, Deputy Director-General of the Health Promotion Administra-tion; Lin Ming-Nan, Deputy Executive Director of the Hospital and Social Welfare Organizations Administration Committee; Hsieh Yein-Rui, Deputy Minister of the MOENV; Tsai Ling-Yi, Director-General of the Climate Change Administration, MOENV; and Huang Wei-Ming, Director-General of the Department of Atmospheric Environment, MOENV.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "2", "assortment": "Climate Change, Atmospheric Environment, Green Policy Office", "url": "" }, { "no": "4649", "title": "Deepening Domestic Governance to Adapt to Risks Caused by Extreme Weather Events", "preview": "On 28 January 2026 in Taipei City, the Climate Change Administration (CCA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) cooperated with the Yu Chi-Chung Cultural and Education Foundation to hold a seminar titled \"Homeland Planning and Extreme Climate Challenges\" (極端氣候下的國土規劃挑戰). Experts and representatives from central government ministries, local governments, academia, civil society, and professional NGOs were invited to explore the challenges and directions for homeland governance in extreme climate scenarios.", "content": "Premier Cho Jung-Tai opened the event with a speech in which he said that ex-treme climate events are presenting daunting challenges the world must deal with. Taiwan’s government must consider climate risks in its sustainable homeland plan-ning and overall governance considerations to adequately address safety, devel-opment, and resilience issues. Premier Cho pointed out that the government has specified a carbon reduction pathway in the form of the “Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) of Taiwan.” Flagship plans are being developed for govern-ment entities responsible for energy, manufacturing, residential and commercial activities, transportation, agriculture, and the environment. A carbon fee system and other policy tools have been designed to move towards the transition to net-zero.\nEnvironment Minister Peng Chi-Ming shared his practical experience in environ-mental governance and pointed out that many environmental issues are simply the \"end results\" of failures to include climate risks in homeland planning at early stages. In a scenario where extreme climate events are increasingly frequent, pres-sure rises significantly for proper post-disaster waste disposal, management of ex-cavation materials, and environmental restoration. Minister Peng suggested that burdens will become worse for homeland governance if long-term adaptive think-ing is not introduced from the beginning.\nThe Minister went on to stress that responding to climate change is not just about short-term disaster prevention but rather requires a systematic series of adaptive actions that consider climate risks when engaging in homeland planning, urban design, and formulating public governance structures. To this end, the MOENV has started the development of the latest \"National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan (2027 - 2030)\" (國家氣候變遷調適行動計畫（116~119年）, focusing on eight areas vulnerable to climate change, namely: life-supporting infrastructure; water resources; land use; ocean and coasts; energy supply and industry; agricul-tural production; ecosystems; and health. This seminar also marked the first time that all government agencies were asked to move their climate adaptation planning from an experience-oriented approach to a risk-oriented approach, following a unified set of climate risk assessment guidelines.\nRegarding the practical aspect of the seminar, with \"adaptation to high tempera-tures\" as a central topic for cross-disciplinary integration, Deputy Minister Hsieh Yein-Rui of the MOENV proposed strategies such as \"using water and green cool-ing, ventilation and heat dissipation, shading and cooling, and building energy conservation\" to explain how spatial design and governance affect the public's ex-posure to high temperature risks. The MOENV also shared the initial results of the trial \"Cool Map,\" which provides real-time temperatures, locations of services, and information on facilities to prevent heatstroke to ensure adaptation measures meet public needs when high temperatures pose a risk to human health.\nThe MOENV mentioned that the \"Climate Change Response Act\" (氣候變遷因應法) stipulates that local governments must propose climate change adaptation imple-mentation plans in accordance with the national adaptation action plan. All 22 municipalities, counties, and cities across Taiwan have prepared their plans to help gradually convert national adaptation goals into local actions.\nThe seminar aimed to foster dialogue across ministries, levels, and sectors of the government, to facilitate a consensus on governance that accounts for climate risks. The MOENV will continue to play an integrative and supportive role, assisting all sectors to jointly plan more resilient and sustainable climate adaptation actions to address the long-term challenges that come with extreme climate phenomena.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "2", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4648", "title": "Ministry of Environment Shares the Results of Air Quality Analysis Between NASA and Domestic Academic Sector in 2024", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) organized a presentation for the 7-SEAS Mission and Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan-Kaohsiung-Pingtung 3D air quality plan at WORKHUB in Kaohsiung on 6 January 2026, This demonstrates that NASA has sent their research aircraft, DC-8 and GIII, carrying high-precision instruments, to fly three times over central and southern Taiwan based on long-term international cooperation with NASA, and worked with the MOENV and domestic and interna-tional scholars and experts on the 3D air quality experiments in the Kaohsiung-Pingtung area to understand the meteorological conditions affecting air pollu-tants. The studies showed that most pollution sources in Kaohsiung and Pingtung come from industrial activities and transportation. It was found that volatile or-ganic compounds (VOCs) emitted from vehicles were still found at the level of 200 to 800 meters, while the cumulative effects of cross-border pollution should be noted. The MOENV has released a white paper on air quality policy, which is based on science and public opinion, and aims to create air quality policies that are close to the people, from environmental protection to safeguarding national health.", "content": "The MOENV stated that Deputy Minister Hsieh Yein-Rui chaired the presentation and Professor Wang Sheng-Hsiang of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at National Central University, Professor Wang Jia-Lin of the Department of Chemistry at National Central University, and Professor Lai Hsin-Chih, Head of the Depart-ment of Green Energy and Environmental Resources at Chang Jung Christian Uni-versity were invited to present their findings. NASA carried out the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ) program in February and March 2024, and two scientific research planes conducted three sorties over cen-tral and southern Taiwan on 15 and 28 February and 13 March. A 3D air quality experiment was carried out in Kaohsiung and Pingtung by combining the flights with ground monitoring stations, LiDAR and wind LiDAR measurements, manual sampling analysis, drone sampling, and sounding balloon monitoring, and the causes of local air pollution were analyzed. As a continuation of the observation experience from 2024, the MOENV collaborated with domestic experts in 2025 to expand the experiment from Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan to Kaohsiung and Pingtung, analyzing the impact of changes in different air pollutants on cross-regional air quality. The results can be applied to strengthen cross-regional air pollution con-trol in local administrations.\nIt was found in the escalation from 2D to 3D meteorological and air quality obser-vation that, as pointed out by the MOENV, the changes in the pollutant concentra-tions at different levels vary with weather conditions. On the days of high pollu-tion events, the deterioration of vertical dispersion results in uneven mixing of pollutants at different altitudes. It was observed that vertical concentration chang-es of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) precursor VOCs influence the air quality at ground level. Both local pollution emissions and cross-regional im-pacts were observed. The MOENV will continue to analyze pollution sources through important scientific data from domestic and international collaborations, improve air pollution management, and work hard to improve air quality in Tai-wan.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "2", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "" }, { "no": "4647", "title": "Resource Circulation Administration Releases Guidelines to Urge Supply Chain for Packaging Reduction and Design Transformation", "preview": "The MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration (RCA) has released online the Guidelines for Circular and Sustainable Packaging for Retail Products (零售商品包裝循環永續指引) on 31 December 2025. Specific and feasible principles of re-duction and design transformation are provided for retail product packaging, and all stakeholders within the industry chain, including manufacturers, importers, retailers and packaging suppliers, are urged to jointly work toward at-source packaging reduction and circular design.", "content": "The RCA indicated that product packaging has become a key factor with influence on efficiency of resource use and waste generation as the trend of plastics reduc-tion and sustainable packaging started to gain traction globally. However, design and specifications of retail product packaging are decided in different sectors with-in the industry chain, not by a single industry or business. This has made scattered accountability as a challenge for policy promotion. As a result, the RCA founded the Retail Product Packaging Strategic Alliance for Circular Sustainability on 12 De-cember 2025 as the platform for cooperation between the government and indus-tries. The Guidelines released this time provide all industries specific directions, while relevant enterprises along the industrial chain are invited to participate.\nThe Guidelines for Circular and Sustainable Packaging for Retail Products apply to enterprises in manufacturing, imports, retails and packaging, and the scope covers five product categories, namely food products, beverages, cosmetics, cleaning agents and general goods. The Guidelines are centered on three courses: facilitat-ing product packages to adopt the green design principles, implementing at-source waste reduction to avoid over-packaging, and promoting resource circulation. Sug-gestions are made for different industries in terms of package design optimization, material selection, recycling and resource circulation to help businesses gradually reduce environmental burdens while still achieving product functionality and meeting market needs.\nThe RCA stressed that the Guidelines are considered a policy guidance tool in-stead of a real-time mandatory regulation. Enterprises will be accompanied by ac-cumulating practical experiences and feasible models via voluntary promotion, demonstration and verification, and gradual enhancement. Once the models be-come mature and widely applicable, the next step will be evaluating the follow-up systemization. The RCA will continue to bring the strengths of industry, govern-ment, academia and research together through the Strategic Alliance, promote in-dustry interactions, and drive transition of Taiwan's retail product packaging to-ward reduction, recyclability and circulation.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "2", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4646", "title": "Updated Emission Inventory Report Shows Downward Trend in Major Pollutant Emissions", "preview": "The MOENV published the latest version of Taiwan Emission Data System (TEDS 13, with 2023 as the base year) on 28 January 2026. Statistics show nearly 12% reduction in the total emissions of all major air pollutants in 2023, as opposed to 2021 (the previous version, TED 12). These air pollutants include particulate mat-ter (PM2.5), sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrate oxides (NOx), and non-methane hydrocar-bon (NMHC). Comparing the national air quality monitoring data within the same period, the annual average PM2.5 concentration has dropped from 14.4 μg\/m3 in 2021 to 13.7 μg\/m3 in 2023, suggesting that efforts of central and local govern-ments in promoting air pollution control projects and programs have substantially resulted in air quality improvement.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that the latest TEDS 13 shows a decrease in all major air pol-lutants, as opposed to TEDS 12, where reduction is 5% for PM2.5, 22% for SOx, 16% for NOx, and 8% for NMHC. The TED 13 results are published on the MOENV web-site and made available for public downloads. TEDS will be updated every two years for precise reduction management to stay on top of emissions of all air pol-lutants.\nThe MOENV explained that Taiwan's GDP per capita increased by 9.2%, the number of regulated factories by 0.32%, the average mileage of gasoline vehicles by 4%, and the average mileage of diesel vehicles by 0.4% in 2023, as compared to 2021, resulted from industrial and economic development. Facing continuously growing environmental burdens, the MOENV has been mandating pollution sources to strengthen prevention and control measures through enhanced regulations. With guidance from policies such as energy transition and encouragement to replace old vehicles with new ones under the net-zero pathways, energy consumption in the industrial sector has gone down by 10% and the total mileage of electric vehi-cles up by 48% along with steady decline of overall air pollutant emissions Such results demonstrate the benefits of balancing economic development and envi-ronmental sustainability.\nThe MOENV emphasized that pollution improvement has entered a critical stage despite the downward trend of air pollution emissions in recent years. After re-leasing Taiwan's first Air Quality Policy White Paper in 2025, the MOENV will begin development of Phase-III Air Pollution Control Plan (2028-2031) ahead of schedule besides the ongoing Phase-II Air Pollution Control Plan (2024-2027). By combining precise governance with net-zero transition and pollution reduction, a more com-prehensive control policy will be set in place to ensure public health.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "2", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "" }, { "no": "4645", "title": "Subsidies for Pollution Control Equipment in Large Diesel Vehicles Extended with Amount Decreasing Each Year", "preview": "The MOENV promulgated the revised Regulations Governing Subsidies for Repairs of Fuel Injection System or Installation of Vehicular Air Pollution Control Equip-ment on Large Diesel Vehicles (大型柴油車調修燃油控制系統或加裝空氣污染防制設備補助辦法) (referred to as the Regulations hereinafter). Subsidies for the repair of fuel injection systems have been extended to 31 December 2028 with the number of subsidies lowered year by year to encourage vehicle owners to submit applications as early as possible.", "content": "MOENV indicated that this policy of subsidy extension is promulgated to encour-age vehicle owners to properly maintain their vehicles and report to regular vehi-cle inspections, considering that the Air Pollution Control Fund is still sufficient to allow this extension.\nThe amended Regulations have extended the subsidy program with the amount of subsidy decreasing year after year according to the year of application to encour-age car owners to make improvements as soon as possible. The MOENV empha-sized that this aims to encourage vehicle owners to upgrade their fuel control sys-tems as soon as possible to improve pollution control and work together to re-duce emissions.\nThe MOENV encouraged the owners of large diesel vehicles under Phase I to IV to file their applications as soon as possible, provided that their vehicles are eligible for the subsidy. Owners who are not sure if their vehicles are eligible may check the online system for large diesel vehicle subsidies (大型柴油車各項補助案件線上系統) or call (02) 8512-4402.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "2", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "" }, { "no": "4644", "title": "President Promulgates Amended Articles 2, 26, and 28 of Noise Control Act", "preview": "The amendment of Articles 2, 26, and 28 of the Noise Control Act (噪音管制法) was promulgated on 26 December 2025 on the Presidential Decree, No. Hua Zong 1 Yi 11400132291.", "content": "The MOENV explained that this amendment was based on the review of multiple proposals brought up by legislators in the Legislative Yuan and approved after three readings on 9 December 2025 in the 12th meeting of the 4th Session under the 11th review year of the Legislative Yuan. The amendment increases fines from NT$3,600 to NT$36,000 for violating Article 26 and 28 of the Noise Control Act. For vehicles violating noise control standards that fail to rectify the situation by the given deadline and where there are serious offenses, the license plate may be sus-pended by the highway supervision authority and returned only until the violation is corrected; and for those who violate the regulations again within one year, the license plate will be suspended for six months by the highway supervision authori-ty.\nMOENV reminded the public that the penalty has gone up for vehicles violating the noise regulations in the amended Noise Control Act with license plate suspen-sion added in as another major penalty, aiming to deter serious noise nuisances caused by a small number of illegal vehicular modifications or improper driving. Vehicles that violate the noise standards will face a penalty up to NT$36,000 and, if committing major offenses or repeating violations within a year, will face license plate suspension. Vehicle owners and drivers are urged to have their vehicles properly serviced, maintain good driving habits, and refrain from violating regula-tions to keep our living environment quiet and peaceful.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "2", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "" }, { "no": "4643", "title": "MOENV Promulgates Guidelines for Determining If Entities Subject to Carbon Fees Have High Carbon Leakage Risks", "preview": "The MOENV has promulgated the Review Guidelines for Applications by Entities Subject to Carbon Fees for Classification as Having High Carbon Leakage Risks (碳費徵收對象申請認定屬高碳洩漏風險者審核原則) (referred to as the Guidelines) on January 12 2026. The purpose is to enhance Taiwan’s carbon fee collection sys-tem and ensure the international competitive edge of Taiwan’s industries during the net-zero transition. The Guidelines define the eligibility for applicants to be identified as having a high carbon leakage risk under \"Category 1, Industry-Specific Identification\" and \"Category 2, Maintaining International Competitive Edge\". The MOENV stressed that having a high carbon leakage risk does not lead to uncondi-tional exemption. Applicants need to come up with voluntary reduction plans be-fore becoming eligible for the emissions adjustment factors to achieve substantial reductions.", "content": "The MOENV mentioned that the identification of “high carbon leakage risk” is based on the EU and Korea’s evaluation approaches in this regard and takes into consideration possible carbon leakage risks within Taiwan’s current industry status. There are two major categories:\nI. List of industries identified as having high carbon leakage risks: An industry of high carbon leakage risk is identified according to the calculation of such an industry’s trade intensity, emission intensity, and carbon fee rate under the industry classification of the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, Executive Yuan. A threshold is also set using Korea's carbon leakage risk threshold (0.2%). A total of 17 industries are identified, including steel manufacturing, cement manufacturing, oil refinery, chemical materials, ani-mal- and plant-based grease, copper, paper pulp and carboard, artificial fi-bers, plastics, glass, yarn spinning, weaving, fertilizers, printed circuit boards (PCBs), photoelectric materials, computer and its peripherals, and data stor-age media manufacturing.\nII. Individual enterprises with one of the following conditions: Enterprises whose carbon fee of the current year accounts for 30% or more of its gross profit or whose annual gross profit is negative; ones whose main products are subject to anti-dumping duties as announced by the Ministry of Finance; or ones sig-nificantly affected by the U.S. reciprocal tariff policy in 2025 and 2026. In addi-tion to meeting one of the criteria above, enterprises are to provide a “carbon leakage risk evaluation report” for the identification review, specifically prov-ing that they are subject to the carbon leakage risk.\nRegarding the application procedure, the MOENV explained that the application package shall be submitted by January 31 of the current year and will be examined by a review board assembled by the MOENV and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Applications are to be filed and reviewed every year to ensure that applicants meet the eligibility criteria and properly carry out their voluntary reduction plans each year. There are additional considerations for the initial stage of the system's implementation, in which an enterprise has already applied for its voluntary car-bon reduction plan before 30 June 2025 but is yet to be approved for the review of high carbon leakage risk. In such circumstances, an \"application document of a voluntary carbon reduction plan\" may be provided in the application package to substitute the approval document before the formal approval letter is submitted by 30 April 2026.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "2", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4642", "title": "MOENV Showcases Prize-winning AI Innovations: Public and Private Collaborations Create a Smarter Lifestyle", "preview": "With the advance of digital technology, \"hackathons,\" a type of digital brainstorm-ing event, have become common. Taiwan’s \"2025 Presidential Hackathon\" was jointly organized by the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) and the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) and concluded on 1 September 2025. As described on the MODA website, “under the theme ‘Dual Transformation for Green Growth’ the 2025 Hackathon invites cross-disciplinary collaboration among industry, govern-ment, academia, research, and civic groups to propose concrete solutions utilizing open data and artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to accelerate public service inno-vation and build a sustainable, digitally empowered Taiwan.” On 18 December 2025 in Taipei City, the MOENV held the \"2025 Presidential Cup Hackathon Inno-vation Results Presentation,\" personally hosted by MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming.", "content": "The 2025 Presidential Cup Hackathon awards ceremony, hosted by the Office of the President, has concluded successfully, however the MOENV's efforts to address en-vironmental problems is ongoing. The ceremony showcased to the public and the Executive Yuan’s Cabinet concrete transformations regarding MOENV affairs result-ing from the 2025 Presidential Hackathon. At the awards ceremony, nine outstand-ing Hackathon teams were selected to demonstrate how they transformed their creative proposals presented during the competition into practical policy solu-tions. Of the nine, seven solutions were designed by MOENV units, while the other two, namely the \"Asbestos Map Headquarters\" and \"Tan Jia Lang,\" were created through partnerships between private enterprises and academia. The teams used AI and big data analytics to propose innovative solutions to issues of high public concern, such as air pollution, waste management, and climate adaptation. This event demonstrated the MOENV's dedication and efforts in using new technologies to address old problems to fulfill its policy vision that \"technology is not indiffer-ent, and the environment has warmth.\"\nHighlights of the presentations demonstrated the multiplier effect of public-private partnerships and the innovative drive within departments of the MOENV. In terms of public-private partnerships, the \"All-People Explorers\" team combined crowd sourced data, meteorological data and drone AI identification capabilities to ad-dress the manpower bottleneck in the removal of old asbestos tiles. The \"Tan Jia Lang\" team joined hands with industry and academia to track the carbon footprint of building materials through digital passports to improve resource recovery from construction waste. The seven proposals led by the MOENV also demonstrated strong digital governance ideas. For example, the Department of Atmospheric Envi-ronment along with the Environmental Management Administration used AI tech-nology to create a safe \"breathing navigator\" for the public, providing precise street-level forecasts to images identifying air pollution sources. The Resource Cir-culation Administration and the Department of Water Quality Protection used a matchmaking platform to transform coffee grounds and livestock wastewater into valuable green resources. The Climate Change Administration developed a heat protection map to proactively assist the care and support for elderly people living alone, addressing the needs of an aging society. These proposals not only solve administrative headaches but also better optimize public services for all citizens.\nMinister Peng Chi-Ming stated that the conclusion of the Presidential Cup Hacka-thon marks the beginning of the MOENV's implementation of its innovative poli-cies. The nine achievements displayed at this event fully echoed the Executive Yu-an's policy direction of promoting digital transformation and a \"smart nation,\" demonstrating that the civil service system can solve complex environmental prob-lems using vital data. Through the Hackathon results presentation, the MOENV aimed to show the Cabinet and the public that environmental protection is no longer just about regulation and inspection but can also provide easier and more compassionate solutions to life’s problems through AI empowerment and cross-domain cooperation. The MOENV will continue to promote the implementation of these innovative solutions, so that excellent ideas will move beyond being merely competition entries and become tangible contributions to safeguarding the envi-ronmental health of Taiwan.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "1", "assortment": "Environmental Information Technology", "url": "" }, { "no": "4641", "title": "14th Annual Partners Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network Convenes Member States to Strengthen Regional Cooperation in Environmental Monitoring", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) hosted the \"14th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN)\" on 9 December 2025 in Taipei City to further expand regional environmental monitoring cooperation and en-hance partner exchanges. Officials, academics, and partners from 16 countries, including the United States, Japan, Thailand, Australia, and Mongolia, were invit-ed to participate and share their findings on mercury monitoring and manage-ment.", "content": "Monitoring atmospheric mercury concentrations is one of the key tasks outlined by the Minamata Convention on Mercury. In 2013, the MOENV’s forerunner (the Envi-ronmental Protection Administration) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agen-cy were key players in the launching of the Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Net-work (APMMN) with a mission to protect human health and the environment from the effects of mercury and its compounds. By exporting monitoring technologies, the network assists partner countries in establishing mercury monitoring capabili-ties, improving related technologies, enhances data quality through education and training, and strengthens international joint monitoring mechanisms and data sharing.\nAfter MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming gave welcoming remarks to open the annual meeting, a pre-recorded video was played, of a speech given by Victoria Tran, Prin-cipal Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Office of International Affairs and Trib-al Affairs of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. She thanked the APMMN for its efforts and contributions in strengthening regional environmental coopera-tion, mercury monitoring, environmental protection, and safeguarding health. Several experts attended the meeting to share their latest research and discuss international trends. \nSpeakers and topics included: Professor David Gay from the US Atmospheric Depo-sition Project spoke about the current status of mercury monitoring development in the APMMN; a South African scholar explained the results of the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Minamata Convention on Mercury; Japan’s National Institute for Environmental Studies gave a presentation on chang-es in atmospheric mercury concentrations and fluxes in deciduous and coniferous forests in Japan; the Chemicals Administration of the MOENV shared Taiwan's mercury management achievements and experiences in line with the Minamata Convention; and other APMMN partner countries shared and discussed mercury monitoring results and implementation experiences. A training workshop was pro-vided on atmospheric mercury sampling to help improve the mercury monitoring capabilities of partner countries and to strengthen atmospheric mercury monitor-ing capacity within the region.\nThe MOENV continues to promote the inter-ministerial \"Implementation Plan for the United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury\" in response to global mercu-ry management trends and as the basis for mercury management in Taiwan. The inter-ministerial collaboration starts with controlling the flow and use of mercury starting from source, and environmental monitoring and sampling. The capacity for managing mercury-containing waste is continually upgraded, and management measures constantly improved to ensure a healthy living environment for the pub-lic. It is hoped that continuing exchanges and interactions with partner countries will facilitate environmental cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, enhance the effective implementation of measures under the Minamata Convention on Mercu-ry, and create a healthy and sustainable environment.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "1", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "" }, { "no": "4640", "title": "Inter-ministerial Team for National PFAS Management Meets to Review Implementation Outcomes", "preview": "On 10 December 2025, at the GIS NTU Convention Center in Taipei City, the Minis-try of Environment (MOENV) hosted the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Min-istry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, the Ocean Affairs Council, the National Science Council, and the National Health Research Institutes at a meeting on the \"2025 National Chemical Substances Management Policy Framework and Action Plan Results Presentation - PFAS Management and Future Outlook.\" The meeting focused on the practices and future strategies of various ministries on how to strengthen the regulation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in response to international trends, and on exchanging views with representatives from industry, academia, research institutions and NGOs. In his keynote address, Minister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming stated that the government is actively re-sponding to a global push to improve PFAS regulations. He expressed his gratitude to fellow ministries for their assistance and support and pledged to continue striv-ing to achieve environmental sustainability.", "content": "Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a family of chemical substances no-torious for their harmfulness and long-lasting nature, classified as persistent envi-ronmental pollutants, with some PFAS having been included in the Stockholm Con-vention on Persistent Organic Pollutants since 2009. The MOENV stated that Taiwan takes persistent organic pollutants very seriously, and as early as 2008, the Envi-ronmental Protection Administration convened inter-ministerial meetings to for-mulate and promote the \"Stockholm Convention National Implementation Plan.\" Subsequently, a dedicated chapter has been added, and the Executive Yuan ap-proved the inter-ministerial \"Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Management Action Plan\" in 2024.\nThe national implementation plan and action plan have produced preliminary re-sults since being promulgated. Regarding source management, the MOENV has listed 508 substances, including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), in accord-ance with the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Management Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法). On 5 August 2025, a preliminary announcement was made to add to the list another 269 PFAS substances as chemical substances of concern.\nIn addition, the MOENV has also set a standard in accordance with the \"Drinking Water Quality Standards\" (飲用水水質標準) stipulating that the total content of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and PFOS shall not exceed 50 ng\/L, and the total content of PFOS and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) shall not exceed 70 ng\/L, which came into effect on 1 July 2027. Furthermore, a new guideline of 100 ng\/L for the \"sum of 20 PFASs\" has been established to safeguard drinking water.\nRegarding cosmetics, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on 21 March 2024 an amendment to the \"List of Prohibited Ingredients in Cosmetics\" (化妝品禁止使用成分表), adding 13 PFAS substances in five categories as prohibited ingredi-ents in cosmetics. This amendment has been in effect since 1 January 2025, to safeguard human health.\nTesting of water has also been ongoing. In 2024, 4,714 data entries were collected from fish, river sediments, groundwater, seawater, discharged water, drinking water, soil and textiles, to provide a better picture of the background concentration and distribution of PFAS in the environment and in commodities.\nIn addition to control and testing, risk communications were conducted across multiple ministries. Forty-two promotional activities were held in 2024, including meetings, presentations, experience camps and school outreaches. Publication ma-terials were produced and a dedicated webpage was established to help the public and stakeholders learn more about the risks and management measures for PFAS.\nThe MOENV emphasized that PFAS control is a wide-ranging challenge that will take time to meet, and only through cross-ministerial involvement and public par-ticipation can steady and sustainable progress be made. In addition to reviewing achievements, this meeting also demonstrated how Taiwan has integrated the strengths of all relevant sectors into a single framework for the purpose of chemi-cal substance governance, and how all participants are able to cooperate to reduce the risks posed by chemical substances, such as PFAS.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "1", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4639", "title": "Taiwan and Japan Sign MOU on Environmental Protection Labels to Improve International Connection of Green Products", "preview": "Represented by Deputy Minister Hsieh Yein-Rui, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in envi-ronmental labeling with the Japan Environment Association (JEA) and the Taiwan Environment and Development Foundation on 10 December 2025, in Tokyo, Ja-pan. This cooperation symbolizes closer and more institutionalized international cooperation between Taiwan and Japan on their green product labeling systems and lays an important foundation for promoting mutual recognition of environ-mental labels in the future.", "content": "MOENV Deputy Minister Hsieh stated that this collaboration will further enhance the efficiency of the circulation of green products in the international market and enable the labeling systems of Japan and Taiwan to have greater influence on global sustainability issues. He also hoped that cooperation on a broader range of products will be gradually achieved through the establishment of this MOU, bring-ing more benefits to green industries and environmental sustainability in both countries. In addition, the Deputy Minister emphasized in his speech that Presi-dent Lai Ching-Te recently listed green procurement\/green living as one of the core pillars for promoting net-zero carbon emissions at a National Climate Change Committee meeting. Eco-labels and green products play an indispensable role as part of the continuing promotion and expansion of green procurement by Taiwan’s central government, helping to drive the transformation to green living. It is ex-pected that the Taiwan-Japan eco-label cooperation will facilitate green procure-ment in the marketplace.\nThe MOENV noted that climate change is having profound impacts on global ecol-ogy and human lives. Thus, the international community is paying more attention to carbon reduction, circular economy and green consumption policies, while envi-ronmental labels in various countries have become an important tool for promot-ing sustainable products. Taiwan's Green Mark and Japan's Eco Mark are recog-nized both domestically and internationally, and exchanges and cooperation be-tween the two countries are of great importance as they build a model others may emulate.\nThis new MOU focuses on “information products” and “imaging equipment,” cover-ing the following:\nI. Joint definition and review of common standard items and verification meth-ods for products\nII. Exchange of technical information, product specifications, and verification ex-perience\nIII. Regular multilateral working meetings on standardization and mutual recog-nition\nIV. Mutual notification of regulatory revisions and joint assessment of the im-pacts thereof\nV. Inclusion of more product categories as the cooperation progresses\nThe MOENV pointed out that Taiwan and Japan signed an agreement in 2004 to mutually recognize environmental labels. As the systems of Japan and Taiwan evolve over time, this new MOU will serve as the main guideline to help the Tai-wan-Japan cooperation keep pace with the times and respond to rapid changes in the global green product market.\nThe MOENV emphasized that the Japan Environment Association is tasked with managing the \"Eco Mark\" as well as an important private-public interest incorpo-rated foundation in Japan, while in Taiwan, the MOENV serves as the governing body for the environmental label system, and the Environment and Development Foundation is designated as its verification body. Both the Japan Environment As-sociation and the Environment and Development Foundation are members of the Global Environmental Labelling Network. This joint MOU better represents the comprehensiveness of both parties' systems and practical operations and will en-sure a broad cooperation framework covering all responsibilities.\nThe MOENV stated that, based on the MOU, it will initiate technical discussions, compare standards, and conduct exchanges of verification experiences, thus ac-tively working towards the goal of mutual recognition of labels, joint promotion of green trade, and eventual fulfillment of the 2050 net-zero vision.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "1", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "" }, { "no": "4638", "title": "MOENV Discusses Cooperation on Carbon Credits with Friendly Countries During Annual Meeting with Ministry of Foreign Affairs", "preview": "Minister Peng Chi-Ming of the Ministry of Environment and Minister Lin Chia-Lung the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a meeting to discuss cooperation on carbon credits in Taipei City on 17 December 2025. They reviewed the 2025 achievements of the carbon credit task force of their respective ministries and charted the path toward action on important issues requiring cooperation, such as the “Rong-bang Carbon Credit Program” (榮邦碳權計畫) as well as 12 environmental gov-ernance cooperation projects between Taiwan and Paraguay. The meeting was an example of proactive diplomatic cooperation in the environment and mapped out practical plans for Taiwan in terms of international cooperation regarding climate change and carbon credits.", "content": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) said the meeting aimed to implement Pres-ident Lai Ching-Te’s statement in 2024, made during the establishment of the Na-tional Committee on Climate Change, that Taiwan should approach \"international cooperation in climate governance from a national perspective\" (“要從國家視角的氣候治理，進行國際的合作”). Thereafter, the MOENV and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs started working together to promote cooperation with friendly countries regarding carbon credits. Environment Minister Peng and Foreign Affairs Minister Lin resolved on 11 October 2024 to establish a \"Carbon Credit Working Group,\" composed of experts, academics and inter-ministerial representatives, that would meet regularly. The second annual meeting of the two ministries was held on 17 December 2025, during which the Carbon Credit Working Group reported its an-nual progress. Key highlights of the year included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation under the Paris Agreement between Taiwan and Paraguay on 1 October 2025, along with 12 environmental governance cooperation projects launched via mutual visits by the environment ministers of Taiwan and Paraguay. Minister Peng and Minister Lin continued to discuss strategies for pro-moting possible cooperation, such as more carbon credit agreements with allies, in the hope of building upon the Taiwan-Paraguay cooperation framework to work with other allies and friendly countries.\nAlong with the 12 bilateral environmental governance cooperation projects, the MOENV reported that Taiwan and Paraguay have established three working groups focusing on \"climate governance,\" \"circular economy,\" and \"environmental govern-ance\", as well as contact points and a regular meeting mechanism. In 2026, priority will be given to promoting \"climate governance\" to establish the bilateral govern-mental carbon credit cooperation system, and to studying trial projects to facilitate the step-by-step establishment of a digital registration platform and the Taiwan-Paraguay Emissions Trading System (ETS). At the same time, specific actions will be taken in the fields of circular economy and environmental governance, including exchanges on resource circulation industries and policies, mutual visits of govern-ment officials, exchanges between youth and academic institutions, and coopera-tion on AI applications and green technologies.\nThe MOENV stated that the international voluntary cooperation mechanism under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement has been incorporated into Taiwan’s \"Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) for 2035,\" which was officially approved by the Executive Yuan on 3 November 2025. While ensuring compliance with the Paris Agreement, the government-to-government cooperation model will help both par-ties achieve NDC objectives and serve to support Taiwan’s mandatory carbon pric-ing system. This also echoes the memorandum of understanding signed between Taiwan and Paraguay under the Paris Agreement, as Taiwan works with allies and international partners to promote the achievement of the Rongbang Carbon Credit Program and carbon reduction targets.\nMOENV Minister Peng emphasized that simply participating or organizing activities through NGOs is no longer sufficient to build deep international connections, as the international climate framework becomes more comprehensive. In the future, a strategy of \"substantive investment instead of promotional activities\" is to be adopted for international climate negotiations. The recent focus is on the interna-tional cooperation mechanism under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The next step is to gradually expand to areas such as \"actively seeking diverse and pragmat-ic participation\" and \"cultivating young climate negotiation talents.\" With the as-sistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is hoped that Taiwan's environmental experience and strength will be extended to more friendly nations and countries in the future.\nThe Minister of Environment and the Minister of Foreign Affairs reached an agreement at their December meeting stipulating that, under the existing frame-work of the Memorandum of Understanding on Taiwan-Paraguay Cooperation and the 12 Action Projects, they will continue to expand cooperation with other friend-ly countries, creating opportunities for bilateral and multilateral cooperation in climate action and green growth in areas such as climate governance, circular economy, and environmental governance.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "1", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4637", "title": "MOENV Minister Peng Talks with Former Japanese Environment Minister and Senator Keiichiro Asao on Net-Zero Transition and Green Industries", "preview": "The MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming met with former Japanese Environment Min-ister and Senator Keiichiro Asao and his delegation on 26 December 2025. Both sides had an in-depth conversation on regional environmental developments, net-zero emissions, circular economy and green transition.", "content": "Minister Peng greeted Senator Asao and his delegation to Taiwan with open arms, stating that Senator Asao is a senior Japanese politician and has profound envi-ronmental expertise and that his integrity and principles are widely recognized by the public. Minister Peng and Senator Asao have been friends for a long time. This meeting at the MOENV demonstrated the deep friendship and high consensus be-tween Japan and Taiwan on environmental governance. Minister Peng pointed out that Japan and Taiwan have been closely connected and share similar ideas in fac-ing challenges such as global climate change and resource circulation. Taiwan is actively promoting the \"Five Trustworthy Industries\" proposed by President Lai, which must be based on green industries. Taiwan has shown strong growth in the circular economy and renewable energy sectors, whose values reached NT$512.3 billion in 2024. It is hoped that Japan and Taiwan will move from \"regular visits\" to \"substantive co-prosperity\" in the future and jointly create a green supply chain with competitive edges in the process of promoting net-zero transition.\nSenator Asao expressed his pleasure in having a professional exchange with Minis-ter Peng on environmental issues and highly commended Taiwan's efforts in pro-moting environmental sustainability and resource circulation. He emphasized that Taiwan and Japan should build stronger ties in environmental governance and to-gether address regional and global environmental challenges by deepening sub-stantive economic, trade and technological cooperation.\nSeveral specific consensuses were reached during the talks with future focus placed on deepening climate change countermeasures to jointly achieve the net-zero target, strengthening exchanges on regulations related to chemical substance management, enhancing resource circulation resilience, and the signing of an agreement on resource recycling and critical rare metals. In response to the semi-conductor industry's demand for rare metals, efforts will be made for a stronger cooperation between Japan and Taiwan in areas such as establishing value chains for recycling of electronic waste (such as mobile phones and computers) and plas-tic materials for vehicles. In addition, new agreements may be discussed regarding cooperation on carbon credits and climate change adaptation. Senator Asao and Minister Peng also exchanged views on cooperation under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) under the Paris Agreement, green technologies, green-collar jobs, private sector’s participation in carbon reduction projects, and Japan's new technologies for producing ethanol using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.\nFor conclusion, Minister Peng emphasized that the MOENV will continue to deep-en cooperation with Japan and more like-minded countries to align Taiwan's envi-ronmental protection experience with international standards, achieving mutual prosperity in both the economy and the environment, and jointly making positive contributions to regional and global sustainable development.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "1", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "" }, { "no": "4636", "title": "MOENV Works with Fellow Ministries to Help Industries Face EU’s Launch of CBAM in 2026", "preview": "The European Commission published several draft implementation and authoriza-tion bills on 17 December 2025 for the Definitive Period of the Carbon Border Ad-justment Mechanism (CBAM). In response to these bills, the MOENV emphasized that Taiwan has already launched a carbon fee system, which will become an im-portant foundation for domestic industries to connect with the EU's CBAM and obtain carbon fee deductions. The MOENV pointed out that it will continue to cooperate with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and industries to assist enterprises in responding to the EU’s CBAM, reducing impacts and increasing competitive edges.", "content": "As the issue of \"carbon price deduction for third countries\" has raised public con-cern, the MOENV pointed out that the EU's CBAM has clearly stipulated that car-bon cost of imported products that has already been paid may be deducted, pro-vided that the country of origin has had a clear carbon pricing system in place. Taiwan's carbon fee system has been launched in 2025 and is a carbon pricing mechanism recognized under the EU's CBAM. This explains why Taiwan had to launch a carbon fee system, as it helps domestic industries secure reasonable de-ductions under the CBAM. However, the European Commission has not yet pro-posed rules regarding the effective calculation of paid carbon fees, an issue on which the MOENV will keep an eye on EU’s latest developments.\nRegarding the EU’s announcements of preset carbon contents for imported prod-ucts, the preset values may be used for declaration by EU importers who cannot obtain carbon content data from the countries of origin. However, this preset value will increase year by year (10% increase in 2026, 20% in 2027, and 30% in 2028), and with that corporate carbon costs will go up as well. The MOENV urges busi-nesses exporting to the EU to build calculation capacity to determine carbon emis-sions of their products as soon as possible to lower costs.\nWhen it comes to the CBAM’s inspection system, the EU will require declaration documents and data to be verified by an inspection institute starting next year, and such inspection institutes shall be approved by the EU member states. MOENV stressed that this requirement applies to all countries that trade with the EU. Tai-wan will continue to communicate with the EU to enhance the feasibility of do-mestic inspection institutes being approved through bilateral or mutual certifica-tion mechanisms, thereby reducing the administrative burden on enterprises.\nFinally, in regard to domestic supplementary measures, the MOENV has also simul-taneously announced the draft Principles for Reviewing Carbon Fee Applicants Deemed as High-Risk Carbon Leakage Entities (碳費徵收對象申請認定屬高碳洩漏風險者審核原則) on 18 December. To avoid carbon leakage, the adjusted emission fee rates will apply to 17 industries that have had their voluntary carbon reduction plans approved and are considered high-risk for carbon leakage. The initial dis-count factor is 0.2 for the balance between carbon reduction efforts and industry competitive edges. The MOENV emphasized that this approach is consistent with the international trend in carbon pricing systems. In addition, Taiwan has intro-duced a product carbon emission declaration system based on the EU's approach and already launched a plan for a pilot declaration system as Taiwan’s own version of CBAM. Cement products are selected as a priority for pilot application, and a complete mechanism will be gradually established. There will be close communica-tions with the steel industry to find mutual ground because of a huge number of steel-related products.\nMinister Peng assured that there is no need to be concerned about the EU's CBAM as the MOENV will work with the MOEA to assist affected industries in adapting to the new EU regulations while simultaneously initiating negotiations and techno-logical dialogues with the EU to maximize domestic industries’ interests. The gov-ernment will stand on the front line ahead of the industry and help enterprises prepare early and respond steadily.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "1", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4635", "title": "Recycling Labels Mandatory on Cellphones Since 2026 to Achieve 15% Circulation Rate", "preview": "The new requirements on recycling and circulation services for cellphones will take effect on 1 January 2026 to ensure environmental sustainability and extend producer responsibility. All cellphone manufacturers and importers are required to provide a recycling label on each of their products and achieve an annual circu-lation rate of 15%. Such promulgation marks the start of the era of complete re-source circulation in Taiwan’s cellphone industry.", "content": "Approximately 5 million cellphones are sold every year in Taiwan, and these phones are high in recycling value as they contain more than 70 rare metals. The “circulation service” defined in the Regulations Governing Recycling, Circular Ser-vices and Recycling Labels, and Other Compliance Requirements for Mobile Phone Producers (應執行廢行動電話回收、循環服務與標示分類回收標誌之業者範圍及其他應遵行事項) covers cell phone rental, used phone buyback, repair, or prod-uct-service billing models offered by enterprises. It is designed to improve both the service life of cellphones and resource efficiency. To ensure smooth policy transi-tion, the Resource Circulation Administration (RCA) has published the Guidelines for Registration and Inspection of Annual Results Regarding Circulation Rates for Mobile Phone Recycling and Circulation Service (行動電話回收、循環服務之循環率年度執行成果資料申報查核作業指引) so as to provide enterprises with clear instructions for registration and inspection.\nThe RCA stressed that all cellphone manufacturers and importers are required to report the implementation results of the previous year by 31 May 2026 as refer-ences for future reviews on a rolling basis. The government will continue to bring businesses and sales channels together to enhance the convenience of cellphone repairs and recycling, allowing returning valuable metals to return into the circula-tion system and turning every cellphone into a force to achieve a circular economy.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "1", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4634", "title": "Ban Announced for Methoxychlor as Environmental Agent Ingredient", "preview": "The MOENV promulgated the amended Prohibited Ingredients for Environmental Agents and Testing Methods (環境用藥禁止含有之成分及檢驗方法). Revisions include adding methoxychlor as an ingredient of any environmental agent banned for manufacture, processing, import, export, sale or use. Also, the detection threshold is set at 10 x MDL (Method Detection Limit).", "content": "MOENV mentioned that that investigation shows methoxychlor is not registered as an active ingredient in any environmental agent product used in Taiwan as investi-gated. Therefore, the ban on this substance has no impact on the environmental agent manufacture in Taiwan. As methoxychlor is classified by the Stockholm Con-vention as a persistent organic pollutant, banning its use in any environmental agent help in protection of human health and the general environment.", "year": "2026", "month": "1", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4633", "title": "MOENV Revises Article 4 of Management Regulations for Reuse of Common Industry Waste", "preview": "The MOENV indicated that the Executive Yuan announced 31 December 2026 as the final national transition deadline to ban completely feeding pigs with kitchen wastes as a measure against the risk of African swine fever. All pig farms that wish to keep using kitchen waste as feeds during the transition period are required to comply with relevant regulations, including setting up real-time temperature and image monitoring equipment by 31 December 2025. Therefore, the amendment of the appendix of Article 4 of the Management Regulations for Reuse of Common Industry Waste (共通性事業廢棄物再利用管理辦法) was announced on 29 De-cember to enhance the reuse management and operation mechanism.", "content": "The MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration further pointed out that Item No. 7 in the Appendix of Article 4 of the revised Management Regulations for Re-use of Common Industry Waste specifies the management of kitchen waste reuse. The following are revision keys:\nI. Carry out source control: If the clearance equipment used to transport kitch-en waste to reuse facilities is used also for joint clearance of kitchen waste which is not the kind to be fed directly as specified in Appendix 1 of the gen-eral waste disposal methods, reuse facilities shall refuse to accept it as well as not reuse it as pig feed.\nII. Specify rules on steam-cooking: Kitchen waste shall be stirred continuously during the cooking process with the steaming temperature kept above 90°C and cooking time for at least an hour.\nIII. Install monitoring facilities by a given date: Temperature monitoring and vid-eo recording systems for cooking facilities that meet the listed specifications shall be installed by 31 December 2025. Reuse is not allowed until the instal-lation is examined and approved by the competent authority of the local gov-ernment. For failure to install such facilities by the given deadline, the original document approving direct reuse for feeding will become invalid from the day following the expiration of the installation period, and such reuse will no longer be permitted.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "1", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4632", "title": "Revised Regulations Preannounced Regarding Carbon Inventory, Registration and Verification for More Flexibility", "preview": "The MOENV announced the partial amendment of the Regulations for Manage-ment of Inventory, Registration and Verification of Greenhouse Gases (溫室氣體排放量盤查登錄及查驗管理辦法) (referred to as the Regulations hereinafter) on 19 December 2025 in response to the Regulations for Emission Sources Obligated to Measuring and Reporting Its Emission by Entity (事業應盤查登錄溫室氣體排放量之排放源) (referred to as the Obligated Enterprises hereinafter) promulgated on 4 March 2025. The Obligated Enterprises cover the service industry, transporta-tion industry, medical facilities, and colleges\/universities, which are greatly differ-ent from the manufacturing industry previously listed for control in terms of in-dustry nature and business models. The purpose of this amendment is to gradual-ly widen and strengthen Taiwan’s management of emission sources and enhance governance capacities by making inventory closer to actual operations of the Obli-gated Enterprises and providing a more flexible management. The following are keys to the amendment:", "content": "I. Simplify inventory of small fugitive emission sources\nFor the same type of fugitive emission sources within the boundary of the Obligated Enterprises, they may use the most recent emissions that were tak-en inventory of and verified for two consecutive years if their fugitive emis-sions are less than 0.05% of the total emissions and fall below less than five metric tons of CO2e.\nII. Include authorized and franchise stores in inventory\nIf an authorized or franchise store of an Obligated Enterprise is jointly run by another enterprise, the Obligated Enterprise shall conduct inventory at least the indirect energy-related emissions of that store, such as purchased power.\nIII. Adjust testing specifications for fuel and (raw) materials\nThe heat value of fuels and carbon content of (raw) materials announced by the central competent authority may be determined based on the information shown on the product labels instead of the testing specifications stipulated in Paragraph 1 Article 5 of the Regulations.\nIV. Specify the contents of Obligated Enterprises’ inventory reports\nAdditions are made regarding specifications of necessary information re-quired for the Obligated Enterprises’ inventory reports to ensure that infor-mation is complete and comply with industry characteristics.\nThe MOENV indicated that there are approximately 460 Obligated Enterprises an-nounced in 2025. Inventory and reporting are operated on \"four No’s,\" which are no trouble, no outsourcing, no inspection and no carbon fees. The MOENV has promulgated the inventory guidelines for four types of GHGs in Jul 2025 and held a series of consultation workshops in August and September jointly with the central competent authorities. A phone number is in place for consultation regarding in-ventory and verification starting from 2026 onwards.\n", "year": "2026", "month": "1", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4631", "title": "MOENV and Ministry of Sports Sign MOU on “Vitality and Sustainability” to Build a New Joint Paradigm for Sports and Environmental Protection", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) and the Ministry of Sports signed a Memo-randum of Understanding (MOU) on 25 November 2025, entitled \"Vitality and Sustainability,\" to promote public fitness and environmental sustainability in tan-dem. The MOU was signed by Minister Peng Chi-Ming of the Ministry of Environ-ment and Minister Lee Yang of the Ministry of Sports, formalizing the establish-ment of a cross-ministerial cooperation mechanism between the two ministries. The MOU aims to promote a new national sustainability movement that is low-carbon, energy-saving, and circular by combining \"sports power × environmental protection power.\"", "content": "Earlier this year, the MOENV signed an MOU with the Chinese Professional Base-ball League on the \"Love Baseball, Support Sustainability\" initiative. This MOU signed with the Ministry of Sports is themed \"Vitality and Sustainability\", which aims to integrate sports and environmental protection policies and resources, and promote healthy exercise and sustainability in tandem through cross-ministerial cooperation mechanisms, to create a shared vision of \"health for all × environmen-tal sustainability\". Both ministries agreed to take solid actions to implement the spirit of \"carbon reduction, energy conservation, and circulation,\" promote green sports events and sustainable venues, and play sports not only for health and vi-tality, but also to harness the energy around sporting events as an important force in protecting the planet.\nIn his speech, Minister Peng Chi-Ming pointed out: \"People who love sports will definitely love protecting the environment.\" Over the past year, MOENV has invest-ed in many large-scale sporting events, introduced green measures, and promoted initiatives such as recycled cups, local ingredients, electronic billboards, and med-als made of recycled materials to make sporting events more energy-efficient, car-bon-reducing, and plastic-reducing. The MOENV has published the \"Environment-Friendly Guidelines for Sports Events\" (體育賽事環境友善指引) to assist the Minis-try of Sports in incorporating environmental management and green design into sports events, making sustainability a standard feature of sports culture. Both min-istries will continue to expand the scope of cooperation based on the MOU. In ad-dition to integrating environmental education, resource recycling and energy con-servation and carbon reduction concepts into more events and activities, relevant technical resources will also be introduced, such as building management and technology applications to help the Ministry of Sports become more environmen-tally friendly and transform it into an \"environment-friendly ministry\".\nIn addition to the collaborations above, both ministries will work together to promote related Earth-friendly activities. For example, the MOENV held a \"Low-Carbon Hiking in the Mountains, Environmental Protection, Health and Sustainabil-ity\" cleanup event on 29 November. The European Economic and Trade Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Sports also took part in the hike. The event emphasized that \"vitality and sustainability\" symbolizes the official launch of the three major directions of inter-ministerial cooperation, as well as policy enhancement and public participation. MOENV will continue to work with the Ministry of Sports to make every event more sustainable, every venue more energy-efficient, and every citizen more engaged, to jointly create healthy, low-carbon, and sustainable new lifestyles.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "12", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4630", "title": "MOENV’s “Rainwater Garden” Website Officially Launched to Integrate Climate Adaptation Efforts from Schools in the US and Taiwan", "preview": "The upgraded “Rainwater Garden” website has been officially launched under the Ministry of Environment’s (MOENV) Climate Change Administration (CCA) website. The project integrates monitoring data with environmental education efforts, showcasing the water conservation and cooling achievements of rainwater gar-dens, thus creating a green learning platform for all. The CCA hosted an online exchange in collaboration with Rutgers University on \"Promoting Rainwater Gar-dens on Campuses in the United States and Taiwan,\" connecting teachers and students in both countries and allowing them to cooperate in learning how to use rainwater gardens to cope with extreme rainfall and enhance the resilience of school premises.", "content": "In October 2025, the CCA worked closely with Rutgers University on an online sem-inar, which brought together teachers and students from seven schools in the United States and Taiwan, namely: Xinjie Elementary School and Zhongfu Elemen-tary School in Taoyuan, Dazhi Elementary School in Taichung, Datong Elementary School in Kaohsiung, and The Albrook School, Bartle Elementary School, and Frances S. DeMasi School in New Jersey, USA, with a total of 117 participants. The event allowed teachers and students from these schools to cooperatively learn how to promote rainwater gardens on school grounds and explore how to address climate challenges such as extreme rainfall. This international event not only strengthened cooperation between the two countries in the field of climate adap-tation but also gave students international experience and allowed them to share their concerns and actions regarding climate with peers in another country.\nThe CCA stated that climate change brings challenges such as extreme rainfall and heat waves, and it is now important to improve the resilience of schools and com-munities. A rainwater garden serves both educational and adaptation functions, and school campuses are a starting point for cultivating environmental awareness. The vibrant outdoor learning environment of a rainwater garden plants the seeds of \"Dealing with Climate Change and Protecting the Planet Together\" in children's hearts. The CCA invites everyone to act, starting with learning about rainwater gardens, practicing environmental protection in daily life, and working together to create a greener and more sustainable future.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "12", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4629", "title": "MOENV Receives \"Award of Excellence\" for Outstanding Occupational Health and Safety Performance", "preview": "The MOENV approaches occupational health and safety through four core strate-gies: \"improving regulatory plans, optimizing work environments, implementing rigorous supervision, and promoting cross-domain cooperation.\" Following its re-organization in 2023, a ministerial level “Occupational Health and Safety Promo-tion Group.” Minister Peng Chi-Ming appointed Political Deputy Minister Jiunn-Horng Yeh as the convener to lead this group, coordinating all departments and affiliated agencies to build a centralized yet horizontally cooperative safety gov-ernance system. Since 2015, the Ministry has consistently improved its perfor-mance, progressing from multiple “Good Awards” in previous years to this year’s top-tier “Award of Excellence.”", "content": "Occupational safety issues in the environmental protection system are diverse and intertwined. The MOENV has identified positions involving high occupational safe-ty risks and subsequently established corresponding safety protection mecha-nisms. To create an age-friendly workplace for local cleaning teams, the MOENV continues to fund the purchase of mechanized equipment and promotes the re-duction of weight of disinfection equipment to alleviate risks involving human fac-tors. The MOENV has helped local government sanitation teams install safety rails and 6-to-8-lens camera systems on garbage collection trucks, resulting in a de-crease in the occupational accident rate for sanitation workers, from 1.673‰ in 2021 to 1.264‰ in 2023.\nSmart technologies have been introduced to improve the occupational safety of environmental inspectors and technical teams. Drones, thermal imaging cameras, and acoustic cameras (sound-imaging) are utilized, while smart smoke detection technology is used to improve the efficiency of environmental inspections. As technology develops, more is being adopted for emergency response. For example, robotic dogs have been introduced for prevention, detection and rescue in re-sponse to toxic and chemical incidents, helping to reduce exposure to hazards for environmental system workers and build a more resilient and safe working envi-ronment. MOENV also collaborates with central government ministries such as the National Fire Agency, the Ministry of Labor, and Ministry of Education, and works with local environmental protection bureaus and NGOs to expand the coverage and depth of occupational safety policies.\nThe MOENV emphasizes that it will focus continuously on the core vision of \"Zero Hazards, Zero Injuries\", strengthen risk identification, improve disaster prevention mechanisms, and combine smart technology and health promotion strategies to build a safe, healthy, and sustainable workplace.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "12", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4628", "title": "MOENV and Ministry of Sports Partner with the European Economic and Trade Office for the First Mountain Cleanup Collaboration", "preview": "On 29 November 2025, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) invited Taiwan’s Ministry of Sports and the European Economic and Trade Office (EETO) to partici-pate in the \" Low-Carbon Hiking for an Environmentally Friendly, Healthy, and Sus-tainable Future\" event at Mount Guanyin (Guanyinshan), an important natural scenic spot in northern Taiwan. Vice President Bi-Khim Hsiao led the hikers and took part in the event alongside other central government ministers, including Minister of Environment Chi-Ming Peng, Minister of Sports Yang Lee, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Chia-Lung Lin. The event brought together more than 200 hikers from the representative offices of nine EU member states in Taiwan, central gov-ernment ministries and local governments, who climbed to the top of Yinghan Peak, one of Taiwan’s “Small 100 Peaks” to model a net-zero green lifestyle and jointly protect the natural environment.", "content": "In her remarks, Vice President Hsiao expressed her delight at being able to be a part of this green hike with partners from Europe and Taiwan, showcasing the core values of sustainability, health, and environmental friendliness by getting close to nature. She also shared how she had just returned to Taiwan from a trip to Brus-sels, during which she had extensive talks with European friends on issues such as the environment, climate, health, and sustainability. The vice president mentioned the Dutch concept of “gezellig,” which she learned from European friends, symbol-izing warmth, friendliness, and solidarity. It shares a similar meaning with the Amis concept of “salikaka mapolong,” indicating that everyone's common goal is to create a more sustainable planet for the next generation regardless of cultural background. The vice president also thanked the EU for its long-term support, which has allowed Taiwan-EU environmental cooperation to expand from many years of beach clean-ups into the mountains and forests, further deepening the environmental partnership between both sides.\nIn his remarks, Mr. Lutz Güllner, Director of the European Economic and Trade Of-fice (EETO), stated that this hiking and cleanup event was not only a healthy activi-ty but also had symbolic significance, as it was meant to \" send a signal\" and show society how important it is to protect the environment. He pointed out that many environmental protection policies and goals begin with small and steady steps, and the fact that this event’s participants acted together in a low-carbon and sustaina-ble way that respects the environment was a fine embodiment of this spirit. He emphasized that the EU, its member states, and Taiwan have long been working closely in the environmental field, advancing common values and visions.\nThe MOENV emphasized that net-zero emissions need to be practiced in daily life, and carbon reduction should be promoted in all six aspects of daily life: food, clothing, housing, transportation, education, and entertainment. The 3.5-km hike encouraged participation to engage in cleanup activities along the hiking route and demonstrate sustainability through practical actions, as well as modelling the use of public transportation or carpooling to reduce carbon footprints from com-muting. Meanwhile, adhering to the principles of \"carbon reduction and waste re-duction,\" there was no large stage set up for the event, promotional materials were reduced, hikers were asked to bring their own eco-friendly cups, no bottled water was provided, and disposable items were replaced with recyclable and washable tableware, reducing waste at source and fully embodying the concrete practice of a net-zero green lifestyle.\nMOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming stated that the day’s activities—hiking, carbon re-duction, and waste reduction—were a direct demonstration of a net-zero green lifestyle. He expressed hope that this inter-ministerial participation with interna-tional partners would help the public recognize that low-carbon living can be fur-ther deepened, more people can be encouraged to join in the efforts for sustaina-bility, and net zero can become a common lifestyle for all.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "12", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4627", "title": "The MOENV “Life Carbon Footprint Calculator” Optimized and Launched to Assist Public with Accurate Carbon Reduction Analysis", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) continues to optimize the “carbon foot-print calculator” to help all citizens live a net-zero green life. The second phase, launched in October, introduced a new “food and dining” category and improved calculation methods for “housing” and “transportation”. These will provide both more accurate and more intuitive analysis of CO2 emissions.", "content": "Stage 2 covers 4 major areas:\nI. The “food and dining” group has been added and consists of the “Fast Mode” and “Personalized Mode”. It allows users to calculate emissions based on die-tary patterns (regular, lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan), guiding the public to-ward a low-carbon diet.\nII. Personalized input selections have been added in the “housing” category for calculation of emissions based on electricity, gas and water usage, or for quick estimation based on national averages.\nIII. The “Fast Mode” has been added in the “transportation” category, featuring a dropdown menu has been provided for the selection of, for example, vehicle energy efficiency levels. The “Personalized Mode”, on the other hand, is kept for precise data inputs.\nIV. The modes are renamed as “fast mode” and “personalized mode” for easier-to-understand and more intuitive operations.\nThe MOENV pointed out that the second phase continues with the concepts of “Carbon Awareness” and “carbon knowledge” and “Carbon Reduction”. The public can use visual data to understand differences in life-related carbon emissions and recognize the real impact of behavioral changes, such as choosing a low-carbon diet, replacing high-energy-consuming appliances, and taking public transportation to reduce carbon emissions.\nIn addition, the system has been linked to the \" Green Point \" app account and the \" MOENV LINE@”, allowing users to quickly log in to the calculator. The new user manual and promotional materials are also available on the \" Net-Zero Green Life-style\" platform at https:\/\/greenlifestyle.moenv.gov.tw\/CarbonPublicPage, promot-ing public participation in low-carbon living.\nMOENV calls on the public to adopt low-carbon choices regarding energy, trans-portation, diet, and other consumption behaviors through the calculator, for all to work together towards reaching the net-zero emissions target by 2050.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "12", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "" }, { "no": "4626", "title": "MOENV Publishes 2024 Emission Results of Listed Enterprises", "preview": "The MOENV indicated on 26 November that in 2024 there were 303 enterprises (including 562 factories) listed for controls under the “Regulations for Manage-ment of Inventory, Registration and Verification of Greenhouse Gases “ (溫室氣體排放量盤查登錄及查驗管理辦法). All of them have completed the annual green-house gas emission inventory, registration and verification as scheduled. The di-rect emissions by these regulated enterprises in 2024 decreased by 1.7% as com-pared to that in 2023; and the indirect ones due to energy use (mainly electricity) decreased by 2.7% also compared to that in 2023.", "content": "The MOENV explained that the number of listed factories increased by nine (15 new ones and six removed) in 2024 because some factories experienced increased operation and hence increased emissions that exceeded regulatory threshold, in addition to newly opened factories. For industry categories of emissions from listed enterprises in 2024, direct emissions came mostly from manufacturing pro-cesses and burning fuels, and the power generation and gas supply industries were the largest contributors of all categories (accounting for 57%). For the manu-facturing category, major sources came from basic metal manufacturing (13%), chemical materials and fertilizer manufacturing (13%), and petroleum and coal product manufacturing (9%). On the other hand, indirect energy-based emissions reflect mostly use of electricity use, and major contributors were electronic com-ponent manufacturing (accounting for 48% of the total indirect emissions), chemi-cal materials and fertilizer manufacturing (31%), and basic metal manufacturing (9%).\nThe MOENV pointed out that the 2025 inventory data will serve as the basis for carbon fee collection. Likewise, an enterprise's emission inventory and verification results for 2025 will be used to determine the carbon fees to be paid in 2026, and the fees will be collected according to the applicable carbon fee rate. Still, those who will be subject to carbon fees depend on the inventory results next year. A total of 465 factories (under 247 enterprises) would make the list of those subject to carbon fees per the \"Regulations Governing the Collection of Carbon Fees\" (碳費收費辦法) in accordance with evaluation based on inventory, registration and veri-fication results of 2024. All regulated businesses are urged to ensure the authen-ticity and integrity of the inventory data submitted as this is important for the ap-plicability and calculation of carbon fees. The MOENV will ensure full implementa-tion by working with local environmental protection bureaus with continuous doc-ument reviews, field surveys and in-depth audits.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "12", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4625", "title": "MOENV Held on New Carbon Pricing Thinking Under Geopolitics", "preview": "The MOENV held a forum, “Taiwan's Net-Zero Transition and Carbon Pricing Gov-ernance: New Policy Thinking under Geopolitical Impacts”, on 27 November in the face of challenges of global geopolitical developments and international carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). Foreign and domestic experts and schol-ars invited included Professor Wen-Chen Shih of the Department of International Business, National Chengchi University; Josh Burke, Distinguished Policy Fellow at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE); Luca Taschini, professor and chair of climate finance, University of Edinburgh; and Victor Alejandro Ortiz Rivera, Manager at Adelphi in the field of carbon markets and pricing. The event focused on the contexts of Taiwan's carbon pricing development, the key role the carbon pricing plays in the global net-zero transition, emission trading and climate poli-cies, and the latest CBAM development. Nearly 1,000 people, either in person or online, participated in in-depth interactions and discussions.", "content": "Taiwan Guides Industries Toward Low-Carbon Transition with Carbon Pricing in Alignment with the World\nThe forum started with the opening speech given by MOENV’s Deputy Minister Yen-Ju Hsieh, who pointed out that climate change has become a major topic of global concern with carbon pricing considered around the world as the most effec-tive tool for CO2 reduction. Taiwan just launched its carbon fee system earlier this year, and approximately 90% of carbon fee payers have proposed their voluntary reduction plans for a premium rate, suggesting carbon fee has started to urge do-mestic enterprises to lower emissions. At the same time, MOENV is encouraging the market for trading voluntary reduction credits and exploring international co-operation. The Green Growth Alliance has been established to promote a sound carbon pricing system with collaboration between the private and public sectors, deepen international reduction cooperation, and build a green industry chain.\nProfessor Wen-Chen Shih started with the talk, “Taiwan's Carbon Pricing Develop-ment\", walking all participants through the evolution from the “Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act” (溫室氣體減量及管理法) to the “Climate Change Response Act” (氣候變遷因應法). She emphasized that Taiwan's carbon fee system aims at reduction and to encourage businesses to cut down emissions through a voluntary reduction plan mechanism to gradually connect to the upcoming cap-and-trade system. Josh Burke broke down the global implementation of carbon pricing, including revenue expenditure, reduction effectiveness, and economic im-pacts and growth, to demonstrate the importance of carbon pricing for net-zero transition. He points out specifically that carbon fee mechanisms have had a signif-icant effect on reduction in Asian countries. And Rivera cautioned that transition to a low-carbon economy is complex and difficult to plan precisely. The emission trading system (ETS) must be combined with additional policy tools to form a \"pol-icy mix\" when used as a core tool. Decision makers are to watch closely and man-age effectively the interactions between different tools, while maintaining flexibil-ity for dynamic adjustments to maximize policy benefits. Luca Taschini, on the oth-er hand, analyzed that CBAM brings both risks and opportunities and can be used for low-carbon business to increase market shares. Meanwhile, carbon-intensive enterprises will risk loss of competitive edges if they do not accelerate the process of transition. He suggested all countries as well to actively strengthen their own carbon pricing mechanisms as the best strategy against CBAM challenges.\nDeepen International Cooperation and Ensure Climate-Resilient Systems\nThe MOENV stated that the in-depth interactions with international experts in this forum have helped Taiwan stay aligned with international carbon pricing trends. Moving forward, use of carbon fees collected will be optimized toward the net-zero targets by 2050 with practical approaches for reduction tasks for 2030 and 2035. The MOENV will maintain a flexible and resilient policy approach to help indus-tries respond to the challenges of international CBAMs and realize the vision of net-zero transition.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "12", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4624", "title": "2-Year Buffer Granted for Reduction Plan to Tighten Total Phosphorous Limits", "preview": "The MOENV has promulgated the “Guidelines for Reviewing Effluent Pollutant Reduction Management Plans” (放流水污染物削減管理計畫審核作業要點) on 27 November 2025 to assist businesses in successful adaptation to the stricter standards for total phosphorus in effluent. For the wastewater systems of manu-facturing wafers, semiconductors, and optoelectronic materials and parts as well as those in science parks, a \"reduction management plan\" may be submitted in accordance with the guidelines starting the promulgation date if criteria cannot be met immediately due to technical bottlenecks or required construction time. Once the plan is approved by local governments, businesses will be granted a two-year extension to ensure sufficient time for improvement.", "content": "The MOENV released the standards for total phosphorus in effluent on 18 Decem-ber 2024, Implementing total phosphorus control measures in three phases on wastewater sewage systems of manufacturing of wafers, semiconductors, and op-toelectronic materials and parts, and those in science park wastewater systems. The criteria and phases are 100 mg\/L in 2027, 50 mg\/L in 2029, and 25 mg\/L in 2031. However, most disposal of phosphorus in wastewater is through coagulation and sedimentation, which generates a large amount of sludge. When the afore-mentioned standards were issued, there may be enterprises affected that are una-ble to meet the control limits within the specified period before the implementa-tion deadlines specified in the Guidelines (the first phase by 31 March 2026, the second by 31 March 2028 for the second phase, and the third by 31 March) due to technical difficulties or time required for improvement constructions. To allow rea-sonable time for improvement, these enterprises are submitting to local govern-ments reduction and control plans regarding effluent pollutants. Once the plan is approved, control limits for effluents may be taken effect two years after the con-trol period for the specific phase.\nPhosphorus is an important nutrient in aquatic ecosystems; however, too much phosphorus will cause negative impacts on water quality if it finds its way into wa-ter bodies. In addition to pushing for domestic wastewater phosphorus recycling through regulations, the MOENV is also subsidizing research and development of technology for phosphorus crystallization and concentration and energy conserva-tion with the Water Pollution Control Fund and under the Forward-Looking Infra-structure Development Program. It is hoped to guide the green transformation to industrial wastewater treatment from conventional technologies and jointly achieve the sustainable goal of net-zero reduction and resource circulation.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "12", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4623", "title": "“Draft Amendment Preannounced for Fee Standards Governing Permit Applications” for Environmental Analysis Organizations", "preview": "The MOENV stated that the “Fee Standards Governing Permit Applications for Environmental Analysis Organizations” (檢驗測定許可申請收費標準) have been in effect for more than 13 years since their implementation in May 2003 and have undergone three amendments, the most recent on 5 December 2016. Such prac-tices are to reflect actual operating costs, ensure sound finance, and maintain the quality of inspection and testing services. Due to the significant increase in per-sonnel and material costs in recent years, the current fees are no longer sufficient to cover the actual costs of government services. A draft amendment to the standards is hereby preannounced for financial balance.", "content": "The purpose of this amendment is in accordance with changes made to relevant regulations, such as listing Paragraph 2 Article 61 of the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法) as a legal basis and also adjusting relevant regulations in-cluding the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) and the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法) for a sound regula-tory framework. Meanwhile, certain fees are increased to reflect the actual admin-istrative and operational costs of processing applications for testing, inspection, and permits, including raising document review fee from NT$10,000 per case to NT$13,000, system evaluation review fee from NT$12,000 per testing category to NT$14,500, and fees for reviewing and evaluating approvals by the test report sig-natories from NT$2,900 per applicant to NT$4,600. Other fees such as for perfor-mance reviews and relevance test reviews are also increased reasonably based on the actual personnel and material costs calculated in recent years.\nThis amendment includes a new implementation period stipulating that it will offi-cially take effect on 1 July 2026, giving testing and analysis organizations sufficient time for internal planning and adjustments, The MOENV emphasized that such ad-justment regarding fee collection standards were made based on a comprehensive cost analysis and legal reviews, aiming to ensure the stability of the inspection and permit system and service quality as well as applicants’ rights and the gov-ernment’s financial balance. In addition, the environmental monitoring and man-agement system is adjusted to meet the needs of current environmental policies and sustainable development by newly listing more regulations as a climate-change-related legal basis.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "12", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "" }, { "no": "4622", "title": "Amendment Preannounced for “Categories and Management of Handling for Toxic Chemical Substances” (列管毒性化學物質及其運作管理事項)", "preview": "On 4 November, the MOENV has preannounced listing methoxychlor, decachlorotricyclooctadecadiene (Dechlorane Plus), and 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-pentylphenol (UV-328) as toxic chemical substances and specified their control concentrations and relevant handling regulations. At the same time, management regulations for mercury and tetrachloroethylene was tightened, thereby improving Taiwan’s management of toxic chemical substances.", "content": "The MOENV stated that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are characterized by difficulty in decomposition, long-distance migration, and bioaccumulation, which pose a risk to the health of organisms. Therefore, the United Nations formulated the Stockholm Convention to eliminate, limit, and reduce POPs and protect human health and the environment. This preannouncement corresponds with the Stock-holm Convention by adding methoxychlor, Dechlorane Plus, and UV-328 to the list of toxic chemical substances, bringing them in line with international regulatory standards.\nMethoxychlor has been added to the list of Class I, Class III, and Class IV toxic chemical substances due to it bioconcentrating properties, non-degradability, and acute ecotoxicity. The bioconcentrating and non-degradable Dechlorane Plus has been added to the list of Class I and Class IV toxic chemical substances. The pre-scribed concentration for both substances is set at 0.1%, and in accordance with the Convention they are completely banned except for research, testing and edu-cation purposes. UV-328, on the other hand, has been added as a Class I and Class IV toxic chemical substance for its bioconcentration and non-degradability. The controlled concentration covers the entire spectrum of concentration, the permit-ted uses are specified, and the threshold requirements have been added in ac-cordance with the EU's Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulation, which is con-sistent with the international scope.\nMercury was declared a Class I toxic chemical substance in 1991. This prean-nouncement revises bans on mercury and permitted uses in response to the man-agement trend of the UN Minamata Convention on Mercury. Tetrachloroethylene was classified as a Class I and Class II toxic chemical substance in 1997. Based on the U.S. Final Rules for risk management and the actual operation in Taiwan, tetra-chloroethylene is now banned from use in cleaning agents. However, those that have obtained registration or permits for use in cleaning agents may use the sub-stance until it runs out in the circulation of dry-cleaning machines.\nMOENV emphasized that the preannouncement takes into consideration current usage in Taiwan in response to addition of toxic chemical substance regulations. The regulations involve permit application, labeling, transportation, detection and alarm equipment, professional technical personnel, and deployment of profes-sional response personnel. Therefore, existing operators are given a grace period of 12 to 18 months for sufficient time to respond. Businesses are also encouraged to look for alternatives to reduce the impact on the domestic environment and public health.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "12", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4621", "title": "MOENV Reveals Taiwan's 2035 NDC 3.0 and establishes the COP30 War Room", "preview": "The 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP30) will be held in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21. Taiwan just announced the 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) in alignment with international efforts. Despite not being a UNFCCC party, Taiwan is still committed to the Convention and determined to show the world what Taiwan has done for CO2 reduction and sustainable transformation. This action echoes the COP30 spirit, \" Global Mutirão\", as part of the collabora-tion toward net-zero sustainability.", "content": "The MOENV held a press conference on 7 November, announcing Taiwan's 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 and the establishment of the COP 30 War Room. Minister Peng Chi-Ming delivered a speech in both Chinese and Eng-lish, stating that Taiwan has experienced a series of extreme weather events in re-cent years, indicating that climate risks are becoming increasingly severe and that carbon reduction and adaptation work are imminent. Led by Vice Premier Cheng, the Executive Yuan designed the cross-ministerial action plan for Taiwan’s overall carbon reduction. The new version of Taiwan's NDC 3.0 was officially approved by Premier Cho on 3 November after the review by the National Climate Change Committee and extensive communications with the public. With 2005 as the benchmark, the targets are 28±2% reduction by 2030 and 38±2% reduction by 2035, second only to Japan in Asia and like South Korea's targets. Such immensely challenging targets require joint efforts from the central and local governments as well as industries and society.\nMinister Peng pointed out that Taiwan has done remarkably well in greenhouse gas reduction in recent years. Emissions decreased by 1.77% in 2022 and 4.64% in 2023 as opposed to the benchmark year. The latest data has projected emission decrease could be as much as 6.7% in 2024, a 2.15% drop compared with the pre-vious year (2023). This marks the third consecutive year of significant reduction as well as an achievement only second only to that of Japan in Asia all thanks to citi-zens’ efforts. At this year's COP30 in Brazil, Taiwan will showcase its efforts to the world with the approved version of NDC 3.0. Minister Peng stressed that, despite being unable to attend the conference as Taiwan is not a convention member, Tai-wan faces the same threat of extreme weather and therefore will contribute and demonstrate its will and actions to the international community via diverse chan-nels.\nThe MOENV explained that NDC) is a mechanism required by the Paris Agreement for countries to submit. It is to include climate actions beyond 2020, disclosing ac-tions including reduction measures, reduction targets, and adaptation of climate change, and be updated and enhanced at least every five years. As submission of the 2035 NDC, i.e., NDC 3.0, is required before the COP 30 this year, and as of 6 November a total of 72 signing parties have done so, accounting for approximately 62% of global emissions.\nThe MOENV emphasized that since 2020 Taiwan has been submitting and updating NDCs in alignment with the global community. The NDC 3.0 (version beta), pro-posed by the National Climate Change Committee in January this year, sets nation-al reduction targets with 2005 as the benchmark year, including a 28±2% drop by 2030, a 32±2% drop by 2032, and a 38±2% drop by 2035. Afterwards the Commit-tee held talks with the public and collected opinions from industries, governmental agencies, academia, research community, and civil organizations before the Execu-tive Yuan officially approved the NDC 3.0 on 3 November. Taiwan’s 2035 target, a 38±2% decrease compared to the benchmark year, covers ten fields such as equity and ambition, domestic legal framework and climate governance in Taiwan, strate-gies regarding energy transition and smart green energy, dual transition on digiti-zation and green industry, green finance and carbon pricing, net-zero sustainable green living and community-driven action, just transition and green talents, global cooperation, climate change adaptation, human rights, gender equality, and the rights for children and youth. Besides displaying actual climate efforts, the NDC 3.0 also serves as Taiwan’s core actions toward global climate cooperation.\nWith “Global Mutirão” as the event theme, the COP30 was to emphasize compre-hensive promotion of the Paris Agreement across different levels and depart-ments, focus on each country’s newly submitted NDCs, and discuss follow-up ac-tions and support mechanisms based on the inventory results. Being professional, pragmatic, and contributive, this year Taiwan will take part in the global climate efforts to stay updated on the global climate talks as well as keep searching oppor-tunities to join international inter-governmental organizations. This year the Youth Billions Overseas Dream Fund under the Ministry of Education is being brought in, with youth representatives openly selected to go to the COP30 for exchanges with other attendees. Additionally, there will be think tanks, NGOs, and enterprises ac-tively participating in other COP30 events, which is a display of joint energy from the civil and government sectors on climate efforts. Meanwhile, Taiwan will volun-tarily disclose UNFCCC-related documents for the first time, including the 2035 NDC 3.0, the first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR), and the National Green-house Gas Inventory (NIR). Moreover, a Memorandum of Cooperation on the Paris Agreement is to be signed between Taiwan and its diplomatic ally, Paraguay as an outward gesture of Taiwan’s climate actions and commitment. It is hoped that Tai-wan can keep sharing experiences on climate change and response with other countries to embody the Paris Agreement’s spirit of fairness and global coopera-tion.\nIn response to international climate actions, the MOENV’s Climate Change Admin-istration has established a \"Participating in International Climate Actions\" section on its official website (https:\/\/gov.tw\/dQK). This section provides comprehensive information on the UNFCCC’s recent progress, Taiwan's active participation in the UNFCCC (including information from previous war rooms, downloads of Taiwan's voluntary compliance documents in Chinese and English: the NDC3.0, the BTRs, the NIRs), and results on comparisons and exchanges of international climate actions. The Administration invites all sectors to stay updated on the global trends and participate in global climate actions together with the government.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "12", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4620", "title": "Circular Economy Innovations Presented at Circular-Cross Expo 2025 Grand Opening", "preview": "The “Circular-Cross Expo 2025” was held from October 23 to 26, 2025, at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei City. The opening ceremony on Oc-tober 23 featured a speech by Lai Ying-ying, Director-General of the Resource Cir-culation Administration, Ministry of Environment (MOENV), and was attended by representatives from the Netherlands Office Taipei and other distinguished guests. The event marked a significant milestone for the expansion of Taiwan's circular economy towards cross-domain cooperation and international connections.", "content": "Director Lai expressed that it was the sixth year of the Expo, which has contributed much to Taiwan’s circular economy. She pointed out that innovation is where the circular economy starts, and the participation of younger generations is its driving force. Thanks to the curatorial team, the Expo has connected entrepreneurs and groups across Taiwan, showcasing boundless creativity from entrepreneurial exper-iments to industrial development. This year's event was held in tandem with the “2025 Asia Pacific Circular Economy Roundtable & Hotspot (APCER & Hotspot)”. With the participation of the Netherlands Pavilion and partners from many coun-tries, Taiwan’s circular economy roadmap sets sights on moving towards the goal of net zero and zero waste, driven by the participation of youth and international cooperation.\nMatthijs van der Hoorn, Deputy Representative of the Netherlands Office Taipei, expressed his appreciation for Taiwan’s efforts in promoting the circular economy. He stated that the circular economy is a challenge that requires innovation and a change of mindset in various ways, and it needs clear goals and concerted action to truly achieve a sustainable transition. He emphasized: “One walks fast, but a group walks far,\" which is why it was important for everyone to gather at the event. He also thanked the Holland Circular Hotspot (HCH) for being a pioneer and partner in promoting the circular economy.\nFreek van Eijk and Vesna Lavtizar, CEO and COO of the Netherlands Circular Econ-omy Hotspot, respectively, said in their remarks: “The Netherlands is known as a global leader in the circular economy, but for us, Taiwan is the pioneer of the cir-cular economy in the Asia-Pacific region. Taiwan is becoming an important gateway connecting regional circular opportunities. At the Circular-Cross Expo, both coun-tries are sharing their insights, practices, and passion for the circular economy. On-ly through cooperation can we scale up innovation and make the circular economy a new everyday mode.”\nCurator Lai Yi-Jung mentioned that since its inception in 2020, “Circular-Cross Ex-po” has been hoping to connect those who are willing to experiment across fields—designers, farmers, teachers, engineers, and social entrepreneurs. One thing they have in common is that they care not only about their own products or expertise, but also about the planet and society we live in. This year's expo theme is “Let's Circle Up! A Party for Circular Ideas.” The exhibition is no longer just for viewing, but is a circular carnival that allows for exchange, interaction, and con-crete action.\nThe public was invited to visit the venue and participate in this grand event, which featured exhibition experiences and interactive learning, including nearly 20 hands-on workshops, 7 international sharing sessions, and multiple industry matchmaking meetings. The event covered five major themes: “Taiwan's Circular Ecosystem”, “Circular Highlights”, “Lifestyle Aesthetics and Handmade Experience”, “Circular Innovation” and “International Exchange Zone”, fully presenting the di-verse aspects of culture, education, innovation, and international exchange.\nThis year's exhibition spanned four major venues in Songshan Park: the Cultural Plaza, Cultural and Creative Boulevard, Coconut Grove Avenue, and the South-bound Tobacco Factory. In the Cultural Plaza, there were wonderful examples of the integration of local Taiwanese materials, cultural beliefs, and technology. On the Cultural and Creative Boulevard were displays on how technological innova-tion brings about brand-new solutions. Along Coconut Grove Avenue, the focus was the integration of education and life and how the spirit of circularity can enter families and daily life, from handicrafts to parent-child activities. Meanwhile, the exhibition area of the Southbound Tobacco Factory brought together startup ser-vices and sharing platforms, showcasing the potential of innovative circular mod-els.\nThanks to exhibitions, forums, and industry matchmaking, Taiwan's circular econ-omy is expanding from local practices to international cooperation, demonstrating the Asia-Pacific region's determination to move towards sustainability. The event served as an important platform for Taiwan to promote the circular economy and cultivate a sense of sustainability among all citizens by combining policy promo-tion, industrial innovation, international exchange, and civic education, and sym-bolizing that a circular economy is no longer just a concept, but a movement creat-ed by all citizens.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "10", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4619", "title": "Public Cautioned to Be Careful when Leasing Land After Criminal Dumping Ring Prosecuted for Illegal Earth Dumping", "preview": "In June 2025, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV), the Taoyuan District Prosecu-tors Office, the Third Division of the Seventh Special Police Corps of the National Police Agency, the Central Taiwan Criminal Investigation Center of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, the Taoyuan City Government Environmental Protection Bu-reau, and the Police Bureau joined forces in a multi-pronged search operation. The operation was a success as the task force apprehended a waste dumping ring led by a suspect surnamed Hsu, who was suspected of dumping large quantities of construction waste and excavated materials on three hillsides as well as farm-lands in Longtan District, Taoyuan District, Taoyuan District, and Dayuan District of Taoyuan City. Following an investigation by the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Of-fice, 31 individuals, including the main suspect Hsu, a cleaning company, drivers, and an upstream construction material storage site, as well as the legal repre-sentatives of 6 companies, were indicted in accordance with the “Waste Dispos-al Act” (廢棄物清理法), the “Soil and Water Conservation Act” (水土保持法), and the “Urban Planning Act” (都市計畫法).", "content": "Hsu would find suitable hidden sites for backfilling, and members of the group would arrange agreements with the property owners to use or lease the proper-ties for construction material storage under the pretext of stockpiling construction materials, or for soil and water conservation projects provided free of charge as a disguise. Then, they collected construction waste, excavated materials from con-struction sites or gravel storage yards, and sludge generated from wastewater treatment facilities. These materials normally be properly processed by a recycling business or stored at a soil and gravel resource stacking site, as the law prohibits their use for backfilling farmland. The criminal group packed these wastes and sludge into gardening soil under the guise of a legally registered \"gardening\" com-pany, in a cunning attempt to avoid inspection by environmental protection au-thorities. Hsu provided properties for storage and backfilling of waste materials without proper approval, thus violating Article 46 of the Waste Disposal Act.\nThe Environmental Management Administration alerts property owners to fre-quent recent reports of illegal waste soil and construction waste disposal. Property owners should exercise caution and be on the lookout for illegal operations that involve using a property in return for free-of-charge land preparation and earth-work backfilling. To prevent illegal dumping on one’s private property, any unusual situation encountered should be reported immediately to police or the environ-mental protection bureau. \nThe Environmental Management Administration will continue to cooperate with law enforcement, local governments, and other relevant authorities to combat en-vironmental crimes and safeguard a healthy living environment.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "10", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4618", "title": "Heading into a New Era of Environmental Management, Establishing the Department of Environmental Information Technology to Drive Digital Governance", "preview": "On October 16, 2025, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) announced the offi-cial establishment of the \"Department of Environmental Information Technology\". Minister Su Chun-Jung of the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration, Executive Yuan and Deputy Minister Isabel Hou of the Ministry of Digital Affairs were invited to attend the unveiling ceremony, symbolizing that Taiwan has start-ed the full digital transformation in environmental management, and is now step-ping into a new era. MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming stressed in his speech that the new department will adopt artificial intelligence (AI) for environmental gov-ernance, make information more transparent, and deepen public participation through the establishment of citizen science platforms and improvement of na-tional environmental databases. At the same time, an AI customer service system is being designed that will optimize public service, while a human-oriented set of AI ethical environment management principles will be established to ensure se-cure and reliable AI applications.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that the Department of Environmental Information Technol-ogy will build the foundation of digital governance from the ground up. First, a na-tional environmental database system will be constructed by integrating data on air and water quality, waste management, toxicology, environmental impact assess-ments (EIAs), and 15,000 environmental protection project reports and layered maps with Geographic information system (GIS) data accumulated over the years. This massive data will be optimized as the core engine for AI services and to assist decision-making, for example, in the review of EIAs or large development projects, and to encourage public participation. Regarding AI public services, an integrated intelligent customer service system will be established to provide the public with a single window for 24-hour instant consultation services, enabling people to quickly obtain answers to environmental questions. Internally, AI tools such as smart doc-ument processing and smart procurement are being introduced to comprehensive-ly improve internal administrative efficiency. In addition, the Department of Envi-ronmental Information Technology will collaborate with fellow agencies to promote three proof-of-concept demonstration projects annually for complex and repeti-tive tasks and assist in project development and risk assessment to build AI resili-ence and lead environmental technology into the future.\nMOENV explained that there will be an AI competition for environmental agencies to deepen public participation in environmental management. It is hoped that these digital transformation measures will help Taiwan's environmental govern-ance become more intelligent and transparent, and that all citizens will be encour-aged to participate and work together towards a new era of sustainable environ-ment.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "10", "assortment": "Environmental Information Technology", "url": "" }, { "no": "4617", "title": "Government Chief Sustainability Officers Meet for Training to Collaboratively Create a Sustainable Future", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the “2025 Government Chief Sus-tainability Officer (CSO) Training Course” on October 7, 2025, at the Howard Civil Service International House in Taipei City. The course aimed at strengthening leadership and execution capabilities of governments at all levels as well as state-owned enterprises for the transition to sustainable net-zero, and chief sustaina-bility officers from 70 entities, including central ministries, local governments, and state-owned enterprises, were invited for the course.", "content": "Deputy Minister Jiunn-Horng Yeh emphasized in his address that Taiwan remains on its course toward the 2050 net zero target despite the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the global tariff crisis. Taiwan will assist industries in reducing carbon emissions and lowering costs and will also provide guidance and assistance to industries suffering severe impacts. The MOENV not only promotes the training of green-collar talents but also directs billions of New Taiwan Dollars from the “Green Growth Fund” to invest, for example, in industries involved with net zero, circular economy, and climate adaptation. It is hoped that crisis will be turned into opportunities as the “dual-axis transformation” and movement toward a low-carbon supply chain will become new economic driving forces for Taiwan. Deputy Minister Yeh further stated that CSOs are key drivers in guiding departments within all entities to focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. He hoped that all CSOs would bring what they have learned in the course back to their own entities, while strengthening lateral communications, and building a more sustainable and resilient Taiwan together.\nThe “Government CSO Alliance” was established on August 29, 2024, as an-nounced by Premier Cho Jung-Tai. Vice Premier Cheng Li-Chun serves as the Execu-tive Yuan’s CSO, and Minister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming serves as the Alli-ance’s Secretary-General. The alliance aims to guide governmental institutions and state-owned enterprises in practicing green growth to achieve the net-zero transi-tion by 2050. This training course was an important part of the \"CSO Alliance\" formed to support sustainable development efforts. The course covered \"The Con-cepts, History, and Related Regulations of Global Sustainable Net-Zero Topics\", \"Analysis and Planning of Sustainable Net-Zero Strategies\", and \"The Current Status and Future Planning of National Green Procurement Policies\".\nIn addition, the Government CSO Alliance has carefully developed a series of online courses to expand the influence of sustainability concepts, and the courses have been made available on the “Civil Service e-Learning Platform” for civil serv-ants, to help them learn more about sustainability issues. The total of nine cours-es cover several aspects, for example, \"Evolution and Trends of Sustainable Devel-opment Goals\", \"Theories and Foundations of Greenhouse Gas Inventory\", and \"Cur-rent Status and Future Planning of National Green Procurement Policies\". As of Oc-tober 2025, nearly 40,000 people have taken the courses, with more than 33,000 people successfully obtaining certification, suggesting civil servants are highly in-terested in sustainability topics. Workers in both the public and private sectors are encouraged to take the online learning programs.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "10", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "" }, { "no": "4616", "title": "MOENV Establishes Central Forward Coordination Office for Food Waste Disposal to Intensify Disposal and Epidemic Prevention", "preview": "The Environmental Management Administration (EMA) under the Ministry of Envi-ronment (MOENV) announced the establishment of the \" Central Forward Coor-dination Office for Food Waste Disposal under the African Swine Fever Prevention and Response Center (Food Waste Treatment Section).\" The office will keep track of the implementation of food waste treatment measures in various regions of Taiwan. Starting on October 31, 2025, the office will hold daily meetings with local governments to coordinate communication between ministries and local govern-ments, integrate national food waste disposal capacity, and ensure that food waste is disposed of safely, quickly, and properly during periods when food waste is prohibited for use in pig farming, while taking into account both epidemic pre-vention and environmental safety.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that the coordination office is located in the Environmental Management Administration office in Taichung City and is in charge of: 1) Helping Taichung City deal with the disposal of food waste; 2) Coordinating the transporta-tion of local food waste, overseeing proper disposal, and matters requiring coordi-nation in the short term; and 3) Food waste boiling management, food waste dis-posal planning, and long-term coordination.\nRegarding the disposal measures during the ban on using kitchen waste for pig farming, the MOENV stated that the current methods for classifying and collecting kitchen waste remain unchanged. Cleaning teams and qualified recycling business-es will assist in the collection and transportation of kitchen waste to appropriate locations designated by competent authorities, to prevent its illegal diversion. Short-term emergency responses will prioritize reuse, for example, for fertilizer and energy production, supplemented by proper disposal through incineration and landfilling. In the long term, the focus will be on converting food waste to fer-tilizer, energy, and other reuse methods (such as black soldier fly larvae treat-ment), thus facilitating a circular economy and sustainable green energy develop-ment. \nThe MOENV stressed and asked all local governments to strengthen the control and verification of the flow of kitchen waste, prevent illegal use, and ensure zero blind spots in epidemic prevention according to the “Guidelines for Prohibiting Pig Feeding with Kitchen Waste in Response to African Swine Fever Prevention” (因應非洲豬瘟防疫禁止廚餘養豬指引) and the “Regulations Governing General Waste Recycling, Clearance and Disposal” (一般廢棄物回收清除處理辦法) promul-gated by the MOENV on October 23, 2025.\nThe MOENV emphasized that governments at both central and local levels will con-tinue to work together on balancing epidemic prevention measures and resource circulation, while ensuring environmental hygiene, food safety, and stability for daily living, jointly protecting Taiwan's livestock industry and sustainable environ-ment.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "10", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4615", "title": "MOENV Holds Resilient Taiwan International Forum on Chemical Disaster Prevention and Response and Global Cooperation", "preview": "The MOENV-organized “2025 Resilient Taiwan - International Exchange Forum on Resilient Technologies for Environmental Accident Disaster Prevention and Re-sponse” took place at the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) Chung Hsing Campus from October 29 to 31. The purpose was to promote exchanges of domestic and international experience in environmental accident response and enhance the nation’s capacity for preventing and responding to toxic chemical disasters and emerging energy accidents. Presided by Director-General Meng-Yu Tsai, the forum acknowledged outstanding enterprises and joint defense organiza-tions that handle and manage toxic and concerned chemical substances. Attended by more than 500 experts from Taiwan and abroad, the event showcased Taiwan's achievements in disaster prevention and response technologies and international cooperation.", "content": "Besides sharing case studies on toxic chemical disaster responses just as in previ-ous years, the forum in 2025 expanded on exchanges on international issues, invit-ing experts from American organizations such as UL Solutions and EMD Electron-ics, and Japanese ones such as Hazardous Materials Safety Technology Association (KHK) and Maritime Disaster Prevention Center to share case studies on disasters involving lithium batteries, specialty gases, liquid ammonia and liquid hydrogen as well as electric vehicle fires. As for Taiwanese participants, experts from National United University, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, and the Industrial Technology Re-search Institute (ITRI) discussed experience in disasters involving energy storage facilities and liquid ammonia, deepening interactions on technical practices. TSMC and Chi Mei Corporation shared their practices in voluntary chemical substance management, providing valuable information for the latest operations and contin-gency preparation as references. An exhibition section on disaster prevention and response technologies was also set up in the forum on disaster prevention and response technologies Innovative applications such as AI big data, extended reality (XR) training modules, detection robot dogs, detection robots, and smart sensors were on display to demonstrate how to improve disaster response efficiency and lower disaster risks with technologies.\nDirector-General Tsai stated that the government is enhancing measures regarding inventory, management, investigation, and training through cross-department ef-forts in the face of diverse risks of environmental disasters. It is hoped that this forum will facilitate exchanges of experiences with other nations and jointly build a more resilient environmental safety protection network via this forum. Further-more, it was emphasized that the prevention and response of toxic chemical disas-ters and emerging energy disasters require integration across different fields and collective efforts, which will be achieved through the continual introduction of global experiences and emerging technologies to improve the response system and safeguard citizens’ health and environmental safety.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "10", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4614", "title": "Taiwan-Japan CCS International Conference Held to Build Key Net-Zero Capacities", "preview": "The MOENV held the \"Net-Zero Key Enabler – Carbon Dioxide Capture and Stor-age (CCS) International Conference\" on October 8, 2025, to speed up Taiwan’s net-zero transition. Experts from Japan and Taiwan were invited for in-depth discus-sions on multiple major CCS-related issues such as national policies, forward-looking technologies, and social communication to establish a CCS development strategy and help achieve the 2050 net-zero goals.", "content": "The MOENV Deputy Minister Hsieh Yein-Rui stressed in his speech that carbon cap-ture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is an important technology in Taiwan’s “Path-way to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050.” The goal of the plan is to achieve a reduction of six million tons of carbon by 2035 with CCUS. Japan’s CCS development experi-ence is highly valuable since Taiwan and Japan share similar geological conditions and industrial structures. Deputy Representative Kawai Gen of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association pointed out that the carbon storage potential can be as high as 15 to 24 billion tons along the coasts of Japan. The Japanese government promulgated the “Act on Carbon Dioxide Storage Business” in 2024 to establish a framework for storage permit and transportation mechanism, forming nine Ad-vanced CCS Projects to build an all-round industry value chain. He encouraged the continuous exchanges between Taiwanese and Japanese experts for long-term sus-tainability.\nI. Japanese experiences: From national strategies to forward-looking technolo-gies\nDr. Kunieda Makoto of the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) said that Japan’s CCS strategic goal is to store six to 12 million tons of CO2 every year by 2030, with an increase to 120 to 240 million tons by 2050. Therefore, JOGMEC has selected nine “Advanced CCS Projects” as commercialization examples and is now working with Malaysia and Singapore on transboundary transportation cooperation. Dr. Takeshi Tsuji of Tokyo Uni-versity mentioned that safety and public trust are the foundation on which to realize CCS goals, and presented several low-cost innovative monitoring tech-niques, such as a portable active source and distributed acoustic sensing, which can precisely track underground CO2 movement and ensure geological stability.\nII. Taiwan’s strategic planning: Public-private cooperation to build a complete value chain\nRegarding Taiwan’s strategies, Chief Chen Chia-Yi of the MOENV’s Climate Change Administration expressed that the “CCUS Carbon Reduction Flagship Action Project” will be promoted in legislation, industry, technology, and fi-nance through cross-departmental efforts. To achieve Taiwan's 2035 reduction goal, i.e., the NDC 3.0, CCS is an indispensable part. Currently, the MOENV is drafting the “Management Regulations for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Stor-age” (二氧化碳捕捉後封存管理辦法) based on the “Climate Change Response Act” (氣候變遷因應法), specifying matters regarding the application for stor-age sites and management matters. The ongoing environmental impact as-sessments (EIAs) will serve as guidance for future EIA cases. Professor Bing-Zih Hsieh of National Cheng Kung University analyzed that it is challenging for Taiwan to achieve the 2035 goal, but it may start by improving public aware-ness, building core infrastructures, providing economic incentives, and estab-lishing well-designed regulatory system. Professor Ming-Lone Liou of National Taiwan University mentioned that CCS is the last puzzle for Taiwan to achieve net zero. He came up with six suggestions for promotion strategies, including accelerating formation of management regulations, eliminating concerns about seismic events, building value chains, a financial support mechanism, setting up companies based on Japan's JCCS model, and facilitating social communication.\nIII. Technological practice and social communication: Foundation of trust for safe storage\nDirector Daiji Tanase of Japan CCS Co., Ltd. (JCCS) shared the company's suc-cessful experience in the Tomakomai Project. He mentioned that JCCS has ac-complished the goal of 300,000-ton injection and proved scientifically that operation is safe without any risk of leakage after the Hokkaido earthquake in 2018, thereby gaining trust from the public. JOGMEC Special investigator Sato Ryosuke further discussed about the “Advanced CCS Projects” with in-depth talks on challenges regarding pipeline and shipping. He explained how Japan invited over 30 enterprises to establish a hub-and-cluster model to lower costs and distribute risks through a conference on mutual regulation regarding liq-uefied CO2 shipping value chain.\nAs for Taiwanese experts, Professor Tien-Shun Lin of National Central Univer-sity pointed out that western Taiwan has theoretically more than 40 billion tons of storage potential. Currently, plans have been in place to set up several pilot test sites with potential in Guanyin, Tiezhanshan, Taichung, and Mailiao. Then Professor Ya-Hsuan Liou of National Taiwan University broke down the international regulations and pointed out that countries including the UK, USA, and Japan have adopted strict government-led supervision models. She suggested that Taiwan learn from other countries and set up a thorough regu-latory system covering site selection, prospecting, injection, to monitoring to ensure environmental safety.\nIV. Future prospect: Deepening international cooperation for steady net-zero progress\nA dialogue took place at the end of the conference among all Taiwanese and foreign experts and participants and focused on issues such as carbon market development strategies, regional collaboration models, and future policy chal-lenges. Through nations exchanging valuable experiences, the MOENV hopes to gradually provide solid references for Taiwan's emission trading system and speed up alignment with global carbon pricing trends. Future efforts will con-tinue to learn from global experiences to enhance Taiwan’s carbon pricing system and achieve both effective reduction and sustainable economic devel-opment.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "10", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4613", "title": "The Asia Pacific Circular Economy Roundtable & Hotspot 2025 Concludes with Taiwan’s First Circular Economy Roadmap is Formed, Australia to Host Next", "preview": "The four-day Asia Pacific Circular Economy Roundtable & Hotspot 2025, which brought together more than 500 participants from 50 countries, came to a suc-cessful conclusion on the afternoon of October 23 at Songshan Cultural and Crea-tive Park. President Lai Ching-Te delivered a speech at the event, encouraging Tai-wan to become an important hub for the circular economy in Asia. He and the four organizers - the MOENV, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Ag-riculture, and the Circular Taiwan Network - witnessed the presentation of the forum's outcomes, symbolizing that the forum's discussions would be turned into solid action plans to promote Taiwan's circular economy from vision to practice.", "content": "In Taiwan, the transition to circular economy is gaining its momentum. Over the past five years, the average added value in Taiwan's circular economy has grown annually by 9.01%, and the average export growth rate went even higher at 19.38% annually for exports, making it a high-growth and highly promising sector within the green technology industry. This shows that the circular economy is more than an environmental issue, but also a crucial engine driving new economic growth.\nA \"dynamic co-creation\" model was adopted for the first time in this forum to fa-cilitate Taiwan's link to the Asian circular economy circle. Experts from 50 countries were invited to provide suggestions and feedback in real time, jointly forming the first cross-border \"Circular Economy Roadmap\" in the Asia-Pacific region. It will serve as the future base to continually promote Taiwan's link to the Asia-Pacific circular industry and the new framework for policy cooperation.\nThe closing ceremony began with the organizers explaining results from exchanges in the forum and reviewing the important consensus and action plans reached during the forum. Afterwards, expert suggestions on the Asia-Pacific's first cross-border, co-created \"Circular Economy Roadmap\" were presented to the four main organizers, symbolizing the continual promotion of international cooperation and policy exchanges among the Asia-Pacific partners.\nPresident Lai Ching-Te pointed out in his speech that the Asia-Pacific region will become the most active region for the global circular economy, and Taiwan will move forward hand in hand with partners from all countries with \"Taiwan Can Lead\" as its belief. The conclusion of this forum is not the end, but a new begin-ning; through the joint efforts of Taiwan and its Asia-Pacific partners, the circular economy will become a \"cooperative ecosystem that continues to be implemented in Taiwan and linked to the Asia-Pacific region\" instead of just a topic of discus-sion. President Lai also shared his thoughts from visiting the \"2025 Circular-Cross Expo,\" saying that Taiwan has demonstrated its ability of producing \"circular econ-omy products\" with a full display of achievements of industry innovation and sus-tainable design.\nFinally, CEO Freek van Eijk of the Netherlands Circular Economy Hotspot took the stage to announce that Australia will be the host country for the next Asia-Pacific Circular Economy Hotspot. The reins were handed over to the four host organiza-tions of this year's event, symbolizing the continual legacy and expansion of the Asia-Pacific Circular Economy Exchange Platform. The forum concluded in a round of applause, marking a new chapter of Taiwan advancing the circular economy in the Asia-Pacific through actions and cooperation.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "10", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4612", "title": "Management Regulations on Environmental and Motor Vehicle Testing Organizations Revised to Ensure Testing Credibility by Heavily Penalizing Fraudulent Practices", "preview": "The MOENV is determined to fight against test data forgery and ensure fairness and reliability of tests on environmental and motor vehicles. As a result, the Envi-ronmental Testing Organization Management Regulations (環境檢驗測定機構管理辦法) and Regulations Governing Motor Vehicle Air Pollutant and Noise Emis-sion Testing Organizations (機動車輛排放空氣污染物及噪音檢驗測定機構管理辦法) were amended on October 2 and October 3, 2025, respectively. Centered on “zero tolerance for test data forgery”, this amendment aims to increase pun-ishment on data forgeries, hoping to deter any foul play and maintain the integri-ty of environmental policies.", "content": "The regulatory amendment is designed to intensify management efforts and en-courage integrity. Major features include the new addition of administrative con-trols to revoke or cancel permits, stricter restrictions on the period for a testing organization to apply for permits, heavier penalties for organization representa-tives and application and report signatories on behalf of testing organizations, and new provisions for commending exemplary testing personnel.\nThe National Environmental Research Academy of the MOENV stated that the cred-ibility of environmental test data is important for promoting environmental protec-tion policies, and its accuracy is not to be challenged. This regulatory amendment demonstrates the government's determination to safeguard testing quality, and stricter management and heavier penalties are in place to maintain the reliability of testing data and rigorously ensure environmental quality for all citizens.\nThe MOENV will continue to supervise testing organizations, strengthen licensing and certification, and encourage businesses to jointly maintain order in the testing market, thereby contributing to the sustainable environmental development of Taiwan.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "10", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "" }, { "no": "4611", "title": "HCFC Control Regulations Amended Toward Zero Consumption", "preview": "Actively responding to the global trends of environmental protection and fulfilling its commitment to the Montreal Protocol, the MOENV has announced the amended Regulations for Consumption Management of Hydrochlorofluorocar-bons (氟氯烴消費量管理辦法) on October 13, 2025, now renamed Management Regulations for Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (氟氯烴管理辦法). Major changes un-der the revision include specifying products or equipment containing HCFCs; ad-justing the required allocation process down to once a year; and the addition of an auction to dispose of illegally imported HCFCs for better resource recycling. The MOENV stated that the amendment demonstrates the government’s determina-tion to lower HCFC consumption down to zero by January 1, 2030.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that HCFCs are known for destroying the ozone layer. As a part of the international society, Taiwan is very active in shouldering its environ-mental responsibilities. This amendment will ensure that the control measures implemented in Taiwan are in line with the Montreal Protocol and its associated resolutions, highlighting Taiwan’s determination and practices to achieve its com-mitment to international environmental protection.\nThe MOENV indicated that an application procedure for exemption was added in this amendment to align with international regulations. It is specified in the Mon-treal Protocol that the HCFCs used for specific purposes are not necessary to be included for consumption calculation. As a result, the application procedure for such exemption is specified in this amendment so that Taiwan’s control measures are consistent with international standards. Additional revisions have established a more thorough border control mechanism, enhanced import bans, and set up solid regulations regarding import and declaration for enterprises importing HCFCs for purposes whose HCFC consumption is exempted from calculation. Such efforts aim to tighten the overall controls and enhance their effectiveness.\nThe MOENV stressed that HCFC reduction is a long-term and continuous task and requires cooperation between the government and private businesses. This amendment demonstrates Taiwan’s response to the global commitment to envi-ronmental protection and provides clear regulatory guidelines for industry transi-tion. With better management and more user-friendly administrative procedures in place, Taiwan will be able to lower HCFC consumption more efficiently and con-tribute to the protection of the ozone layer and the Earth.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "10", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "" }, { "no": "4610", "title": "Paraguay and Taiwan Signed MOU under Paris Agreement, Entering New Era of for Climate Governance Cooperation", "preview": "Witnessed by Vice Minister Bau-Shuan Ger of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Minister Rolando de Barros Barreto of Ministerio del Ambiente y Desar-rollo Sostenible, Paraguay, and Minister Peng Chih-Ming of the MOENV signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Cooperation under the Paris Agree-ment on October 1, 2025. This is the first time that Taiwan has signed an MOU, and it is in hopes of initiating cooperation on carbon reduction and relevant tech-nologies under the Paris Agreement’s mechanism and to take actions to achieve goals under the nationally determined contributions (NDCs).", "content": "The MOENV stated that forest and land use management is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in Paraguay as well as a potential source of carbon sinks, which has hence having become Paraguay’s core reduction strategy for car-bon reduction efforts. Paraguay’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for Greenhouse Gases updated in 2021 reveals that it aims to reduce emissions by 10-20% by 2030 through measures such as forest conservation, restoration, and affor-estation, improved livestock management, enhanced soil management, improved energy efficiency, promotion of electric vehicles, and alignment with international conventions so as to build a healthy and transparent carbon market. The MOENV and the MOFA also visited Paraguay in March 2025. With this MOU, both countries will cooperate in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to achieve the NDCs and intensify mitigation and adaptation actions. The cooperation covers in-formation on carbon market development, non-market approaches, knowledge, best practices, and exchanges on relevant experiences.\nIn addition, a forum took place alongside the signing ceremony, in which 17 enter-prises, including the Green Growth Alliance, the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange, the MOFA and the MOENV were invited for a conversation on environmental gov-ernance issues between Paraguay and Taiwan. In his speech, Minister Peng men-tioned that Taiwan proposed NDC 3.0 last year, setting a reduction target of 28% (±2%) for 2030 and further increasing it to 38% (±2%) for 2035, goals which are both achievable via future cooperation with fellow international partners. Para-guay possesses natural advantages in renewable energy and has established a reg-ulatory framework that complies with the Paris Agreement, making cooperation between both countries highly complementary. Minister Barreto expressed that Taiwan stands fast as a technological partner of Paraguay, and that both countries may engage in deeper cooperation in areas such as carbon market mechanisms, ecosystem services, promotion of the circular economy, and sustainability educa-tion by combining Taiwan's technological innovation with Paraguay's abundant natural resources. Both sides reached a strong consensus that pragmatic collabo-ration under the Paris Agreement will help drive green growth in industries for both countries.\nThe MOENV stated that this MOU is a cooperation agreement between Paraguay and Taiwan, which are 20,000 kilometers apart. This not only demonstrates how willing Taiwan is to work with Paraguay for climate governance but also marks the new era for the solid friendship and climate partnership between both countries.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "10", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4609", "title": "New Extreme Heat Warning Function on the \"Environmental Info Push App” Provides Personal Protection Online", "preview": "The \"Environmental Info Push App” integrates information from smart monitoring systems and a wide range of environmental facility search services to provide use-ful daily environmental information in real time, including air quality reports, weather forecasts, and ten types of convenient green life information. As Tai-wan’s summers become hotter and longer due to climate change, extreme hot weather is taking a toll on people's health and daily lives. Thus, the \"extreme heat warning\" has been added to the “Environmental Info Push App”, which everyone is encouraged to download.", "content": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) launched the “Taiwan Cool Map” (https:\/\/gov.tw\/YnF) in July 2025 to help people locate a cool place in their proximi-ty, at the same time the \"Environmental Info Push App” has also been improved for better service. New features include the \"extreme heat report\", \"extreme heat info push\", \"extreme heat indicator\" and \"extreme heat message\". The app is syn-chronized with real time high temperature information from the Central Weather Administration, and an extreme heat report is issued when the temperature at the user’s location or selected areas reaches 36°C. This function provides the conven-ience of allowing users to select areas to track for high heat warnings. For exam-ple, if the user selects a monitored area for seniors or children who need special care, the user can be reminded to make sure they are taking recommended pre-cautionary actions, such as drinking more water, avoiding extended sun exposure, and getting adequate rest to lower the risk of heat stroke and other heat-related hazards. \nBesides providing local air quality information in real time, the \"Environmental Info Push App” collects information on ten types of convenient services, including envi-ronmentally friendly restaurants, green-mark hotels, convenience stores offering circular cup rentals, dining services offering environmentally friendly utensils, friendly stores, public restrooms, drinking fountains, farms and forest recreation areas, and motorcycle inspection stations. The MOENV urges the public to down-load the \"Environmental Info Push App” and activate the \"extreme heat warning” function, allowing the app to become a personal protector as well as helping peo-ple keep their family healthy and safe.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "9", "assortment": "Monitoring and Information", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/a925d7df-db13-40ed-8390-59af359f83a5" }, { "no": "4608", "title": "Premier Cho Presents Certificates to Net-zero Green Collar Trainees, With Ages Ranging Widely", "preview": "The Executive Yuan held the certificate presentation ceremony for the \"Ministry of Environment (MOENV) net-zero green collar training program\" on September 25, 2025. Twenty-two trainees with outstanding performance in the program were invited to personally receive their certificates of completion from Premier Cho Jung-Tai of the Executive Yuan. The youngest trainee was only 17 years old and the eldest nearly 70. The high number of trainees successfully completing the course serves as an example of how members of the public are getting involved in the net-zero transition.", "content": "MOENV combines governmental and private efforts to build an ecosystem for green collar incubation.\nMOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming described how his ministry worked with private entities to enlist 32 universities throughout Taiwan to form the \" MOENV Net-Zero Green Collar Training Alliance\" (環境部淨零綠領人才培育聯盟) to answer the massive demand for green collar workers in Taiwan. The \"MOENV net-zero green collar training program\" was launched in April 2025, consisting of 48 hours of in-struction with a tuition fee of NT$12,000. The National Environmental Research Academy (NERA) of the MOENV provides the basic teaching materials for the pro-gram, while the alliance schools oversee recruiting, fee collection, and lecture de-livery. Upon completing the coursework and passing the NERA test, trainees are awarded the \"official certificate of completion\" issued by MOENV, adding an edge when looking for employment, a job promotion, or pay raise.\nTrainees from a multitude of backgrounds\nThe \"MOENV Net-Zero Green Collar Training Alliance\" has been recruiting since April, and nearly 2,000 trainees have signed up across Taiwan. Among them, ap-proximately 1,400 of them have completed the training and taken the test. Over 40% of trainees were students. A wide range of backgrounds were represented, including officers of listed companies, accountants, environmental protection vol-unteers, information engineers, medical institutes, hospitality businesses and civil servants. There was even a beauty stylist, a motorcycle garage owner, a college professor, and a film editor. This demonstrates how the green collar program has become an important channel for inter-disciplinary professional advancement and transition. \nThe \"top place\" performer on the first centralized exam came from a greenhouse gas verification body.\nThe first exam was held on 30 August 2025 with nearly 1,400 trainees taking it, and a pass rate of 86.7%. Of all the 22 trainees who attained outstanding perfor-mance and awarded the certificate of completion from Premier Cho, the one with the highest score had a background working with a GHG verification body and al-ready had relevant professional knowledge. He still signed up for the program to better understand Taiwan's latest net-zero policies and attained \"top place\" for this exam.\nAge and gender of trainees\nThe proportion of male and female trainees taking the test was 50:50, with the average age being approximately 33 years. The youngest was only 17 years old and the oldest nearly 70. There was no tuition discount for adults, but there were still more adults than students, suggesting there is a general thirst in society for pro-fessional knowledge related to the net-zero transition.\nColorful stories behind outstanding trainees\nAt the ceremony, a 17-year-old high school student literally took center stage. He signed up for the program with his father and elder brother in the summer and all three of them passed the test, an illustration of the strength of sustainability con-cepts being shared among different generations.\nAnother trainee who worked for a motorcycle shop and has now \"turned from a grease monkey to a green collar\", hopes to incorporate what he learned about CO2 reduction in his business. In addition, it is known that hospitals are a major source of GHG emissions, accounting for 4.6% of total emissions in Taiwan. That is why the president of a government-owned hospital signed up for and completed the 48 instruction hours of the program, passing the exam with flying colors. All the trainees coming from every corner of society are hoping to take what they have learned back to their jobs and help their businesses improve their CO2 manage-ment.\nPremier Cho: From a policy blueprint to public action toward 2050 net zero\nPremier Cho said in his speech that the net-zero transition is the established direc-tion for Taiwan's development. In addition to comprehensive system design and policy planning, the transition will require professional talents in all areas to be implemented. He congratulated the 22 trainees awarded the certificate of comple-tion, saying they symbolize Taiwan’s developing generations of talent who are also equipped with the professional abilities needed to make important contributions to industry, society, and governance, and motivating even more people to engage in CO2 reduction.\nMinister Peng: Green collar workers are in high demand\nMinister Peng stressed that the demand for green collar workers is rising very rap-idly. In the first six months of 2025, on average every month over 4,000 businesses sought a green collar worker, and there is currently a lack of approximately 21,000 such workers, which is the highest need in recent years. Offering a salary level higher than the overall job market, this indicates the professional skills of \"know-ing CO2 management and knowing net zero\" are not only widely recognized but also lead to a wide range of employment opportunities. The minister pointed out that the trainees attending the program came from diverse backgrounds, such as company officers, accountants, information engineers, beauty stylists, and film edi-tors. The 40 enrolment spots of the program’s first class run by National Taiwan Normal University starting last April were booked up in merely 16 minutes, which shows the high demand from all corners of society for CO2 reduction knowledge.\nMOENV to intensify inter-departmental cooperation to incubate green collar tal-ent \nMinister Peng indicated that the MOENV will continue to work with all ministries on inter-departmental value-added programs, including the \"near-net-zero archi-tecture program\" in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, the \"energy effi-ciency training program\" with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the \"green medical talent training program\" with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the \"indigenous green collar\" program with the Council of Indigenous Peoples, the \"carbon cap-ture, use and storage (CCUS)\" program of National Cheng Kung University, and the \"resource circulation\" program of the Resource Circulation Administration, MOENV, all of which are established to create a broader stage for green collar workers.\nThe only net-zero green collar training program in Taiwan that combines policies and practicality\nMinister Peng said the \"MOENV net-zero green collar training program\" is the only complete training program in Taiwan that strictly aligns with national net-zero pol-icy goals. MOENV provides tuition discounts for some trainees. College students (not including those attending in-service graduate programs) are eligible for a 50% tuition discount if they pass the exam. Meanwhile, tuition is free for those who have a mental or physical disability or come from a medium- or low-income household. Alliance schools are rolling out programs across Taiwan. Those inter-ested may visit and register at the \"Green Collar Information Platform\" at https:\/\/ulvis.net\/iTs8\n", "year": "2025", "month": "9", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/9218b8af-8718-4f45-ba98-6a01cabca471" }, { "no": "4607", "title": "Toxic Chemical Incident Response: Robodogs Introduced to Make Detection Timelier and Response Operations Safer", "preview": "At a press conference on September 25, 2025, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) announced the introduction of a “detection robodog” for response to toxic\/chemical incidents, showing the government’s progress in deploying up-to-date technology for disaster prevention and in safeguarding the public. Using un-manned and intelligent equipment, detection can now be timelier, response op-erations safer, and overall emergency capabilities improved.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that Taiwan uses a three-level defense scheme in its toxic\/chemical incident response system, consisting of “self-help, mutual help, and governmental help”. “Self-help” is the most effective way to prevent and reduce toxic and chemical incidents. The “Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act” (毒性及關注化學物質管理法) specifies that, in addition to ensuring all their personnel complete the specified training, businesses using certain substances need to assign professional responders or hire a professional institute to ensure timely response in case of an accident. A professional responder training system has been established under the Chemicals Administration and has helped train more than 17,000 responders, 3.1 times the legally required number. For “mutual help”, the MOENV has supervised the establishment of 161 organizations for joint response to incidents involving toxic and other substances of concern, involving approximately 4,300 businesses. Currently, the Industrial Technology Research Institute’s (ITRI) Emergency Response Consultation Center and the Chemical Emergency Response Association (CERA) are available to provide professional consultation and response entity certification, to help businesses improve their response capabilities, as well as carry out incident assessments, environmental detection, protective measures and other response services. \nFor the final line of defense, “governmental help”, the MOENV has developed ten professional technical teams and two centers for environmental incident response, consisting of 194 responders and capable of (1) 24\/7 incident monitoring, (2) providing response consultation in 30 minutes, and (3) arriving at the scene of an incident within an hour. A complete national toxic and chemical disaster response system is being built. To minimize the risk of exposure faced by responders, the new \"robodog\" can negotiate barriers and slopes, carry thermal imaging and gas detection instruments for reconnaissance in high-risk areas, and transmit images and data in real time. The combination of drones in the air and unmanned vehicles on the ground enables a more integrated response and highlights the advantage of smart technology deployment. \nThe MOENV stressed that the core of toxic and chemical disaster prevention and response relies on effective containment at the initial stage of the incident. The ministry will continue to promote the three pillars of self-help, mutual help (through joint defense), and governmental help, and take the initiative to introduce intelligent technologies and build a more resilient toxic and chemical disaster prevention and response system. At the same time, it is necessary to urge all businesses to put voluntary disaster prevention management into practice. Toxic incident impacts can be minimized only when preparations for prevention and response are securely in place. The government will continue to bring businesses and local authorities together to maintain a safe society, with the goal of building Taiwan into a major hub for toxic and chemical disaster response technology and training in East Asia. \n", "year": "2025", "month": "9", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/60d3813c-b4e2-42c7-a26a-01a043b5fb18" }, { "no": "4606", "title": "“Love Baseball for Sustainability!”: Rooting for the Earth on an Environmental Protection Day Held at Professional Baseball Game", "preview": "There is no baseball if there is no Earth! The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) worked to launch the first environmental protection day held with the China Pro-fessional Baseball League (CPBL), with the theme \"Love Baseball for Sustainabil-ity\" at the Taipei Dome on September 12, 2025. To throw the ceremonial first pitch, MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming wore a jersey made of environmentally friendly fibers before watching the match enthusiastically with tens of thousands of fans and took part in the combination of sporting events and sustainable con-cepts.", "content": "The MOENV signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on “Love Baseball for Sustainability” in July 2025 as an attempt to bring the principles of sustainability into daily life via a sport loved by many people. MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming indicated that since the signing, the environmental protection bureaus of all 6 ma-jor municipalities in Taiwan have been working with all professional baseball clubs in Taiwan to roll out green events and optimize the sustainable features at ball-parks. Actions were taken to improve garbage sorting, promote the circular con-tainer system, and prioritize the purchase and use of single-material fabrics for making environmentally friendly jerseys. Recycling businesses, schools, and charity groups were brought together to recycle and reuse used sports equipment, there-by planting deep into the minds of baseball fans the roots of environmental pro-tection policies starting in ballparks. Minister Peng also emphasized that the self-discipline, consistency, and simplicity displayed by professional players on the baseball field have an influence, encouraging fans to join the Taiwan team and take more tangible actions.\nMultiple green displays were exhibited at this event, with well-prepared garbage sorting facilities provided at every level of the ballpark and a second-hand base-ball gear recycling event held to encourage fans to give old bats and gloves a new life. At the same time, the Taipei Dome adopted energy-saving lamps, water-saving and rainwater recovery equipment, and recycled building materials to create a car-bon-reducing ballpark that is both professional and environmentally friendly. In addition, a series of interactive activities have been designed to get fans more in-volved. Many dining perks or shopping discounts are available from cooperating vendors for fans who bring their own environmentally friendly tableware or rent a circular cup. They may also participate in a DIY baseball recycling experience. From entering the stadium and watching the game to leaving, fans can root for the Earth.\nThe MOENV will expand environmental sustainability to more sports venues and large-scale events based on the MOU signed, to encourage all residents to work together to move towards net zero and protect a beautiful environment for the generations to come.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "9", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/28b7afe2-b07b-4f12-83a3-7b1ce5f207ab" }, { "no": "4605", "title": "Taiwan's Environmental Sustainability Initiatives Receive International Exposure as Youths from 11 Countries Gain First-hand Experience with Resource Circulation at Aquaculture Farms in Chiayi", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the \"2025 International Environmen-tal Issues and Education Workshop for Youth\" in Chiayi County on September 7-8, 2025. Thirty-five young students from 11 countries came to Taiwan and visited aq-uaculture farms to gain first-hand knowledge of how Taiwan's traditional aquacul-ture farms are taking steps to transitioning toward sustainable development.", "content": "Since 2020, MOENV has been organizing environmental education courses that combine intellect, emotion, and action, targeting foreign students studying in Tai-wan and aligning with national policies and international trends, answering the call of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the last five years, more than 150 young students have participated in this workshop as a platform for interaction in environmental education between students from Tai-wan and the rest of the world.\nThis year's topic was \" Aquaculture and the circular economy\", with activities pri-marily held in the coastal area of Budai, Chiayi County. Mr. Chang Chien-Cheng of the Agriculture Department, Chiayi County and Deputy Director General Chang Ken-Mu of the Climate Change Administration, MOENV (formerly director general of the Environmental Protection Bureau, Chiayi County Government) were invited as lecturers to share their insights on the development of local aquaculture busi-nesses and the challenges of transitioning to net zero. Field activities included boarding a water bus to observe oyster farming racks within a wetland ecosystem and visits to the Xingang Plant of the Formosa Chemicals & Fiber Corporation (FCFC). The participants gained first-hand observations of marine pollution and environmental impacts due to discarded oyster racks and fishing nets. They saw with their own eyes how Taiwan has been practicing the circular model of “turning waste into resources\" through policy guidance and technical innovation.\nThe participants also visited the Haomei Community in Chiayi County, the winner of the Outstanding Award in the Community Category at the 9th National Envi-ronmental Education Awards. There, they saw how the community used discarded oyster racks to build sand barriers for coastal protection and ecological conserva-tion. Led by locals, the young participants collaborated to complete work on a sec-tion of a sand barrier, gaining a profound experiential education lesson. It was practical participation in coastal environmental protection that left a footprint of international collaboration at the Haomei community. Following their first-hand experience of the business, the participants visited the FCFC Xingang Factory to learn more about how the company uses recycled oyster shell waste to create recy-cled textiles, demonstrating how Taiwan's manufacturing industry implements sus-tainable innovation and circular economy measures.\nTo close the workshop, the MOENV expressed its eagerness to share Taiwan's sus-tainable development experience with the world through in-depth interactions between international youth and local Taiwanese environmental activists. The MOENV also expressed its gratitude to the Chiayi County Government and local businesses for their assistance in allowing the world to witness Taiwan's local ac-tions and its power to make positive changes.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "9", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/0f287a8f-e29d-4142-a970-904e5c132729" }, { "no": "4604", "title": "Minor-Friendly Online Public Nuisance Complaint System Launched to Raise Teenagers' Environmental Awareness", "preview": "Aiming to enhance awareness on public nuisance complaints for teenagers and children, the MOENV’s Environmental Management Administration (EMA) estab-lished the “children's version” of the Online Public Pollution Complaint System webpage (https:\/\/ww3.moenv.gov.tw\/Public\/Child.aspx). The webpage has been linked to the section of \"Environmental Education\" under the Ministry of Educa-tion's website, Education Cloud - Digital Learning Portal (https:\/\/cloud.edu.tw\/). With a vivid design, the website converts the previously rigid content regarding public nuisance complaints into information easily understandable to teenagers. There is basic information on public nuisance petitions and a detailed introduc-tion to the process and measures regarding the handling of public nuisance dis-putes, in hope of raising students’ awareness of protection for the environment and themselves from an early age.", "content": "A section is designed particularly on the website to improve interactions and learning effects, with fun games in place to allow students to learn about envi-ronmental protection in a relaxing and engaging manner. The EMA stated that such efforts answer the global calls for the protection of children's rights and align with the government's policy goals for promoting environmental education and enhanc-ing public environmental literacy. For easy petitioning, issues may be reported and consulted through the petition hotline at 0800-066-666.\nThe EMA aims to inspire public concern and participation in environmental protec-tion and jointly create a green and sustainable home via the strategy of in-depth education. By developing environmental awareness at an early age, it is hoped that every teenager will become an environmental guardian and work together to cre-ate a cleaner and more accommodating space.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "9", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/5ebb5c04-7e51-493a-a702-1d3c75dff945" }, { "no": "4603", "title": "International Forum Held on to Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Governance", "preview": "The MOENV’s National Environmental Research Academy (NERA) held the “To-wards the Future: International Forum and Symposium on Climate Change Adap-tation and Environmental Governance” on September 9-10, 2025, and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Climate Change Center. To strengthen scientific research, policy formulation, and educational outreach on climate change adaptation and sustainable development, this forum brought to-gether representatives from Taiwan’s central government, as well as international and domestic researchers specialized in climate change adaptation, resource circu-lation, and environmental governance to present policy initiatives and research findings and explore future collaborations.", "content": "The NERA aimed to strengthen interaction and collaboration with international partners and enhance information exchange and research capabilities through this forum. With this MOU with the Korea Climate Change Center, collaboration will go deeper in areas such as climate education and public participation, climate policy research and strategy development, climate adaptation and mitigation projects, as well as capacity building and knowledge sharing. The NERA stated that this will fa-cilitate international diplomacy on climate issues and enhance both Taiwan and Korea in education, policy research, and knowledge exchange on climate change issues.\nThe MOENV Minister Peng stated that the ministry has been taking concrete ac-tions to adapt to high temperatures in the face of increasingly severe and extreme weather conditions. Efforts include the “Cool Map”, which surveys and analyzes urban heat island effects, assists local governments in planning cooling green in-frastructure and resilient communities. Collaboration is also facilitated across dif-ferent departments to mitigate health and social impacts of high temperatures. Furthermore, the forum highlighted topics such as weather forecasting capabilities and cross-sector collaboration on disaster prevention and support, energy chal-lenges and resilience, and local implementation and adaptation actions, demon-strating Taiwan's comprehensive efforts in climate change adaptation.\nClimate change adaptation, environmental governance, and resource recycling have been the key policies since the MOENV’s establishment, and the NERA has been promoting scientific research collaboration and cross-ministerial cooperation. Its achievements include the establishment of the national platform on climate change data integration and information service, enhancement of waste polyester recycling technology, onsite pollution tracking technology, and emerging pollutant forensics and research on toxins. Besides scholars from the EU, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, forum attendees included experts from the MOENV’s Climate Change Administration, Resource Circulation Administration, and Chemicals Administra-tion, the National Science and Technology Council, the Water Resources Agency under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the National Land Management Agency under the Ministry of Interior, the Central Weather Administration under the Min-istry of Transportation and Communication, the Academia Sinica, the Industrial Technology Research Institute, the National Taiwan University, the Chung Yuan Christian University, the National Central University, local environmental protec-tion bureaus and other institutes. A total of 22 lectures and 20 exhibitions were arranged at the event as well.\nThe NERA expressed it hope to continue urging all parties involved to work to-gether on the three major areas, which are climate change adaptation, environ-mental governance, and resource circulation, via dialogues and collaboration dur-ing the forum and respond to global climate challenges with practical actions.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "9", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/9384c431-c0cc-41b7-9b5c-ce7b14be8675" }, { "no": "4602", "title": "MOENV Minister Stresses AI and Digital Transformation in US-Taiwan held IEMN Annual Meeting", "preview": "The USEPA and the MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration (RCA) co-hosted the opening of International E-Waste Management Network (IEMN) Annual Meet-ing in Sao Paulo, Brazil on the morning of September 16 (evening of 16 September, Taiwan time). Attendees included more than 70 representatives from Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailan, Vietnam, the US and Brazil.", "content": "In his video remarks, the MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Ming stressed the importance of adopting innovative solutions to tackle the challenges of climate change and limited resources. As the topic of this year’s event centered on “Exploring the po-tentials of digital technology and AI applications in e-waste management”, Taiwan took the chance to share results of the promotion of the digital product passport and the applications of AI in waste classification, demonstrating Taiwan’s concrete actions toward a circular economy.\nMinister Peng mentioned that the introduction of digital and AI technologies en-hances recycling efficiency and accelerates all countries’ pace toward green growth and net-zero transition. Furthermore, the RCA representatives interacted with their counterparts at the event, hoping to work with international partners to build a more resilient and sustainable e-waste management model.\nJointly promoted by the US and Taiwan since 2011, the IEMN has become an im-portant global platform for promoting proper e-waste management and will con-tinue to bring in international partners to help achieve sustainable development in the world.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "9", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/854f257b-902b-4efd-8801-a0ba5880de9b" }, { "no": "4601", "title": "MOENV Promotes Digital Transformation for Better Wastewater\/Sewage Management", "preview": "The MOENV has started promoting digital transformation of wastewater\/sewage management by preannouncing the amended Water Pollution Control Measures and Test Reporting Management Regulations (水污染防治措施及檢測申報管理辦法) for effective monitoring of water environment. This amendment aims to eliminate data forgery by digitizing management and increasing corporate respon-sibilities as well as to create a fair environment for competition for law-abiding enterprises. MOENV pointed out that such a move will deter pollution violations more effectively.", "content": "The keys to the amendment are summarized as follows:\nI. Data monitoring and smart management: The revision focuses on enterprises and sewage systems with daily approved discharge of up to 10,000 metric tons that are listed for control. The revised regulations newly mandated them to install independent and dedicated electronic power meters, water quality and quantity transmission facilities, as well as a data link at key locations, such as wastewater\/sewage treatment facilities and inflow points. This turns passive monitoring into active management for effective prediction and con-servation of manpower and energy.\nII. Increased corporate responsibilities: The revision has newly defined “auto-matic monitoring facility and service institute” and required enterprises or sewage systems to report and upload information of commissioned institutes providing monitoring service. If such commissioned institutes are found to provide false or forged data or records, resulting in penalizations on the commissioning enterprises or sewage systems, the competent authority is to disclose the names of these institutes and request compulsory replacement of commissioned institutes to strengthen enterprises’ environmental respon-sibilities.\nIII. Direct data upload to eliminate forgery: A consistent interface and format for communication are introduced under the amendment to improve connec-tions to automatic wastewater\/sewage monitoring and data transmission. A direct raw data transmission mechanism would be set up to ensure authentic-ity and reliability of every entry of data.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "9", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/d0e1eb32-81b1-43ec-baac-f395e6a2e66c" }, { "no": "4600", "title": "Amendment Preannounced for the Regulations Governing Water Pollution Control Measure Plans and Permit Application Reviews", "preview": "The MOENV preannounced the amended Regulations Governing Water Pollution Control Measure Plans and Permit Application Reviews (水污染防治措施計畫及許可申請審查管理辦法) on September 22, 2025 in order to intensify management of permits (documents) issued to enterprises or sewage systems involved in major violations. It is expected that the amendment will shorten the period of permit validity and limit the daily maximum quantity of approved wastewater (sewage) or production or service scale, to properly carry out permit control and maintain water body quality.", "content": "The MOENV further explained that this amendment of the regulations aims at en-terprises or sewage systems that violate the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防治法) in terms of rerouting discharges, insufficient wastewater (sewage) treatment facilities and equipment, or failure to maintain their normal operations while their permits are still valid. The period of permit validity would be shortened to no more than 3 years and would not be recalculated if permit modifications were made after the extension. Also, the revision has considered the need to enhance controls on wastewater pollution regarding discharge of industrial wastewater (sewage) that results in damaged water bodies in rivers with medium or severe pollution. Therefore, the revision has targeted enterprises which have wastewater (sewage) treatment facilities of inadequate functions or discharge wastewater by rerouting and have treatment facilities not operated properly. The competent au-thority is to require these enterprises to modify daily maximum wastewater (sew-age) generation, and daily maximum scale of production or service registered in the permit by a given deadline, which shall not be more than 80% of the original approved quantity, and no modification of quantity increase shall be applied with-in three years starting from the approval date. The goal is to reduce river pollu-tion, give polluted water bodies a chance to recover, and deter intentions of illegal operations within enterprises.\nThe MOENV stressed that this amendment aims to intensify the permit manage-ment of enterprises with major violations, encourage enterprises to abide by the regulations, and protect the water bodies by enhancing law enforcement.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "9", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/574c08b2-30cd-4b2c-bcce-b2035bbca73e" }, { "no": "4599", "title": "MOENV Holds the 2025 Asia Carbon Pricing Forum for a Green Transition Pathway with International Partners", "preview": "MOENV held the 2025 Asia Carbon Pricing Forum on September 23, 2025, to deepen exchanges on international carbon pricing policy and look for the best pathway to long- and medium-term carbon pricing strategies for Taiwan. With the German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt) as the forum partner, carbon market experts from Europe and neighboring Asian countries were invited to explore the development and challenges of the global carbon trading system with their Tai-wanese counterparts. It is hoped that the experience and insights shared in the forum will help Taiwan develop policies that focus both on greenhouse gas reduc-tion and sustainable economic development.", "content": "I. Deepen Germany-Taiwan cooperation and set a sustainable foundation\nThe MOENV mentioned that Taiwan’s carbon fee collection system was launched in 2025, marking a significant milestone for Taiwan in reaching the era of carbon emission pricing. Manufacturing and power generation enter-prises with more than 25,000 tons in annual emissions are to pay carbon fees in May 2026 based on the GHG emissions of 2025. The carbon fee system is designed for emission reduction. A business that has come up with a volun-tary reduction plan that meets specified goals is eligible for a preferential rate. At this crucial moment of rolling out the carbon pricing system, Taiwan hopes to help all countries deal with challenges facing CO2 reduction and sus-tainable economic growth through sharing of global experiences and policy exchanges.\nDirector General Karsten Tietz of the German Institute Taipei and Dr. Jürgen Landgrebe, consultant of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, mentioned the cooperation between Germany and Taiwan in building carbon trading capacity since 2018 in their speeches. Also, the MOENV Minister Peng led a delegation of members from the “Green Growth Alliance\" to Berlin in June 2025 for onsite visits and more in-depth bilateral cooperation. As part of substantial cooperation results, the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange (TCX) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Energy Exchange (EEX) on 27 June 2025 to set a solid foundation for Taiwan’s carbon market development by learning from them.\nII. Focus on the dual strategy and develop a carbon pricing pathway\nThe morning session focused on presenting the European carbon pricing sys-tem. Dr. Daniel Klingenfeld, the head of V3 DEHSt, shared the rich experience of carbon trading in Europe and Germany and provided his insights on system design and market management in practice. Next, Director Alistair Ritchie of Asia-Pacific Sustainability at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) broke down the status and possible future development of the carbon market in Asia and provided an important background for conversations on regional policies. And as speaker representing Taiwan, Director General Tsai Yi-Ling of the MOENV’s Climate Change Administration explained to the participants the structure of Taiwan’s carbon fee system and the future for carbon pricing, demonstrating Taiwan’s policy concepts and development strategies for climate governance.\nIII. Learn from Asian partners and explore multiple CO2 reduction practices\nThe afternoon session aimed at in-depth exploration of promotion in Asian countries. General Director Sawako Tada of Japan’s GX (Green Transformation) Acceleration Agency presented the Agency’s system structure and promotion strategies, the feature of which is promotion in stages from voluntary to com-pulsory implementation. Enterprises are encouraged to participate in volun-tary trading in the GX Alliance and gradually transition to the compulsory market. Then the Korean representative presented the latest development and status of promotion of total control and emission trading system (ETS). The Korean ETS features wider coverage and has entered the stage of third-party participation, such as financial institutes, to increase market liquidity. The Indonesian representative, on the other hand, shared their experience of promoting ETS. Its most significant feature is the \"business first\" model that focuses initially on the coal-fueled thermal power generation that accounts for the largest percentage of emissions in Indonesia, and then the efforts shift to other industries gradually. Via presentations of these speakers, participants were able to understand the diverse designs and operations in the Asian-Pacific carbon market.\nIV. Reach policy awareness and design a future ETS blueprint\nTo wrap up the forum, the dialogue among domestic and international ex-perts and all participants focused on several topics regarding the carbon mar-ket, including development strategies, regional cooperation models, and fu-ture policy challenges. The MOENV indicated that different countries’ ex-changes in the forum will hopefully help Taiwan build a solid foundation for a carbon trading system and accelerate the pace to align with the global carbon pricing. Taiwan will continue to learn from international practices to improve its carbon pricing system and at a steady pace create a win-win situation in which carbon reduction and sustainable economic development are reached.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "9", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/39c3c5ab-fbd0-4662-8c2a-f5b6b80fd901" }, { "no": "4598", "title": "Wastewater Resource Circulation and Intelligent Management Work in Tandem to Create Green Business Opportunities", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the seminar “Wastewater and Clean Future: Initiate the Green Transition and Green Action Roadmap” on 29 August 2025 in Taipei City. Twelve experts were invited to share innovative technology and real-world cases of intelligent management and recovering resources from wastewater. More than 200 people from the industrial, governmental, academic and research sectors attended the seminar collectively initiated a sustainable action roadmap, a sustainable action roadmap for green transition, to create green business opportunities for the wastewater treatment industry. Posters at the venue displayed results of the MOENV’s innovative wastewater treatment R&D subsidy program.", "content": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the seminar “Wastewater and Clean Future: Initiate the Green Transition and Green Action Roadmap” on 29 August 2025 in Taipei City. Twelve experts were invited to share innovative technology and real-world cases of intelligent management and recovering resources from wastewater. More than 200 people from the industrial, governmental, academic and research sectors attended the seminar collectively initiated a sustainable action roadmap, a sustainable action roadmap for green transition, to create green business opportunities for the wastewater treatment industry. Posters at the venue displayed results of the MOENV’s innovative wastewater treatment R&D subsidy program.\nMinister Peng Chi-Ming of the MOENV stressed in his address that wastewater is no longer considered waste but a high-value strategic resource. Taking Germany as an example, he explained that it accounts for 9% of the country's overall economy with an annual growth rate of 3.1%. Water resource management is a part of this, mostly due to Germany’s expertise in producing water- and wastewater-related infrastructure goods for export. By learning from Germany, Taiwan is now promoting a green transition in wastewater treatment, connecting innovation with sustainability. It is hoped that a vital partnership can be established to enhance the outcomes of wastewater technology and to push Taiwan’s green tech industry forward. \nMOENV stated that recovering substances from wastewater to reuse them as valuable resources has gradually become mainstream in pollution prevention and control. There are already mature technologies and practical examples that fully demonstrate the diverse potential and industrial capacity of green technology. \nThin-film capacitor deionization technology combines closed thermal circulation to regenerate liquid ammonia and reduces energy consumption through heat pump technology. Fluidized bed crystallization recovers heavy metals and phosphorus-containing wastewater, with a crystallization rate greater than 80%, and has the potential to supply raw materials for PCBs, electroplating, and lithium-ion batteries. AI-enabled intelligent management of wastewater treatment processes allows better water management to help with the transition to low-carbon. A packaging plant utilizes thin-film intelligent control and management systems to adjust dosing and backwashing frequencies, increasing water production efficiency by 55% and reducing chemical dosage by 40%. An industrial park's wastewater treatment plant utilizes AI and automated management to annually 1.8 million kg of CO2e, 3.86 million cubic meters of water, 200,000 kWh of electricity, and 6,800 metric tons of sludge.\nMOENV emphasized its commitment to directing industrial transition, by accelerating wastewater resource recovery and utilization and intelligent development using a three-pronged approach: regulatorily driven, technologically driven, and economically driven initiatives. This includes completing legislative process for amendments to regulations such as the Effluent Standards (放流水標準), the Water Pollution Control Measure Management and Self-Monitoring Management Regulations (水污染防治措施管理辦法), and the Regulations Governing Collection of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Fees (水污費收費辦法). The MOENV also established green transition demonstration sites by working with local subsidy recipients. For businesses pursuing green transition, project loans and credit guarantees will be provided for business financing. The Water Pollution Prevention Fund will support the development of innovative, resource-efficient, and low-carbon wastewater treatment technologies, while also investing in emerging net-zero sustainable industries through the Green Growth Fund. It is hoped these funds will guide the green transition of wastewater treatment and inject a continuous stream of new momentum into Taiwan's sustainable development.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "8", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/e88362c8-3fe5-48c7-9160-e151ad55e585" }, { "no": "4597", "title": "2025 International Environmental Education Workshop Hosts 300 Participants from 15 countries to Work for Sustainable Future", "preview": "More than 300 experts, young people and practical “green collar” workers from 15 countries attended the \"2025 International Environmental Education Workshop\" held by the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) on 25 and 26 August in Taipei City and online. Participants joined either in person or online, transcending borders to attend this major environmental education event and work together toward environmental sustainability and net-zero emissions.", "content": "\"The world is trying very hard to deal with the challenges from issues such as climate change, net-zero transitions and circular economy. However, the government's efforts alone are not enough. A true transition requires the participation of the entire society,\" said MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming to start the day. Later, the minister delivered a speech titled \"Climate governance and Cultivation \" to encourage tackling climate challenges through environmental education and the actions inspired thereby. \nThe topics discussed in the workshop were \"Climate Actions\", \"Recycling\", “Net-zero green life\", \"Results of environmental education promotion in Taiwan\", \"Biodiversity\" and \"Youth participation in sharing environmental education experience\". The Japanese representatives shared their experience in circular economy and environmental practices; the Vietnamese representatives shared their strategies toward 2050 net-zero emissions; those from Thailand focused on promoting green consumption, biodiversity, and sustainability. As Taiwan is promoting the implementation of green policies through solid actions, Minister Peng shared with all attendants the nation’s experience in taking climate action, net-zero green life, resource circulation and recycling, environment-friendly design, biodiversity and youth participation in environmental education. \nThe workshop served as a platform for knowledge exchange, allowing environmental education partners in the Asia-Pacific region to learn from each other, to better face future environmental challenges by taking solid actions.", "year": "2025", "month": "8", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/1b7121a5-2abb-4c49-a317-0b056e343ad5" }, { "no": "4596", "title": "Environmental Management Administration and Local Prosecutors Office Solve Miaoli’s Largest Ever Illegal Soil Dump, Nearly NT$300 million Seized", "preview": "Leading a team consisting of justice and police personnel, the Taiwan Miaoli District Prosecutors Office joined forces with the Environmental Management Administration (EMA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) and discovered a criminal ring that has been dumping excavated construction waste illegally in Miaoli for massive financial gains at the cost of environmental devastation. On the morning of August 25, 2025, a press conference “Prosecutors fight crime – Work with MOENV to solve the largest environmental criminal group in the history of Miaoli” held at the local Prosecutors Office, officials described what was found in the criminal case and reiterated their determination to fight crime.", "content": "The Taiwan Miaoli District Prosecutors Office and the Environmental Management Administration (EMA) under the MOENV jointly held a press conference on solving the historic case. Attendees at the conference included personnel from: the law enforcement team from the Central Mobile Team of the Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice; the Miaoli County Police Bureau; the Miaoli County Environmental Protection Bureau, and the Second and Third River Management Branches of the Water Resources Agency. Key officials were: Deputy Minister Huang Shih-Chieh of the Ministry of Justice; Prosecutor-General Hsing Tai-Chao of the Supreme Prosecutors Office; Chief Prosecutor Chang Tou-Hui of the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office; Chief Prosecutor Lin Chin-Chun of the Taichung Branch, Taiwan High Prosecutors Office; Chief Prosecutor Lin Yin Tzu of the Miaoli District Prosecutors Office; Director General Yen Hsu-Ming of the EMA; Deputy Director Shen Feng-Tai of the Miaoli County Government Environmental Protection Bureau; Director General Yang Jen-Chieh of the Second River Management Branch of the Water Resources Agency, and; Director General Chang Chih-Hui of the Third River Management Branch of the Water Resources Agency. With videos and photos officials explained how the case was solved, and representatives from various agencies jointly pledged their determination to \"fight crime and protect our homeland.\"\nIn his press conference statement, Director General Yen Hsu-Ming of the EMA noted the fact that in recent years organized crime has gradually become more involved in illegal dumping of construction waste, causing devastation to the ecology and environment of Taiwan’s homeland. To stop such crimes, the MOENV is drafting an amendment to the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法) to increase the maximum prison penalty for violating the Act from five to seven years. The MOENV will continue to comprehensively shatter environmental crime chains through cross-departmental cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior. The MOENV has requested funding from the Executive Yuan to build a nationwide \"smart fence\" system, deploying 2,200 e-Tags and license plate recognition points. By combining AI recognition and GPS monitoring to detect and trace pollution sources in real time, it will be extremely difficult for illegal activities to escape detection, thereby protecting Taiwan’s homeland and environment.\nThe illegal construction waste dumping was uncovered by an inter-agency task force led by Prosecutor Peng Yu-Ching of the Miaoli District Prosecutors Office, and consisted of personnel from the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau's Central Mobile Team; the Miaoli County Police Bureau; the Changhua County Police Bureau; the Central Environmental Management Center; the Environmental Management Administration of the MOENV, and; the Miaoli County Government Environmental Protection Bureau. The team conducted the largest-ever environmental crime investigation in Miaoli County over a period of 8 months, conducting seven extensive searches across 34 locations in five counties and cities. With critical assistance from the EMA’s Central Environmental Management Center, the investigation team cross-checked and analyzed the money, material, and data flows of suspect businesses, analyzed the composition of the waste, and traced it to the sources. The team uncovered a comprehensive criminal construction waste disposal chain, involving clearing and transporting waste from contracted construction sites, transport fleets, illegal dumping, and cooperation in the issuance of false waste disposal site certificates. The investigation found that several construction waste removal companies worked with soil disposal sites to create the illusion of legal activities by using false stamps and QR code scanning, but in fact they shipped the received construction waste to unauthorized \"tail soil\" (土尾) sites, causing land exposure and hazards to soil and water conservation. Multiple illegal dumping sites were found in Miaoli County, covering 33,933 square meters in total, equivalent to five soccer fields. The investigation concluded in March 2025. \nThe Miaoli District Prosecutors Office indicted 49 suspects. The Miaoli District Prosecutors Office indicted 49 suspects on multiple charges then-current chairman of the Taipei City Construction Excess Earthwork Resources Management Association and sitting Houlong Township representatives, including violations of the Waste Disposal Act and document forgery under the Criminal Code. The total illegal gains were estimated at nearly NT$300 million. The Miaoli District Prosecutors Office has seized over NT$120 million in real estate and NT$24 million in cash, as publicly announced. Other criminal assets were also confiscated, including a national record 39 tractor-trailers seized.\nThe EMA stated that illegal backfilling of construction waste has significant impacts on soil fertility and overall ecology. According to Article 46 of the Waste Disposal Act, an offender may be subject to imprisonment of not less than one year and not more than five years, and possibly an accompanying fine up to NT$15 million. The EMA stressed that the government will not tolerate actions that damage the land and pollute the environment. It also called on the businesses at the source of the waste to properly dispose of construction waste and surplus soil and rocks in accordance with relevant regulations such as the Waste Disposal Act and the Construction Surplus Soil Disposal Plan. Failure to observe applicable regulations may not only lead to criminal liability, but violators will also be held jointly responsible for cleanup and environmental remediation. The cost of the consequences exceed that which can be gained.", "year": "2025", "month": "8", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/45ff277f-56ee-412d-b0e2-bf2d062f574c" }, { "no": "4595", "title": "Jianguo Flower Market to Serve as Model for Reducing Use of New Plastic Bags, Emphasizing Three Alternatives", "preview": "To lead the public to change their consumption behaviors and answer the policy call to reduce pollution at source, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) and the Taipei City Government have partnered to create the first \"plastic-free flower market\" through public-private cooperation, with the Jianguo Holiday Flower Market as the first model. The press conference titled \"Prepare Your Own Bags for a Flower-filled New Life\" was held on 2 August 2025 to launch a flower market plastic reduction model and promotion campaign, in collaboration with the Jianguo Holiday Flower Market Association, the Taipei City Farmers Association, and other NGOs and businesses. By using the \"three environment-friendly bags\" -- bringing your own shopping bags, reusing second-hand bags, or borrowing recyclable bags -- the \"Three bags together, reducing plastic is feasible\" slogan reminds people to contribute their own environmental protection efforts toward reducing plastic even when shopping at a flower market.", "content": "Environment Minister Peng Chi-Ming pointed out at the news conference that there have been many plastic reduction events in the past but most of them were not sustained for a long period. This time, the MOENV started with people who love flowers and plants and enjoy being close to nature, to work together with them to reduce plastics, motivate more people, and maintain good interaction with vendors and NGOs with the hope of creating Asia's first plastic-free flower market within a few years. Commissioner Chen Chun-An of the Taipei City Government’s Department of Economic Development also mentioned that economic development and environmental sustainability can progress together. This cooperation with the Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau will maximize benefits from limited resources. It is hoped this collaboration between the government and certain members of the public will establish a new model, in the form of the flower market under Jianguo Road. Deputy CEO Scott Liu of the Tzu Chi Foundation indicated that his charitable organization has been providing local recycling services for more than 27 years, and now they are hoping to work with MOENV to transform its operational experience and years of hard work into substantial change. Vendor representatives attending the event also stated that more than 120 vendors have joined the plastic reduction initiatives and demonstrated their support for the Jianguo Flower Market plastic reduction demonstration event.\nThe extensive use of single-use plastic bags is a waste of resources and seriously impacts the environment. The Jianguo Flower Market was selected as a demonstration site for plastic reduction due to the types of products sold and the shoppers’ love for nature, as recently observed. A feasible model can be established for reducing plastic consumption through public-private partnerships, thus gradually pushing forward to achieve the goal of encouraging consumers to act towards plastic-free consumption. MOENV mentioned that the Phase I demonstration activity will run from 2 August 2025 to the end of December. The \"Three bags together, plastic reduction is feasible\" approach will encourage the public to buy their own shopping bags, reuse second-hand bags, or borrow recyclable bags from the Resource Circulation Administration of the MOENV at the Jianguo Flower Market. This will allow flower market shoppers to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags by using alternative products. At the same time, vendors will no longer proactively offer plastic shopping bags, working to build a plastic-free environment through friendly competition.\nMOENV emphasized that there are three ways to participate in plastic reduction: bringing your own shopping bags, reusing clean second-hand bags, or borrowing recyclable bags. Regardless of how one shops at the Jianguo Flower Market, shoppers may scan the vendor's exclusive QR code to enter a draw for a chance to win good deals, as long as they don't use disposable plastic bags from vendors. Furthermore, those who bring their own shopping bags will have a chance to win a Fullon Hotel accommodation voucher. For more event details, please visit the MOENV's Resource Circulation Administration's \"Single-Use Product Reduction Information Network\" at https:\/\/recycle2.moenv.gov.tw\/SingleUse\/.\nThe MOENV pointed out that this demonstration event was jointly promoted by the Taipei City Government's Department of Economic Development and Environmental Protection Bureau, the Jianguo Flower Market Association, and the Taipei City Farmers' Association, and received support and participation from many civic groups and local community groups. The nearby Fullon Hotel Taipei Central also joined in the event by offering a 12% discount on dining for green consumers at the flower market. This collaboration aims to create a cross-sector green co-prosperity circle, contributing to plastic reduction and expanding to new areas of plastic reduction.", "year": "2025", "month": "8", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/ca59841c-5cb5-48b5-b163-b0a595a7f58b" }, { "no": "4594", "title": "Net-zero Travel: Tourists can Collect Stamps at Green Sites to Win Prizes", "preview": "To promote sustainable tourism and put the concept of net-zero green living into practice, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) launched the \"Let the Net-Zero Journey Begin\" campaign, integrating rich natural scenery and cultural industries in green tourism demonstration areas, helping local businesses introduce net-zero green living measures, and encouraging green tourism that is both in-depth and environmentally friendly. Everyone is invited to act and leave a sustainable and beautiful footprint on the Earth.", "content": "The campaign covers the northern, central, southern and eastern parts of Taiwan, focusing on in-depth slow travel and green experiences, integrating low-carbon transportation modes, unique local culture, eco-friendly restaurants\/green dining, green-label hotels, local community organizations, ecological sites, green attractions, geographical features, and other tourism resources. Fourteen special itineraries are recommended, including the Pearl Coast in Taoyuan, indigenous tribes in Hualien, the Sun Moon Lake Scenic Area, and Dawu Mountain in Pingtung. Tourists can have fun, eat good food, live sustainably, and travel in a low-carbon way\", while practicing green living in all ways, from food and accommodation, to shopping and travel.\nPearl Coast in Taoyuan – Experience the Taiwan beach seine, take a guided tour of the Stone Weir Museum, and learn about the sustainable living wisdom of coastal communities and Hakka maritime culture.\nSun Moon Lake in Nantou – Experience the unique fusion of history and ecology by hiking through the mountains, enjoying stand-up paddleboard experiences and no-trace picnics, and taking a cultural stroll through Zhongxing New Village.\nDawu Mountain in Pingtung – Ride an electric scooter deep into the Wanluan and Dapeng Bay areas, see handmade leather carvings and rural DIY activities, and witness the charm of the integration of low-carbon and indigenous culture.\nIndigenous tribes in the hills and by the ocean of Hualien – Visit a tribal hunter school, sustainable farms, experience coffee roasting, and experience local customs and the freshness of the mountains and sea.\nThis green tourism campaign also comes with a double lottery offer. People can not only receive a \"Green Tourism Passport\" to enjoy discounts and travel experiences, but also collect stamps for the lottery, with up to six opportunities to win a prize.\nI. Online interactive game: “Let the net-zero journey begin with you. Which type of net-zero traveler are you?” \nFrom 11 August to 11 September 2025, this fun personal travel preference quiz was offered for people to find out what type of green travel suits them.\nII. Stamp collection with travel passport: “Let the net-zero journey begin toward a green future; Collect stamps on your journey to unlock green travel!” \nFrom 11 August to 11 November 2025, travel passports are available at designated locations. Anyone who participates in a tour in any zone described in the passport and completes the stamp collection is eligible for the lottery. By collecting stamps in all four zones, you get an additional opportunity, i.e., up to five opportunities to win a prize.\nThis campaign aims to encourage tourists to choose low-carbon, eco-friendly ways to travel, and gain deeper experience of local culture and ecology. The goal is for travel to be more than just taking photos and checking in at a scenic spot, but also a green action that connects with the land and fosters a dialogue with the Earth. All are welcomed to explore the beauty of Taiwan with their \"Green Travel Passport,\" embark on a profound and fulfilling green journey, and unlock a sustainable future together while travelling.", "year": "2025", "month": "8", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/70c94b07-469f-4e20-85dc-e6cf07cdb331" }, { "no": "4593", "title": "Ministry of Environment establishes the “Southern Office for Post-Disaster Recovery” to expedite post-disaster waste disposal and environmental recovery to full speed", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) established the “MOENV Southern Office for Post-Disaster Recovery” on August 16. The opening ceremony was hosted together by Minister Peng Chih-Ming of MOENV and Magistrate Weng Chang-Liang of Chiayi County and witnessed by many esteemed guests, including Director General Yen Hsu-Ming of Environmental Management Administration, Deputy Director General Lin Chien-San of Resource Circulation Administration, Director General Hsu Jen-Tse of Tainan City Government Environmental Protection Bureau, Deputy Director General Yang Chih-Ming of Chiayi County Government Environmental Protection Bureau, and Mr. Liao Li-Ling from Legislator Tsai Yi-Yu’s Office. The office will be led by Deputy Minister Shen Chih-Hsiu of MOENV with Deputy Director General Lin Chien-San of Resource Circulation Administration as his deputy. Workers from the Resource Circulation Administration and Environmental Management Administration will station at the office that serves as the command and coordination center for post-disaster recovery efforts. The office will liaise, dispatch and assist local governments in accelerating post-disaster waste disposal and environmental recovery.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that the “MOENV’s Southern Office for Post-Disaster Recovery” will carry out three main tasks, coordinate and coordinating the demand for recovery resources, supervise the progress of post-disaster waste disposal and environmental recovery, and inspection on temporary waste dump sites. For the dispatching and coordination of relief resources related to environmental recovery, the office will help and support local government in terms of, for example, emergency reporting, dispatching and liaison and coordination with all departments involved, and accelerating resource integration and dispatching; planning and accelerating the post-disaster waste removal (including asbestos, solar photovoltaic facilities, general waste, and construction mixes), implementing classification, transportation and back-end processing, and accelerating environmental recovery; and inspecting and reporting by inspectors on temporary dump sites for post-disaster wastes, and preventing the breeding of dengue fever mosquitoes.\nThe MOENV emphasized that Southern Office for Post-Disaster Recovery is established to advance into the disaster-stricken areas and strengthen cooperation between the central and local governments. The office will help accelerate the coordination and integration of disaster relief resources and ensure that waste is cleaned up quickly to facilitate environmental restoration and that people can return to their normal life in the shortest possible time.", "year": "2025", "month": "8", "assortment": "Resource Circulation, Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/5c526779-d40c-4adf-9537-e3f63ad247f4" }, { "no": "4592", "title": "Circular Economy Hotspot comes to Asia for the first time; Taiwan hosts the event to lead to circulation", "preview": "The Circular Economy Hotspot (CE Hotspot) will come to Asia in 2025 for the first time. Also for the first time, Taiwan will be hosting the “Asia Pacific Circular Economy Roundtable & Hotspot 2025” in Taipei from October 20 to 23, 2025, and it is now available for signing up. Co-organized by Ministry of Environment (MOENV), Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Circular Taiwan Network, this year’s event is centered on the topic of “Leading Circular Collaboration”, and advocates the idea of “Circular Collaboration for Climate Crisis (CC4CC)” in the hope of working together with countries around the world on how to convert the “good idea” of circular economy into good business” through “good governance” among businesses, countries and international society, thus creating the “Circular Trilogy” and promoting Taiwan as the key role as a center for circular economy cooperation and innovation center in Asia Pacific.", "content": "Field visits are scheduled for October 21 on 6 industrial circular economic topics, covering agriculture and food, textile, advanced technology and electronic products, architecture and construction, plastics and packaging, culture and regenerative communities. Visitors will have a guided tour at TSMC, Health Life’s down factory, Taipei 101, Asia Plant Organic Agribusiness, Plastics Industry Development Center and Spring Pool Glass, for a taste of innovative momentum of Taiwan’s circular economy. \nTwo international dialogues will take place in the morning on October 22, where participants talk about the paths that lead them to circular economic transition. Taiwan will publish the latest draft of “Circular Economy Roadmap” (循環經濟路徑圖) and invite international partners to share their insights and experience. In the afternoon on 22 Oct, workshops are scheduled for the 6 key industries, discussing the topics of agriculture and food, advanced technology and electronic products, architecture and construction, textile, energy and key materials, plastics and packaging, and these workshops are designed to present how Asia Pacific countries respond to the challenges coming from the Global Plastics Treaty, among all international trends, through specific actions. Later that day is the business matching conference which is the best opportunity for businesses, organizations and circular economy partners in Taiwan, Asia pacific and even around the world to look for cooperation. \nThe focus on October 23 is on the systematic circular governance framework at the corporate, regional and national levels. there will be 5 workshops covering policies and governance, financial facilitation mechanism, corporate transition, trading and traceability, and consumer participation. \nTaiwan is a circular economic implementation domain featuring with a high density, maturity, and diversity of projects. By demonstrating to the world that the circular economy “can be done”, it not only presents the successful cases, but also allows participants to experience for themselves the context and cooperation models behind every design, process and decision.", "year": "2025", "month": "8", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/890f1142-0b43-45db-acfc-8fcaf9cef07e" }, { "no": "4591", "title": "Ministry of Environment is participating in the Venture Capital Summit for the first time. Launching up the new green growth engine toward net-zero sustainability", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held an event at the “2025 Taiwan Venture Capital Summit” on August 13, marking the first role that the government plays in the dialogue with capitalists and encouraging the Taiwan Venture Capital Association to establish the green industry interaction platform. Minister Peng Chih-Ming of MOENV presented himself in the event and stressed the significance of venture capitals in Taiwan’s net-zero transition, demonstrating the government’s policy determination and action power in promoting the “green growth fund” and 6 key industries.", "content": "I. MOENV works with venture capitalists to draw the new blueprint for Taiwan’s green transition\nThis event was centered on the investment configuration for the “green growth fund”. Multiple venture capitalists, startup businesses and experts were invited to focus on key green aspects, such as resource circulation, carbon capture energy storage technology, climate adaptation and urban mining. The event consisted of a theme lecture and startup demo show, hoping that the startup result displays and in-depth industrial dialogues will accelerate the application of green technologies and match them with the much-needed funds, as to vitalize the green investment ecology in Taiwan. \nIn his speech, Minister Peng pointed out that we are dealing with extreme climates and increasing competition for resources. Taiwan has to not only innovate in terms of environmental governance, but also develop green industries that have outstanding potentials in investment, are capable of development in large scale, and can change the current status substantially. He further indicated that the net-zero emissions is not just an environmental protection goal. It is an opportunity for Taiwan to reshape its competitiveness and requires the integration of policy guidance and market momentum to open a new economic horizon. \nII. Government joins force with private powers to drive green transition and create the new momentum for Taiwan’s economic growth\nThis is the first time the MOENV participated in the venture capital summit in the hope of partnering with venture capitalists to encourage private capital to invest in green startup businesses, enhance the mutual trust and bonding between the government and industries, and achieve the long-term strategic goal of 2050 net-zero emission at the end. \nHonored guests like Professor Emeritus Chen Chuh-Yung of National Cheng Kung University and Prof. Chien-Te Fan of National Tsing Hua University, along with representatives from Yuen Foong Yu and many corporations, were invited for the dialogue. 9 startup businesses with great potential were invited to give presentations, demonstrating Taiwan’s innovative capability in environmental technology and sustainable business models. \nThe MOENV stressed that the Ministry will continue to encourage more startup businesses to start the development of their unique green technologies using policy tools like the “green growth fund”, and work with private sector partners to make green transition no longer a slogan but the new energy to drive the economic growth in Taiwan.", "year": "2025", "month": "8", "assortment": "Green Policy Office", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/b5ac2c19-aaba-4da5-82b6-fcdfc1e64f8b" }, { "no": "4590", "title": "Carbon fees launched as scheduled and businesses helped for low-carbon transition in response to the tariff impacts", "preview": "Request from Chinese National Federation of Industries to postpone carbon fee collection in response to tariffs, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) stated that leading countries in Europe and Asia have recently reaffirmed their net-zero transition goals, remained firm with their goals particularly in light of extreme weather conditions caused by climate change; at the same times the global pace of green technology transformation has not slowed, and pressure on supply chains to reduce carbon emissions continues to increase. The voluntary reduction plans submitted by industries in 2025 demonstrate strong momentum for carbon reduction. A carbon fee system is indeed conducive to internal carbon pricing and green transition within businesses. Taiwan's carbon fee system will be launched as scheduled to support proactive transition for Taiwan's industries.", "content": "The industries pounded by the latest tariff policies of the US include machine tools, plumbing hardware, fasteners and motorcycle and automotive parts, where nearly 90% of businesses are small and medium in size. MOENV has broken down the emission statistics of 2024 and analyzed 464 businesses subject to carbon fees and found that one business was engaged in machine tool manufacturing, two were involved in motorcycle and automotive parts and no fastener manufacturer was on the list. For small and medium-sized enterprises (as defined in the Act for Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (中小企業發展條例)), there were seven in this category. Even so, MOENV has actively proposed two major measures to support the industry and maintain the international competitiveness of those subjects to carbon fees in response to the potential impact of tariff policies on the overall industry:\nI. Expand the scope for businesses with high carbon leakage risks and i and Include Case-by-Case Impact Considerations on a case-by-case basis \nThe Regulations Governing the Collection of Carbon Fees (碳費收費辦法) specify that a 0.2 discount coefficient for emissions to be charged is awarded to a business subject to carbon fee which is one of high carbon leakage risk, provided that a voluntary reduction plan is proposed and approved. A business that is high in carbon leakage risk is identified based on international industry-specific identification standards. The MOENV will also assess these businesses based on several factors, such as whether a business has poor operating gross profits, has a certain proportion of profits that go to carbon fees, is affected by tariffs that have increased export costs by a certain percentage, or is subject to the risk of international commodity dumping. Businesses may apply for eligibility every year to keep carbon fees from weakening the international competitiveness of overall industry.\nII. Provide subsidies and incentives for low-carbon investments and help industries with transition and upgrades\nCurrently, more than 90% of businesses subject to carbon fees have applied or registered for voluntary reduction plans for the eligibility for preferential rates of NT$50 or NT$100 per ton. The MOENV is actively reviewing the voluntary reduction plans together with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), and will also cooperate with the MOEA on special subsidy projects, including carbon reduction measures such as process improvement, energy efficiency improvement and low-carbon fuel substitution, as well as related technology research and development, to actively assist businesses in low-carbon transition and meet international green supply chain requirements.\nFinally, the MOENV added that the carbon pricing system is one of the important tools for driving the green growth and transition in Taiwan's industries. To help industries survive the tariff crisis, businesses experiencing poor profitability or impacted by international trade policies may apply for a discount on their carbon fee-based emissions, provided that a voluntary reduction plan is proposed and approved. Furthermore, the MOENV will collaborate with the MOEA to provide subsidies and incentives for industrial transition and upgrading, ensuring that Taiwan's industries maintain their competitiveness in the global race for net-zero emissions and green technology while steadily promoting the carbon fee.", "year": "2025", "month": "8", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/be91d9a2-6593-4088-a62e-1cc1bd1693d5" }, { "no": "4589", "title": "Ministry of Environment preannounces the Standards for Air Pollutant Emissions from Cement Industry", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) preannounced the amendment to “the Standards for Air Pollutant Emissions from Cement Industry” (referred to as the Standards hereinafter) on 27 Aug 2025 in response to the policy goals of resource circulation, net-zero emissions and air quality maintenance. For this amendment, dioxin, 12 heavy metals, hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen chloride (HCl) and carbon monoxide (CO), among other air pollutants, are included in the Standards for comprehensive pollution control. Businesses are encouraged to intensify their efforts in composition screening and management for the use of circular materials\/fuel. One of the goals is to stay in line with the EU’s Directive on Industrial Emissions (IED), ensuring that domestic air quality and public health are maintained while circular economy is being promoted.", "content": "The MOENV explained that the use of recycled waste as raw materials is increasing in Taiwan as the net-zero emissions and circular economy are being promoted, and cement kilns are playing a more vital role in the resource circulation. However, the highly diversified sources of raw materials and fuel, particularly those containing chlorine, will increase the potential of generating dioxin and other harmful air pollutants. For this, the emission level standards of dioxin, 12 heavy metals, HF, HCl and CO are added in this amendment, and internationally equivalent control values are identified based on the EU’s IED to ensure pollution control performance. Meanwhile, the amendment will encourage businesses to update or improve their control equipment and improve the overall efficiency of operational management and pollution reduction. \nIn addition, to enhancing the emission standards at the rear end, the MOENV pointed out that the possible components in alternative materials and fuels, such as heavy metals, chlorine and fluorine, have been considered in this amendment and, therefore, cement kilns’ processing ability the use of these materials should be screened based on a cement kiln's processing capacity. Therefore, businesses are encouraged to manage wastes at the source, establish waste and alternative fuel composition management mechanisms, set material source usage thresholds and proportions, and develop source control and appropriate material usage plan, which not only prevents wastes exceeding processing capacity from entering cement kilns, but also reduces environmental impact effectively, allowing businesses to maintain the balance between air quality and environmental protection while promoting a circular economy.\nThe MOENV emphasized that this amendment not only aligns with international air pollution management trends but also demonstrates Taiwan's forward-looking planning and commitment to pollution prevention through the dual-track implementation of end-of-pipe emission controls and the promotion of material composition management, which will effectively reduce the impact of the cement industry on air quality and public health.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "8", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/30d7b8fb-30fa-40de-9fd6-2d230cdb3a03" }, { "no": "4588", "title": "Ministry of Environment explains the progress of negotiation meeting for INC-5.2 of the UN’s Global Plastics Treaty", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) had a press conference on 15 Aug, during which an online meeting with our team in Geneva, Switzerland took place, explaining to the public how the subsequent meetings of the subsequent part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), the Global Plastics Treaty was making progress. The latest version of “Chairman’s Draft” authorizes decision makers for subsequent refined practice instead of a globally unified banning and restriction list, thus making it flexible for all member countries. In addition, this is the first time to specify the “extended producer responsibility (EPR) as a core means to facilitate circular economy while focusing on the governance and just transition of existing and remaining plastic pollutions.", "content": "Minister Peng Chih-Ming of MOENV pointed out that the alarm is rising on the increasing crisis of plastic pollution. The UN has warned that there could be more plastics than fish in the oceans by 2050 if no aggressive action is taken. Despite not being a member country, Taiwan sent a delegation to Geneva, Switzerland to stay informed on the latest international developments. However, it was never an easy task to reach an agreement among nearly 200 countries and the negotiation texts kept being revised. No matter how much progress was made for the international negotiation, Minister Peng stressed that, nevertheless, Taiwan is determined on the path toward plastic reduction regardless how much progress has been made. Taiwan will add two additional plastic reduction goals to the four existing ones with a more systematic structure. \nI. Results of the INC-5.2 Meeting \nThe INC-5.2 meeting took place at the Palace of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland from 5 to 15 Aug. More than 3,700 people from 184 member countries and more than 600 observer organizations attended the meeting. Director Geneal Lai Ying-Ying of Resource Circulation Administration explained that the Treaty aims to “protect human health and environment from plastic pollutions, including those in the marine environment”. For the provisions, a globally unified banning and restriction list is no longer considered for plastic product control which has drawn public attention. Instead, the Conference of Parties (COP) will decide a list covering products of control priority, which may focus on “deliberately added micro-plastics” and certain single-use products in the short run. In addition, the Treaty specifies for the first time the “extended producer responsibility” (EPR) as a key tool to promote circular economy, while the concept of Basel Convention is adopted to ensure that plastic wastes are disposed of in a way that is harmless to environment. It is also one of the focuses of the Treaty on the existing plastic pollutions and, for this, the governance clauses are included for “existing pollutions”. The progress provides certain level of flexibility, but at the price of limited binding power at the beginning. The cooperation and efforts of all member states in the COPs are still required in the days to come, should an agreement be reached for the Treaty, as to build these principles and framework into a solid, robust building. \nHowever, the chairman of the meeting called it an end for the meeting at 9:15 a.m. local time in Geneva (3:15 p.m., Taipei time). The date, location and form of the next meeting will be determined and announced later. An agreement has yet been reached for the first plastics treaty in the world; its progress has certainly raised global attention. \nII. Taiwan’s Plastic Reduction Policies are Highly Consistent with the Treaty \nDirector Geneal Lai Ying-Ying of Resource Circulation Administration pointed out that Taiwan’s plastic circulation policies are high consistent with the Global Plastics Treaty in terms of “reducing and replacing plastic products”, “plastic product designing to ensure reusability and recyclability”, “transitioning to circular economy by reusing plastics” and “managing existing pollutions”, and have produced certain results. For reducing and replacing plastics, a number of restriction policies have been launched in Taiwan and new business models have been encouraged and developed, such as circular container rental. When it comes to product design, the Resource Circulation Administration started from pure materials, original colors, reduced use of labels and caps tethered to bottles with the principle of “4Ss for Green Design”, and encouraged businesses to design products that are easily recyclable and reusable. For the transition to circular economy, Taiwan has established a highly efficient recycling system in the form of “Four-in-One Recycling System”, and preferential rates are available to encourage businesses to adopt recycled materials. The government, at the same time, manages existing pollution through strategies like “Solute to the Ocean” program, effectively removing and reducing coastal wastes. \nDirector General Hsieh Yein-Rui of Chemicals Administration expressed that the Treaty talks about not only plastics management, but also the management of chemicals used in plastics. The Chemicals Administration identified 7 categories of chemical substances that have been discussed in the Global Plastics Treaty. There are currently 877 operators and users who are required to operate with or use 18 categories of controlled chemical substances with a valid permit and to report and identify their uses on a regular basis. The Chemicals Administration will keep a track on the progress of the Global Plastics Treaty and adjust and\/or add new controlled substances based on the international control trends. \nFor the rear-end waste governance, the Ocean Affairs Council said that the “environmental protection fleet” and “diver force” are established for cleaning floating and sunken garbage, and so is the “Marine Waste Renewal Alliance” to promote circulation and reuse of marine wastes and reduce long-term burdens on the environment. In addition, the Council actively communicate and cooperate with neighboring countries and international organizations, share experiences and technologies, and help countries in the region improve their marine waste management capabilities through the \"Indo-Pacific Regional Marine Waste Cooperation Platform\" (印太區域海廢合作平台). The Ocean Affairs Council emphasized that the efforts will not only strengthen international partnerships but also demonstrate Taiwan's international responsibility and contribution, while also being in line with the overall spirit of the Global Plastics Treaty.\nIII. Experience sharing online from Geneva\nDuring the online press conference, Taiwan’s INC-5.2 team in Geneva indicated that the Treaty draft is a framework document subject to constant improvement and revisions. During the negotiating, production reduction and sustainable production were deleted from the draft; and the product control list and phase-out dates were removed, indicating disagreement in detail among participating countries. For the plastics lifecycle management promoted in Taiwan and the draft of “Resource Circulation Promotion Act” (資源循環推動法), the principles of green design and reduction from source are highly consistent with the spirits of the Treaty. The delegation pointed out that the plastics governance in Taiwan has gradually transitioned from controls at the rear end to the overall lifecycle management to stay in line with the Treaty. In the future, Taiwan will continue to improve all necessary measures and monitor and evaluate plastic pollution hotspots based on scientific data. At the same time, Taiwan's experience in nationwide marine pollution control activities and platform building can become an asset for future international interaction and cooperation.\nIV. Where Taiwan is going from here and what improvements to make\nThe MOENV indicated that Taiwan has come a long way in terms of reducing and replacing plastics, green product design, promotion of circular economy and management of existing pollutions. Taiwan will be centered on life transition and industrial transition, and promote the milestone of reduced use of single-use products through cross-departmental cooperation and industrial guidance. At the same time, the “Resource Circulation Promotion Act” is drafted to serve as a solid legal foundation for plastics circulation and reuse to promote reduction of single-use plastics, improve Taiwan’s plastics governance, and share our successful experience with the international society.", "year": "2025", "month": "8", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/57ea800a-b434-4af4-afe6-34077fb7b0d2" }, { "no": "4587", "title": "New Awards Rewarded as Green Procurement Reaches New Heights", "preview": "On July 30, 2025, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the \"2024 Private Enterprise and Group Green Procurement Outstanding Unit Award Ceremony\" in Taipei City to recognize the support and efforts of private enterprises and groups in green procurement. Deputy Minister Shih Wen-Chen commended businesses and groups for outstanding green procurement performance in 2024, as well as accommodation businesses that have achieved gold or silver environmental certification in the past year, in addition to businesses that have maintained environmental certification for their products for 20 consecutive years. Deputy Minister Shih took the opportunity to show appreciation to businesses that collaborated with the MOENV on green procurement. The award ceremony served to encourage more entities to join the ranks of green procurement and green consumption and contribute to sustainable development.", "content": "MOENV is actively promoting various specific policies to reach the national net-zero goal. The \"Government Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Consensus Camp\" held in November 2024 highlighted green procurement as an important priority. It was also proposed that the amount of green procurement by private enterprises be increased by 10% annually, with the 2030 target of NT$128 billion, while promoting green upgrades in industries and supply chains. To achieve this, the MOENV continues to expand the scope of recognition for good green procurement performance. In 2025, MOENV added new projects such as deep energy efficiency services and renewable energy power generation equipment and promoted the \"leasing instead of buying\" model to reduce waste at source.\nConsidering that more than 90% of enterprises in Taiwan are small and medium-sized businesses, in 2024 the MOENV took a \"recognition by group\" approach to encourage small and medium size enterprises to participate in green procurement. Five groups were established according to industry and enterprise size: 1) manufacturing-large enterprises group; 2) manufacturing-small and medium-sized enterprises group; 3) non-manufacturing-large enterprises group; 4) non-manufacturing-small and medium-sized enterprises group, and 5) other. The top 10 businesses in each group were selected and commended for their proactive actions in promoting green procurement and their contributions to environmental protection.\nThe supply and demand cycle for green products is also a key to improving green procurement. While promoting green procurement, the MOENV recognizes the support from businesses for green labelling and encourages businesses to obtain such labels. This year, the MOENV recognized five businesses for having maintained green label certification for 20 consecutive years. Such a duration signifies that a business has made long-term, unremitting efforts and commitment to quality, eco-friendly design, and sustainable management. The five recognized businesses not only consistently provide high-quality green products but also play a firm role in leading the sustainable transformation of industries, enhancing the market credibility of green products and setting an example for other businesses. Hopefully, their public recognition will serve to encourage more businesses to invest in environmentally friendly products and services.\nThe green label is not only available for products but also for the service industry. As of now, 168 hotels and B&Bs throughout Taiwan have been awarded the green label. Thirty-six accommodation businesses that were awarded gold or silver, green labels in the past year were recognized in this year’s ceremony. These businesses demonstrate the industry's determination and initiative for a green transition by implementing energy conservation and carbon reduction, plastic waste reduction, eco-friendly food services, and smart management. \nRepresentatives from two high-performing companies shared their experiences at the ceremony. The manufacturing representative \"Cheng Loong Corp.\" and the non-manufacturing representative \"Cathay Financial Holdings Co., Ltd.\", have both been committed to green procurement for many years. Hopefully, the practical experiences shared by these two companies will help more businesses understand the promotion methods and operational models for green procurement, expand private sector participation and strengthen the sustainable industrial chain.\nMOENV (formerly the Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan) has been promoting the green label since 1982. In 2007, it initiated green procurement by government agencies and since then, it has expanded beyond the governmental sector. Thanks to years of hard work, green procurement by private enterprises and groups reached NT$74.3 billion in 2024, with 3,148 businesses participating and an increase of nearly NT$8.6 billion compared to 2023, producing outstanding results. Among all the private green procurement, products with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, eco-label, and Energy Star products are the most common, accounting for approximately 70% of the total green procurement volume.\nIn recent years, green procurement has taken root through public-private partnerships and the cooperation and involvement of various industries. MOENV is grateful for the solid actions taken by private businesses and organizations. By publicly recognizing these initiatives, it is hoped that more businesses and organizations will be encouraged to follow suit, build a more comprehensive green supply chain, expand green services, and work together with the government to shape Taiwan's green credentials and move towards a net-zero green lifestyle.", "year": "2025", "month": "7", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/85eb346c-15b3-41ba-b1dd-369d9085d5cb" }, { "no": "4586", "title": "Potential Value of “Wastewater Mining” Estimated to be Over NT$3.5 billion Annually", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the \"Heavy Metal Wastewater Resource Utilization Forum\" on July 28, 2025, in Taipei City, focusing on the recovery of copper and nickel from wastewater and industrial sludge. Academic experts, engineering equipment suppliers, and factories with the potential to recover resources -- such as those involved in electroplating, printed circuit board manufacturing, and metal surface treatment -- were invited to exchange ideas and promote a green transition and resource recovery from wastewater treatment, which not only ameliorates water body pollution at its source, but also helps build a circular economy. By recovering resources such as copper, nickel, nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater at proposed treatment plants, potential economic benefits of an estimated NT$3.5 billion per year could be generated from the recovered materials, while also lead to a reduction in chemical costs by more than 20% and sludge treatment costs by more than 50%.", "content": "The MOENV stated that traditional wastewater treatment works to remove pollutants and meet discharge standards. Heavy metal pollutants are often treated using coagulation and sedimentation processes. However, this often results in massive sludge production and prevents the recovery of valuable materials. The resource recovery techniques and technologies discussed at this forum included electrochemistry, fluidized bed crystallization, ion exchange resins, and membrane reactors, all of which are mature technologies with proven performance or validated use at factories, that can effectively address wastewater issues and achieve the benefits of resource recovery. For example, the \"copper in liquid\" technology, which uses electrolysis to treat copper in wastewater, helps businesses recover approximately 3,000 metric tons of copper annually; membrane filtration technology increases the heavy metal content of sludge from 3–4% to over 10%, diverting the sludge into a waste circulation system and reducing the use of coagulants and other chemicals; and crystallization technology can produce nickel sulfate with a purity exceeding 99% for use as a chemical material.\nDeputy Minister Yeh Jiunn-Horng of the MOENV noted in his speech that the idea of a circular economy has become widespread in recent years. The concepts of source diversion and circular economy have been introduced in Taiwan, to recover valuable substances contained in wastewater that can be reused, which has gradually become a mainstream pollution prevention measure. This green approach of \"recovering resources from wastewater and returning them to industrial use\" not only reduces environmental burdens but also aligns with the current global trend of sustainable development, signaling Taiwan's groundbreaking progress in promoting the circular economy and wastewater treatment. Professor Huang Chih-Pin of Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University also said that technologies have matured, leading to commercial successes in \"wastewater mining\" for high-volume metals such as copper and nickel.\nThe MOENV stressed that it will continue to leverage technology to guide the industry’s transition to a circular economy and accelerate recovery of resources from wastewater through strategies such as regulatory changes and economic incentives. This includes the passing and amendment of regulations such as the “Effluent Standards” (放流水標準), “Water Pollution Control Measures and Test Reporting Management Regulations” (水污染防治措施管理辦法), and “Regulations Governing the Collection of Enterprises and Sewage Systems Water Pollution Control Fees” (水污費收費辦法). Local funding is brought in to establish green transition demonstration sites. For businesses initiating green transitions in wastewater treatment, special loan credit guarantees will be provided to assist with financing, and funds will be used to support the development of innovative, resource-circulating, low-carbon and energy-saving wastewater treatment technologies. These efforts are hoped to lead the green transition of wastewater treatment and contribute to a circular economy.", "year": "2025", "month": "7", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/3dcd3844-f296-44fe-accd-b4dc4283045b" }, { "no": "4585", "title": "Environmental Info Push App Upgrades Help with Trip Planning", "preview": "With summer here, people are still travelling around Taiwan. The “Environmental Info Push App” can be downloaded to make it easier to find information on air quality, weather forecasts, temperatures and environmental facilities in real time. The app provides convenience to travelers by combining a smart warning mechanism with the latest air quality standards, combined with a search service to find environmental facilities.", "content": "Aiming to provide a wider spectrum of public health protection, on January 1, 2025 the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) began to implement the latest Air Quality Standards (空氣品質標準), significantly increasing the stringency of AQI pollutant concentration thresholds to meet more rigorous air quality requirements. To strengthen protection for sensitive groups, a protection alert is posted on both the \"Environmental Info Push App\" and the \"Air Quality Monitoring Network\" when hourly concentrations of specific pollutants reach warning levels, sending immediate reminders to the public to take precautionary measures. As of 30 June 2025, a total of 7,378 such alerts have been issued, demonstrating the proactive efforts of the MOENV to provide timely air quality warnings and safeguarding public health.\nThe MOENV also takes protecting the respiratory health of school children very seriously. A real-time air quality monitoring station dashboard widget was launched on the \"Air Quality Monitoring Network\" to address the potential impact of air quality at schools on the development and learning of children. This service allows schools nationwide to embed real-time data widgets directly on their websites, accurately presenting the latest information on AQI, PM2.5, PM10, and O3. This not only provides schools with an \"eye in the sky\" for monitoring air quality near schools, allowing teachers to flexibly adjust outdoor activities based on solid data, but also gives parents access to information at any time, providing greater peace of mind regarding their children's learning environment. To date there has been a high demand for this service, with 5,113 websites requesting to use it, demonstrating its usefulness.\nThe \"Environmental Info Push App\" not only provides local air quality information in real time but also serves as a valuable smart travel companion. Whether looking for a place for a good meal or a restroom, the app can immediately point users in the right direction. It provides nine types of convenient services: environmentally friendly restaurants, green-label hotels, places for borrowing reusable cups, restaurants serving food using environmentally friendly reusable containers, environmentally friendly shops, public restrooms, drinking fountains, agricultural\/forest recreation sites and motorcycle inspection stations. \nFor anyone searching for information on air pollution plumes from factories in the vicinity of their travels, the app also integrates a real-time information system that provides access to continuous monitoring data on emissions from controlled pollution sources. Thus, users can access the latest air pollution emission info at any time from any place with a cellphone. \nThe MOENV sincerely invites all citizens to download the \"Environmental Info Push App” from Google Play (for Android) and App Store (for iOS) while enjoying their summer vacation. It can serve as a smart secretary that can be carried everywhere. No matter where you are, air quality information can always be accessed in real time, for safe and healthy travel in every corner of Taiwan, while helping to protect the environment and both the environment and your personal health.", "year": "2025", "month": "7", "assortment": "Monitoring and Information", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/fffa863d-25a0-42a5-b6d0-82d2deb5f3df" }, { "no": "4584", "title": "Up to NT$2,100 Offered for Replacing Old Motorcycles to Reducing CO2 Emissions", "preview": "In 2022, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) launched a program to encourage the replacement of old motorcycles and help realize the goal of net-zero emissions. The program includes a matching service to help, on one hand, new business establishments (or those who upgrade the emission sources they operate, such as motorcycle owners) to be credited for their reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Concurrently, to offset the increased emission increments from development activities, developers subject to environmental impact assessments are encouraged to purchase the GHG reduction credits that motorcycles owners earn from replacing their old motorcycles. This matching program not only helps reduce GHG emissions by encouraging the replacement of old motorcycles, but it also reduces the financial burden of buying new motorcycles, while encouraging electric vehicles. On 7 July 2025, the Southern Taiwan Science Park of the National Science and Technology Council joined this matching program as a carbon credit purchaser. For any motorcycle owner who earns carbon credit to replace an old vehicle with a new one, the science park will offer NT$2,100 for the credit, the highest price on the market. The total subsidy can be considered even higher, at NT$3,400 per motorcycle, if the NT$1,000 air pollution subsidy and the NT$300 old vehicle recycling reward are added.", "content": "The MOENV established the “greenhouse gas reduction benefit matching service operation procedures for replacing old motorcycles with electric ones” (淘汰老舊機車換購電動機車溫室氣體減量效益媒合服務作業程序) and the “greenhouse gas reduction benefit matching service operation procedures for replacing old cars with new ones” (老舊汽車汰舊換新溫室氣體減量效益媒合服務作業程序) in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Those who are interested in replacing their vehicles that are at least 10 years old with electric or hybrid may visit the MOENV’s “vehicle replacement and offset matching platform” (車輛汰舊換新抵換媒合平臺) to look for and get matched with buyers of CO2 reduction credits, such as developers and local governments. Data from 2022 to May 2025 indicate that more than 100,000 old motorcycles and cars have been registered at the platform for replacement, generating reduction credits of approximately 435,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). \nThe Southern Taiwan Science Park, a new CO2 reduction credit buyer, is planning to purchase credits from the replacement of 1,675 old motorcycles. As every old motorcycle represents 2.3 metric tons of CO2e reduction if replaced with an electric one, it is expected this will generate 3,853 metric tons worth of CO2e of reduction credits. Based on an estimated air pollution reduction credit of 22.07 kg\/motorcycle, air pollution emissions can be reduced by approximately 36.97 metric tons, achieving the dual benefits of carbon reduction and pollution reduction. By adding the Southern Taiwan Science Park, there are now four carbon reduction credit buyers on the current matching platform (in addition to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Hsinchu Science Park and the Tainan City Government). Members of the public or businesses may choose an appropriate plan and apply based on the type of vehicle they want to replace.\nMOENV stated that there are currently 40 development projects whose environmental impact assessments have been approved, and which are required to implement GHG offsets. Thus, more developers will become potential buyers of carbon offset credits. The MOENV encourages those with old vehicles to replace them with more environmentally friendly electric vehicles as soon as possible to work together toward Taiwan’s net zero emissions.", "year": "2025", "month": "7", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/ab605eb7-2bfb-46bf-a679-280c4a060df4" }, { "no": "4583", "title": "MOENV and Ministry of Health and Welfare Launch Training Program for Green Practices in the Medical Care Field", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has been endeavoring to help industries characterized by high energy consumption transition to low-carbon energy in line with global climate change initiatives, contributing to reaching Taiwan’s policy goal of “2050 net zero emissions”. Since medical institutions place high demand on energy and resources, it is crucial for Taiwan’s sustainable development that medical institutions assisting them in enhancing their environmental management, reduce CO2 emissions and improve their performance in circulating resources.", "content": "Mr. Liu Tsung-Yung, president of the MOENV’s National Environment Research Academy (NERA), pointed out that striving for net-zero in the field of medical care is an ongoing international trend. The World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and multiple international health institutions are working to promote the reduction of CO2 emissions in the medical and healthcare area. Attention to environmental sustainability in the delivery of medical care will inevitably grow in alignment with international trends. The medical care field in Taiwan will need to enhance the resilience of its healthcare system to maintain and improve its international competitiveness and reputation. \nThe MOENV approved the “Developing Green Healthcare Initiatives” (綠色醫療推動方案) on 16 May 2025. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare developed 7 strategies and 14 actions -- for example, in the areas of waste reduction, indoor air quality improvement, water resource management, green chemistry, and carbon inventorying -- to help Taiwan’s medical care field improve its CO2 reduction and sustainable governance capabilities.\nBetter environmental performance in the medical care field is expected to be achieved through joint visits and counseling, professional training, and the establishment of demonstration sites, thus jointly realizing the policy vision of \"Healthy Taiwan, Green Healthcare.\"\nThe NERA is planning to provide four sessions of “green medical talent training” in 2025 to improve the professional skills of frontline workers. Director General Liu Yueh-Ping of the Department of Medical Affairs, Ministry of Health and Welfare; Secretary General Chan Ming-Chin of the Infection Control Society of Taiwan; Deputy Secretary General Kuo Chin-Ni of the Taiwan Medical Industry Management and Development Association; Prof. Wang Gen-Shuh of National Taiwan University; Prof. Tsai Ying-I of Chia Nan University of Pharmacy ＆ Science, and many more experts and scholars have been invited as instructors. The program covers green medical policies and trends, carbon neutrality, ESG practices, energy saving and CO2 reduction technologies for medical institutions, waste classification and reduction, indoor air quality management, and medical wastewater treatment. Teaching in theory and case studies will be combined to enhance the practical skills of trainees.\nOne hundred sixty trainees from 105 national-level medical centers as well as from regional hospitals are to take part in these professional training programs, aimed at improving the overall capabilities of medical institutions to promote environmental sustainability and the transition to net-zero. \nIn addition, the MOENV and the Ministry of Health and Welfare will continue to promote inter-hospital exchanges and the sharing of practical experience through events such as the \"Seminar on Waste Management and Pollution Control for Medical Institutions\" to further enhance the overall pollution control and effectiveness of environmental management of medical institutions.", "year": "2025", "month": "7", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/232a0349-1ce5-4bc1-939a-0e88d2d104b1" }, { "no": "4582", "title": "Seaweed Restoration and Mangrove Forestation Approved as Reduction Methodologies", "preview": "The MOENV conducted the 19th meeting for reviews on GHG offset projects and voluntary reduction plans review committee on 24 July 2025, approving “seaweed restoration” and “mangrove forestation” as the two new reduction methodologies. Domestically developed, these two will be employed to expand Taiwan’s efforts to increase carbon sinks into the oceans. It is hoped that it will encourage domestic industries to develop potential for ocean carbon sinks via the mechanism of issuing reduction credits thereby helping Taiwan achieve net zero.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that seaweed restoration and mangrove forestation, jointly proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), are the first local voluntary GHG reduction methodologies in the field of “blue carbon”. Since civil organizations in Taiwan are quite concerned with this as well, the MOENV invited experts in this field to serve as external consultants as well as relevant civil organizations to engage in discussions and express their opinions, which were taken into consideration. These two methodologies were revised and approved in the 19th meeting on 24 July after draft announcement, consultation with public opinion, and discussions with experts in multiple meetings. The following are several key points: \nI. Avoid ecological or environmental impacts \ni. Limit executable areas: Measures such as mangrove or seaweed forestation will inevitably alter the environments where they are carried out. To avoid significant impacts on the ecosystems or environments, the areas where such measures can take place are restricted as suggested by public opinion. Seaweed restoration is limited to “ocean or coastal wetlands” and “manmade wetlands”, while mangrove forestation is limited to “manmade wetlands,” such as fallow salt fields, fish farms, and impounding reservoirs. \nii. Take corresponding actions: The applicability of seaweed restoration specifies that no biological removal within the project boundaries unless it is necessary for seaweed protection; and for mangrove forestation, it is mandated that it should take necessary actions to keep mangrove plants from growing outside of the project boundaries. In addition, project applicants are required to conduct environmental impact analysis and collect public opinions for both methodologies prior to project execution and include the analysis results in the project proposals. \nII. Specify quantified monitoring and reduction results and avoid overestimation \nFor the voluntary GHG reduction mechanism, the ability to measure, report, and verify results is important. Results also need to be additional, conservative, and permanent. Therefore, the review committee members and the MOENV have requested the OAC to establish standard operating procedures for carbon sink measurement for project applicants to follow accordingly. They also specified that benefits of increased carbon sinks generated after implementation of these measures are specific and not overestimated in terms of monitoring and calculation. At the same time, it is mandatory in the reduction methodologies mandate execution according to the officially published procedures. Furthermore, carbon emissions generated from carrying out this measure should be deducted from the calculation, including the GHG emissions from fossil fuels used in project implementation. \nThe reduction methodologies approved this time will be published by the MOENV and made available at the Voluntary GHG Reduction and Offset Information Platform (溫室氣體自願減量暨抵換資訊平臺) as soon as they are revised by the MOA and the OAC according to meeting resolutions. MOENV has also requested both ministries to provide needed assistance with more efforts on personnel training as soon as possible as applicants for voluntary reduction projects are to be verified by third-party verification institutes first. The MOENV noted that Taiwan has incorporated natural carbon sinks as a key strategy for net-zero emissions and that international voluntary reduction mechanisms are also moving toward reduction projects utilizing carbon sinks (removal). With the two newly announced methodologies, the MOENV has approved and publicly released a total of seven domestic carbon-sink reduction methodologies so far, hoping to further support Taiwan's progress toward its net-zero goal.", "year": "2025", "month": "7", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/1276618a-e6ca-4e42-9bf3-d9425da202f5" }, { "no": "4581", "title": "Plastic liner and blister packaging suppliers will be required to provide resin identification codes on their products, starting from July 1, 2027", "preview": "Aiming to intensify promotion of recycling for plastic liners and blister packaging and align with international material labeling for plastic packaging, the MOENV promulgated the amended “Regulations Concerning Scope of Enterprises Responsible for Marking Relevant Recycling Labels on Articles and Containers, Size, Locations and Other Binding Matters for Recycling Labels (應標示回收相關標誌之物品或容器責任業者範圍、標誌圖樣大小、位置及其他應遵行事項)”. Regulations regarding labeling resin identification codes on plastic liners and blister packaging were added in the revisions and will take effect on 1 July 2027.", "content": "MOENV explained that this amendment is mainly to correspond to the new announcement in 2023 that plastic liners and blister packaging are recyclable waste. To intensify the recycling efforts of the public, government agencies and schools, enterprises that manufacture or import plastic liners or blister packaging for unpackaged products are required to mark resin identification codes on liners and\/or packaging. Enterprises importing products already containing plastic liners or blister packaging are mandated to put such code on the products or the product packaging or their labels. In addition, should a business choose to mark the resin identification code on the packaging or labels of imported products, information of corresponding packaging materials or containers should be also provided below the code to identify the plastic materials.\nIf plastic liners or blister packaging were used to package medicines, health supplements or medical devices, the MOENV further pointed out that the labeling requirement may be waived for such plastic materials. The reason is that labeling the packaging materials may involve changes of the packaging materials or structure, which are subject to a series of stability tests, pre-clinical tests and reviews of Ministry of Health and Welfare for approval and therefore may affect product supply stability and needs regarding public health. \nThe MOENV stressed that plastic liner and packaging suppliers already registered before the date of promulgation (July 1, 2027) are required to provide the resin identification codes no later than 30 September 2027; those who register after are required to do the same starting the day after registering for three months. It is hoped that this labeling requirement will lead suppliers to simplify packaging materials and will encourage the public, government agencies and schools to properly recycle plastic packaging materials.", "year": "2025", "month": "7", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/d5004a2d-b686-4920-b25f-0c050c034892" }, { "no": "4580", "title": "MOENV Sets up Subsidies for Post-Disaster Asbestos Waste Disposal", "preview": "In response to multiple buildings damaged in Chiayi City, Chiayi County and Tainan City due to typhoon Danas, MOENV, after visiting the affected areas twice on July 18 and July 19, 2025, approved a fund of NT$24.5 million for the three counties and cities on July 21. It ask local governments to help residents remove asbestos-containing waste to the designated storage site. Local governments estimated that NT$780 million is needed alone to dispose of asbestos-containing wastes, so the Executive Yuan decided on 29 July to accelerate recovery by helping with removal of asbestos-containing wastes generated at residences, livestock farms, agricultural facilities and other locations damaged by the typhoon. To ensure safety of the public and removal personnel, the Ministry of Labor (MOL) and the MOENV promulgated the Guidelines for Hazard Prevention for Post-Disaster Removal and Clearance of Asbestos-Containing Corrugated Roofing Sheets (災後石綿屋瓦浪板拆除清理作業危害預防處理原則) and Guidelines for Removal and Disposal of Asbestos-Containing Wastes after Natural Disasters (天然災害後石綿建材廢棄物清除處理指引) on 25 and 30 July, respectively, as reference for protection.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that asbestos was widely used particularly as roofing material in the 1970s and 1980s for its fire retardance, thermal insulation and abrasion resistance. Later studies revealed that asbestos fibers are harmful to human health if inhaled and therefore currently banned for use and import. There will be no fugitive asbestos fibers If the asbestos building materials are structurally intact and not damaged or demolished in any way. It will be safe with low risk to human health. The Chemicals Administration, MOENV has found approximately 240,000 buildings nationwide with asbestos on their roofs using remote sensing since 2020. A subsidy of NT$1.6 billion in total is being appropriated from 2023 to 2027 for local governments to help with asbestos waste disposal. With NT$860 million allocated so far, local governments have finished informing homeowners of all the listed buildings, conducting field investigation on 43,000 properties, and disposing of 14,000 metric tons of asbestos waste. It is estimated that Danas newly left behind additional 15,600 metric tons of asbestos waste. As of the end of June 2025, there are still 645,000 metric tons in landfill capacity, enough to meet post-disaster disposal needs.\nFor asbestos-containing material management and control, the MOENV has looked to experience in Japan and the Netherlands, which reduce health and environmental risks by allowing natural phase-out during renovations of old buildings and then providing subsidies for proper disposal, instead of mandating complete demolition within a certain period. Such measures are continuously carried out with necessary consideration regarding homeowners’ willingness, rebuilding needs, and demolition capacity. Furthermore, MOENV funded research and development of thermal and chemical disposal technologies in 2023-2024 to expand disposal technologies and capacity beyond landfill.\nRegarding asbestos management, MOENV has been working with the MOL, the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), and the Ministry of Health and Welfare to establish an online asbestos information platform, providing information on promotional materials, regulations, consultation, and application documents for the public, disposal personnel, companies, and enterprise institutions. For the disaster-stricken areas of Tainan City, the MOENV will also invite the MOL and local volunteer groups to visit victims in these areas to promote relevant policies and investigate the removal of and protection against asbestos waste and assess any damage. Results will be reported to the relevant competent agencies immediately to assist in recoveries as soon as possible.\nAsbestos roof tiles were damaged and fell to the ground on some houses in the wake of Typhoon Danas. The MOENV reminds the public to refer to the Guidelines for Disposal of Asbestos-Containing Wastes after Natural Disaster and, while clearing debris, to wear N95 masks and gloves, to wet the asbestos materials, and to completely cover them with plastic bags, feed bags, or canvas following the principles of no touching, no breaking, and no exposing. Afterwards, requests for removal are to be made to local environmental protection bureaus or district offices. If it is needed to remove asbestos roof tiles, it is recommended to commission legitimate construction companies, which are required to ensure proper working environments and personal protection measures following the MOL's “Guidelines of Hazard Prevention for Post-Disaster Removal and Clearance of Asbestos-Containing Corrugated Roofing Sheets” and the MOI's “Regulations for Building Demolitions (建築物拆除施工規範)”.\nThose who need asbestos waste removal may contact local environmental protection bureaus (05-2251775, #307 and 312 for Chiayi City Environmental Protection Bureau; 05-3620800, #314 and 318 for Chiayi County Environmental Protection Bureau; 06-2686751, #1627, 1637 and 1628 for Tainan City Environmental Protection Bureau; or respective websites for other local bureaus), or call the Resource Circulation Administration, MOENV at 02-8771-0152. Information is also available on Asbestos Information Platform – Application of Subsidies for Asbestos Waste Removal and Disposal at https:\/\/topic.moenv.gov.tw\/asbestos\/cp-681-10681-087c5-4.html.", "year": "2025", "month": "7", "assortment": "Resource Circulation, Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/2982aa3b-a1d0-41dd-ae2c-b46c725dc483" }, { "no": "4579", "title": "HFC Imports and Exports Without Permits Subject to NT$100,000 to NT$1 million Starting July", "preview": "To align with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which places hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)-a family of substances with high global warming potential-under control, the MOENV promulgated the “Management Regulations for Hydrofluorocarbons (氫氟碳化物管理辦法)” on February 25 2025. The regulations specified the national HFC consumption and will ban the import and export of HFCs without a permit starting on July 1, 2025. Businesses that use or supply HFCs are urged to obtain the required permits before importing or exporting, or they may face a penalty.", "content": "The MOENV indicates that HFCs are commonly used in Taiwan as refrigerants for refrigeration and air conditioning, as fire-extinguishing agents, and in electronics manufacturing processes. Because of HFCs’ high global warming potential (GWP) and significant impacts on climate change, the Kigali Amendment, which was approved at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, lists HFCs as controlled substances. It stipulated that all signing parties should gradually reduce HFC consumption (i.e., manufacturing + import - export) in phases. On 25 February 2025, Taiwan has announced the \"Prohibited or Restricted Types of Hydrofluorocarbons for Manufacture, Import, Export, Sale, Use or Emission,\" and promulgated the Management Regulations for Hydrofluorocarbons (referred to as the regulations hereinafter), clearly defining Taiwan's HFC consumption baseline, reduction rates and reduction schedules for each phase among all relevant control measures.\nWith the promulgation of the regulations and relevant control measures, the MOENV urges enterprises to heed the following to avoid violating the regulations and fines of NT$100,000 and NT$1 million under Article 52 of the Climate Change Response Act: \nI. Starting July 1, 2025, HFCs may only be imported or exported only with a permit, and from or to countries or regions specified by the Montreal Protocol. \nII. Businesses must first qualify for and obtain an HFC allocation and obtain allocation quantities before applying to MOENV for permits, either on their own or by commissioning suppliers, for imports or exports. The goods must be imported or exported within the approved period.\nIII. Businesses」 qualified for allocation or provided with allocated quantities shall report their operations of the previous quarter by the end of January, April, July, and October. Users with an allocated quota are prohibited from selling or distributing of HFCs. Suppliers with an allocated quota may transfer their quotas to other suppliers only with MOENV’s approval.\nIV. Businesses with HFC needs may visit MOENV’s HFCs Reporting System for a list of suppliers who have obtained allocation approvals from MOENV or may apply to MOENV for allocation approval and allocated quantities for the next year by the end of every July in accordance with Article 6 of the regulations. Upon approval, they may then apply for import and export permits.", "year": "2025", "month": "7", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/fd6d6f0b-61eb-4924-bcf0-799342461159" }, { "no": "4578", "title": "MOENV Announces Regulations for Climate Change Risk Assessment", "preview": "The MOENV released the “Regulations for Climate Change Risk Assessment (氣候變遷風險評估作業準則) ” according to Article 18 of the “Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法) ” to improve the climate adaptation capabilities of governments at all levels, in response to extreme weather events, and strengthen climate risk management. The regulations will serve as the basis for governments at all levels to carry out adaptation policies and action plans and establish a consistent climate risk assessment procedure.", "content": "The MOENV released the draft “Regulations for Climate Change Risk Assessment” for public feedback on April 9, 2025. Following workshops for discussion and revisions, and official promulgation was made on July 16, 2025, after thorough discissions and the integration of public opinions. \nThe MOENV pointed out that the regulations will help establish consistent procedures and operational guidelines for government departments’ efforts in climate change risk assessment and adaptation solutions. Governments at all levels shall use the latest scientific reports on climate change to conduct systematic risk assessments based on these regulations when developing and implementing climate change adaptation programs and strategies. Additionally, they are to develop adaptation plans for fields susceptible to climate change impacts and local adaptation action plans to minimize climate impacts accordingly. Drawing on domestic and international experiences, a systematic framework has been designed, covering assessment principles, analysis methods, adaptation implementation, and a review and revision mechanism. Key points include: \nI. Clearly define assessment principles: Climate change risk assessment shall cover the scope definition, status, and future risk analysis, and incorporate levels of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. \nII. Enhance adaptation and decision-making mechanisms: Governments at all levels shall formulate adaptation options based on climate change risk assessment results and evaluate their feasibility and outcomes. \nIII. Facilitate cross-departmental cooperation and public participation: The government, private sector, and civil society are encouraged to participate in climate risk assessment and adaptation decision-making, mainstream climate adaptation policies, and facilitate social inclusion. \nIV. Establish a review and revision system on a rolling basis: Adaptation plans are reviewed and revised in a timely manner based on the latest climate science reports and domestic and international development trends to enhance effectiveness and replicability of adaptation measures.\nThe MOENV mentioned that the National Development Council held a special task force meeting on Planning and Promotion of Adaptation Strategy to Climate Change in Taiwan and its Action Plans on 14 May 2025 to promote the new “National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan (2027-2030) (國家氣候變遷調適行動計畫)”and to adjust areas under the Action Plan that are prone to climate change impacts. In addition to the five existing major areas, life-sustaining infrastructure, water resources, land use, energy supply and industries, and health, the Action Plan has been updated. \"Oceans and coasts,\" formerly \"coasts and oceans,\" is now managed by the Ocean Affairs Council. Meanwhile, \"agricultural production and biodiversity\" has been split into \"agricultural production\" and \"ecosystems,\" bringing the total number of areas to eight.\nIn accordance with the Climate Change Response Act, all ministries will define the scope of assessment for their respective sectors that are vulnerable to climate change impacts. They will do this based on the latest climate science reports and the provisions of these guidelines and will initiate climate change risk assessments following established procedures. The MOENV will help the ministries introduce risk assessment procedures and enhance their capabilities in climate adaptation. Starting in August, the MOENV will collaborate with the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction to organize workshops on climate risk assessments and applications. Experts from various adaptation sectors will be invited in these workshops to integrate and promote experiences and exchange research results, facilitate cross-departmental learning and cooperation, support ministries in strengthening their climate adaptation capabilities, and standardize climate risk assessments and operational procedures. The aim is to gradually build a forward-looking and resilient adaptation governance system and to integrate and enhance Taiwan's long-term adaptation capabilities to address climate risks.", "year": "2025", "month": "7", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/5d0df040-2da4-4dd8-8d6d-d4f58a23761e" }, { "no": "4577", "title": "MOENV Announces Carbon Inventory Guidelines for 4 Industries", "preview": "MOENV announced on July 14 the greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory guidelines for four categories, the service industry, transportation, hospitals and colleges\/universities. The guidelines are designed to assist those added to the expanded list of mandatory inventory targets announced for 2025. A series of meetings is expected to be organized in mid-July in collaboration with the central competent authorities. The inventory reporting system is scheduled for trial in September to ensure that all enterprises listed for control can complete the GHG inventory for 2025 by 30 April 2026.", "content": "On 4 March 2025, the MOENV announced the “Enterprise Emission Source Subject to Inventory and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emission(事業應盤查登錄溫室氣體排放量之排放源)”, mandating industries with high-energy-consuming electricity, gas, or other fossil fuels, such as the service industry, transportation, medical institutions, universities, and the manufacturing industry, to conduct GHG inventory and reporting. To assist these enterprises, whose estimated GHG emissions fall between 10,000 and 25,000 metric tons, inventory guidelines are set specifically for various industries, and simple calculation tools are also provided at the Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting System. This tool, combined with the operation manual, allows enterprises to quickly estimate 80% to 90% of their GHG emissions based on their own annual electricity and fuel consumption. In addition, MOENV has reached an agreement with TaiPower Company that it can provide enterprises with direct access to power consumption via the Mandatory Reporting System through the Mandatory Reporting System, if they submit authorization documents. \nMOENV formulated guidelines specifically for these four categories, considering their distinct characteristics. For example, service enterprises aim often to expand by opening many branch stores: transportation enterprises rely on gas- and diesel-fueled fleets and focus on station operation, hospitals have high electricity consumption and possibly use special GHGs in anesthetics and medical procedures, and colleges\/ universities run many laboratories for teaching and research. During the guideline formulation, opinions from various fields were gathered. With the service industry, templates are provided to department stores, hotels, convenience stores, supermarkets, wholesale stores, information services and telecommunications. Meetings of corporate inventory capacity coaching will be organized to explain in detail relevant regulations of the inventory methods, inventory guidelines, and system operation, which will effectively improve enterprise personnel’s inventory capabilities and ensure that enterprises under the expanded control successfully complete inventory and reporting. \nCarbon emission inventory is the cornerstone for carbon reduction as well as the foundation for implementing emission management and reduction measures. With the expanded list of targets subject to mandatory GHG inventory, the MOENV adopted four principles: no trouble, no need for outsourcing, no verification, and no collection of carbon fees. The complete inventory guidelines announced this time are available for download at the Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting System. Moreover, the competent authorities for individual industries will provide guidance and update the information on the Mandatory System regularly.", "year": "2025", "month": "7", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/41060fab-4c7e-4c20-9570-61d8b18fce57" }, { "no": "4576", "title": "MOENV Joins Forces with Local Governments to Conduct Post-disaster Environmental Recovery Drill", "preview": "Along with the participation of multiple local environmental protection bureaus in central Taiwan, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) and the Nantou County Government held the \"Post-disaster Environmental Recovery and Environmental Disinfection Dispatch Drill\" on 25 June 2025, aimed at improving post-disaster en-vironmental recovery capabilities. The drill was centered on collaboration across local administrations, demonstrating the outstanding integration and coordinated action of the central and local governments around post-disaster response and resource dispatching.", "content": "The drill simulated a powerful typhoon reaching landfall in Budai, Chiayi County, triggering heavy rains in the mountains of Nantou County for several days and re-sulting in landslides in many locations. At the same time, a magnitude 6.7 earth-quake was deemed to have occurred near the coast of Hualien, causing the col-lapse of old buildings in Caotun, Nantou City and other places, damage to tempo-rary garbage storage sites and idle incinerator facilities, and falling roadside trees. The drill covered the collapsed buildings and landslides, emergency repair of facili-ties and disinfection of disaster-affected areas. A total of 12 vehicles and multiple disinfection machines were mobilized, and cleaning workers dispatched to practice and demonstrate rapid post-disaster response and disinfection processes. Fully equipped, the participants performed their tasks professionally under the blazing sun, determined to practice protecting the safety of the environment and health of the population.\nThe drill was aimed at quick cleaning and disinfection of road obstacles, rubble and landslides caused by an extreme weather event, testing the emergency re-sponse capabilities of all participating departments, as well as the operational ef-fectiveness of central and local command and coordination and resource dispatch-ing. MOENV pointed out that this drill simulated two concurrent disasters and suc-cessfully verified the effectiveness of the \"environmental management information system (EMIS)\". This ensured that environmental recovery can be immediately initi-ated in response to a major event and the \"patrol, deposit, clean, and scrub” pro-cess can be carried out to reduce the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as dengue fever, due to environmental deterioration.\nMOENV emphasized that it will continue to introduce AI technology and disaster prevention decision-making systems in the future to strengthen cross-regional and cross-departmental response and dispatch capabilities, as the world faces increas-ingly severe natural disasters and climate change challenges. The drill demonstrat-ed the results of successful cooperation between the central and local govern-ments and strengthened the rapid response and integration capabilities of all par-ticipating units to deal with disasters. The MOENV calls on governments at all lev-els to continue to improve post-disaster coordination and dispatch mechanisms and encourages local departments to optimize response processes through practi-cal exercises, and jointly create a safe and healthy living environment, to reduce environmental and public health risks and allow people to quickly resume their normal routines after a disaster occurs.", "year": "2025", "month": "6", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/86be5eb4-89d4-48ad-820d-55a0a9cafc65" }, { "no": "4575", "title": "MOENV and National Fire Agency Cooperate on Improving Emergency Response, as Central Taiwan Toxic Substance Emergency Response Training Center Starts Operations", "preview": "The \"Central Taiwan Toxic Substance Emergency Response Training Center\" (Cen-tral Training Center) started operations on 20 June 2025, to improve Taiwan's overall response capabilities to chemical incidents. The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held an unveiling ceremony together with the National Fire Agency, Min-istry of the Interior and signed an inter-departmental cooperation memorandum on the same day, ushering in a new stage of systematic, professional and interna-tional training of emergency response professionals.", "content": "Located in the Fire Academy in Zhushan, Nantou County, the Central Training Cen-ter provides a complete chemical incident response training environment with multiple facilities, including a variety of practice areas and teaching spaces. The Center was first approved by the Executive Yuan in 2017, completed in December 2024 after completion of rigorous design and construction tasks, and finally opened for operations on 20 June. Esteemed guests from the Ministry of the Inte-rior, National Land Management Agency, local governments, fire departments, and the industrial and academic sectors were invited to the opening ceremony to wit-ness this important milestone in disaster prevention infrastructure at the national level.\nOn the same day, the National Fire Agency and Chemicals Administration signed an inter-agency cooperation memorandum (MOU) covering several collaborations. These include site sharing; resource reciprocity; sharing teaching materials; simula-tion exercises, and inter-agency joint training courses. Also, systematic and profes-sional training platforms will be built, and teacher exchanges will be conducted based on policy development and training capacity. In summary, the training cen-ter will comprehensively elevate high-intensity, practical training and systematic emergency rescue and response capabilities.\nThe MOENV stated that the opening of the Central Training Center not only marks the operability of facilities but also demonstrates that Taiwan's toxic and chemical incident response training has reached a milestone at a systematic and interna-tional level. The efforts to improve cross-departmental cooperation will continue to cultivate professional talents, enhance the resilience of the disaster prevention system, protect the lives and property of residents, and build a forward-looking society equipped to mitigate and deal with major emergencies.", "year": "2025", "month": "6", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/37d02567-9256-46e6-824b-39a1b49aff2a" }, { "no": "4574", "title": "MOENV Launches “Demonstration and Subsidy Program for Global Cooling Pledge” to Encourage Replacement of Air Conditioning Equipment and Maximize Energy Efficiency", "preview": "As the average global temperature continues to rise, the Global Cooling Pledge, initiated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been promoted around the world. Seeing this, the Min-istry of Environment (MOENV) launched a demonstration and subsidy program for the “Global Cooling Pledge”, providing NT$50 million from the special budget of Phase 5 of the forward-looking infrastructure plan. The program targets hospitals, schools, hotels, commercial and office buildings, government agencies (institu-tions), factories that are not subject to carbon fees, and agricultural facilities to serve as demonstration sites for activities such as replacing air-conditioning sys-tems, introducing innovative technologies, or adopting smart management. Cases will be reviewed on a competitive basis, and up to NT$5 million may be provided for each case to serve as a reference for other subsequent targets, thereby im-proving the overall energy-saving measures of industry and the nation.", "content": "The MOENV noted data from the UNEP indicates that cooling equipment around the world consumes more than 20% of global electricity. By the year 2100, average temperatures could rise by 4°C in urban areas due to the increased use of air con-ditioning, which would be almost twice the average rate of global warming. As temperature rise continues, the capacity of cooling equipment is expected to in-crease by 200% by 2050, resulting in more than doubling the amount of electricity consumption. In response, the President of the United Arab Emirates and the UNEP created the Global Cooling Pledge at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in 2023. The pledge aims to reduce carbon emissions due to air conditioning by at least 68% by 2050 compared to 2022. Currently, 72 countries have answered the call, including Germany, the United States, and Japan. To achieve the goal, ap-proaches include improving energy efficiency and reducing the use of refrigerants with high global warming potential.\nMOENV established the \"demonstration and subsidy program for the Global Cool-ing Pledge\" in response to high temperature impacts from climate change and to help reach national greenhouse gas reduction targets. This also contributes to the national energy transition, improves energy efficiency and answers the need for international initiatives. The subsidy can be used for several purposes, including the introduction of energy management systems (EMS) and other projects, such as demonstration models or test runs for innovative technical solutions. Likewise, it can be used to replace chillers, ice storage systems, air compressors and other equipment, or to replace refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP). The subsidy recipients will be hospitals, schools, hotels, commercial or office build-ings, institutions, factories (not subject to carbon fee collection), and agricultural facilities. The period to apply for the subsidy runs until 31 July, or until the subsi-dies run out.\nThe MOENV pointed out that as the global average temperature keeps rising, so does electricity consumption due to use of air conditioners and cooling equip-ment. This also leads to increasing heat loads in living environments from the heat generated by the operation of air conditioners and cooling equipment. The issue of sustainable cooling requires cross-departmental collaboration. MOENV will promote the use of highly energy-efficient equipment and systems, energy conser-vation in buildings, the gradual replacement of high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and lead the development of innovative technologies based on the Global Cooling Pledge. Hopefully, this will encourage all sectors to implement cooling actions and move towards the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.", "year": "2025", "month": "6", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/d9c93bac-9744-439d-984f-ff82156c4c3c" }, { "no": "4573", "title": "European Energy Exchange and Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange Sign MOU on Constructing Emissions Trading System for Taiwan", "preview": "On 27 June 2025, the European Energy Exchange (EEX) and the Taiwan Carbon So-lution Exchange (TCX) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Leipzig, Germany, on establishing an Emissions Trading System (ETS) for Taiwan. Minister Peng Chi-Ming and Deputy Minister Shih Wen-Chen of the Ministry of Environ-ment (MOENV), as well as Deputy Director General Chang Ken-Mu of the Climate Change Administration, MOENV witnessed the signing and visited the operations of the EEX's online simulation trading platform. EEX has promised to share its rich experience in the EU emissions trading system and its resources with Taiwan to provide relevant education and training resources to help Taiwan build capacity and establish market platforms for carbon trading.", "content": "At the signing ceremony, MOENV Minister Peng said that the establishment of a domestic total control and emissions trading system (ETS) is an important task of Taiwan’s government now. The signing of the MOU between EEX and TCX allows Taiwan to learn from EEX’s successful experience in helping other countries to es-tablish ETS systems, including talent training, platform design and future opera-tions. After the adoption of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, countries have been moving toward a single global carbon market. Given this trend, cooperation be-tween EEX and TCX has become increasingly important and urgent. The MOENV will continue to cultivate close cooperation between EEX and TCX and work active-ly with all relevant ministries to promote the establishment of an ETS system and the improvement of regulations.\nThe MOENV noted that the EU is the first region in the world to implement an ETS with a complete regulatory system and framework. It is a pioneer model for an ETS system, with EEX being one of the main designated auction platforms for the EU ETS. With the pending launch of Taiwan’s ETS system, the MOENV is overseeing necessary regulatory changes, while TCX oversees credit trading, among other mat-ters. To this end, the MOENV will cooperate with the Financial Supervisory Com-mission and the Ministry of Economic Affairs to improve the regulatory environ-ment as quickly as possible and provide full support for TCX. A preliminary con-sensus on public-private cooperation has been reached in Taiwan, and it is antici-pated that Taiwan's ETS will be in operation soon.\nMOENV is planning for an ETS trial in 2026 and hopes it will be fully launched in parallel with the carbon fee system sometime between 2027 and 2028. The signing of the MOU with EEX not only represents the deep cooperation between Germany and Taiwan in the construction of the carbon pricing system, but also the MOENV hopes that TCX will build a robust and transparent carbon emissions trading plat-form with the assistance of EEX, laying a solid foundation for the future trial and promotion of an ETS.", "year": "2025", "month": "6", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/86c2927e-ba70-4fd1-9234-ff98213745da" }, { "no": "4572", "title": "Redeemability of Green Points Expanded on Tenth Anniversary", "preview": "To mark the 10th year of the \"Green Points Collection System\", a press confer-ence titled \"Your Green Points Are Redeemable – Upgrade of Green Points Collec-tion\" (你的生活，綠點都能換－環保集點好用再升級) was held on 17 June 2025 in Taipei City. On this anniversary, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) launched an upgrade to the Green Points Collection System, adding greater participation incentives and better system functionality. The new plan \"Upgraded and Expand-ed Green Point Application\" (綠點升級擴大應用) was launched with the aim of stimulating greater circulation of green points and driving a new wave of usage.", "content": "On 17 June 2025, the redeemability of Green Points was expanded, making their use more flexible and practical for daily needs. Green Points collected through the dedicated app can now be redeemed for exclusive discounts at seven retail chains: 7-ELEVEN, Family Mart, Hi-Life, E-Life Mall, Tsannkuen 3C, Simple Mart and Leezen.\nTo publicize the expanded redeemability, the MOENV held the \"Free Your Points\" marketing campaign from 17 June to 20 July 2025. For every redemption for a dis-count on any product specified within a “time-limited event” using the Green Points app for the first time, 200 Green Points were awarded. Also, a bonus of 2,000 points were credited after amassing 5,000 points. In addition, by sharing news of purchases online on Facebook, Green Point app users were given oppor-tunities to win prizes, such as a Green-Mark hotel accommodation voucher or an NT$1,000 gift voucher from a Green-Mark travel agency.\nMore than a million users have signed up for the Green Point collection system since its launch. These points are collected by using public transportation, making green purchases and participating in environmental protection events, further bringing the concept of \"being environmentally friendly and enjoying good bene-fits\" to life in daily practice. The system upgrade makes green actions easier, and the Green Points help people feel their money goes further when they shop at convenience stores, purchase 3C products or buy fresh food.\nThe MOENV warmly invites all citizens to participate by downloading and using the \"Green Points Collection\" App. Residents can do their part for the environment, earn green points and live a green life together.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "6", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/4cc9c15c-bae6-4bc3-a488-d720221083b4" }, { "no": "4571", "title": "The First Circular Redesign Center Unveiled in Taiwan", "preview": "The MOENV has launched the Circular Redesign Center, first in Taiwan, on 5 June 2025 to accelerate facilitation of Taiwan's resource circulation policies and strengthen youth entrepreneurship. The opening ceremony, held at the Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab (C-LAB, at the site of former Air Force Command Head-quarters). Together with industry representatives of the 8+N Resource Circulation Alliance, the MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Ming and Director Lai Ying-Ying of the Resource Circulation Administration witnessed the opening of this experimental base for resource integration and value-added innovation.", "content": "The circular economy is a key strategy for net-zero transition in response to global climate change. \"Ten-billion investment\", \"market connection\" and \"improved leg-islation\" are the three tools used by the MOENV to promote circular economy, and circular design, circular procurement and green marketing will be the key forces to drive changes in consumer behaviors and social sustainability. The establishment of the \"Circular Redesign Center\" on the World Environment Day, 5 June 2025, is of special significance, as it symbolizes that Taiwan has taken actions to answer this year's initiative, \"Beat Plastic Pollution\". It shows Taiwan’s commitment in reduc-tion of disposable plastics and wastes generation via circular design and use of recycled resources to enhance the product life cycle, hence achieving the policy goals of resource conservation and sustainable management. The MOENV will con-tinue to work with all departments and industries involved, encourage the design community and the industry to participate, allowing everyone to become part of the circular economy, and build a collaboration circle for resource circulation that involves industries, design, and consumption. At the same time, periodic exhibi-tions, workshops and events to match service providers and those in need will take place to inspire more design ideas and innovative circular solutions.\nThe Circular Redesign Center, aiming to work with private enterprises to create an environment-friendly specific for Taiwanese, will serve as a landmark site for circu-lation displays and interactions with services including \"startup hub\", \"circulation product display, sale, and promotion\" and \"upcycling\". Funds needed for entre-preneurship, research, and development will be provided through the Green Growth Fund, subsidies for innovative research and development funding, and guidance, thus creating new momentum to drive green economic growth. Market opportunities are to be created along with circulation product exhibitions and ser-vices to match suitable manufacturers as to support youth entrepreneurs in all as-pects. It is planned to help ten new entrepreneurs enter the market each year and invite 40 circulation product brands to attend exhibitions.\nStriving to assist corporate upgrades and restructure, the Circular Redesign Center will provide one-stop services from materials, equipment, marketing to office ac-commodation, integrating creativity and product design to enhance the economic and social values of circulation products. Moreover, online and offline sales plat-forms will be connected to integrate circular materials and product channels, ac-celerating formation of an innovative business model with Taiwanese characteris-tics and edges in international competitions.\nThe Circulation Redesign Center invited industries of the 8+N Resource Circulation Alliance to organize the 2025 rotating exhibitions featuring circular themes includ-ing Textiles, Plastics, Inorganic Matters and Construction, and Electronics. In line with the EU’s 2030 Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles proposed in 2022, the first exhibition to come is \"Textile Circulation” that requires producers to in-troduce green textile design and take responsibility for recycling and reuse, facili-tating fiber-to-fiber resource circulation. Textile resource circulation is now one of the ten key tasks under Taiwan’s Key Strategies for Net-Zero Transition, Resource Circulation for Zero Waste, with guidelines in place regarding the four major as-pects, which are production, use, recycling and circulation. The Textile Circulation Alliance was established in 2024 by bringing together the supply chain of Taiwan's textile industry, government officials, academia, and the research community to facilitate the second-hand use and circulation of textiles and reduce the environ-mental impact of textile wastes.\nThe \"Textile Circulation\" exhibition started from 5 June to mid-July 2025, 9 am to 6 pm every Tuesday to Saturday, showcasing achievements made by gathering strengths of industry, government, academia and research. All exhibited pieces are clear examples of green design, circular procurement (full cycle), and smart circula-tion and regeneration, such as yarns, fabrics, and products made from recycled coffee grounds and pineapple leaf fibers and products, combining functionality and environmental protection, as well as environment-friendly work suits made with 100% recycled polyester fiber materials that demonstrate values of plastic cir-culation and new business models. The academic community has also actively re-sponded to the concept of green design, exhibited environmentally friendly cloth-ing designs, and implemented sustainability education on campus. The public are welcome to visit and experience the innovative charm of circular designs.", "year": "2025", "month": "6", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/a5fccf76-48dc-497b-b502-1dcd75ab2a22" }, { "no": "4570", "title": "New Reduction and Circulation Model Set via Biomass in Farming and Power Generation", "preview": "To assist the livestock farming in its green transition for the goals of coexistence with the environment and sustainable circulation, MOENV has converted the in-dustry’s wastewater into valuable resources through legislation, combination of cross-departmental resources, collaborative assistance from both the central and local governments, and technological promotion. The technological chain is set up to turn waste manure into valuables. This will improve the environment better and also build a sustainable and resilient environment by turning biomass into farming resources and electricity with expertise.", "content": "I. Set clear goals for reutilization-related regulations to guide industry transfor-mation and upgrade\nMOENV is actively promoting reutilization livestock manure into resources to improve the long-term river pollution caused by livestock wastewater. In wa-terbodies in central and southern Taiwan, nearly 90% of the pollution around certain monitoring stations observing serious pollution comes from discharges from animal farms. Therefore, Article 46-1 of the Water Pollution Control Measures and Testing Reporting Management Regulations (水污染防治措施及檢測申報管理辦法) has been amended to specify targets for reutilization percentages which are 5% and 10% by the end of 2022 and 2027, respectively, for large farms (2,000 pigs, or 500 heads of cattle, or more), as well as 5% and 10% by the end of 2025 and 2029, respectively, for small farms.\nAs of now, all large farms nationwide have met the 5% target, and about 70% of small farms have met the target. There are still nearly 1,400 small animal farms that have not made the 5% target set by the end of 2025. Eight years have passed as local governments have been working hard to aid and carry out control measures ever since the reutilization target was set for small farms in 2017. Now that the mandatory target of 5% reutilization for small farms will take effect at the end of 2025, the MOENV calls on all farms to fol-low and take steps accordingly to avoid penalties.\nII. Build the zero-waste circulation through collection, disposal and irrigation\nThe MOENV, working with the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and local gov-ernments, has implemented varies measures to enhance wastewater disposal and treatment capacities, such as large farms’ collection of wastewaters for small ones, centralized treatment, and irrigation trials. Subsidies have been provided on 20 treatment sites and 131 irrigation vehicles since 2018, in total, benefitting 132 farms, 168,000 pigs, and 14,000 heads of cattle and therefore significantly lowering pressure on water qualities in highly polluted areas.\nIn addition, efforts have been made to irrigate 133 types of crops with fiber digestate to diversify channels of fertilizer use. The MOENV worked with TaiSugar for forest irrigation experiments in the Jiuru flatland forestation area in Pingtung. The results showed no deaths of trees nor fertilizer damage, and the tree circumference continued to increase by about 1 to 3 cm. Farmers in the neighborhood said that they detected no foul smells, and the soil moni-toring data indicated that everything was normal, which has established a new pattern for the reuse of fiber digestate fertilizers for woodlands.\nIII. Promotion of technological certification to establish value chain for wastewater disposal technologies\nMOENV has established the \"Sustainable Environmental Governance Technol-ogy Certification\" system to help animal farms overcome technical barriers. The system verifies effective energy conversion and reutilization technologies and gives priority to them regarding subsidization and services for matching those in need in the future. Meanwhile, planning of an incentive program is underway regarding energy conversion and reutilization of manure and bio-gas power generation to reward animal farms for enhancing irrigation rates and biogas power generation technology. Farms are required to demonstrate and disclose data to ensure that the promoted disposal technology is replica-ble, traceable, reliable, and capable of creating a chain of technological value. certification and reward methods are expected to be announced by the end of July. MOENV invites enterprises currently with existing key technologies and previous successful projects to join the ranks of professional disposal.\nIV. Focus on reduction at source and build a new opportunity for a sustainable environment\nAiming to turn livestock manure into biomass for farms and electricity with expertise, the MOENV assists animal farms in transition from pollution sources to circular economy participants through strategies of legal guidance, financial incentives, and technological assistance. Efforts will continue in col-laboration with the MOA on projects such as total quantity control, water-conserving livestock barns, and alliance consisting of professional disposal personnel. The goal is to strengthen environmental protection and integrated governance of transitions for livestock farming, jointly moving towards emis-sion reduction and net zero in the livestock industry.", "year": "2025", "month": "6", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/99a61f7c-4113-4a51-9970-386a407b7327" }, { "no": "4569", "title": "Fee Collection Starts for Recycling, Clearance and Disposal of Plastic Sheet Packaging Materials in July 2025", "preview": "On 30 Jun 2025, the MOENV has promulgated the amended Fee Rates for Con-tainer Recycling, Clearance and Disposal (容器回收清除處理費費率), adding rates for recycling, clearance, and disposal of all sorts of plastic sheet packaging materials. The amendments were made as, starting from 1 July 2025, those who manufacture or import plastic sheet packaging materials are required to register the quantity of products manufactured, sold, or imported and then pay fees for recycling, clearance and disposal of these materials based on the rates for indi-vidual material category. Fees are collected to subsidize recycling, clearance, and disposal of these products, thus encouraging the circular use of plastic resources and lowering impacts to the environment.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that plastic lining and casing materials were already an-nounced as recyclables on 19 May 2023 and considered a type of plastic sheet packaging materials. As the two-year buffering period, enterprises that manufac-ture or import such plastic lining and casing materials are now also required to register as responsible enterprises, declare operated quantities, and pay recycling, clearance and disposal fees starting from 1 Jul 2025.\nFee rates are newly added in the revision for recycling, clearance and disposal of different plastic sheet packaging materials. Since it costs more to recycle and dis-pose of PET-based plastic sheet packaging materials, the fee rates are different from PET-based containers such as bottles and cans. To minimize impacts on re-sponsible enterprises, on the other hand, the fee rates are carried out in three stages over a period of 5 years, which are NT$10.2\/kg for Stage 1 (from 1 Jul 2025 to 30 Jun 2028), NT$14\/kg for Stage 2 (from 1 Jul 2028 to 30 Jun 2030), and NT$16.56 for Stage 3 (from 1 Jul 2030 onwards). For other types of plastic sheet packaging materials, fee rates are the same as those for containers of the same materials.\nIt is estimated that 68,000 metric tons of waste plastic sheet packaging materials are produced in Taiwan. The MOENV further stresses that lots of the plastic lining and casing used for product packaging were not recycled and disposed of effec-tively in the past due to the lack of subsidies as an incentive. To promote resource recycling, steps are being taken to gradually scale up recycling capacity for plastic sheet packaging materials, thus reducing plastic waste. Reasonable collection rates are carefully determined by requiring recycling of plastic packaging materials as well as considering the recycling and disposal costs and the affordability for manu-facturers and importers, aiming to achieve both environmental protection and steady development of the industry.", "year": "2025", "month": "6", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/161b9c2d-9452-4ed2-bad0-2819f46f5eb1" }, { "no": "4568", "title": "MOENV Promulgates Restrictions on Imports of Detergents Containing NP and NPEO", "preview": "The MOENV just promulgated the Restrictions on the Import of Detergents Con-taining Nonylphenol and Nonylphenol Polyethylene Glycol Ether (限制含壬基酚及壬基酚聚乙氧基醇之清潔劑輸入) on 4 June 2025. This is to address the concern of harmful effects on the environment and human health due to distribution of nonylphenol (NP) and nonylphenol polyethylene glycol ether (NPEO) in the envi-ronment after using detergents containing these substances. Immediately in effect on the promulgation, the restrictions are set in place to limit imports of NP- and\/or NPEO-containing detergents and will be implemented in two stages.", "content": "Known for their characteristics of endocrine disruption, NP and NPEO simulate natural hormones in the human body and disrupt physical health and normal de-velopment of children. They were listed as toxic chemical substances by the MOENV in 2007 and banned for making domestic detergents in 2008. In light of the international controls, the Chemicals Administration promulgated the amended Categories and Management of Handling for Toxic Chemical Substances (列管毒性化學物質及其運作管理事項) on 13 May 2025, banning NP and NPEO for their use in making detergents. At the same time, the Resource Circulation Administration came up with two-stage restrictions on importing NP- and NPEO-containing deter-gents under the authorization of Article 21 of the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法). The restrictions are placed upon detergents containing NP or NPEO at 5% or higher in weight for Stage 1, effective on 1 Dec 2026; and upon those containing NP or NPEO at 0.1% or higher in weight for Stage 2, effective on 1 Jun 2027.\nMOENV reminds that enterprises operating with these products will be given a buffering period of 18 to 20 months to have enough time to take the necessary response and encouraged to source for alternatives to lower the impact on do-mestic environment and public health.", "year": "2025", "month": "6", "assortment": "Resource Circulation, Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/ea1a6633-9388-44ff-8a11-d3344e6c3bbf" }, { "no": "4567", "title": "MOENV Minister Attends Japan Energy Summit and Emphasized Taiwan's Steady Progress Toward Net Zero and Carbon Pricing", "preview": "The MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Ming was invited to attend the 2025 Japan Energy Summit on 18 June to demonstrate Taiwan's determination and actions for net-zero emissions by 2050. He spoke with Nobuo Tanaka, former Executive Director Emeritus of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and explained to energy and climate leaders from around the world Taiwan's latest climate policies, progress in the carbon pricing system, and green transition strategies, and with global experts elaborated on Taiwan's active role in regional climate governance in Asia.", "content": "Minister Peng pointed out at the Summit that Taiwan's latest National Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) sets a goal of carbon reduction by 36% to 40% by 2035 compared to 2005, a high target in Asia second only to Japan. As unit 2 of the No. 3 Nuclear Power Plant was officially decommissioned on 17 May 2025, Taiwan can take steady steps toward energy transition and still maintain stable power supply. He emphasized that Taiwan is cautious in dealing with existing energy facilities during energy transition in line with the global community, in addition to keeping an open mind towards emerging energies but with strict evaluations. President Lai Ching-Te stressed in his inauguration anniversary on 20 May that Taiwan must be cautious with nuclear energy policies on \"two musts\" and \"three principles” and find a carbon reduction pathway most suitable for Taiwan via learning from expe-riences of the international community.\nIn terms of climate policy tools, Minister Peng emphasized that Taiwan has entered the era of \"carbon pricing” by launching a carbon trading trial from the second half of 2026 to 2028 and setting up a carbon pricing system with operation of both carbon fees and carbon trading. The nature of different industries is considered to set reduction targets and differentiated rates during the design of carbon fees. Businesses are encouraged to take green transitions through voluntary reduction plans and to align with international systems. He called on all Asian countries to cooperate and build a regional carbon reduction market and cooperation network.\nWhen it came to energy transition, Minister Peng said that Taiwan is making all the efforts to develop net-zero technologies such as solar power, offshore wind power, geothermal energy, hydrogen energy supply chain, decarbonized hydrogen combustion, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), and energy storage technologies. He admitted that every energy source comes with its unique oppor-tunities and challenges and hopes to accelerate layout of green energy and decar-bonization process through experience exchanges with international partners.\nRegarding changes in the global economy and trades, Minister Peng responded that Taiwan's net-zero commitment remains unchanged despite the global chal-lenges of carbon tariffs and climate policy fluctuations and that its strategies will remain flexible and readily adjustable to ensure steady progress in the changing situation.\nMinister Peng and Tsai Ling-Yi, Director General of the Climate Agency Tsai Ling-Yi, interacted actively with senior energy department executives and important cli-mate technology companies in many countries during the Summit to expand Tai-wan's international cooperation. The MOENV stressed that the Ministry will con-tinue to promote carbon pricing mechanisms, develop the trial system for product emission registration to gradually promote Taiwan’s own carbon border adjust-ment mechanism (CBAM), assist enterprises in developing voluntary reduction plans, and facilitate carbon inventory assistance to comprehensively enhance in-dustries’ edges in net-zero competitions.\nAs the Summit came to an end, Minister Peng and Director-General Tsai were in-vited to visit University of Tokyo and important climate organizations to further deepen substantial cooperation between Japan and Taiwan on both green and dig-ital transitions, thus injecting new energy into the regional sustainable develop-ment of Asia.", "year": "2025", "month": "6", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/7bf3720b-e7db-4cc7-b292-c1fed128e9e5" }, { "no": "4566", "title": "MOENV Visits Germany to Moves Forward on Carbon Pricing", "preview": "While leading a delegation to Germany, the MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Ming, in an exclusive interview with Central News Agency in Germany, emphasized that Taiwan has been working together with Germany for more than seven years since the signing of the MOU in 2018. Taiwan has finally officially launched its carbon fee system this year and will strive to perfect and complete it. The MOENV lists the ETS trial, carbon trading market and cooperation with neighboring Asian countries as the key tasks for the next stage, which is very important for driving enterprises to reduce carbon emissions.", "content": "Minister Peng also visited the Director of the Umweltbundesamt (UBA) and the Director-General in charge of climate governance of the newly restructured Bun-desministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, nukleare Sicherheit und Ver-braucherschutz (BMUKN). Both sides exchanged insights on carbon pricing strate-gies and energy transition challenges. Minister Peng mentioned that Germany's long-term efforts in communication and social consensus building regarding ener-gy policies are highly valuable to Taiwan. At the same time, Taiwan's innovative development in digital governance, AI applications, and resource circulation tech-nologies has deeply impressed Germany. Both sides will continue to explore coop-eration opportunities in terms of climate governance and circular economy.\nMinister Peng pointed out in the exclusive interview that this visit saw the biggest breakthrough as in the past similar learning activities or trips were mostly initiated by the government and that enterprises could only passively receive gathered in-formation. However, enterprises that make up the Taiwan Green Alliance, also members of the delegation this time, are all leaders in driving Taiwan's future green transition and hence are more ambitious and sensitive about carbon reduc-tion. They are also potential partners for Taiwan to pilot the ETS system in the fu-ture. Therefore, inviting these businesses to come along with the government to study and learn from to Germany this time will result in more significant direct benefits.\nThe minister further stated that what is most worth learning from Germany is that it began carbon pricing and the ETS system some 20 years ago and is currently ac-tively planning to launch the second version of the ETS (ETS2) in 2027. It will cover 85% of the country's emission sources, including buildings, land transportation, and households. The impact is more extensive and complex, meaning more chal-lenges and pressures to deal with as well. Nevertheless, net zero, carbon reduc-tion, and environmental protection have long been instilled in and internalized by Germany and EU. Both the governments and the public are on the same page and determined to move forward even at a higher cost. In this regard, Germany has a comprehensive social communication system and transition mechanism for stake-holders in place with departments dedicated to this set up, which are all worth learning from for Taiwan in the long run.\nGermany and Taiwan have long established a solid foundation for exchanges and interactions regarding carbon trading system. The bilateral cooperation has be-come closer as Taiwan’s Representative in Germany signed a memorandum of co-operation with the UBA in 2018. The Taipei Representative Office also mentioned that Germany recognized Taiwan’s long-term efforts and determination in carbon pricing and hence is happy to share experiences and assist Taiwan with strong support!\nThe MOENV stressed that the launch of carbon fee has marked the beginning of carbon pricing in Taiwan. The next stage is to stabilize the current carbon fee sys-tem and gradually establish a carbon market with price incentives and fair compe-titions to drive corporate transformation, guide green investment, and enhance Taiwan's edge in the competitions in the global net-zero economy.", "year": "2025", "month": "6", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/4022b59a-cb25-4adb-a8cf-1cbcfd2c9ace" }, { "no": "4565", "title": "All Gasoline and Diesel Storage Tanks Subject to Self-Monitoring for Pollution Prevention", "preview": "As of 1 January 2025, approximately 250 businesses operating an above ground gasoline\/diesel storage tank with capacity ranging from 200 liters to 1,000 kL are required to monitor their facilities to prevent soil and groundwater contamina-tion caused by such tanks, and to submit their first reports by the end of May. Failure to do so will result in penalties in accordance with the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防治法). By the end of May, all gasoline and diesel storage tanks throughout Taiwan should be covered in self-monitoring and reporting sys-tem for the prevention of pollution, to protect the soil and groundwater environ-ment.", "content": "The Environmental Management Administration (EMA), Ministry of Environment (MOENV), indicated that storage tanks above ground and underground are im-portant facilities for the storage of fuel and chemicals. Poor management of these facilities may lead to the contamination of soil and groundwater or may even com-promise environmental quality and threaten human health. The EMA decided to promote this measure according to capacity, type of substance and year, following the \"Regulations for Installation and Management of Facilities and Monitoring Equipment in Storage Systems for Preventing Pollution of Groundwater\" (防止貯存系統污染地下水體設施及監測設備設置管理辦法) (“the Regulations” hereinafter). Currently, there are roughly 3,500 gas stations and above ground or underground storage tanks for the storage of gasoline and diesel, all of which are subject to submitting daily usage reports and regular third-party underground environmental monitoring. The monitoring results are reported every January, May and Septem-ber for better self-management and pollution prevention.\nThe EMA stressed that gasoline and diesel storage tanks installed above ground with a capacity between 200 liters and 1,000 kL are commonly found in factories and by commercial office buildings to meet daily needs. Businesses operating them shall be responsible for their inspection and maintenance. Starting from 1 January 2025, voluntary monitoring is required according to the Regulations and results are to be reported to the local environmental protection bureau every four months. Failure to monitor or report will be subject to penalties in accordance with the Water Pollution Control Act.\nThe EMA reminds all businesses that monitoring and reporting are not only legal obligations but are also the embodiment of important corporate social responsibil-ities. It is necessary to submit the first report by the end of May, properly maintain the reported data and continue the tasks of daily inspections and maintenance of tanks. Leaks or any other irregularities shall be reported to the local competent authority within three hours and facilities shall be checked and repaired if neces-sary. Self-monitoring measures shall be implemented to protect the quality of the underground environment and create a better living environment.", "year": "2025", "month": "5", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/705ff1f5-fc9e-40dd-b6cb-f06b0d1ff989" }, { "no": "4564", "title": "Brand-new \"One-Stop Vehicle Recycling Service\" for a Convenient One-Stop Service Platform", "preview": "In an effort to improve vehicle retirement and recycling processes and associated administrative efficiency, the Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) of Minis-try of Environment (MOENV) rolled out the platform \"One-Stop Vehicle Recycling Service\" (https:\/\/recyclecar.moenv.gov.tw\/), providing a one-portal, one-stop ser-vice that combines the old “Scrap motorized vehicle recycling system” and “One-stop scrap vehicle recycling”. This merger simplifies work procedures and inte-grates multiple search functions on one single website, for an intelligent recycling platform that makes navigation more focused and efficient.", "content": "The RECA pointed out that the “Scrap motorized vehicle recycling system” was es-tablished in 2008 for everything related to recycling scrap cars, such as electric ve-hicles for recycling businesses, scrap car auditing and certification, and incentive reward approvals. In 2022, the “One-stop scrap vehicle recycling” platform was built as a cross-departmental effort, providing eight service functions: “vehicle re-cycling”, “vehicle registration cancellation”, “vehicle fuel fee payment”, “license fee payment”, “recycling reward application”, “subsidy for replacement with electric motorcycles”, “refunding of overpaid vehicle fuel fee” and “refunding of overpaid license fee”. The recycling and scrapping procedure could then be done through a one-stop online service. One survey indicated 96% satisfaction.\nThe RECA expressed that the integration of both systems is a simplification of op-erating procedures for all recycling businesses. All the services provided on both the systems are integrated under the \"One-Stop Vehicle Recycling Service\" plat-form. Not only is the operating process simplified, but also the search time is re-duced. Previously, recycling businesses or individuals had to switch between both systems for recycling\/scrapping procedures, scrapping certificate downloads and searches for motorcycle inspection records. Now, everything is done on the one-stop platform, i.e., a lot can be done all at once simply by logging in. It is estimated that the search time is reduced by 50% on average, effectively reducing repeated operations, minimizing the risk of losses, and comprehensively improving work ef-ficiency.\nIn addition, the platform has been expanded and integrated with eight search ser-vice functions, including “search for application progress and vehicle recy-cling\/scrapping certificate download”, “FAQs of vehicle scrapping, recycling and in-centive rewards”, “latest development information on vehicle environmental pro-tection”, “vehicle scrapping guide”, “search for green vehicles and environmental protection mark vehicles”, “traffic fine inquiry and payment” “regular motorcycle exhaust inspection search” and “freeway charges (ETC) inquiry”.\nThe RECA encourages the public to take advantage of the \"One-Stop Vehicle Recy-cling Service\" for vehicles that need to be recycled or scrapped. Quick online regis-tration is easy and convenient for making integrated inquiries, allowing resources from scrap vehicles to be further reused and recycled. Working together we can contribute to environmental sustainability.", "year": "2025", "month": "5", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/b9e3bb34-bf54-4dcc-ba68-9086dd91f4e6" }, { "no": "4563", "title": "“Circular Resource” Carbon Reduction Flagship Action Plan Meeting Seeks Cross-Departmental Consensus on Circular and Low-Carbon Future", "preview": "An outreach meeting of the “Circular Resource” Carbon Reduction Flagship Action Plan was held by the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) on 23 May 2025 to work toward the “New National Carbon Reduction Goals” and promote “Taiwan’s Overall Carbon Reduction Action Plan”. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Direc-tor Lin Tzu-Lun of the Office of Energy and Carbon Reduction and Deputy Minister Shen Chih-Hsiu of the MOENV. Representatives from the Ministry of Transporta-tion and Communications, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Agri-culture and experts from industrial, academic, research sectors and NGOs were invited to the meeting. They focused on the content of a draft plan, exchanged opinions, built consensus on net zero, and sought opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.", "content": "Deputy Minister Shen Chih-Hsiu of the MOENV pointed out in the meeting that \"resource circulation\" is not only the core of environmental protection work, but also one of the key strategies towards net zero transition in the face of the severe challenges of increasing resource shortages and climate change. To promote a cir-cular economy, the government must actively invest resources. MOENV promotes the Green Growth Fund and is committed to cultivating green collar talents, hop-ing to attract more young people to invest themselves in net-zero related fields. Deputy Minister Shen emphasized that he hoped to gather opinions from the pub-lic through the meeting, to help make the plan more comprehensive. The “Circular Resource” Carbon Reduction Flagship Action Plan (Draft) includes:\nI. Public-private cooperation for resource circulation: promote the \"8+N Re-source Circulation Alliance\"; develop a climate technology circulation park; subsidize electric recycling vehicles; connect the upstream, midstream and downstream of industrial chains; improve the efficiency of converting waste into resources with higher value; reduce dependence on raw resources; and minimize CO2 emissions.\nII. Energy saving in wastewater treatment and co-creation of green energy: pro-mote livestock biogas recovery for power generation; introduce energy-saving and energy-generating technologies in wastewater treatment plants; improve energy self-sufficiency; consider CO2 reduction and resource circulation.\nIII. Improve the quality of life and reduce pollution: encourage the manufactur-ing industry to upgrade pollution prevention facilities; encourage residential and commercial sectors to use high-efficiency LED lighting for lower emissions and better air quality; reduce light pollution; promote energy conservation.\nIV. Transition to low-carbon for incineration plants and garbage trucks: plan and install waste heat power generation and carbon capture facilities in incinera-tion plants; accelerate the replacement of old garbage trucks; consider both CO2 reduction and transportation efficiency.\nThe departments under the MOENV explained the carbon reduction flagship plan, and speakers were invited to share their experiences and present cases of promot-ing resource circulation. Peng Kui-Chih, president of the Taiwan Homemakers Unit-ed Consumers Co-op., called on industry, government, and consumers to work to-gether and build a resilient society. At the event, participants pointed out im-portant directions for policy optimization, enthusiastically coming up with valuable suggestions, ranging from main plan components, implementation mechanisms, and modifying regulatory barriers obstructing resource integration. The MOENV said it will compile the opinions from this meeting as an important reference for adjusting and improving the plan, and to strengthen cross-departmental and in-dustry cooperation, to jointly create a circular, low-carbon, sustainable Taiwan.", "year": "2025", "month": "5", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/938ee5a3-9876-490a-ac6e-f97b263c18ae" }, { "no": "4562", "title": "“MOENV Net-Zero Green Collar Talent Incubation Program”: Tuition Discount Eligibility Broadened to Include Middle- and Low-Income Households and Those with Disabilities", "preview": "The eligibility for tuition discounts has been broadened for the “Ministry of Envi-ronment Net-Zero Green Collar Talent Incubation Program” (環境部淨零綠領人才培育課程). Effective immediately, applicants from middle- and low-income house-holds and those with disabilities are eligible for a full tuition subsidy of NT$12,000. Minister Peng Chi-Ming of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) is hoping that widening the eligibility will encourage the socially disadvantaged to join the ranks of net-zero green collar trainees.", "content": "The National Environmental Research Academy, MOENV (hereinafter the NERA) joined forces with 32 universities and colleges throughout Taiwan to found the “MOENV Net-Zero Green Collar Talent Incubation Alliance” on 28 March 2025. The tuition for the “MOENV Net-Zero Green Collar Talent Incubation Program” is NT$12,000 per person and collected by the school that provides the program, con-sisting of 48 instruction hours. At the time of the program’s launch, only those under 30 years of age, currently a college\/university student (not including those attending on-the-job programs), from a middle- or low-income household and who have passed the admission exam on their first attempt were eligible for the tuition subsidies (covering 50% of the tuition for students and 100% for those from a middle- or low-income household).\nThe first term of the “MOENV Net-Zero Green Collar Talent Incubation Program” opened for registration online on 1 April 2025 (at https:\/\/ulvis.net\/iTs8). All 40 student spots were filled in just 16 minutes. Despite the tuition of NT$12,000 per person, more than 80% of the registered trainees were ineligible for tuition dis-counts, clearly showing how interested the public is in green collar professions or career transitions and gaining net-zero skills. The students were on average rough-ly 37 years old, with 60% females. Their past professions included engineers, salespersons, clerk assistants, accountants, general affairs clerks and even college faculty members.\nSeeing that the public is highly interested in learning professional net-zero skills, the NERA expanded the tuition discounts for the “MOENV’s Net-Zero Green Collar Talent Incubation Program” to include middle- and low-income households and people with disabilities, following the concept of \"the financially disadvantaged need not be educationally disadvantaged\". Those who complete the training and pass the first test are eligible to apply for a full tuition rebate (NT$12,000); howev-er, the eligibility does not cover those who take the make-up test. Trainees who have already registered are still eligible for the discount, if they meet the qualifica-tions.\nThe 32 colleges and universities in the alliance are expected to offer at least 60 programs by the end of 2025, providing more than 2,400 enrolment spots. Train-ees are required to take a test once they complete the program. After passing ex-ams, the MOENV will issue an official certificate of qualification.\nThe first exam under the \"MOENV Net-Zero Green Collar Talent Incubation Pro-gram\" is scheduled for late August 2025. Thus, college students are encouraged to sign up online (at https:\/\/ulvis.net\/iTs8) before the end of summer vacation to use their break time to strengthen their personal net zero knowledge and skills and become indispensable green collar talents for the net zero generation. The second exam this year is scheduled for late November. Starting next year, three exams will be provided for at least 3,500 green collar talents every year.", "year": "2025", "month": "5", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/f52620c5-1ed2-4171-a02e-fadfcb60cdeb" }, { "no": "4561", "title": "Application Deadline for Voluntary Carbon Reduction Plans Postponed Two Months Due to International Tariff Uncertainty", "preview": "Taiwan’s carbon fee system is scheduled for launch in 2025. Considering those subject to carbon fees for the green transition may suffer from impacts of US tariff policies, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has decided to postpone the dead-line for voluntary carbon reduction plan applications by two months, as the Min-istry of Finance has done for reporting and payment of income taxes. This will help businesses retain their eligibility for preferential rates through the \"register for application first and provide the necessary technical information\" method. It will also help businesses physically prepare for the implementation of technical solutions as part of their voluntary carbon reduction plans. In addition, the tech-nical guidance information provided by the MOENV and the Ministry of Economic Affairs will help those subject to carbon fees apply for preferential rates based on their voluntary reduction plans and make the most of the opportunities present-ed by the transition to low-carbon.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that Taiwan launched the carbon fee system in 2025, with 252 businesses (464 factories) subject to carbon fees. According to the “Regula-tions Governing the Collection of Carbon Fees” (碳費收費辦法) and “Regulations for Administration of Self-Determined Reduction Plans” (自主減量計畫管理辦法), businesses are required to propose their carbon reduction plans to the MOENV by 30 June 2025 in order to become eligible for a preferential rate (NT$100\/metric ton CO2e or NT$50\/metric ton CO2e) once their plans are approved and they are ready to pay the carbon fee in 2026. Otherwise, they must pay the regular rate (NT$300\/metric ton CO2e) next year if they fail to meet the deadline of 30 June. A recent MOENV survey indicated that nearly 90% of businesses are willing to pro-pose their carbon reduction plans to be eligible for preferential rates. Considering that businesses are feeling the impacts of US tariff policy uncertainty, the MOENV decided to postpone the carbon reduction plan application deadline by two months, to 31 August 2025. At the same time, a counseling team has been estab-lished under the Climate Change Administration to provide services such as tech-nical support, application guidance and assistance in writing applications, to help businesses deal with the transition challenges, ensure the quality of voluntary carbon reduction plans and accelerate the overall low-carbon transition in Taiwan.\nFurthermore, the MOENV mentioned that the government will work hand in hand with industry with a \"firm and gentle\" attitude to advance the net zero transition. With the carbon fee collection schedule remaining unchanged, the government has provided two supporting measures. First, the Legislative Yuan approved Article 10-1 of the “Statute for Industrial Innovation” (產業創新條例) on 18 April 2025, adding energy saving and CO2 reduction as an investment offset item. Second, the Financial Supervisory Commission included the voluntary reduction plan as an as-sessment item for priority investment funding in the “Green and Transition Fi-nance Action Plan” (綠色及轉型金融行動方案), providing substantial funding assis-tance for industrial low-carbon transition efforts.\nThe MOENV stressed that the carbon fee system is a key policy tool for helping Taiwan realize the 2050 net-zero transition, as well as an important strategy for improving the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s industry. With CO2 reduc-tion as the starting point, the carbon fee system aims to lead industry through a green transition using financial incentives. By postponing the voluntary carbon re-duction plan application deadline by two months, the government is demonstrat-ing its understanding and support to deal with the challenges of industrial green transition, helping businesses steadily work toward net-zero emissions.", "year": "2025", "month": "5", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/228ea6f3-1b3d-413c-8ed5-0d57abab10b8" }, { "no": "4560", "title": "Preannouncement Made to Rename Resource Recycling Act and Re-vise Waste Disposal Act", "preview": "The MOENV has proposed the draft amendment of the Resource Recycling Act (資源回收再利用法) in response to the challenges coming with limited resources and overloading environmental burdens and in order to achieve the sustainable vi-sions of 2050 net-zero emission and zero waste. The revisions proposes to rename the Resource Recycling Act to the Resource Circulation Promotion Act (資源循環推動法) as well as amend the “Waste Disposal Act” (廢棄物清理法). The prean-nouncement is valid immediately and will last for 60 days, during which opinions and suggestions are welcomed.", "content": "The MOENV said that the current laws are insufficient to completely respond to the development of the circular economy and various industries’ practical needs. Aiming to complete Taiwan’s resource recycling system, draft amendments to these two acts are proposed based on extensively collected opinions from industries, public associations, environmental groups, scholars and experts, and relevant min-istries. Revisions of the Resource Recycling Promotion Act centers on full lifecycle management, value creation, waste reduction, and material consumption with four major priorities, while revisions of the Waste Disposal Act focus on effective pre-vention and deterrence of illegal dumping with four major priorities planned out as well.\nI. Key points to amendment of the Resource Circulation Promotion Act\ni. Cross-departmental promotion: Establish resource circulation promotion committee for all ministries to jointly facilitate resource circulation projects together.\nii. Sustainable product policies: Introduce measures regarding green design guidelines, use of recycled materials in products and constructions, at-source reductions, bans and restrictions of use, and maintenance to extend product life; also, encourage consumers to select products with fully disclosed information and promote digital product tracking.\niii. Market creation and circular procurement: Prioritize government purchase of circular products to create circular supply chains.\niv. Assistance in circular industries: Establish rewards, subsidies, financing and guarantee mechanisms; assist in providing land for resource recycling industries to solve the difficulties in obtaining properties and set up a \"circular experiment sandbox\" to encourage innovations.\nII. Key points to amendment of the Waste Disposal Act\ni. Control for emerging wastes: Incorporates emerging wastes such as solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbine blades into management.\nii. Reuse management enhancement: The MOENV will coordinate ten ministries and 14 management regulations and strengthen the quality and operational management of recycled products.\niii. Deterrence of illegal dumping and punishments for illegal activities: Authorize the competent authorities to track the entire whereabouts of leftover construction materials, deploy technological law enforcement tools such as electronic fences, increase penalties and reserve funds to cover environmental restoration costs to implement environmental justice.\niv. Maintenance of environmental and sanitation quality: Increase penalties and reverse the responsibility of providing proof about violations regarding general waste, environment, and sanitation.\nIn addition to integrating recycling and reuse responsibilities, the MOENV further explained that this amendment will further provide recycling enterprises with a two-year buffer period for transition to adapt to industries’ actual operations.", "year": "2025", "month": "5", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/0b87d14e-7152-4b6c-8274-680089de87bf" }, { "no": "4559", "title": "Controls Tightened for PFOS, Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, NP, NEPO and Cyclobutane Derivatives According to Antifouling System Convention", "preview": "The MOENV promulgated the amended Categories and Management of Handling for Toxic Chemical Substances (列管毒性化學物質及其運作管理事項) and Cate-gories and Management of Handling for Concerned Chemical Substances (列管關注化學物質及其運作管理事項) on 13 May 2025. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) acid, its salts and associated compounds; perfluorooctanoic (PFOA) acid, its salts and associated compounds; nonylphenol (NP) and nonylphenol polyethox-ylate (NPEO); and Cyclobutane derivatives are newly listed as toxic and concerned substances for control, and control measured are set in place to safeguard the en-vironment and human health.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that PFOS and PFOA are difficult to degrade in environ-ment and, therefore, bio-accumulative, suggesting their impacts on the ecosystem and human health through the food chain. UN’s Stockholm Convention has in-cluded PFOA, PFOS, their salts and associated compounds in Annex A, List of Items to Be Eliminated, and Annex B, List of Items to Be Limited. Taking references from the Stockholm Convention, the Chemicals Administration has added five PFOS salts and their associated compounds as well as 352 PFOA salts and their associat-ed compounds, and specified their applications based on the Convention.\nNP and NPEO are known for their endocrinologic interference. They mimic natural hormones in human bodies and, therefore, interfere with human physical health and normal development for children. Both NP and NPEO have been regulated as toxic chemical substances in 2007, and their use in household cleaning agents is prohibited.\nMOENV continues to monitor the domestic and international controls of NP and NPEO. Considering their endocrine disrupting properties that are clearly harmful to human health and have adverse effects on aquatic organisms and the ecological environment, the MOENV has intensified the control of NP and NPEO based on the EU regulations. Control concentration is tightened down to 0.1%, and their use re-stricted in the manufacture of cleaning agents and other uses with environmental risks. Imports of NP and NPEO-containing cleaning agents are restricted according to the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法), fully blocking these agents in order to protect the domestic environment and citizens’ health.\nCyclobutane derivatives are listed as concerned chemical substances in accordance with international bans and prohibition standards because of its obvious biocon-centrating and toxicological properties. The control threshold is set at full concen-tration, and its use in the manufacture of antifouling paint, antifouling systems and biocides is specifically prohibited. The MOENV stressed that existing enter-prises are given a buffer period of 18 to 24 months for enough time to respond and encouraged them to find alternative substances to reduce impacts on the do-mestic environment and citizens’ health.", "year": "2025", "month": "5", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/24e7a2fc-a6a3-4863-a534-7ce128422850" }, { "no": "4558", "title": "Latest National Emission Inventory Shows 4.64% drop in Taiwan’s 2023 Net Emissions in 2023", "preview": "The MOENV has taken references from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and compiled the National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Inventory (version 2025) jointly with other ministries based on Article 13 of the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法). The Inventory is now pub-lished on the Climate Talks platform. Statistics have shown that Taiwan emitted a total of 278.63 million metric tons CO₂e of GHG in 2023, a 4.48% drop compared to the base year (2005). With 21.73 million metric tons of CO₂e of carbon sink de-ducted, the net emissions were 256.90 million metric tons of CO₂e, a 4.64% and 3.02% drop compared to the base year and the previous year (2022), respectively. Taiwan’s overall GHG emissions have shown a decreasing trend year by year.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that the UNFCCC requires the parties of its Annex 1 to propose an annual national inventory report (NIR) of the precious two years. A total of 40 countries has released their NIRs for 2023 online as of now this year. Though not a UNFCCC member, Taiwan is still willing to keep up with the global community, Having since 2015 compiled and published NIRs according to the Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories of UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Data provided in Taiwan’s NIRs have been includ-ed by international organizations as well, such as Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). \nThe MOENV said the complete report and execution summary of the 2025 Nation-al Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory have been published on Climate Talks (https:\/\/gov.tw\/9EA), available for public viewing and download. Below are the key points: \nI. Taiwan’s GHG emissions display a downward slide after peaking in 2007. De-spite the increase in 2021 as the world and Taiwan were reviving economically from the pandemic, the emissions in 2022 and 2024 showed steady decrease (see “Taiwan’s GHG emission trends”). \nII. Analysis of the types of GHG emitted in 2023 shows that the highest percent-age goes to carbon dioxide (95.86%), followed by methane (1.60%) and ni-trous oxide (1.31%). Also, statistics by department indicate that CO2 from burning fuels accounts for 90% of Taiwan’s emissions. \nIII. The CO2 emissions intensity, i.e. CO2 emission per GDP (see “Taiwan’s CO2 emission intensity”) is 0.01140 kgCO2\/NT$ in 2023, a decrease by 4.14% com-pared to 2022 and 44.62% to the base year, indicating improvement of Tai-wan’s energy efficiency every year. \nIV. Regarding global GHG emissions, data of Emissions Database for Global At-mospheric Research (EDGAR) under EU's Joint Research Centre (JRC) indicate that the world emitted up to 53 billion metric tons of CO₂e in 2023, an in-crease by 1.9% compared to 2022, a new record high. In comparison, Taiwan’s emissions showed a steady decrease in 2023, with both CO2 emissions inten-sity and per capita emission improved. It is a clear reflection of Taiwan’s ef-forts in reduction in recent year and the decoupling of economic growth from GHG emissions. \nThe MOENV added that the inventory is what is used to examine whether the na-tional emission reduction target has been met. As Taiwan is stepping into the third phase of control goals in 2026, the Executive Yuan has approved the Phase III Peri-odic Regulatory Goals of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2026-2030) on 6 May 2025. As required by the Climate Change Response Act, the ministries in charge of six major fields will develop their respective reduction action plans within six months, and so will local governments within eight months. Such plans above will be disclosed for public participation during their preparation as legally required. Information such as periodic goals above, draft action plans, and public hearings will be re-leased at the “Climate Talks” platform. All parties may provide their opinions or sign up for the hearings online during the legal period. Opinions and suggestions collected will be incorporated in the plan revision and approval, encouraging the public to promote GHG reduction.", "year": "2025", "month": "5", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/262354da-f4c4-4efb-94c6-2009bd397845" }, { "no": "4557", "title": "Guidelines Promulgated for Employer Qualification Regarding Introducing Foreign Workers for Waste Recycling and Treatment", "preview": "The MOENV promulgated the “Guidelines of Employer Qualification Review by the Ministry of Environment for Applications of Introducing Foreign Workers for Waste and Resource Recycling and Treatment” (環境部審查廢棄物及資源物回收處理工作申請引進移工之雇主資格認定作業要點) on 19 May 2025. This is to help the Ministry of Labor (MOL) review qualification of employers applying for foreign workers for waste disposal and recycling according to Paragraph 56-2 Arti-cle 2 according to the Review Standards and Employment Qualifications for For-eign Workers Engaging in Work Specified in Subparagraph 8 to 11 of Paragraph 1 of Article 46 of the Employment Service Act (外國人從事就業服務法第四十六條第一項第八款至第十一款工作資格及審查標準). The guidelines are effective imme-diately.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that the MOL revised and promulgated the standards on 7 May 2025, adding provisions that allow waste recycling and disposal industries and public and private waste disposal facilities to employ foreign workers for waste disposal and recycling. According to the standards, employers shall first apply for qualifications from the MOENV, obtain needed documents once the application is approved, and apply for foreign worker recruitment permits from the MOL. The guidelines specify the applicant’s eligibility, procedures, qualifications, and validity of the qualification documents.", "year": "2025", "month": "5", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/cac36a47-1a22-47ff-95d0-dc56fbc3c07f" }, { "no": "4556", "title": "Air Quality Polic White Paper Released as Roadmap to Clean Air", "preview": "The MOENV has released the Air Quality Policy White Paper after six months of a series of activities including “wish making, citizen cafés, expert platform and technology forums” A total of 570 suggestions from the public and experts were collected, which focus on 42 key issues and were consolidated into 62 tasks . With the vision of “health and sustainability”, it is specified that the average annual concentration of fine particulate matters (PM2.5) shall drop below 10 μg\/m³ by 2030 and 8 μg\/m³的 by 2035. This will take Taiwan’s air quality governance to a brand-new milestone.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that this white paper came into shape through four stages. First was a series of “wish-making” events launched at the end of 2024, where 319 comments were collected from the public and NGOs in four weeks, followed by three sessions of citizen cafés that collected 253 suggestions in face-to-face in-depth dialogues. Then, seven meetings took place to gather and refine experts’ ideas. Finally, six speeches by international experts and four seminars were held in the two-day “AIR 2025: Smart Cities – Sustainable and Clean Air Technology Inno-vation Forum”, focusing on future governance and technological development.\n“What people cares the most is not just the improvement of monitoring num-bers,” said Minister Peng, “but also what they really “feel” in their daily life. This is where the white paper focuses on, to create air quality policies with a vision close to people that is based on science and centered on public opinions.”\nDirector General Huang Wei-Ming of Department of Atmospheric Environment pointed out that air pollution governance has entered deep water as the marginal benefits of PM2.5 reduction gradually decrease. In addition to continual increase of regulatory efforts, it is also necessary to combine it with the task of net-zero emis-sions. The white paper will be carried out in two approaches, to serve as a guide for top-level plans and as part of the amendments to the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) and relevant sub-laws.\nThe MOENV pointed out that the public cares the most about three pollution is-sues, transportation sources (switch to electric transportation vehicles and limita-tions in certain areas), industrial sources (control on odors and illegal discharges), and fugitive sources in daily life (open-air burning). To respond to public expecta-tions, the white paper consists of four chapters including improvement of sustain-ability and health for the public, enhancement of key pollution improvements. co-benefits of net zero and pollution reduction, and technological application and public participation. Each chapter corresponds to the challenges and opportunities for the current air pollution governance in Taiwan. In the chapter of sustainability and health, the focus is on the rights to clean air for children, teenagers, and vul-nerable and sensitive groups as well as on indoor air quality management as the policy core. As for pollution control, the emphasis is placed on reducing fugitive pollution from transportation and household sources, which is what most people are concerned about during wish-making events.\nRegarding policy tools, the white paper mentions introduction of technical means, such as artificial intelligence management, big data analysis and technological monitoring to improve odor detections and pollution improvement. At the same time, the MOENV also established the Air Quality Monitoring and Forecasting Cen-ter to bring the public and air quality closer through mechanisms such as multiple information platforms and interactions on environmental information The center will also help foster the next-generation professionals for air pollution prevention and control and sustain resources of human talents.\nIn addition, the white paper also specifically proposes approaches able to mutual-ly benefit from both pollution and carbon for sectors such as transportation, en-ergy, housing, commerce and residence, and agriculture to connect to the 2050 net zero policy. It includes increasing electric vehicles, building power supply facili-ties at ports, promoting energy-conserving and low-carbon methods for building constructions, and developing vegetations to purify air quality. The aim is to create a low-pollution lifestyle from the source and achieve green transition.\nExperts participating the four-stage events also attended the press conference of the Air Quality Policy White Paper including Professor Lin Neng-Hui and Chang Moo-Been of National Central University, Professor Lai Hsin-Chih of Chang Jung Christian University, and Researcher Chen Yu-Cheng of the National Health Re-search Institutes. They shared experiences of participating in the process and rec-ognized MOENV’s innovative actions to integrate public opinions.\nProfessor Chang Moo-Been said that future air pollution control must be coupled with the net-zero strategies. It is necessary to enhance reduction measures on the industries’ side and rely on the public to conserve energy and lower emission in their daily lives. Professor Lin Neng-Hui added that through the four-stage series of activities the public now can rationally examine their own responsibilities in transportation and lifestyle besides looking at factory emissions. Professor Lai Hsin-Chih believes that the release of the white paper is a declaration of the gov-ernment's policies and symbolizes the official launch of joint action with all citi-zens. And lastly Researcher Chen Yu-Cheng reminded that finer suspended particu-late matter, PM1, will become the focus in the next stage and that it is required to continue collecting scientific research results and keep up with international trends.\nFinally, MOENV appreciated all the people and groups participating in the four-stage process for their valuable suggestions, which provided multi-faceted ideas for the white paper during its process and perfected its content. At the same time, it also emphasizes that the white paper’s publication, but the beginning of a new stage. It will serve as the core guide for the third phase of the Air Pollution Control Plan and the future amendments of the Air Pollution Control Act. The MOENV will keep soliciting public ideas and look forward to the public participation in promot-ing air pollution control and creating a healthier and more accommodating Taiwan for the next generation.", "year": "2025", "month": "5", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/9634eb1f-7320-4c5a-bf6a-944ac4c6277a" }, { "no": "4555", "title": "President Launches Green Growth Alliance to Create Net-Zero Values", "preview": "The Launching Taiwan’s Green Growth: Asia Green Growth Forum was held to-gether by the MOENV and the National Development Council with assistance from the Financial Supervisory Commission on 23 May 2025. President Lai attend-ed and led all domestic enterprises to launch the Green Growth Forum and un-veiled the NT$10-billion Taiwan Green Growth Fund and Taiwan’s first College of Sustainability, which is under National Tsing-Hua University. Such move is to pave a solid path to green growth for Taiwan based on the three milestones of “indus-try strength, funding momentum, and talent pillars”.", "content": "The President said in his speech that the green growth and 2050 net-zero transi-tion are the core strategies for Taiwan’s national development. In the past year, public opinions and strengths were gathered through the National Climate Change Committee, leading to proposals of the new national carbon reduction goals and the Taiwan General Carbon Reduction Action Plan (台灣總體減碳行動計畫). As the result, Taiwan has officially entered the era of carbon pricing” this year. It demon-strates Taiwan’s new understanding of environmental costs and symbolizes that the economic system of Taiwan has become in line with the international carbon market.\nThe President has witnessed the three milestones of Taiwan’s green growth, which is as followed:\nI. Official launch of the Green Growth Alliance: The alliance was formed by 17 businesses with green growth potential and all ministries involved, all gath-ered by the MOENV. It is a platform of private-public cooperation set up as a more powerful support for Taiwan’s carbon reduction actions. After in-depth dialogues were opened with experts from Japan's Green Transformation (GX) League, Taiwan and Japan will launch the Asian Green Growth Forum as Net-Zero Strategic Partners and work together towards net-zero transition.\nII. Official unveiling of the Taiwan Green Growth Fund: Through government-led initiatives, the MOENV strives to invest a NT$10-billion fund in emerging in-dustries of net-zero sustainability to create new momentum to push green economic growth.\nIII. Official unveiling of College of Sustainable Development under National Tsing Hua University: Taiwan's first college that is centered on sustainability as its core value will work with the government to cultivate green talents, promote technological innovation and industry-university cooperation, and open a new ground for climate education and research.\nThe President encouraged that \"transition\" may sound daunting, but with “faith”, “strategies”, “resources”, and “teamwork” Taiwan will be able to get a head start in the global competition of net-zero economy and obtain good results in reduction innovation and green growth. The President also recognized the public for their support and contributions and told the world through joint actions that Taiwan is not just a participant, But also more a contributor. Taiwan has technology, deter-mination, and strengths of enterprises and the public to create unlimited possibili-ties for green growth, which will allow Taiwan and the world to move towards a more sustainable and beautiful future.\nThe MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Ming said that Taiwan was the first to propose the New Strategy for Taiwan’s Green Growth and redefine Taiwan's new reduction goals, striving for NT$10 million in the Green Growth Fund. The fund will be used for green growth investment plans over ten years to build an ecosystem for the emerging net-zero industry, urge multiplying investments of private capital invest-ment, optimize the industry structure and green transition, and create a market for green talent as well as economic growth. He also explained the strategies of net-zero technologies and provided measures to support the industries' low-carbon transition, emphasizing that net zero will mutually benefit from both pollution and emissions and improve air quality.\nDuring the forum, representative Katayama of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Associa-tion said that climate change and decarbonization are global issues, actively pro-moted in Japan and Taiwan and around the world. Japan has declared “Carbon Neutrality in 2050” in 2020 and formulated green growth strategies for such goal to facilitate development of decarbonization technologies and equipment investment. In 2024, the GX League was established to promote public and private funds to jointly invest in green transition. The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association also signed the Japan-Taiwan Memorandum of Understanding for Environmental Pro-tection Exchange and Cooperation with the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association in 2019, actively supporting interactions and cooperation between Japan and Taiwan on environmental issues including climate change. It is sincerely hoped that the cooperation between Japan and Taiwan will drive green growth in Asia and con-tribute to the sustainable development of the region and the world.\nOn that day, Director Hideki Takada of Japan's GX League was invited to give a fea-ture talk on \"Japan's Green Transition: Decarbonization and Economic Growth\", introducing Japan's GX implementation agencies and GX policies. He explained that the Japanese government has invested 20 trillion Japanese yen in issuing the world's first batch of sovereign bonds centering on transitions, the \"Japan Climate Transition Bonds\", and combined it with a growth-oriented carbon pricing mecha-nism. It is expected to drive 150 trillion Japanese yen in investment within ten years with the goal of decarbonization by 2050 while promoting economic growth and industry competitive edges.\nAdditionally, experts from Japan and Taiwan gathered for in-depth discussions and exchanges, including Chairman Nobuo Tanaka of the guidance committee of the Cool Innovation for Earth Forum; Professor Toshihide Arimura of Waseda Universi-ty; President Lawrence Yen of M.I.H. Capital Management; and Niven Huang, Man-aging Director of KPMG. It is hoped that such exchanges and dialogues among ex-perts will point the right direction for Taiwan’s 2050 Net Zero Pathway and create new momentum for green growth in Taiwan's sustainable future.", "year": "2025", "month": "5", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/fe19bb2f-d286-48af-a439-e4200e4809fc" }, { "no": "4554", "title": "How to Select an Environmental Agent? MOENV Teaches the “Four Yes and Three No Principles” to Avoid Risks", "preview": "Among the effects of global warming, the spread of residential vectors and pests is on the rise, increasing public demand for pest control solutions. In response, MOENV advises the public to prioritize simple, safe, and non-chemical methods for cleaning, prevention, and pest control, and to use certified environmental agents only when necessary.", "content": "In 2024, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV), in coordination with local environmental protec-tion bureaus, conducted a total of 27,015 inspections and random sampling of environmental agents – covering advertisements, counterfeit products, and active ingredient verification – find-ing a compliance rate of 97.7%. These inspections included: 5,430 checks on environmental agent advertisements, among which 247 cases involved illegal advertisements, including the sale of insecticides and unregistered products on e-commerce platforms; 21,452 inspections of product labeling, with 377 found non-compliant, mainly due to expired products; 130 inspec-tions of active ingredients, with four products failing to meet standards; and three unregistered counterfeit products that were confiscated. All sellers of the non-compliant products have been penalized and the products ordered to be removed from sale within a specified period, in ac-cordance with the Environmental Agents Control Act.\nThe MOENV urges citizens to follow the \"Four Yes\" principles when selecting and purchasing en-vironmental agents – “be accurate”, “be legal”, “be valid” and “labeled” – to ensure their safe and effective use. Moreover, when advertising the sale of environmental agents, the \"Three No\" principles must also be observed – “no publication”, “no buying” and “no recommendation” – to avoid violating the law and facing penalties.\nThe MOENV has established the “Environmental Agent Permit and Pest Control Industry Li-cense” (https:\/\/mdc.moenv.gov.tw\/PublicInfo) inquiry system to help citizens check whether an environmental agent is legally registered.\nThe MOENV also specifically reminds the public that travelers returning from overseas are only allowed to bring back no more than 1 kg of environmental agents that are strictly for personal use. Advertising or selling environmental agents online is prohibited, and violators will face fines ranging from NTD 60,000 to NTD300,000.\nCleaning and tidying up the environment are the first steps in maintaining environmental hy-giene and can effectively prevent the spread of pests. It is recommended to avoid using envi-ronmental agents unless necessary, and to use only the minimum amount required. Replacing environmental agents with proper environmental maintenance is key to effective pest preven-tion and control.", "year": "2025", "month": "4", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/a383f8bb-74de-45a7-97ec-0d7fbd2afc16" }, { "no": "4553", "title": "MOENV and NTU Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Industry-Government-Academic Cooperation in Promoting Net-Zero Transformation and Environmental Resilience", "preview": "To address the challenges posed by climate change and accelerate the country’s transition to net-zero emissions while achieving sustainable development goals, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) and National Taiwan University (NTU) signed the \"Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability\" on 21 April 2025, with the agree-ment signed by Minister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming and NTU President of Chen Wen-Chang. This collaboration will establish a long-term, stable framework for advancing climate policies, technical research, talent development, and building climate resilience, with the aim of creating a comprehensive climate action blueprint that balances both carbon reduction and adaptation efforts.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out the three key aspects of this collaboration: \nI. Establish climate action, adaptation, and sustainable development programs for public servants, industry practitioners, and green talents as diverse learning resources.\nII. Jointly promote studies related to greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and removal, covering natural carbon emissions, CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage), and the devel-opment of the Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) mechanism.\nIII. Integrate the research capacities of both parties to formulate climate change adaptation strategies and, through forums and seminars, facilitate knowledge exchange and public par-ticipation.\nMinister Peng stated that climate change has become one of the most severe environmental threats. The challenge of achieving net-zero emissions requires not only policy guidance but al-so scientific support and social participation. Peng emphasized that NTU has long been at the forefront of climate and sustainability issues, with strong academic capabilities and interde-partmental integration advantages. This cooperation will deepen the strategic connection be-tween government and academia and help build a more forward-looking climate governance and sustainability policy support system for Taiwan.\nMinister Peng emphasized that climate actions require the cooperation and involvement of all society. Through partnerships with academic institutions, we can effectively connect policy needs with research capacity, further accelerating the country’s innovation in carbon reduction technologies, climate adaptation policies, and enhancing public awareness. In the future, the MOENV will continue to promote interdepartmental and interdisciplinary coordination plat-forms to work towards the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.", "year": "2025", "month": "4", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/44148640-7535-44b8-a4c9-091f93432989" }, { "no": "4552", "title": "2025 Earth Day Gathering at Da’an Forest Park Celebrates Zero-Waste, Plant-Based Footprint-free Family Day to Jointly Build a Sustainable New Future", "preview": "Ministry of Environment (MOENV) to celebrate the theme of 2025 Earth Day, \"Our Power, Our Planet\", the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) collaborated with the Taipei City Government and the Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation to host the \"Love Earth with Green Energy Actions x Plant-Based Footprint-free Family Day\" on April 20. The event aimed to inspire citizens to in-corporate environmental protection and sustainable practices into their daily lives through a variety of engaging and enjoyable activities, all while fostering a collective effort to protect the Earth. Minister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming also joined Deputy Mayor Chang Wen-Te, CEO of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation Yen Po-wen, and representatives from 22 counties and cities to participate in the \"Green Action Declaration\", with the goal of rallying all citizens to unite in practicing green actions.", "content": "\"Let’s join the Earth Guardians!\" Minister Peng emphasized that the greatest challenge in achieving net-zero emissions lies not in technology or financial resources, but in shifting the public mindset. The real question he noted is whether people are willing to change their life-styles and adopt more mindful consumption habits. In this spirit, the MOENV aimed to reignite public awareness and commitment through this year’s Earth Day celebration. Minister Peng also highlighted that a net-zero, sustainable lifestyle has been integrated into the \"National Project of Hope\". In key areas such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, education, entertainment, and shopping, the MOENV is exploring strategies to better engage citizens while developing ef-fective, collaborative policy solutions. The MOENV further noted that promoting the use of re-usable cups has been among its most successful initiatives. While some businesses initially ex-pressed concerns about rising costs, an increasing number of operators and consumers have shown their willingness to take part in sustainable action. \nMeanwhile, CEO Yen Po-wen advocated for a plant-based, zero-waste diet, emphasizing that a vegetable-based lifestyle not only significantly reduces carbon emissions but also improves health. Minister Peng echoed this sentiment, stating, \"I am the Minister of Environment, and I am a vegetarian\", as he shared his experience of maintaining a vegetarian lifestyle for nine years while staying strong and healthy.\nThis year’s Earth Day celebration featured a rich array of engaging activities designed to pro-mote environmental awareness and community involvement. Highlights included dynamic per-cussion and stage performances, screenings of \"Selected Films from the Munich Children's Film Festival\" curated by the Fubon Cultural and Educational Foundation, and a special showcase of short films from the \"Beyond Beauty – Taiwan from Above\" series presented by the Chi Po-Lin Foundation. Attendees also enjoyed hands-on experiences with plant-based cuisine, participat-ed in eco-friendly interactive games, and explored live demonstrations of renewable energy technologies – drawing from solar, wind, and ocean sources. \nThe Agency Against Corruption also joined the event, hosting a booth where visitors engaged with eco-friendly crafts and interactive games that promoted the values of integrity and trans-parency. The goal was to strengthen public understanding of clean, ethical governance. \nThousands of citizens gathered with their families to take part in this large-scale outdoor cele-bration. To encourage even more participation in environmental efforts, the MOENV launched an online campaign titled \"Plastic Reduction and Carbon Reduction Green Actions\". Participants who complete designated green missions and upload their results by 12:00 noon by July 31 will be entered into a lucky draw. For full details, please visit the official event website: https:\/\/ecofestival.tw. MOENV invites everyone to put environmental values into practice and work together to create meaningful, positive change for our planet.", "year": "2025", "month": "4", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/5d5d552f-e66b-4a1b-b5a6-9750de587177" }, { "no": "4551", "title": "MOENV and NTNU Launch Northern Regional Net-Zero Green Talent Center and Sign MOU on Development of Talent", "preview": "On 10 April 2025, Minister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming attended the launch ceremony for the “MOENV Northern Regional Net-Zero Green Talent Development Center” held at National Tai-wan Normal University (NTNU) in Taipei City. At the event, the MOENV and NTNU signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly promote the cultivation of net-zero green tal-ent through academic collaboration and coordination of resources.", "content": "To accelerate the development of people with the professional skills needed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2025, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) collaborated with 28 universities and colleges across the nation to establish the “MOENV Net-Zero Green Talent Fostering Alliance” formally establishing, on 28 March 2025, four regional talent development centers in the north-ern, central, southern, and eastern regions of Taiwan. Among them, NTNU will serve as the leading institution for the Northern Regional Talent Development Center.\nAmong the 32 universities and colleges in the alliance, NTNU took the lead by launching the 48-hour “MOENV Net-Zero Green Talent Training Program” on 1 April 2025. Although the tuition fee is NT$12,000 per person, the class, with 40 spots available, was fully booked just 16 minutes after registration opened, demonstrating the high demand for this course.\nAt NTNU, Minister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming presented \"Our Country’s Environmental and Sustainable Development Policy\" to the audience, highlighting that \"With the rapid growth of the environmental protection industry, only basic skills are no longer enough to meet market demand. It is only through comprehensive training and the accumulation of practical experi-ence that green talent can truly excel in the market.\" Former Minister of the Environmental Pro-tection Administration Wei Kuo-yen also attended the event, sharing his insights on environ-mental policy and the development of green talent.\nPresident of NTNU Wu Cheng-Chih expressed that NTNU has advanced the deployment for the development of net-zero green talent and integrated academic resources and digital technolo-gies, not only to cooperate with industry-academia partnerships but also to introduce AI tech-nology for carbon management. He also pointed out that, in response to climate change, energy demand, and other issues, green talents are particularly important as the key to enhancing in-dustrial competitiveness. Therefore, NTNU has integrated sustainability, environment, technolo-gy, education, and its expertise in talent development to fully support the MOENV. \nNTNU Professor Yeh Shin-Cheng, who leads the \"MOENV Northern Regional Net-Zero Green Tal-ent Development Center\", pointed out that NTNU hosted the country’s first MOENV Net-Zero Green Talent Training Program on 26 April 2025. The program not only covered the MOENV’s latest policies related to the \"Climate Change Response Act” but also invited industry experts to deliver corporate courses. Since the program was fully booked by April 1, NTNU is now planning to open additional sessions as soon as possible to meet the demand from the broader commu-nity.\nThe National Environmental Research Academy of the MOENV reminds the public that the 32 universities and colleges in the alliance will offer at least 60 sessions before the end of the year, providing over 2,400 spaces for enrolling in this program.", "year": "2025", "month": "4", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/c8ad276b-1169-487e-a60d-95b20198fcdc" }, { "no": "4550", "title": "Nearly NT$400 million in Criminal Proceeds Seized as Various Authorities Collaborate to Uncover Illegally Abandoned and Exported Waste Plastics", "preview": "In 2011, Taiwan’s environmental, prosecutorial, and police authorities established a collabora-tive platform, forming a comprehensive national alliance mechanism for investigating environ-mental crimes and jointly combating environmental violations.", "content": "A task force jointly established by the Environmental Management Administration (EMA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV), the Taiwan Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office, the Seventh Special Police Corps of the National Police Agency under the Ministry of the Interior, and the Department of Environmental Protection of the Taoyuan City Government, uncovered three fa-cilities leased by illegal operators in Taoyuan City’s Xinwu and Zhongli Districts. These sites had long been used to store and abandon waste consisting of mixed plastics, approximately 5,549 metric tons on site, and 5,832 metric tons that had already been illegally exported. The case was concluded and prosecuted by the Taiwan Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office in accordance with the administrative criminal penalties outlined in Article 46 of the Waste Disposal Act. A to-tal of 11 individuals were indicted, and criminal proceeds totaling NT$394.79 million were seized.\nIn April 2024, “Company A” declared and exported two shipments of goods at the Port of Kee-lung and the Port of Taichung, respectively. The Customs Administration of the Ministry of Fi-nance reported the case to the EMA and coordinated a joint investigation to examine the con-tents of the containers. It was discovered that Company A had attempted to illegally export waste plastic mixtures disguised as raw plastic materials, without a Waste Export Permit. Fortu-nately, through interdepartmental cooperation, these goods were intercepted in time and pre-vented from being illegally exported, thus avoiding potential damage to Taiwan’s image and commercial reputation.\nSubsequently, the EMA cross-referenced over ten thousand data points using the \"Industrial Waste Disposal and Transport Machinery Real-Time GPS\" system to track the transportation routes of Company A’s vehicles. This led to the identification of three facilities leased by illegal operators in Taoyuan City’s Xinwu and Zhongli Districts. At these sites, a total of 5,549 tons of mixed waste plastics were stored, pointing to the fact that Company A had long been illegally exporting waste overseas through a scheme of \"legally declared, illegally concealed\" shipments.\nThe task force further traced the source of the waste and discovered that several disposal enti-ties failed to transport disposed waste to legal disposal plants as required by law. Instead, they shipped the waste to Company A for illegal export overseas. This violated the administrative criminal penalties outlined in Article 46 of the Waste Disposal Act. Subsequently, the Depart-ment of Environmental Protection of the Taoyuan City Government will order the operators in-volved in this case to submit a waste disposal plan and bear the responsibility for disposing of waste in compliance with the law.\nDeputy Minister of Environment Shen Chih-Hsiu highlighted that, \"The task force has already seized relevant evidence and frozen criminal proceeds of nearly NT$400 million. It will request the operators to bear the responsibility for waste disposal and will never allow operators to shift the cost of pollution to the public.\" Regarding the illegally exported waste in this case, the Department of Environmental Protection will report and handle the case in accordance with Ar-ticle 38 of the Waste Disposal Act, which stipulates a maximum fine of NT$10 million. As for the illegal disposal and treatment of waste, the Taiwan Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office has al-ready completed the investigation and filed charges in accordance with administrative criminal penalties outlined in Article 46 of the Waste Disposal Act, which may result in a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to NT$15 million. The Ministry of Environment advises operators not to harbor any hopes of escaping responsibility.\nThe facilities leased by the illegal operator in this case have long been used to store and aban-don waste. MOENV urged that, when leasing land, plants, or warehouses to others, it is crucial to be aware of new types of waste disposal crimes. Among illegal waste disposal cases, illegal operators had been leasing land or facilities to quickly abandon waste within a short period and then disappear, leaving behind enormous amounts of waste. The lessors in these cases could potentially face significant costs for waste cleanup.\nThe MOENV expressed that this case has demonstrated the effectiveness of traffic enforcement cameras and interdepartmental coordination. It emphasized that in the future, it will continue to expand efforts to apprehend perpetrators of environmental protection crimes through inter-departmental cooperation and the application of technological tools, demonstrating its deter-mination to protect the nation’s land.", "year": "2025", "month": "4", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/4af17cf3-411f-4d05-9f08-0aef9dd3acd8" }, { "no": "4549", "title": "Sweden’s Path to Carbon Reduction: Taiwan and Sweden Exchange on Carbon Tax and the ETS System", "preview": "On 23 April 2025, the MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming invited Helena Reitberger, Representative of the Swedish Trade and Invest Council, along with experts from the Swedish Tax Agency, Mar-tin Solvinger and Mattias Qvist, to talk in a seminar titled \"Carbon Reduction Experiences: A Dialogue among Industries, Government, and Academia, and the Dual Practice of Carbon Tax and ETS\". Conducted in a hybrid format with both in-person and online participation, the sem-inar focused on Sweden’s dual practice of its own carbon tax and European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), highlighting communication among stakeholders involved in reduction policies, and reduction results achieved by collaboration across industries, government, and academia. Sweden’s experience offers valuable insights for the development of a carbon pricing system in our country.", "content": "Representative Helena Reitberger emphasized that since 1990 Sweden has succeeded in reduc-ing carbon emissions by 37% and doubling its economic scale. This success is attributed to Swe-den's near-zero carbon energy structure, its carbon tax system implemented since 1991, and its innovative commercial department. The data provided by Martin Solvinger, Senior Strategist at the Swedish Tax Agency, further demonstrated the positive correlation between GDP growth and emission reductions.\nSweden’s carbon tax and the EU’s ETS are a dual mechanism of carbon pricing and operate alongside one another in Sweden. The carbon tax primarily targets sectors and emission sources not covered by the ETS, while the ETS applies to energy-intensive industries. This dual system is designed to comprehensively price carbon emissions while taking into consideration character-istics and reduction costs of different industries. Swedish experts pointed out that in recent years Sweden’s policy direction has shifted more toward the ETS, leading to adjustments in the role of the carbon tax accordingly.\nMinister Peng explained to Helena Reitberger that Taiwan has launched the carbon fee system this year. However, due to the impact of the United States' customs policy and withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, domestic enterprises are facing pressure from carbon tax collection. Minister Peng emphasized that the carbon fee system will remain in place and that Taiwan has already begun planning to introduce the ETS system soon and will aim toward dual implementa-tion of both the carbon fee and ETS systems. Therefore, Sweden’s experience with both the carbon tax and ETS system is valuable for Taiwan to study.\nSweden’s Tri-Communication model for carbon reduction strategies emphasizes respectful dia-logues among the government, institutions, academia, enterprises, labor unions, and civil socie-ty to support and advance sustainable development. Although this approach requires more time in communication, it has become deeply embedded in Sweden’s way of working. Through this exchange, Taiwan has gained a deeper understanding of Sweden’s reduction strategies and practical experiences, which will serve as valuable references for Taiwan in formulating relevant policies. In the future, Taiwan will continue to engage in exchanges with Sweden.", "year": "2025", "month": "4", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/33bf3723-750c-475d-9fdd-3f5368de6ac3" }, { "no": "4548", "title": "MOENV Holds Meeting on Net-Zero, Sustainable Green Living to Discuss Climate Solutions with the Public", "preview": "To reach the new national carbon reduction goals and implement Taiwan's Comprehensive Carbon Reduction Action Plan, the MOENV held the Net-Zero and Sustainable Green Living meeting on 16 April to communicate with the public regarding flagship carbon reduction pro-jects. This meeting, co-hosted by Dr. Lin Tze-Luen, Executive Director of the Office of Energy and Carbon Reduction under the Executive Yuan, and the MOENV Deputy Minister Shih Wen-Chen, brought together representatives from the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), the Ministry of Trans-portation and Communications (MOTC), the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), and the Ministry of Education (MOE), along with those from various in-dustries, academic and research communities, and civil organizations. The event opened dia-logues and opportunities for collaboration among different fields as attendees exchanged ideas on policy initiatives and built consensus on net zero.", "content": "In his opening speech, the MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming stated that on 23 January 2025 the Presidential Office convened the third meeting of the National Climate Change Committee and declared that Taiwan's reduction goal for 2035 is set at 38±2%. In response, government agen-cies have proposed flagship reduction plans to intensify reduction efforts. Minister Peng em-phasized that carbon reduction is not solely industries’ responsibility but also requires the col-lective effort of all citizens who need guidance to make behavioral changes in every area from daily life to consumption. He hoped that the meeting would serve as a platform to gather di-verse and creative ideas and harness collective wisdom so the action plans can be executed faster and in a systematic and thoughtful manner and that Taiwan will leap ahead in its net-zero progress.\nThis meeting was the six ministries’ first public engagement session for their flagship carbon reduction plans with extensive discussions particularly on “net-zero, sustainable living. It started with the MOENV briefing on the draft of its flagship plan, explaining how it will guide the public to take low-carbon actions in their daily lives through policy tools, economic incentives, and demonstration projects. The draft flagship carbon reduction action plan includes five key direc-tions:\nI. Subsidies for insulation in existing residential buildings: Enhance energy conservation in school facilities and condominiums.\nII. Assistance toward low-carbon transitions among restaurants: Promote zero-waste and low-carbon diets and subsidize restaurants to install facilities necessary for low-carbon transi-tions.\nIII. Support for innovative low-carbon lifestyles: Promote the green point collection program, set up carbon accounts, and install areas to demonstrate green living.\nIV. Expansion of Green Marks and Green Procurement: Optimize criteria for Green Mark prod-ucts and improve green procurement guidelines for public infrastructure projects.\nV. Low-carbon sustainable community certification and resilient homeland development: As-sist village and neighborhood certification and provide training for relevant personnel while supporting local governments in carrying out reduction measures.\nApart from policy briefings, the forum featured three guest speakers presenting actual cases. Professor Liu Hsiu-hui from National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism shared ex-periences in promoting green restaurants and meal boxes as well as relevant evaluation and as-sistance. Manager Lin Meng-shao from Carrefour introduced how its implementation of food transition program has resulted in encouraging consumers to adopt net-zero behaviors. Finally, Professor Chou Su-ching from National Taiwan University talked about innovative cases of com-munities and civic groups’ participation in sandbox trials, which has led to bottom-up transition and social engagement and showcased the private sector’s strength and diverse approaches in low-carbon actions.\nParticipants enthusiastically spoke up to provide suggestions on practical experiences and measures of net-zero, sustainable green living, feasibility of energy-saving measures for build-ings, designs that enhance citizens' participation and drive behavior changes, mechanisms for cooperation between the public and private sectors, and needed resources, as well as educa-tion promotion. This meeting reached consensus on several points, including that it is necessary for the flagship plan for a net-zero, sustainable green living to develop measurable indicators that address varying scales, stages, and targets. These indicators will help establish a system that supports green living initiatives and interface integration and therefore facilitate lifestyle transition collectively with communities, economic forces, and enterprises. The MOENV will compile all feedback to optimize and review subsequent measures on a rolling basis.\nThis meeting, broadcast live in real-time on the Open Climate Information Platform, was attend-ed by nearly 350 people, including those present at the venue. This reflects the public's strong interest in net-zero, sustainable green living. MOENV stated that it will keep intensifying policy transparency, expand social participation, and integrate feedback through social engagement mechanisms, while promoting more inclusive and effective reduction policies to build a net-zero, sustainable green living that can be jointly achieved by all citizens.", "year": "2025", "month": "4", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/fe55e022-e78b-4593-a52b-46f44a81d22d" }, { "no": "4547", "title": "Resource Circulation Administration Announces Preferential Fee Rates for Rechargeable Lithium Battery Recycling", "preview": "Under the revised Fee Rates for Dry Battery Recycling, Clearance, and Disposal (乾電池回收清除處理費費率) announced by the MOENV on 15 April 2025, starting 1 July 2025 responsible enterprises manufacturing and importing rechargeable lithium batteries that are listed for con-trol are eligible for preferential fee rates for recycling, clearance, and disposal of rechargeable lithium batteries once the central competent authority approves their proposals of self-developed recycling chain.", "content": "MOENV explained that the use of rechargeable lithium batteries has significantly increased in recent years due to net-zero transitions. As a result, economic incentives will be in place to fos-ter responsible enterprises’ willingness of battery recycling and disposal and urge them to vol-untarily establish circular recycling chains by collaborating with upstream, midstream, and downstream stakeholders. Specifically, a Level 1 preferential rate of NT$5.10\/kg is offered for those adopting domestic recycling and disposal for recyclables, and a Level 2 rate of NT$6.66\/kg for those recycling and disposing recyclables outside Taiwan. Compared to the original fee of NT$39\/ kg, these represent discounts at 87% and 83%, respectively.\nThe MOENV stated that, through a self-developed circular recycling chain, responsible enterpris-es can independently sort, dispose, and reuse manufactured and imported waste lithium batter-ies. Such practice will significantly enhance resource recycling and reuse and strengthen public-private collaboration to build future recycling and disposal capacities", "year": "2025", "month": "4", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/86ba849a-f25e-43d4-9a94-6e716aa1095f" }, { "no": "4546", "title": "MOENV Preannounces Draft Operational Guidelines for Climate Change Risk Assessment", "preview": "To strengthen climate adaptation capacity of governments at all levels in response to extreme weather events and enhance climate risk management, the MOENV has preannounced the draft Operational Guidelines for Climate Change Risk Assessment (氣候變遷風險評估作業準則) in accordance with Article 18 of the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法). All are welcome to provide feedback and opinions.", "content": "The MOENV states that the draft operational guidelines will establish consistent operational procedures and standards for government agencies in assessments of climate change risks and implementations of adaptation programs. According to the guidelines, governments at all levels are required to develop and carry out climate change adaptation plans and strategies based on up-to-date scientific climate reports. Systematic climate change risk assessments will be conduct-ed to formulate adaptation action plans in areas prone to climate change impacts, as well as for regional adaptation plans accordingly. These plans will aim toward mitigating climate impacts.\nThe draft guidelines are formulated based on both domestic and international practices and ex-periences, with the following key highlights:\nI. Clear definition of assessment principles and methods: Climate change risk assessments will determine and analyze the scopes and current and future risks, while also including degree of hazards, exposure, and vulnerability.\nII. Enhancement of adaptation and decision-making mechanism: Governments at all levels shall develop adaptation options and evaluate their feasibility, and effectiveness based on the results of the risk assessments.\nIII. Facilitation of cross-agency collaboration and public participation: The public and private sectors, along with the public, are encouraged to collaborate in climate risk assessments and development of adaptation strategies so that climate adaptation policies become the mainstream and accepted with public consensus.\nIV. Establishment of a dynamic review and amendment system: Adaptation measures are to be regularly reviewed and updated based on the latest scientific reports and both domestic and international trends to enhance their effectiveness and replicability.\nThe MOENV emphasizes that it will continue to cooperate with governments at all levels to demonstrate operations in accordance with the draft guidelines, promote and implement cli-mate change risk assessments, and enhance their overall climate adaptation planning and im-plementation capabilities through capacity building and technical support.", "year": "2025", "month": "4", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/63be0e05-6ffc-4b5d-aad2-135032a5dbde" }, { "no": "4545", "title": "MOENV Publishes Amended Regulations for Guidance and Incentives to Environmental Education Facilities (環境教育設施場所輔導獎勵辦法)", "preview": "To align with the Executive Yuan’s organizational restructure, address practical implementation needs, and ensure reasonable and effective use of subsidies and donations for environmental education facilities, the MOENV has published the amended Regulations for Guidance and In-centives to Environmental Education Facilities (環境教育設施場所輔導獎勵辦法) on 8 April 2025.", "content": "The MOENV stated that, since the launch of the Environmental Education Facility Certification System in 2011, a total of 273 sites have been certified as environmental education facilities, conducting environmental education programs and promoting environmental education na-tionwide. As the certification system has been in place for over a decade and proven effective, the Regulations for Guidance and Incentives to Environmental Education Facilities were revised to ensure reasonable and effective use of funding, including subsidies and donations, for these facilities. The amendments this time have adjusted targets of guidance and incentives, removed the original subsidization for certification application fees, and redirect funding toward envi-ronmental education facilities already certified, with certificates still valid, and remaining in op-eration, to provide more resources for these existing facilities.\nThe amendments also modified the incentive mechanism for environmental education facilities rated as outstanding in evaluations. Rather than increasing funding for such facilities as in the past, the MOENV will now prioritize their funding applications for the year after they have been rated as outstanding to better appropriate funding and enhance overall service quality. This ap-proach aims to strengthen both service quality and capacity of environmental education facili-ties, thereby further facilitating environmental education.", "year": "2025", "month": "4", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/892c4f3c-1f22-45d0-a36b-0ad933fcac67" }, { "no": "4544", "title": "Green Growth Alliance Launched to Align with International Carbon Pricing and Drive Green Growth", "preview": "Carbon pricing is not only an important tool for emission reduction, but also a key driver of green growth. Following the launch of Taiwan’s carbon pricing system in 2025, the MOENV pro-posed an implementation pathway aiming to integrate carbon pricing with a total emission control cap-and trading system. This approach seeks to align with international frameworks and promote green growth among enterprises. Since the successful promotion and implemen-tation of a sound carbon pricing system requires capacity building and public engagement, MOENV, drawing on international experience, invited enterprises and relevant government agencies to establish the Green Growth Alliance on April 24 to jointly pursue the new national carbon reduction goals.", "content": "The MOENV explained that the newly formed Green Growth Alliance consists of 17 enterprises that are either major greenhouse gas (GHG) emission sources planning to submit voluntary re-duction plans or have participated in the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The alliance also includes several government agencies, such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Na-tional Science and Technology Council (NSTC), the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), and the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange (TCX). During the meeting of launching the Green Growth Alliance, the MOENV’s Climate Change Administration first shared Japan’s approach with the Green Transformation (GX) Promotion Act, which, enacted in 2023, integrates growth-oriented carbon pricing, GX economic transition bonds, and corporate voluntary carbon reduction goals as key demonstrations of achieving both economic development and carbon reduction policies. Taiwan’s Green Growth Alliance will also draw references from Japan’s GX Alliance to use the combined efforts of both the government and enterprises for tasks in five major areas. They in-clude participation in carbon pricing and building of international collaboration capabilities; tri-al designs of Taiwan’s early-stage emission trading system; international reduction cooperation; enhancement of green industry chain and public-private coordination mechanisms; and organi-zations of forums, training, and exchanges. \nMOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming expressed that, to align with the new national carbon reduction goals and create sufficient reduction incentives, the MOENV plans to conduct a trial cap-and-trade system in the preliminary stage, which will form a dual carbon pricing system alongside the current carbon fee scheme. The purpose is to increase efficiency and align with the global carbon market through cap setting, emission allowance allocation, and market trading mecha-nisms. To help alliance members fully understand the global carbon pricing system, the MOENV will have Japanese GX experts come to Taiwan for the Asia Green Growth Forum in May, where they will exchange insights on Japan’s GX Alliance and promotion of the emissions trading sys-tem. Moreover, in June the MOENV will lead a delegation of alliance members to the European Union (EU) to understand operations of its Emission Trading System (ETS) first-hand. This will help accelerate alignment of Taiwan’s carbon market with global standards through public-private coordination, facilitating future promotion of total emission control and trading system.\nMinister Peng stated that net-zero transition cannot be achieved solely by the government and requires the collective efforts of the private sector and industries. The Green Growth Alliance serves as a coordination platform between the public and private sectors that turns environ-mental responsibilities into forces that drive industry transitions. Furthermore, the MOENV will continue to gather domestic and international policies and experiences to adjust the Alliance’s promotion strategy on a rolling basis, stepping into a sustainable future alongside enterprises.", "year": "2025", "month": "4", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/9701f9e3-a56e-4563-8a88-3230a4c0f21f" }, { "no": "4543", "title": "Taiwan Works with ASEAN Countries on Sustainable Governance of Soil and Groundwater", "preview": "The Environmental Management Administration (EMA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the “ASEAN Regional Forum on Soil and Groundwater Challenges: Sustainable Remediation Strategies” on 26 March 2025 at the GIS Taipei Tech Convention Center. Gathering at the forum to explore challenges and cooperation strategies in the field of soil and ground-water environment governance in the ASEAN region and Taiwan, were: officials from the Minis-try of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand; officials from the Ministry of Natural Re-sources and Environment of Vietnam; researchers from Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam; envi-ronmental protection agencies from Taiwan; industrial and academic representatives, and; for-eign and local graduate students in soil and groundwater studies. In addition to the forum, an award ceremony for the “Investigation and Remediation Research Competition” was held to recognize the achievements of outstanding research teams.", "content": "Deputy Director General Liu Rui-Hsiang of the EMA outlined in his opening speech how water pollution control, air pollution control and waste disposal in Taiwan started in the 1970s. The “Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act” (土壤及地下水污染整治法) was promulgated in the year 2000, followed by many relevant laws and regulations established in this regard, and pollution prevention and remediation have been promoted effectively through measures such as the collection of pollution control fees. Director General Yen Hsu-Ming indicated that Taiwan has accumulated rich experience in pollution investigation and remediation technology over 20 years. It has kept aligned with international practices through international workshops, technol-ogy conferences and guidance committees, and continues to improve its technical capabilities through exchanges, establishing a solid foundation for bilateral and multilateral cooperation centered on Taiwan. This forum facilitated partnership relations among the industrial, govern-mental and academic sectors by providing in-depth interactions with ASEAN countries, which further increases technical capabilities, improves environmental quality and promotes regional sustainable development goals.\nThe forum was focused on the challenges of protecting the soil and groundwater environment in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Taiwan. It advanced understanding of ASEAN partner coun-tries, brought the wisdom of industry, government, and academia together, deepened interna-tional cooperation, and expanded Taiwan's influence in the ASEAN region. A research competi-tion roundtable forum was set up to listen to presentations on the innovative achievements of participants in the “Investigation and Remediation Research Competition”. Twenty-nine teams entered the competition, with ten selected for the secondary review. These teams presented their projects at the forum. Thanks to interactions between experts and students, the under-standing of environmental governance was deepened and innovative strategies and applications for pollution control were explored. Finally, five winning teams were selected and awarded priz-es totaling NT$120,000. Competition combines academics and practice, stimulates innovation and creative thinking, and advances the sustainable development of soil and groundwater envi-ronment in ASEAN countries. \nThe EMA stressed that the sustainability of soil and groundwater resources is a global environ-mental issue. It is hoped that the interactive platform established at the forum will deepen the partnership with ASEAN countries in the field of protection of soil and groundwater environ-ment and help all work together for a better environment and quality of life.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "3", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/f0492151-a0f7-47c6-83b6-97167d0cafd8" }, { "no": "4542", "title": "National Environmental Research Academy and National Land Management Agency Sign MOU on Climate Change Adaptation", "preview": "On 26 March 2025, the National Environmental Research Academy (NERA) of the Ministry of Environment and the National Land Management Agency (NLMA) of the Ministry of the Interior signed an MOU on cooperation to improve domestic climate change adaptability, promote cli-mate change mitigation, technological governance and homeland planning. The cooperation between the two departments will facilitate the integration of research resources from both parties, encourage data sharing and cooperation exchanges, and enhance support for decision-making on climate change adaptation and homeland planning, thus setting the foundation for Taiwan to progress toward resilient and sustainable development.", "content": "The NERA stated that the impacts of climate change on environmental governance and use of national land are increasing. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, which makes it necessary to focus on both forward-looking plans and resilience when it comes to national land planning. The NERA focuses on climate change science, adaptation strategy studies, envi-ronmental monitoring and good governance. Meanwhile, the NLMA’s expertise is in land use, national land governance and land resource planning, and overseas national land use, urban planning and redevelopment, building management and residence policies. This cooperation will help both the NERA and the NLMA promote climate change adaptation and research involv-ing application of national land data, improve the scientific basis and precision for environmen-tal management and national land planning decisions, and facilitate the balance between envi-ronmentally sustainable development and usage of national land.\nThe environment is one side of a coin and land use is the other. Facing the challenges brought by climate change and extreme weather, scientific research and policy planning must join forces for the effective improvement of resilience against and adaptability to extreme weather events. Currently, the NERA is seeking opportunities to work with government agencies such as the NLMA on a pilot plan for a scientific research cooperation platform on climate change adapta-tion. This cooperation MOU shows that both the NLMA and the NERA will push forward their cooperation and interaction in terms of scientific research, data sharing, climate change adapta-tion evaluation and application, to drive the technology- and science-based governance of the environment and the homeland and thus advance the sustainable development of Taiwan in an era of global climate change. The NERA stressed that they would do what they are best at pro-fessionally and work with other government agencies on climate change adaptation and sus-tainable development, build a safer, more resilient and livable homeland environment through cross-departmental cooperation and resource integration, ensure Taiwan’s steady development under climate change, and move toward a more resilient and sustainable future.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "3", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/90c12b28-deb1-415d-beee-eae65e7466cf" }, { "no": "4541", "title": "“Ministry of Environment Green Collar Talent Incubation Alliance” Established", "preview": "To accelerate the incubation of green collar talent, the National Environmental Research Acad-emy (NERA hereinafter), working with 28 universities and colleges in Taiwan, has established the “Net-Zero Green Collar Talent Incubation Alliance” (淨零綠領人才培育聯盟). The Alliance will work to accelerate the incubation of professionals in environmental professions, with a “Net-zero Green Collar Talent Incubation Program” having been recently rolled out. Tuition for this short, 48-hour course is NT$12,000, with a tuition discount available for students under 30 years old and those from low-income households. The program aims to incubate 3,500 people per year, an attempt to fill the demand for green collar professionals through better promotion of policy and use of educational resources.", "content": "I. Four regional incubation centers working with 28 universities and colleges to build incuba-tion bases\nThe “Net-Zero Green Collar Talent Incubation Alliance” is working with 28 universities and colleges throughout Taiwan. It has four regional incubation centers in northern, central, southern and eastern Taiwan, located in major cities to allow trainees to study at the center nearest to them. This is expected to facilitate learning and broaden the student application pool.\n1. Northern Taiwan incubation center: located at National Taiwan Normal University and 2 others.\n2. Central Taiwan incubation center: National Yunlin University of Science and Technology and 7 others.\n3. Southern Taiwan incubation center: National Cheng Kung University and 8 others.\n4. Eastern Taiwan incubation center: Tzu Chi University and 7 others.\nII. The program is suitable for those without a science or engineering background\nThe program is designed to cover both theory and practice, described as follows:\n1. Climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) management\n2. GHG measurement\n3. Voluntary GHG reduction and reduction credits\n4. Product carbon footprints\nThe program consists of 48 hours of instruction and is expected to start in late April at the regional incubation centers. Professional instructors are invited to help trainees build a solid professional foundation.\nIII. “Green collar manpower” evolves into “green collar talents” for better market competi-tiveness\nThe MOENV stressed that the “Climate change professionals incubation program” is designed not only to improve the professionalism of those working in the green industry, but also to help “green collar manpower” evolve into “green collar talents”.\nGreen collar manpower refers to workers who are working in the green industry primarily for green production, environmental protection and sustainable development.\nGreen talents: refer to those who have taken professional training, received technical training and\/or passed qualification examinations and have higher level professional literacy and market competitiveness, enabling them to act as mentors and facilitate innovation in the green sector.\nIV. Tuition discounts to encourage young people and the socially disadvantaged\nTo encourage young people and the socially disadvantaged to participate, the following discounts are available:\n1. Undergraduate and graduate students younger than 30 years of age: 50% off (NT$6,000);\n2. Low-income households: free tuition (NT$12,000).\nTrainees will be granted an official certificate issued by the MOENV and be awarded the tui-tion discount after they complete the training and pass a qualification exam. \nV. Sign up information\nThose who are interested in the program may visit the NERA’s “Net-zero green collar talent incubation program” webpage at https:\/\/ulvis.net\/iTs8 for sign-up information.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "3", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/d7cc4e93-b1b9-4eba-82fe-2ec0beddba94" }, { "no": "4540", "title": "Ministry of Environment and Global enabling Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) sign MOU for Green Digitalization and Net-Zero Opportunities", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) is working diligently on “digital transition and net-zero transition” to help reach Taiwan’s goal of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Thus, on 21 March 2025, MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming met with the CEO of the Global enabling Sustainability Initiative (GeSI), Mr. Luís Neves, to sign a MOU on cooperating to create new opportunities for green digitalization and net zero, to focus on accelerating Taiwan's sustainable development through green digital solutions, and to create a win-win for environmental sustainability and economic growth.", "content": "Minister Peng said in his speech that digital technology is always a key driver for moving sus-tainable development forward as the world faces the challenges of global climate change. GeSI, a global alliance of leaders in information and communications technology (ICT) industries, has been working with the European Union on multiple projects, particularly in dealing with how to support the EU’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Green Deal with ICT, while providing suggestions about digitalization and sustainable development policies. With this MOU, both the GeSI and the MOENV will work together on the “Net Carbon Impact As-sessment Methodology for ICT Solutions” and “Digital with Purpose Performance Framework Certification”, which assist Taiwan’s ICT industries in playing an active role toward reaching the net-zero goal and help the ICT industry evaluate its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) performance. In addition, Taiwan will learn from GeSI’s international experience to develop its own voluntary carbon market and intelligent carbon cities, accelerate green digital transition, resolve environmental problems with innovative technology and create new green economy op-portunities.\nGeSI CEO Neves noted that Taiwan is a world leader in the ICT industry and is an important hub for technological innovation. GeSI’s members come from important ICT enterprises around the world, and the organization has been involved with great progress in the areas of smart cities, artificial intelligence and the digital UNGIH platform under the United Nations Framework Con-vention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Witnessing the signing of the MOU were Iris Liu, Vice GM of Taiwan mobile and a board member of GeSI, and Richard Lee, Chairman of Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (TEEMA), also a member of GeSI. The signatories be-lieved that this cooperation would strengthen the international network by bringing GeSI and Taiwan’s technical strength together for the development and promotion of sustainable digital solutions and contribute to global sustainable development. \nThe cooperation between the MOENV and GeSI will not only accelerate Taiwan’s green digital transition, but also help the nation contribute to sustainable development worldwide. With high expectations for the cooperation agreement, both parties will deepen efforts toward “digi-tal and net-zero transitions” and create a brighter, more sustainable future.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/666d3dce-5d52-46dd-acef-c01ba5db5572" }, { "no": "4539", "title": "Regulations Governing Water Pollution Control Fees Amended to Promote Green Transition", "preview": "On 31 March 2025, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) announced amendments to the “Regulations Governing the Collection of Water Pollution Control Fees from Enterprises and Sewage System Operators”, (事業及污水下水道系統水污染防治費收費辦法) aimed at encour-aging businesses to reduce CO2 emissions. The amendments cover fee rate adjustments for substances hazardous to health, such as ammonia, zinc and tin, to be subject to control fee col-lection, along with measures to offset emissions by converting waste to reusable resources or energy, towards achieving the goal of green transition.", "content": "I. Fee rates are rationalized to follow polluter pay principle\nThe MOENV stated that after comprehensive discussions and study of the latest wastewater\/sewage treatment and control costs, a number of substances hazardous to health commonly found in the wastewater of specific industries, such as lead, nickel, copper, total mercury, arsenic and cyanites, were selected for fee rate rationalization, so as to meet the “polluters pays principle”, and to encourage businesses with large discharge volumes to assume greater responsibility and provide them with more incentives to reduce pollution.\nIn addition, because in recent years amendments have tightened the Effluents Standards (放流水標準), ammonia nitrogen and discharges thereof have been added to the control list. Control standards for ammonia nitrogen control are commonly not met and these compounds are frequently found in polluted sections of water bodies. Ammonia nitrogen is hazardous to aquatic life and is a precursor for eutrophication. Meanwhile, zinc and tin are heavy metals that accumulate in the human body. Thus, ammonia nitrogen, zinc and tin have been added for fee collection, with a rate of NT$40\/kg for ammonia nitrogen, and NT$1,000 for zinc and tin effective for the first year after the amendment.\nII. Rates to be increased gradually in phases to minimize impacts; only a handful of business-es will be affected\nThe MOENV stated the adjusted fee rates and new fee items are expected to take effect in 2026. To mitigate impacts on businesses, the fees will be given a 50% discount on the full rate in the first year, with the discount gradually decreasing yearly, until the full rates are charged in the sixth year. A closer look at the fee rate adjustment showed that only 2,200 businesses will be affected, most of them being sewage system operators of industrial or science parks, wafer foundries\/semiconductor manufacturers, power plants, PCB manufacturers and electroplating businesses. The number of affected businesses and amounts collected will be limited. In the first year after the amendment, for 90% of those subject to pollution control fees, their fees will increase by less than NT$20,000. \nIII. Investment offsets and promotion of green transition\nTo further encourage action toward global net-zero, a scheme for earning offsets by investing in wastewater treatment equipment was also included in this amendment. Say a company is considering investing in a new wastewater treatment facility to enable the recovery of energy or reusable resources, for example: a papermill introduces anaerobic treatment to collect methane for power generation and circular economy benefits; or, a semiconductor manufacturer recovers high-concentration ammonia from wastewater and converts the recovered waste into useful resources. Such enterprises may prepare the required documents and apply to the MOENV or local environmental protection bureau for water pollution fee offsets. The offsets can be as much as 60% of the current fees for up to three years. It is hoped that wastewater treatment can also contribute to power generation in addition to resource recovery, encouraging more businesses to invest in conversion facilities and drive the green transition in the industrial sector. \n", "year": "2025", "month": "3", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/a03d6f12-339d-4174-9f28-6d0f40e5b0f7" }, { "no": "4538", "title": "MOENV Releases Labeling Regulations for Voluntary Product Carbon Footprints and Amended Regulations for Accreditation and Verification Bodies to Facilitate Low-Carbon Production", "preview": "The MOENV released the Regulations Governing Voluntary Verification, Labeling, and Man-agement of Carbon Footprints of Products (自願性產品碳足跡核定標示及管理辦法) and par-tial amendments of the Management Regulations for Greenhouse Gas Certification and In-spection Organizations (溫室氣體認證機構及查驗機構管理辦法) on 19 March. Such an-nouncement was made according to the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法) in order to encourage and manage calculation and labeling of products’ carbon footprints. This allows enterprises that manufacture, import or sell products to keep track of carbon emissions from product manufacturing processes to supply chains and facilitate consistency in calculation and disclosure for references for the public and consumers. It is hoped, through the regula-tions, to encourage green product designs and low-carbon production and accelerate carbon reduction.", "content": "The MOENV indicates that Taiwan has been promoting carbon footprint label on products for years. There are currently 636 products with valid carbon footprint labels, most of which are products used in daily life, including food products, cooking oil, cleaning products as well as transportation services. Article 37 Paragraph 2 of the Climate Change Response Act, promulgated in 2023, specifically voluntary applications of products carbon footprints regarding approval, verification and labeling. Considering previous experiences, the MOENV aimed to improve and expand the system of carbon footprint approval and labeling system and therefore prean-nounced the draft Management Regulations Governing Voluntary Verification, Labeling, and In-spection of Carbon Footprints of Products (自願性產品碳足跡核定標示及管理辦法) in December 2024. It was promulgated on 19 March after solicitation of public opinions and a series of work-shops. The regulations consist of 25 articles, summarized as follows: \nI. Legislation of application process \nThe regulations specify calculations, verifications, application procedures, required documents, reviews and post-approval periods regarding product carbon footprints. Carbon footprint verification is to be conducted according to the MOENV’s regulations on product categories for carbon footprints and using the criteria and emission coefficients set forth under ISO 14067 for carbon footprint calculation. The results shall be verified by a verification institute before the required documents and information are uploaded to the specified platform and applications for product carbon footprints are filed to the MOENV. \nMOENV explains that there are currently 172 product categories on carbon footprints. If an enterprise wishes to file applications of carbon footprints for a product not under any categories, an appropriate product category is to be proposed for approval. The regulations also encourage governments of all levels to help enterprises to file joint applications for product categories as to shorten the schedule for the applications for the same product types. \nII. Improvement of carbon footprint disclosure system \nThe product carbon footprint labeling specified by the regulations is shown below. Once applications are reviewed and approved by the MOENV, enterprise shall use and label the products according to the approved product names and models, values and units, approval number, expiration dates and descriptions for use. Contents of reviews and approvals above will be disclosed by the MOENV on a designated website. To ensure that carbon footprint data is correct, the carbon footprint approval is valid for two years based widely recognized international practice. To maintain its validity, the renewal application shall be proposed three months before the expiration. For those who have been approved for the carbon footprint labels before the promulgation of the regulations, their labels remain valid. However, they are to follow the regulations regarding the use, display, and extension of the labels. \nThe MOENV expressed that penalties are specified in the regulations for violations as well. They include that (1) use and labeling of carbon footprint labels without being approved footprint or after the approval expires; (2) failure to use products according to the approval, or environ-ment-related statements or declarations not compliant with regulations regarding product car-bon footprints (for example, exaggerations of products’ environmental benefits or ambiguous or false carbon emissions of products); and (3) failure to apply for modification in accordance with the regulations, report label usage regularly, or store information accordingly. Violators will be fined from NT$10,000 up to NT$1,000,000 according to Article 54 of the Climate Change Re-sponse Act in addition to being required to improve by given deadlines. Failure to improve by the given deadlines will be punished consecutively. \nThe Management Regulations for Greenhouse Gas Certification and Inspection Organizations have been revised at the same time with the conjunction of the development of the regula-tions. Revisions include adding, regarding product carbon footprints, verification categories and requirements for the implementation of verification that are to be complied. Also, an already certified verification institutes for product carbon footprints shall apply to the MOENV for per-mits or for transition periods for adding verification categories within six months after the promulgation of the amended regulations, thus ensuring continuation of existing verification operations without interruptions. \nMOENV points out that the label of product carbon footprints is an important part to drive the green production from the consumer end. Amendments of both sets of regulations will result in improving the management mechanism. Moreover, the MOENV will increase the promotion ef-forts, including inviting all ministries involved to propose product categories that should be giv-en priority for promoting carbon footprint labeling, establishing and disclosing necessary prod-uct categories and emission factors, and combining green procurement. This will allow consum-ers and producers to work together to achieve a net-zero, green living. \n", "year": "2025", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/40e3476c-622a-4d1b-acf9-014e40bd312f" }, { "no": "4537", "title": "Four Forest-Based Reduction Methods in Place to Build Carbon Sink", "preview": "Forests, which also are green carbon sinks, have multiple environmental benefits. MOENV has reviewed and approved four local greenhouse gas reduction methods. They are carbon sinks through forestation and tree planting, carbon sinks through enhanced forestry, carbon sinks through enhanced bamboo forestry, and carbon sinks in low stocking forests, each suitable for different types of green carbon sinks management and operation activities. It is hoped to use the reduction credits as one of the driving forces for green carbon sinks and encourage enter-prises to put resources into increasing carbon sinks, such as reforestation and forestry.", "content": "Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is now at its full swing in Taiwan, which has in-cluded natural carbon sinks in the 12 key strategies to reach the goal of net zero by 2050. Forest carbon sinks, also known as green carbon, refer to CO2 (carbon pools) captured by forests from the atmosphere and stored in various deposits (carbon pools), such as wood, root systems and harvested forest products. MOENV points out that, though not an alternative for deep carbon reduction, natural carbon sink has multiple benefits and removes CO2 from the atmosphere, which helps departments with difficulty transitioning offset residual emissions and thus slowing down the progress of global warming. Therefore, it can be factored in the planning of promo-tion pathways in consideration of carbon removal process and storage time. Green carbon has relatively mature technologies due to long facilitation period and is now actively promoted. \nThe MOENV says that four domestic reduction methods involving green carbon have been re-viewed and approved and that a suitable reduction method can be selected to plan for foresta-tion or forest operation based on land use situation and wood growths. Measures are de-scribed below: \nI. Forestation or reforestation for non-forested lands\nThe method “carbon sinks through forestation and tree planting may be selected with forestation size greater than 0.5 hectare and soil disturbance size no more than 40% for flatlands and 33% for hillslopes. Moreover, it is not to cause existing agricultural activities to move away. \nII. Increase of carbon stocking for forests of poor stocking capacity\nThe method “carbon sink in low stocking forests may be selected to increase the stocking with forestry management measures. The project shall be carried out on a forest that has remained covered by wood for at least 20 years previously with carbon stocking capacity lower than the average capacity of the same forest type (excluding bamboo forests and scrub forests), and there shall not be any commercial feeling. Only low-strength thinning is suitable for felling as part of forestry operations during project implementation for stocking increase at the beginning, and forest product harvest is not considered in the calculation of caron deposits. \nIII. Strengthening of operation for existing forests\nFor woodlands that already meet the definition of forest before the project starts, the method “carbon sinks through enhanced forestry” may be selected to enhance operation management measures. Forest products, such as wooden materials and logs, can be harvested to increase carbon sinks in addition to increasing stocking capacity. However, products of short lifecycles, such as paper products and wood pulp, are not considered in the calculation of caron deposits. \nIV. Operation management for existing bamboo forests\nFor woodlands that have been bamboo forests for five years before the project starts, the method “carbon sinks through of enhanced bamboo forestry operation” may be selected for operation management measures. Bamboo products, such as bamboo poles, can be harvested to increase carbon sink. However, bamboo shoots and products harvested from bamboos with lifecycles of fewer than five years, such as bamboo skewers, chopsticks and farming materials, are not considered in the calculation of caron deposits. Trees along the project borders shall not be harvested unless necessary for forest protection purposes. \nThe MOENV also reminds that not all wooded lands are eligible to obtain reduction credits. To participate in voluntary reduction projects, it is necessary to demonstrate that efforts have been made to meet the requirements imposed by the voluntary reduction mechanism and properly calculate emissions caused by forestry activities, such as sapling transportation, planting holes, planting, weeding and felling. Therefore, projects are to be implemented according to the MOENV-approved reduction methods and reviewed to prevent inappropriate issuance of reduc-tion credits from affecting Taiwan’s net-zero goal. The methods are now made available on the Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Offset Information Platform for public access. Inter-ested parties need to have the expertise in forestry operation as well as invest considerable manpower, resources and time, think through wood status on their lands, and adopt appropri-ate measures accordingly.", "year": "2025", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/b8c7d384-9974-422a-8ced-e1c508bd0dc0" }, { "no": "4536", "title": "RCA Promulgates Amended Guidelines for Loan Credit and Subsidies for Recyclable Wastes Recycling and Disposal Enterprises", "preview": "The MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration (RCA) has promulgated the Guidelines of Loan Credit Guarantee and Interest Subsidies for Recyclable Waste Recycling and Disposal En-terprises (應回收廢棄物回收處理業專案貸款信用保證及利息補貼實施要點) on 1 January 2023. The purpose is to enhance automation processes and pollution control equipment per-formance for recycling and disposal enterprises dealing with recyclable wastes and help them purchase equipment and remove financing obstacles. The RCA works with the Small and Medi-um Enterprise Credit Guarantee Fund of Taiwan (TSMEG) to establish the respective guarantee funds, introduce the loan credit guarantee mechanism is introduced to help enterprises finance equipment purchases. Incentives are provided in the form of interest subsidies as well so that enterprises can speed up technological upgrades.", "content": "The RCA indicates that this amendment aims to better facilitate transition for the resource circu-lation industry, hence expanding the scope of loan applicants and adding recycling and disposal industries and enterprises that form alliances with other industries to enhance quality and pur-poses of recycled materials. Also, new uses for loans are added, including expenditures required to purchase smart, low-carbon production machinery and equipment for refining recycled mate-rials, green energy-using, low-carbon equipment or that with high-value applications, and equipment for fire and disaster prevention and safety protection to facilitate equipment up-grades and improve factory safety. The promulgation was made on 18 March 2025 on the letter numbered Huan Xuen Ji 1146104011. \nUp to 90% can be guaranteed for loan credits and a loan can be taken out at NT$50 million max-imum with a term of 5 years, the longest. The maximum grace period for principal is 2 years. In addition, businesses eligible for the loan may enjoy interest subsidies for up to 5 years, which is the annual loan interest rate at 1% each year. It is expected to reduce enterprises’ financial bur-den and further enhance the competitive edge of Taiwan’s resource recycling industry.", "year": "2025", "month": "3", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/53b9a5c5-c906-4a58-83a9-e58831018fb6" }, { "no": "4535", "title": "MOENV Approves Agricultural Soil Management Methodology for Improving to Enhance Carbon Sequestration", "preview": "The “agricultural soil improvement management” (改進農業土壤管理方法學) proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) was reviewed and approved on the 14th meeting of the MOENV’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Project and Voluntary Reduction Project Review Board on 20 March. This adds one more method for local reduction via natural carbon sink in hopes of encouraging domestic agricultural activities to adopt agricultural soil management measures to increase or-ganic carbon in the soil, therefore helping achieve Taiwan’s net-zero goals.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that there were 146 items in 13 categories of greenhouse gas reduction methods previously approved and released. This proposal was made by the MOA in February 2024 and finally approved in the 14th review board meeting with revision comments on 20 March after draft announcement, public opinion solicitation, and discussions among experts in meetings. Now, the proposal becomes the first local reduction method under the category of “agriculture and land use” that is approved after the Greenhouse Gas Voluntary Emission Re-duction Projects Regulations (溫室氣體自願減量專案管理辦法) was promulgated. Details are summarized below: \nI. Scope and conditions of application\nThe scope of the proposal in the project shall cover lands that have been used steadily for agricultural purposes for ten years before the project’s starting date. Listed in the approval are primary measures that help increase deposits of soil organic carbon (SOC) in a typical farming system, including the use of organic materials, reduced farming\/improved farming waste management, and improved crop systems. In addition, it is required that no project shall lead to reduced production by over 5% compared to that of the original farming activities; and the reduction results are considered only as increased carbon sinks instead of emission reduction. \nII. Quantification design\nThis methodology focuses on evaluating SOC change and providing three ways of quantification. They include (1) measurement and modeling; (2) direct measurement; and (3) predefined coefficients, to adapt to projects of different scales and needs. In addition, project-related management measures should be included for project consideration and calculation, if they will result in changes in carbon pools or emission sources by over 5%. \nIII. Inclusion of environmental impact analysis in project applications when appropriate\nThe scope of this methodology’s application covers the use of organic materials, reduced farming\/improved farming waste management, and improved crops system. It is necessary to analyze impacts on the surrounding environment and take corresponding measures during implementation of each individual case to fully consider potential impacts from measures taken, for example possible effects on groundwater quality due to use of organic materials. \nIV. Real-time modification to align with international practices\nThere are many uncertainties in SOC from sampling to testing due to soil inhomogeneity. Moreover, both the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM) and the Verra mecha-nism based on which this reduction methodology is proposed are reviewing relevant prin-ciples, requirements, and methodologies. As a result, the reduction methodology will be modified accordingly in real time should the PACM or Verra mechanism be updated, as re-quired by the additional decision made during the approval of the methodology. \nAt the same time, the MOENV mentioned that verification by a third-party verification institute is mandatory in applications of voluntary reduction projects. Therefore, the MOA has been re-quested to establish a verification institute as soon as possible to help enterprises involved start the tasks of increasing soil carbon sinks. \nThe approved reduction methodology will be announced on the Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Re-duction and Offset Information Platform by the MOENV for public access once the MOA finishes revision based on the meeting decisions. The MOENV reminded, on the other hand, that alt-hough improving agriculture management measures may help increase carbon sequestration in soils, there is still a possibility that such effects may be lowered during the project implementa-tion due to, for example, heavy rain erosions and exposure to high temperature. These influ-ences will be factored in the calculation of the quantity of reduction credits issued. Not only so, but all also interested parties are urged to take full consideration as it takes substantial man-power, resources, time, and finance to apply for voluntary reduction projects using the meth-odology approved this time.", "year": "2025", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/1f8c869c-a09c-4e67-88e3-9c19c620fb27" }, { "no": "4534", "title": "MOENV Announces Amended Regulations of Industrial Waste Reuse", "preview": "The MOENV has been aligning the Executive Yuan’s efforts in organizational restructure and improving management for reuse of industrial wastes. As a result, the Management Regula-tions for the Reuse of Industrial Wastes of the Environmental Protection Administration, Exec-utive Yuan (行政院環境保護署事業廢棄物再利用管理辦法) were amended and renamed the Management Regulations for the Reuse of Industrial Wastes of the of Ministry of Environment (環境部事業廢棄物再利用管理辦法) on 6 March 2025. The aim is to improve the overall oper-ation and management mechanism for the reuse of industrial waste.", "content": "The MOENV’ Resource Circulation Administration points out that the regulations apply to en-terprises whose industry competent authority is the MOENV, including government-operated and private waste disposal entities, soil and groundwater pollution sites where soil is handled off-site, enterprises disposing recyclable wastes, and environmental testing services. The amendment is summarized as follows: \nI. Regulations regarding the number of copies of documents needed for reuse permit appli-cation are deleted for better flexibility of administration.\nII. Enterprises are required to keep records consisting of contracts signed in accordance with the regulations and test results for three years for better voluntary management.\nIII. Regulations are added to authorize local competent authorities to order reuse entities to stop improper reuse activities to stop illegal activities in time.", "year": "2025", "month": "3", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/2a94a23f-1113-4064-b4ad-36a0b0beee99" }, { "no": "4533", "title": "MOENV Announces Emission Sources for Enterprises Subject to Inventory", "preview": "Carbon inventory is the foundation of carbon reduction. The MOENV released the goals for the regulatory stages of greenhouse gas emissions for 2030 by the end of 2024, as well as an-nounced the expansion of inventory. The scope, originally covering energy and manufacturing sectors, now includes residential, commercial and transportation sectors and combines various assistance measures and intense energy efficiency to accelerate reduction efforts. The MOENV indicates that the Enterprise Emission Sources Subject to Inventory and Registration of Green-house Gas Emissions (事業應盤查登錄溫室氣體排放量之排放源) have been promulgated on 4 March after going through preannouncement, discussions and incorporation of public opinions. Starting from 2026, enterprises in service industry and transportation, hospitals and medical institutes, colleges and universities, and small and medium-sized manufacturers with high de-mands for electricity, oil, or other fossil fuels are required to conduct and register their own carbon emissions of the previous year by every 30 April. It is stressed that inventory scope has been expanded to increase the reduction efforts in all major sectors with the principle of no hustle, no outsourcing, no verification and no carbon fees.", "content": "The MOENV points out that approximately 500 more enterprises are expected to be included under this expansion, and they may determine if they are potentially subject to inventory based on the energy audit registration data of 2024, number of vehicles or storefronts. Actual deter-mination, however, is based on energy use, number of storefronts, number of vehicles, or hospi-tal assessment results of the previous year of the one with mandatory inventory and registra-tion. An enterprise is also determined subject to inventory if it meets the required conditions above in that year. The MOENV will request all industry competent authorities to help with de-termination and assistance for enterprises in conducting inventory and registration. For enter-prises that are not manufacturing and hospitality industries or hospitals, inventory and registra-tion shall be conducted by headquarters or universities for their branch companies, branch stores, branch offices, appointed or franchise stores, schools and campuses. \nI. Information service industry, department stores, shopping centers, wholesale stores, rail-way transportation, mass transit systems and universities: Enterprises whose annual pur-chase of electricity exceeds 20 million kWh or more; or enterprises with a single venue whose annual purchase of electricity exceeds 10 million kWh or more.\nII. Hospitality industry: Enterprises with a single venue whose annual purchase of electricity exceeds 10 million kWh or more.\nIII. Telecommunications industry, chain convenience stores, and supermarkets: Enterprises with 100 storefronts or more, including direct-sale and appointed\/franchise storefronts.\nIV. Hospitals: Enterprises identified as medical centers by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in the hospital accreditations.\nV. Vehicle transportation: Enterprises in highway automobile transportation, metropolitan au-tomobile transportation, tourist bus transportation, automobile cargo transportation, or automobile cargo transportation within designated routes which operate with 200 vehicles or more.\nVI. Manufacturing: Entire factory (venue) with facility whose energy use meets one of the fol-lowing conditions, which are 4,000 tons or more in annual use of coal; 3,200 kiloliters or more in annual use of burning fuels; five million m3 or more of annual use of natural gas; 10 million kcal\/hour or more for the total design or actual heat input of combustion facili-ties with the same one exhaust; or 20 million kWh or more of annual purchase of electrici-ty for the entire factory (facility).\nThe “ˋ Nos” principle was adopted in the MOENV’s announcements of those subject to inven-tory and registration. The calculation tool is provided on the Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Re-porting System, suitable for those subjects to inventory and registration that mostly operate on electricity. The system is designed to interface with Taipower’s power usage data, allowing en-terprises to log in with its industrial commerce identification card and conduct inventory only under Scope 1 and 2 without increasing their burdens. Additional efforts later this year include a series of workshops regarding regulations and training programs as well as editing and pub-lishing of inventory guidelines for service industry, transportation industry and hospitals to as-sist enterprises in conducting inventory. The MOENV will commend enterprises active in reduc-tion and encourage environmentally friendly enterprises with excellent performances.", "year": "2025", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/690988d4-0450-4905-a246-eaffe7ff9f55" }, { "no": "4532", "title": "MOENV and Pure Green Foundation Jointly Hold “Green Living and Low-Carbon Diet Workshop”", "preview": "Climate change is a daunting challenge that the world must deal with today, and the goal of 2050 net-zero emissions and transitions in daily living play an essential role. Every tiny action is the start of change. The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) cooperated with the Pure Green Foundation to hold the “Green Living and Low-Carbon Diet Workshop” on 25 February 2025 in Taipei City. Experts, catering businesses and government representatives were invited to discuss how to promote green living through low-carbon diets.", "content": "In his speech at the workshop, MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming pointed out that the quantity of meat consumed around the world, including Taiwan, keeps growing, while animal farming creates heavy burdens on lands. The relationship between food and land needs to be seriously considered. If we are to follow the principles of economic, social and environmental fairness and justice without compromising access to food for future generations, excessive use of resources and over-cultivation of land should be avoided in current production, processing, distribution and consumption of food. To ensure food security and biodiversity, the generation of greenhouse gases and food waste needs to be reduced, while water resources need to be efficiently utilized.\nMinister Peng went on to say how popularity of sustainable food can be increased by making it taste better. Farmers that provide sustainable food ingredients can be rewarded through public recognition, and chefs who prepare sustainable food can be trained so that they are valued. We can start by promoting sustainable food restaurants and connect them to sustainable food ecosystems, enabling everyone to see the future of the sustainable food market and encouraging more people to support it.\nThe workshop featured a total of five sessions of speeches and interactions, led by: Director General Hung Shu-Hsing of the Department of Comprehensive Planning; Dr. Wu Chun-Yen of the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research; Mr. Yen Hsin-Yung, founder of the Good Food Vegetarian Lab; Dr. Tai Ching-Hua, CEO of Pure Green Foundation, and; Mr. Tien Ting-Feng, chairman of the Green Vegetarian Assessment Committee. From the angles of environmental policy, health science and industrial innovation, multiple perspectives were presented on the challenges and opportunities of low-carbon diets. MOENV shared its ideas on net-zero green living, experts led discussions on practical experiences, catering businesses shared how to create value out of environmental protection, and restaurants shared how to be incorporating green ideas, from the process of coming up with innovative ideas to designing menus to running a restaurant. \nDirector General Hung added that the “Zero Waste and Low-Carbon Diets” advocated by the government includes encouraging local and in-season food, low-carbon cooking, minimizing waste of food ingredients, carrying one’s own utensils, cherishing food and minimizing leftovers, and choosing environment-friendly places first for dining out. Currently, the MOENV is following the net-zero trend to improve environment-friendly restaurants and is planning a net-zero-transformation catering guide to help restaurants with their green transition and invite them to take part in a low-carbon lifestyle. \nThe MOENV has re-dedicated itself to dialogue with the public in recent years. At the “Green Living and Low-Carbon Diet Workshop”, experts from industrial, governmental and academic sectors gathered for in-depth dialogues with private businesses and enterprises, to work together for sustainable development, plant the concept of green living in everyone's minds, and work towards \"Net Zero Green Living\" together for the Earth.", "year": "2025", "month": "2", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/632219cb-6c35-4797-9555-fed2ad1472cb" }, { "no": "4531", "title": "Expanded Public Participation in “AIR 2025: Smart Cities – Sustainable and Clean Air Technology Innovation Forum” Helps Set Future Clean Air Policies", "preview": "On 24-25 February 2025, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the “AIR 2025: Smart Cities – Sustainable and Clean Air Technology Innovation Forum” in Taipei City. The officials and experts from Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) of California, USA, were invited to share their insights on air pollution management and their experiences in developing AI technology. An in-depth discussion on improving air quality issues of public concern took place to stimulate innovative thinking for the upcoming new white paper on air quality policy.", "content": "In his opening speech, MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming stated: \n“The 2030 net greenhouse gas emission reduction goal has been established, set at a reduction of 28±2 % compared to 2005. The impacts and benefits of CO2 reduction on air pollution should be assessed, while the target for PM2.5 is an annual average concentration of 10 mg\/m3 or lower. Changes in people’s habits play an important role. This forum will use “Wishing Well” and “World Café” formats to gather comments, which will show how participants from the public expect better cooperation between government and the private sector. It is also recognized that policies promoted need solid scientific foundations. To respond to these needs, the MOENV will establish an artificial intelligence and data governance center and an air quality monitoring and forecast center to improve air pollution AI environmental governance and move toward sustainable net-zero and intelligent green energy development.” \nMOENV pointed out the two major emphases of this forum: \nI. Introduction of new international knowledge: Officials and experts from Japan and the USA were invited, including Mr. Suki Kuroda of the Environmental Management Division of Japan’s Ministry of the Environment; Mr. Sam Wang, Program Supervisor of SCAQMD; Dr. Greg Carmichael from the University of Iowa; Dr. Johsua Fu from the University of Tennessee; and Dr. Nga Lee (Sally) Ng from the Georgia Institute of Technology. The experts shared their insights on analysis of atmospheric composition, aerosol formation mechanisms, experiences in pollution control and the application of AI technology. The latest technology and policy developments in air pollution governance were discussed to help optimize governance strategies. \nII. Greater public participation: Based on the comments collected from sessions “Good air wishing well” and “Good air world café”, the MOENV divided the topics for the forum according to four aspects: “air quality management”, “industrial air pollution management”, “transportation air pollution management” and “daily life and fugitive air pollution management”. Experts, civic groups, business representatives and government agencies were invited to focus on and discuss the future blueprint for air quality policy.\nThe MOENV indicated that comments have been successfully collected through events such as the “Good air wishing well” and the “Good air world café”, and today’s forum was a big step toward converting ideas from the public into solid policies. Looking to the future, the new air quality policy white paper will be composed of serve as the core document guiding third stage air pollution control solutions. Policy performance will be assessed periodically to ensure the continuous improvement of air quality. \nMOENV appreciates the input of all who participated and expects the results of this forum will help create a healthier and more livable environment in Taiwan and fulfill a clean air vision for all to share.", "year": "2025", "month": "2", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/a512aea6-365a-4ccc-bcdd-b1360acdf49e" }, { "no": "4530", "title": "Findings of 2024 Environmental Protection Expenditures Survey", "preview": "For both economic development and a sustainable environment, the United Nations established the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (環境與經濟帳系統) to evaluate interactions between economic activities and environment. The “Environmental Protection Expenditure Accounts” (環保支出帳) aim to provide financial information from environmental protection activities conducted to prevent, reduce or eliminate pollution or other environmental damage and otherwise implement environmental policies. The information to be recorded in the accounts is collected through statistical surveys and existing official data.", "content": "Since 2023, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has been conducting the “environmental protection expenditure survey on government agencies and the industrial sector”. Based on UN specifications and Taiwan’s conditions, environmental protection activities are grouped into 10 categories: air quality protection; greenhouse gas reduction; water quality protection; waste management; soil and groundwater remediation; noise and vibration control; biodiversity and landscape protection; protection against radiation; environmental protection R & D; and other. The survey was expanded in 2024 in terms of scope and the government agencies covered both the central and local levels, instead of the original 11 central agencies. For the industrial sector, the coverage was expanded to include mining, quarrying, manufacturing without factory registration, and construction businesses, in addition to the previous categories of manufacturing with factory registration, power and gas supply and water supply. \nThe findings of the 2024 survey (based on data for 2023) revealed that the government spent a total of NT$127.16 billion in 2023 for environmental protection activities, including NT$34.69 billion for capital expenditures. Most expenditures were on water quality protection, accounting for 60.3%, followed by 21.7% for waste management. Recurrent expenditure accounted for NT$92.47 billion, of which the largest proportion, 51.8%, was spent on waste management, followed by 15.9% for air quality protection. \nAs for the industrial sector, 2023 environmental protection expenditures added up to NT$206.27 billion, of which the highest proportion, 47.0%, or NT$76.26 billion, went to air quality protection, followed by 30.7% for water quality protection. Recurrent expenditures were NT$130.01, most of which went to waste management, accounting for 34.1%, followed by 25.1% for air quality protection and 24.5% for water quality protection. \nMOENV has been endeavoring to advance environmental protection policies in recent years. This year’s environmental protection expenditure survey clearly indicates that in 2023, governments and industries spent most of their environmental funds on air quality protection, water quality protection and waste management, suggesting these are key areas that impact the quality of the environment and the daily lives of people. MOENV will continue to work together with other government agencies and private organizations to strengthen investment by the industrial sector in environmental protection, mitigate environmental impacts, and create win-win situations for both the economy and the environment.", "year": "2025", "month": "2", "assortment": "Department of Statistic", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/c8049ec5-0ff2-4912-a6fc-25e8180652f9" }, { "no": "4529", "title": "National Environmental Research Academy Signs Cooperation MOU with Water Resources Agency", "preview": "To improve Taiwan’s ability to respond to climate change and build a resilient and sustainable environment, the National Environmental Research Academy, Ministry of Environment (NERA) and the Water Resources Agency, Ministry of Economic Affairs (WRA) signed a MOU on 17 February 2025 to cooperate on studying technologies for climate change mitigation, adaptation and governance. It is hoped that more effective use of scientific research resources will be seen on both sides, to help face the daunting challenges of climate change.", "content": "Mr. Tsung-Yung Liu, president of the NERA, indicated that climate change is an ongoing fact. The threats that climate change brings to the environment is a topic of global concern, particularly in Taiwan, where there are high risks of typhoons, floods and earthquakes, and the reason behind national efforts to “reduce CO2 to save the Earth and adapt to save Taiwan”. The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) very seriously considers the potential impacts of extreme weather events. Multilateral and cross-boundary cooperation is crucial, particularly when facing hydrological and meteorological disasters, and even compound disasters. President Liu pointed out that the WRA, as the competent authority for water resources, has performed well controlling nationwide water resource policy planning, leading the development of water resource technologies and implementing major water resource construction projects. In particular, the WRA and NERA have several emerging areas in common, such as climate change adaptation and environmental governance. The key points for their bilateral cooperation include cross-departmental climate change adaptation, governance and pollution control. At the same time, systematic basin governance planning and quantitative river basin models can be combined with climate risk adaptation measures to achieve the objectives of evidence-based governance.\nThe NERA continues to strive together with academic and research institutes in Taiwan to cooperate across multiple fields and achieve the policy objectives of “disaster prevention, net zero and adaptation” in one package, to build a resilient and sustainable homeland. This MOU signifies that the NERA may leverage the WRA’s expertise and rich experience in hydrological surveys to cultivate experts to help with adaptation, improve the utilization of cross-departmental resources, enable the development of water resources and environmental protection to complement each other, and create an efficient cooperation model. It can also strengthen the implementation of robust adaptation actions in green growth and 2050 net zero transition strategies.", "year": "2025", "month": "2", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/bddbf7e3-c4f0-43e3-a791-a850397af022" }, { "no": "4528", "title": "NT$10 billion from National Development Fund to be Guided by “Operating Directives for Strengthening Investment in the Green Growth Net-Zero Industry”", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) proposed the “National Development Fund’s implementation project for strengthening investments in the green growth net-zero industry” (行政院國家發展基金加強投資綠色成長淨零產業實施方案) as part of the goals towards “Green growth and 2050 net-zero emissions” stated in the President’s National Project of Hope. The Directives were approved by the National Development Fund (NDF) on 29 November 2024, including a request for NT$10 billion to be invested into net-zero sustainable emerging industries. The MOENV collected feedback from the public on details of how the investment project can be executed, then on 4 February 2025 promulgated the “Operating Directives for Strengthening Investment in the Green Growth Net-Zero Industry, Ministry of Environment” (環境部辦理加強投資綠色成長淨零產業實施方案作業要點). Meanwhile, a project office and a trust account were established to invite investors via a series of presentations, aiming to start receiving investment applications in Q2 2025.", "content": "The MOENV explained that the Operating Directives are based on those of other investment projects under the NDF, specifying details such as the establishment of trust accounts and project offices, investment eligibility, documents required for selection, co-investment principles and procedures, requirements for management fees and performance bonus payments, supervisory management mechanisms for the investee businesses, obligations and responsibilities placed upon co-investors, and periodical reporting to the NDF. \nThe MOENV pointed out that more feedback will be collected from venture capitalists, industrial associations and competent authorities, then workshops will be scheduled to accelerate national carbon reduction efforts, improve incentives, enhance feasibility of investments and achieve the goals of green growth and transition to net-zero. By incorporating key suggestions, the mechanism for strengthening the Operating Directives, which aims to incorporate key suggestions, as compared to other NDF projects, is explained as follows: \nI. Investment targets (investees) include non-listed domestic firms engaged in emerging businesses in net-zero and sustainability, and foreign firms with substantial business activities in Taiwan. The total investment amount shall not exceed NT$150 million for a single company or NT$100 million for a single investment. \nII. Regarding co-investments and their proportions, the co-investor shall place its investment together with the dedicated trust account, and the amount shall not be lower than that invested through the account. Also, considering the foundation that has been set for Taiwan’s net-zero technology development, six priority investment targets are specified, with the amount of co-investment to be no less than a half the amount invested through the trust account. In addition, if the cooperation is with or entrusted to a central competent authority of the target industry or technology, or it is an investment case for an approved research program, the co-investment amount may be no less than 1\/3 of the amount invested through the trust account. Investment recipients may include: \n1. Investment in the emerging industry of resource circulation. \n2. Investment in the emerging industry of sustainable and forward-looking energy technology development and technical energy storage. \n3. Investment in the emerging industry of energy efficiency improvement. \n4. Investment in the emerging carbon capture and reuse, and negative carbon technology development. \n5. Investment in the emerging industry of digital, low\/reduced-carbon technology development. \n6. Investment in the emerging industry of climate change adaptation technology development. \nIII. Regarding eligibility of co-investors, the project is designed to attract venture capital for co-investment, as the business ecosystem for start-ups is developing in Taiwan and a variety of incubating entities and accelerators are entering the market to help startup businesses in addition to traditional venture capitalists, not to mention financial institutes and legal persons with an investment accelerator. A reasonable number of projects to be invested in by co-investors is established for flexibility of operations. An outstanding co-investor merit system has been developed for co-investors with good investment records, encouraging and incentivizing co-investors to look for appropriate projects to invest in. \nIV. Regarding strengthened functions of the project office, the office provides investment matching services and has resources to provide guidance for emerging net-zero businesses that have funding needs, to help them find much-needed funds or investors. The office also provides connections to financing, marketing, and management professionals, helps to build net-zero and CO2 reduction expert guidance and consultation mechanisms, and eliminates hurdles that obstruct the commercialization of innovative technologies. \nV. Regarding investment management, visits and evaluations by experts specializing in various fields can be arranged to lower investment risks at the pre-investment stage, depending on the maturity of the business\/company being invested in. In the post-investment stage, a management mechanism is established to monitor the business and financial operations of entities invested in, according to category. In addition, participation in board meetings of investee companies is requested to monitor their business operations and strengthen supervisory and management mechanisms. \nMOENV added that a project office and a trust fund will be set up, co-investors selected, and presentations organized for a campaign. All interested parties are welcome to join these efforts to develop Taiwan’s net-zero innovative technologies and start new green growth for Taiwan.", "year": "2025", "month": "2", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/23128080-2cb7-4f64-acda-ba3d50bcbf4f" }, { "no": "4527", "title": "Online Platform Introduced to EIA Meetings to Collect Public Opinions", "preview": "The MOENV scheduled the 28th environmental impact assessment (EIA) meeting for the upgrade and renovation of Hsieh-Ho Power Plant on 26 February 2025. To break through the EIA meetings’ current limitations on venues, time, and space for and allow more people to express their opinions, the MOENV started a trial platform for online comment collection (https:\/\/reurl.cc\/RLNdMZ) for the 28th EIA meeting, in which opinions were collected on the platform. The platform was made available from 12:00 p.m. on 24 February to 12:00 p.m. on the day of the EIA meeting (26 February). Opinions were first compiled and presented at the meeting venue in real time, and Taipower was requested to reply. It is hoped to gather opinions as diverse from as many channels as possible and set up a mechanism to incorporate more public participation into the decision-making process of the EIA meetings without neglecting public comments simply because they were not there to speak in person. Those concerned of the upgrade and renovation project of Hsieh-Ho Power Plant may visit the MOENV’s Environmental Impact Assessment Inquiry System at https:\/\/eiadoc.moenv.gov.tw\/eiaweb\/ to download and examine the project information.", "content": "The MOENV explained that 20 people are allowed at the meeting as observers in principle according to the Guidelines of the Ministry of Environment for Observing the Environmental Impact Assessment Reviews (環境部環境影響評估審查旁聽要點). Coordination may be needed to allow representatives with different opinions to observe, and on the day of EIA meeting the presiding chairman may permit entry of more people for observation at the venue with review members’ approval based on public attendance. At the task force’s sixth preliminary review meeting, the opposition side expressed its reluctance to accept coordination and strongly demanded to let all the people come in and speak. After consulting the chairman and the EIA committee members present, the meeting staff agreed to allow all 60 people who had registered to speak to enter the venue to express themselves, considering that the meeting that day was one for the task force. Following a full day of discussion, the chairman asked the experts and scholars present, also EIA committee members and part of the task force, and they all said that the information was sufficient for decision. Considering the incident above and that many people have expressed themselves as third parties instead of either supporters or opposers, the 28th EIA meeting inevitably had to resort to a fair, open and transparent draw to decide entries of observing community members.\nThe project’s review concluded that “the stage-two EIA shall be conducted”, which was announced 6 June 2018. The MOEA transferred this case for review on 13 October 2020, which went on with eight meetings in six years. With public concerns and issues presented in the meetings screened manually and by AI, it shows that so far there have been 937 statements (made by EIA committee members, government agencies, and elected legislators) on nearly 40 issues. Regarding issues such as impacts of coastal reclamation on marine ecosystem and fishery resources, those of building a liquid natural gas (LNG) receiving station on Keelung Harbor’s stability and operations, and safety of storage tanks, all committee members have had a thorough understanding and asked Taipower to address these issues of public concern. Taipower has modified the development project based on the committee members’ comments accordingly. Originally, the project planned for an 18.6-hectare land reclamation by building dikes just off the existing power plant to install LNG tanks, but now the reclamation has been reduced to approximately 14.5 hectares and moved slightly eastwards to within the harbor of the LNG unloading station as an attempt to avoid the corals at the submerged breakwaters outside of the power plant. \nThe nature of the EIA committee review is to allow the committee members to make judgments professionally and independently based on the conclusions produced in the task force’s preliminary meeting. It is not a public trial, and approval of the project is not decided based on the number of supporters and opposers during the review meetings. As a result, adjustment was made in this meeting for the public expression. People were given the opportunity to express themselves in writing even though they were not able to enter the meeting venue in addition to the online opinion collection platform. All opinions written on paper or online were immediately presented to EIA committee members for reference and replied by Taipower on the spot. Whether the case receives the EIA approval or is deemed not to proceed, the MOENV respects the professional judgments made by the EIA committee members.", "year": "2025", "month": "2", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/5901b8a0-2bf0-41bf-b4ff-a48e5e3bfbcd" }, { "no": "4526", "title": "MOENV Launches Net-Zero Green Lifestyle Alliance to Join Force with Enterprises", "preview": "MOENV has joined force with the industries to establish the Net-Zero Green Lifestyle Alliance on 18 February in response to the Net-Zero Green Lifestyle. This is part of the effort to achieve Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero emission goal and promote the “Create Net-Zero, Sustainable Green Lifestyle”, a strategy under the National Project of Hope. More than 20 entities from the industry, academic and research sectors took the initiative to join the alliance and pledged to practice green living. It is hoped to foster net-zero awareness among employees via corporate efforts and at the end encourage the public to practice a net-zero, green lifestyle.", "content": "The MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Ming stated in his speech that Taiwan’s Project of Hope proposed by President Lai comes with five strategies and one of them is to “Create a Net-Zero, Sustainable Green Lifestyle”. On the other hand, every industry and enterprise have its own reasons to lower emissions, and it requires all enterprises and people to jointly make a difference and create a mutually beneficial environment. Through establishment of the Net-Zero Green Lifestyle Alliance, the MOENV expects to, with a spirit of serving others, lead the public treat net zero as a faith of life; introduce energetic green ideas with young people’s creativity; turn green living into daily habits through hard working; and with corporate thinking create a market environment of positive cycles so that enterprises are willing to invest and consumers glad to support. The aim is to facilitate the green transition of the entire society and build a green industry ecosystem. By establishing the Net-Zero Green Lifestyle Alliance, the MOENV intends to gather corporations to build a cooperation platform matching green living solutions needs, thus combining efforts from all sides more efficiently. \nWhile explaining the Alliance’s operating mechanism, Director General Hung Shu-Hsing of Department of Comprehensive Planning stated that it will continue to monitor the status and needs of industries’ green living transition and share the latest trends and information of green living solutions. Enterprises will assist in introducing \"lifestyle transition\" in daily operations through various measures to build a green work environment and in turn encourage employees to develop environmentally friendly habits and behaviors. The hope is to build a public awareness of sustainability and practice green living through corporate efforts. \nThere were a series of forums revolving around the Net-Zero Green Lifestyle Alliance with topics involving \"green office\", \"green tourism\", green diets\" and \"green consumption\". The first series, \"Green Office: Enterprises on the Move and Green Lifestyle at Work\", was held on 18 February, with Dr. Yeh Shin-Cheng, professor at National Taiwan Normal University, invited as the forum presenter and host. Professor Yeh mentioned that cheap prices and convenience are the largest hurdle of net-zero, green lifestyle and that it requires formulating measures with incentives and easier for staff to participate during the promotion while considering how to combine technologies to break the barriers of human nature. He shared his experience in promoting green living before having discussions with the other three speakers. \nIn the speech titled “From Being Moved to Getting Moving – Practice of Corporate Net-Zero Through Sustainable Experiences”, CEO Wang Shu-Cheng of Friendly SEED pointed out that, although slow, education is effective and the most useful weapon to change the world. When a seed of being environment-friendly is planted in every one’s heart, all consumption behaviors will change from daily life to work. She expects to help enterprises facilitate internal green efforts through various environmental education. \nIn his speech titled “Green Office – Carbon Neutrality in An Office Building”, Director Li Shu-Ping of AUO shared actual measures to help the staff practice ideas of green office in their daily routines. Examples include low-carbon diets at the company dining hall, installation of parking spots and charging stations for electric cars, advocate for responsible consumption to enhance employees’ sustainability literacy, reports of carbon footprints provided for work travels, and challenges organized to promote carbon reduction. These are some of the diverse measures to motivate their employees. \nFinally, Li Ching-Ju, operation manager of Taipei Fubon Bank, mentioned that sustainability is like a marathon, starting from “developing awareness” to “taking actions”, from “one person” to “a group of people”. Promoting green living among employees must be simple, fun, with incentives and sustainable. A company may start by organizing internal activities to urge all employees to adopt a green lifestyle so that they are willing to choose the “greener” options in aspects, which are food, clothing, residence, transportation, education, leisure and shopping. \nWith experience sharing and exchanges among enterprises, the Net-Zero Green Lifestyle Alliance will help inspire more innovative thinking and ideas. Tiny changes made by every person will accumulate and become influences that bring sustainability to the environment. All industry sectors and enterprises across Taiwan are invited to join the Alliance, stay tuned for the latest trends and information on green living and the Alliance’s first-hand news, participate in the Alliance’s various events, and match services with green living solutions, together marching toward a beautiful green lifestyle.", "year": "2025", "month": "2", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/404787c3-9338-46af-bfce-36e1b3ed1552" }, { "no": "4525", "title": "MOENV Holds Hearing on GHG Emission Reduction Goals of Third Stage with New Reduction Pathway Announced", "preview": "The MOENV held the public hearing on the draft goals for the third regulatory stage of greenhouse gas emissions at the Ministry’s multifunctional conference hall on 7 February. It attracted many people to sign up and ended up with nearly 800 participating in person and online. Public opinions were collected over the Climate Talks platform. MOENV and all six relevant departments presented the draft third-stage goals during the hearing, and the public was allowed to be registered to speak. In total, 26 spoke at the hearing in person and 46 online and in writing, all from fields covering NGOs or representatives of young adults, students and businesses. Legal technical consultation boards and experts and scholars specializing in human rights and gender equality were invited to provide their insights. In nearly four hours of presentations and responses from government agencies, an open, transparent and science-based communication and dialogue was done to reach public consensus discuss Taiwan's national reduction goal by 2030 (emission reduced by 28±2% compared to that of 2005), and work together towards net-zero emissions by 2050.", "content": "The MOENV mentioned that draft of the third-stage goal was announced on 30 December 2024. It increases Taiwan’s GHG emission reduction goal by 2030 from “a 24±1% reduction compared to emission of the base year (2005)”, announced as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)in 2022, to “a 28±2% reduction compared to emission of 2005”. The ambition revealed in this reduction goal is second only to Japan among all Asian countries. Besides regulatory goals for the six major departments including energy, manufacture, residential and commercial activities, transportation, agriculture, and environment, the regulatory goal of electricity emission coefficient is also proposed, set at 0.319 kg of CO2e\/kWh by 2030, a decrease by approximately 35% as opposed to today’s coefficient. \nThe MOENV stressed that the goal this time is set with science-based estimation. Research and estimation are as explained below: \nI. In the data compilation stage, the National Development Council provided the estimated GDP growth rate of individual domestic industries from 2023 to 2030 and the national population, both as the basis for the estimate. Ministries in charge of the six major departments estimated the GHG emission trends and carried out scenario analysis according to Article 5 of the Enforcement Rules of Climate Change Response Act (氣候法施行細則) and submitted the results to the MOENV. \nII. In the expert consultation stage, the MOENV established the expert consultation board according to Article 10 of the Climate Change Response Act for an in-depth goal-setting process and consult experts in climate change, energy, and economy or with practical experiences. The minutes of the two meetings held in 2024 and data provided by individual departments have been published on the New National Carbon Reduction Section website, which includes the four detailed steps of estimation by all 6 departments. They are basic scenario analysis (BAU); reduction scenarios, contributions and costs; energy needs in reduction scenarios; and departmental GHG emission estimation and projection. \nIII. Finally In the stage of consultation between the ministries, the Net-Zero Team under the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) initiated the cross-ministerial coordination mechanism since the scientific estimation results for the 6 departments failed to reach the 2030 NDC, i.e., a 24±1% reduction compared to emission of the base year. The MOENV estimated the possible maximum carbon reduction by 2030 “from top to bottom” based on Taiwan’s Pathway and Strategy to 2050 Net-Zero Emission and the largest development trends of the 12 key net-zero strategies. Then each department optimized their respective key strategies “from bottom to top” before the NCSD’s Net-Zero Team focused on carbon reduction project “from top to bottom” and increased reduction efforts. At the end the third-stage goal was drafted and announced to collect public opinions. \nThe MOENV invites the public to visit the Climate Talks at https:\/\/www.cca.gov.tw\/info\/ or New National Carbon Reduction Section at https:\/\/www.cca.gov.tw\/affairs\/carbon-reduction-targets\/2367.html to comment on the draft of the third-stage goal. The collection of opinions will end on 10 February 2025. The respective ministries will answer the public hearing minutes and public opinions made online or in writing during this period, and these answers will be made available on the websites above in 30 days after the hearing as well as submitted to the Executive Yuan for approval. In addition, the six departments will prepare for the formulation of GHG reduction action plans for the third stage and relevant public hearings to expand collection of public opinions.", "year": "2025", "month": "2", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/04a7345f-2f48-4293-a4c4-77945449d436" }, { "no": "4524", "title": "MOENV Addresses Concerns of Rising Prices of Renovation Waste from March", "preview": "There has been reports that “Designers Worry About Price Increase for Mandatory Registration for Renovation Waste Removal and Clearance from March.” Regarding this, the MOENV explained as follows:", "content": "Interior renovation projects involve short project schedules, multiple job sites and difficulty keeping track of indoor renovation. In response to these features, the MOENV has set up a mechanism of registration by clearance and removal enterprises and confirmation by receiving enterprises to track whereabouts of renovation wastes and lower risks of illegal dumping. Registration is much simpler than before without additional costs to these enterprises. \nWastes are generated from either interior project in newly built but unfurnished properties or renovations in pre-owned, older ones. It does not matter if an interior designer, turnkey contractor or carpenter is commissioned, most renovation wastes are disposed by a disposal enterprise except the rare occasions where property owners dispose of it themselves. The registration system now has a built-in option for direct selection of legal enterprises. Information is kept in the cloud from the moment removal enterprises complete registration, then receiving enterprises enters the actual weight once they confirm having received the waste. It ensures that renovation waste enters legal disposal channels, thus reducing the risk of illegal dumping.\nI. Easier registration before without additional costs to enterprises\nThe MOENV explained that waste clearance, removal, and receiving enterprises previously had to have their staff type out a paper document recording where their trucks would collect waste and where the wastes were delivered to. Truck drivers were to take the document along the ride and then bring it back to the office where the staff would enter all data into their business records. Now with registration digitized, clearance and removal enterprises are just key in the content of the previous paper document with computers or cell phones, and receiving enterprises click in the system to confirm the weight received, storing the data entry in the cloud. There is no need to keep the paper documents or bring them back to the office or enter data one after another. The declaration can be made using a cell phone or computer, making it much easier for enterprisers who must work outside their offices. \nII. Initial implementation in Taipei City, New Taipei City and Taoyuan City, and then phasal promotion in different areas\nThe MOENV pointed out that it has announced the amended Article 6-2 of the Regulations Governing General Waste Recycling, Clearance and Disposal (一般廢棄物回收清除處理辦法) and Item 8-1 of the Registration Format, Item, Content and Frequency Concerning Online Registration of Waste Generation, Storage, Clearance, Disposal, Reuse, Export and Import (以網路傳輸方式申報廢棄物之產出、貯存、清除、處理、再利用、輸出及輸入情形之申報格式、項目、內容及頻率) on 3 January 2025. Such revisions on renovation waste registration were the results of discussions with enterprises in 13 meetings. Stage 1 started on 1 Mar 2025 in Taipei City, New Taipei City and Taoyuan City. The actual details of receiving wastes shall be registered online within a day after they are received. The mandatory registration will be promoted in stage in different areas. It aims to ensure real-time controls of whereabouts and amount of renovation wastes and delivery to legal disposal sites, Achieving interior renovation and environmental protection.", "year": "2025", "month": "2", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/a04cbc67-84b5-40f0-bf40-0fc13819c18c" }, { "no": "4523", "title": "MOENV Promulgates Prohibited or Restricted Types of HFCs for Manufacture, Import, Export, Sale, Use or Emission and Management HFCs Regulations to Align with international conventions", "preview": "Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), substances of high global warming potentials (GWP), have been added in the Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol. To stay in line with the Protocol, the MOENV promulgated the Prohibited or Restricted Types of Hydrofluorocarbons for Manufacture, Import, Export, Sale, Use or Emission (禁止或限制製造、輸入、輸出、販賣、使用或排放之氫氟碳化物種類) and announced the Management Regulations for Hydrofluorocarbons (氫氟碳化物管理辦法) on 25 February 2025. Approval for importing or exporting is required for 18 types of pure HFCs and their mixtures starting from 1 July 2025, and HFC consumption is frozen from 2026 and will be reduced in stages from 2029 as part of international efforts to mitigate global warming.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that HFCs are used primarily in, for example, refrigeration equipment, electronics washing, industrial processes, firefighting equipment and material foaming. These are common chemical substances in place of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) that are known for destruction to the ozone layer. HFCs do not cause destruction to the ozone layer but have GWPs. Some HFCs’ GWPs are even more than 10,000 times that of CO2. That is why the Kigali Amendment was approved in Montreal Protocol MOP-28, listing HFCs as controlled substances under the Protocol. This is in hopes that all parties restrict HFC manufacture, import and export and that restrictions on HFC consumption (i.e., manufacture quantity + import quantity – export quantity) are carried out in stage in developed and developing countries, respectively, to gradually reduce the use of HFCs. \nSo far, more than 160 countries and regions have submitted the approval documents for the Kigali Amendment and committed to complying with its reduction schedule and control regulations. As a responsible citizen of the planet, the MOENV has taken the initiative to follow the international protocol and promulgated the Prohibited or Restricted Types of Hydrofluorocarbons for Manufacture, Import, Export, Sale, Use or Emission according to Article 38 of the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法), listing 18 types of pure HFCs and their mixtures for monitoring for control. The Management Regulations for Hydrofluorocarbons were announced as well. Major focuses are summarized below: \nI. Compliance with the control regulations under the Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol: The MOENV has set Taiwan’s consumption baseline at 24,523,864.2 metric tons CO2e as well as specified reduction rates and schedules for each stage. \nII. Specification of Taiwan’s policies and measures for HFCs control: \n1. Control items and effective dates: Manufacture is prohibited from now on, and export or import without approval is prohibited from 1 July 2025.\n2. Schedule for allocation application: Applications for 2025 allocation are to be submitted to MOENV by the end of March 2025; after that, applications for next year’s allocation are submitted to MOENV by the end of every July. \n3. Equation for calculating allocation: The 2025 allocation is sum of the average annual Implementation Records from 2020 to 2022 and 65% of that from 2009 to 2010. From 2026 onwards, the allocation is determined by the percentage of total national consumption quantity of the sum of 50% of the Implementation Record of the previous year and the Implementation Record for the first half of the current year. \n4. Allocation principle: with 15% of the consumption limit as the national reserve, the allocation goes to users first and then to suppliers. \nThe quantity of raw materials used in the manufacturing process is not included in consumption, but documents issued by the MOEA’s Industrial Development Administration are required to prove its use. \n5. Report requirements: Entities eligible for allocation or holding Allocation Quotas shall report the Implementation Record of previous season to the MOENV by the end of every January, April, July and October. The season’s Implementation Record is considered zero for failure to report by the given deadlines and provide the missing information afterwards. An entity with zero Implementation Records for eight consecutive times is no longer eligible for allocation and will have its Allocation Quota not implemented for the current year deducted. \nThe MOENV stated that the promulgation of two HFCs control regulations this time is Taiwan’s determination to comply with international protocols and will gradually lower Taiwan’s HFCs consumption and, thus, achieve the goal of substantial GHG reductions through enforcing control measures on high-GWP GHGs. The MOENV will organize meetings on the HFCs allocation system to help enterprises business understand application process of obtaining allocation eligibility and quote and relevant required documents.", "year": "2025", "month": "2", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/2016792e-aae5-4832-991c-3fa3606c8820" }, { "no": "4522", "title": "Application Begins for Self-Determined Reduction Plans Alongside Carbon Fee System", "preview": "The carbon fee system has been launched officially this year. The Regulations Governing the Collection of Carbon Fees (碳費收費辦法) specify that those subject to carbon fees are required to determine their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2025 by May 2026 and pay the fees accordingly. MOENV, revealed that a survey indicated that nearly 80% of those subjects to carbon fees are willing to propose their specified reduction goals by 2030 and apply for self-determined reduction plans to qualify for the premium rates of NT$50 or NT$100 per metric ton of CO2e. The MOENV pointed out that, according to the Regulations Governing Self-Determined Reduction Plans (自主減量計畫管理辦法), enterprises are to file applications of self-determined reduction plans by 30 June 2025 in order to become eligible for the premium rates when registering and paying the 2025 carbon fees in 2026.", "content": "Not aiming for a financial purpose, the carbon fee system is a tool to encourage CO2 reduction. Instead of increasing the government’s revenues, the MOENV aims to accelerate carbon reduction and facilitate industrial transitions through the specified reduction goals by 2030 and self-determined reduction plans proposed by those subjects to carbon fee collection. To help them familiarize themselves with the carbon fee system, a total of 12 meetings, both individually and jointly with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), were organized with nearly 4,000 people attending in person or online. MOENV mentioned that they have begun to take in applications of self-determined reduction plans. Those subject to carbon fees are to register a user account at the Carbon Fee Collection System Management Platform (碳費徵收系統管理平台) and upload information regarding their self-determine reduction plans onto the platform before filing the applications to the MOENV. \nThe MOENV expressed that they will put together a review board by inviting the central industry competent authorities to conduct reviews on self-determined reduction plans according to the Regulations Governing Self-Determined Reduction Plans. If necessary, experts will be hired to help with the reviews. The decision of approval or not will be finalized based on review results within three months. The MOENV has simultaneously also started selecting members for the review board, which will have a meeting every month in principle based on application progresses of self-determined reduction plans.\nIn addition, the MOEA added the energy conservation and carbon reduction as investment tax credits in the Statute for Industrial Innovation (產業創新條例) to reduce the investment burdens for those implementing self-determined reduction plans. A consultation mechanism has been initiated to provide professional industrial and technical consultation and guidance, helping business apply for self-determined reduction plans and become eligible for premium rates. This is to reduce impacts of carbon fee collection on development of Taiwan’s industries and ensure their edges in the international competitions while they achieve substantial reduction.", "year": "2025", "month": "2", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/9e3382ab-cc0c-49bf-a6e6-b4f99c64dbb7" }, { "no": "4521", "title": "MOENV Joins Forces with Junior Chamber International Taiwan for “Cigarette Butts off the Ground for a Better Environment” Campaign", "preview": "To advance sustainable development and a better environment, on 12 January 2025, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) signed an MOU with Junior Chamber International Taiwan for the “Cigarette Butts off the Ground for a Better Environment” campaign. The MOU aims to reduce cigarette butt litter on streets, thereby improving the publicly shared environment. It aims to create a cleaner and healthier living space through advocacy, education and promotion of environmental concepts. It will remind businesses about their responsibilities and educate them about environmental protection issues, such as raising awareness of the many pollutants released from cigarette litter.", "content": "A survey has shown that cigarette butts are among the most seen pollutants along coasts around the world. In Taiwan, there has been a steady increase in the proportion of cigarette butts in domestic coastal garbage. In 2024, cigarette butts moved up to third place from fourth, suggesting they are becoming a more serious pollution issue. MOENV Minister Peng Chi-Ming pointed out that one cigarette butt may seem insignificant, but littered cigarette butts can cumulatively lead to a profound impact on a city’s landscape, environment and the general ecosystem. It is estimated that more than 36.2 billion cigarettes are sold in Taiwan every year. If a quarter of those cigarette butts are littered, more than 9 billion butts are scattered across the environment every year. \nCigarette butts not only spoil urban landscapes but also release more than 4,000 known hazardous chemicals into the ecosystem and environment. Cigarette butts are made of non-degradable plastics and contain thousands of cellulose acetate fibers. They turn into plastic microparticles once they find their way into the environment and even the food chain, which can threaten human health. \nMinister Peng emphasized that support and action from all sectors of society are as important as the government’s efforts. In particular, the power of civil society has an immeasurably positive influence when it comes to promoting environmental protection concepts and putting solid actions into practice. The cooperation under this MOU is an effort to promote and practice the idea of “cigarettes off the ground” through the extensive social influence of Junior Chamber International and its more than 7,200 members in 153 branches in 14 areas throughout Taiwan. Businesses are invited to provide a means to collect cigarette butts voluntarily where it is convenient, thus keeping the environment clean around business establishments, reducing the pollution caused by cigarette butts, and jointly fulfilling the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 14 (Life below Water). \nOnce again, the MOENV urged all smokers to: “extinguish cigarettes; not smoke while walking; remove cigarette butts behind you; and throw cigarette butts in an ash tray or garbage can.” They are advised to always make sure their cigarette butts are properly extinguished and disposed of instead of being littered, as this will not only make cities more beautiful, but importantly, also, prevent harmful pollutants from decomposing butts from entering the environment. \nThis cooperation with Junior Chamber International Taiwan signifies commitment to the shared promise of environmental protection, as government and citizens work hand in hand to reach the vision of “fewer cigarette butts for a cleaner environment” and strive toward more beautiful and healthier cities.", "year": "2025", "month": "1", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/7e32102f-c974-4595-9278-5cb8d3b7c7d1" }, { "no": "4520", "title": "Travelers Incentivized to Supply their Own Personal Products for Greener Sustainable Travel", "preview": "New measures to reduce single-use personal products and foster a more sustainable environment took effect on 1 January 2025 in the entire hospitality industry. This represents a giant step for plastic reduction and is an excellent reason to adopt environmentally friendly habits. On 23 January 2025 the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) invited hotel businesses, consumers and partners from across society to establish a new flagpole for green tourism. Before the policy was launched, a survey indicated that 74.0% of respondents supported restrictions on single-use products, and respondents who said they would bring their own personal products increased from 59.6% in past surveys to nearly 90%. For hotels, some put the policy into practice in creative, environmentally friendly and socially beneficial ways, and indicate through their online booking services to remind visitors to prepare their toiletries. Elsewhere, NGOs and the public are giving their thumbs up on social media for the plastic reduction measures. The policy requires people to change their habits and prepare their own personal products when they stay at hotels. Meanwhile, hotels still must consider their guests’ needs, so for guests who forget to bring their own supplies, shower products in 180 ml bottles or larger are provided.", "content": "According to the new regulations, the hospitality industry, which includes hotels and B&Bs, is to replace personal hygiene products, such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion, in containers smaller than 180 ml with larger containers. It will be prohibited to provide single-use products, such as combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, shaving cream and shower caps, for free access by guests in hotel rooms or business premises. However, visitors who do not bring their own supplies may ask for products at the reception counter for free or at a price. Deputy Minister Chih-Hsiu Shen reminded travelers to prepare their own personal use products when planning to stay at a hotel. He stressed that the hotels may still provide such products in case guests do not bring their own. It will not be a violation to provide single-use products, but they are not provided to all guests automatically. Deputy Minister Shen encouraged all travelers to help protect the planet during their trips. \nThe Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) conducted a survey on 20-21 January 2025 of people over 18 years old, asking what they think about the single-use hospitality product restriction policy. The survey found that 59.6% of the respondents said they always take their own products, while 29.2% said that they will comply with the new policy; in other words, nearly 90% of respondents would bring their own personal products. If forgotten, 56.9% would tend to buy personal products from the hotel and 80% of them would buy individual items. This suggests that hotels should provide individual products based on customer needs. Furthermore, 74.0% of the respondents expressed support for the policy, while 13.6% did not. The RECA will continue working on the approval rate. \nMany hotel owners came up with innovative ways to make guests more amenable to the policy, putting the policy into practice in creative, environment-friendly and socially beneficial ways. For example, several hotels set up “personal care product shops”, where customers can choose environment-friendly alternatives or non-disposable products based on their needs. Other hotels offer discounts and coffee vouchers when customers bring their own reusable containers. These are a few ways to encourage guests to enjoy their stays while doing their part for Mother Earth. \nMr. Yeh Chia-Sheng, President of the Yilan Tourism Homestay\/B&B Marketing Association, said that the hotel industry in Yilan has actively responded to the plastic reduction policy, and charity donations and convenient services are assisting in reducing the policy’s impact on travelers’ experiences. He pointed out the friendly and environmental protection images of Yilan tourism. TV weather anchor Miss Wang Shuli also shared her experience of bringing her own travel supplies at the press conference. She said that there are many supportive voices online, but there are still a few people who are not accustomed to bringing their own personal products. It takes a little to get used to the change of policy. Sometimes, people simply forget to prepare their own personal products on a business or tourism trip. When they ask for supplies from a hotel, they develop the awareness that “I want what I didn’t bring”. For hotels, the supply is provided based on every customer’s needs instead of the entire set of supplies, i.e., “We provide only what you don’t have”. \nMany non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are involved with the development of the UN Global Plastic Treaty and policies to reduce use of plastics. The Trust in Nature Foundation, Re-think, Ocean Citizen Foundation, Citizens Association for Public Policies and Tse-Xin Organic Agriculture Foundation came out and expressed their support for plastic reduction and reduced use of single-use products. Through social media, more NGOs and individuals called on the public to take their own personal products when travelling, to reduce the use of plastics, protect the ocean and love the Earth. \nThe MOENV pointed out that hotels should clarify how their personal products are provided on their website or when visitors are booking their accommodation, as part of providing high-quality hospitality services. It is necessary to provide information on how individual products will only be supplied upon request, to prevent overpackaging and waste. On the other hand, to build sustainable travel habits, the public is recommended to pay attention to how personal products are provided while booking accommodation and to develop the habit of traveling with one’s own personal products.", "year": "2025", "month": "1", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/1bb411b9-6595-4a74-9518-b49cf185bfcf" }, { "no": "4519", "title": "Full Automated and Manual PM2.5 Monitoring Data to be Disclosed to Improve Environment and Safeguard Public Health", "preview": "Regarding the “inclusion of automated monitoring data on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as the legal basis for determining whether air quality meets standards”, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) explained that PM2.5 particles come from many sources, have complicated compositions, and vary from one area to another and depending on season. PM2.5 particles are also prone to absorbing moisture from the air, which interferes with measurements and necessitates manual sampling and analysis to obtain data free of interfering factors. Thus, since 2012 Taiwan’s Air Quality Standards (空氣品質標準) has specified the use of manual monitoring data for determining whether meet standards are met, which is consistent with common international practices, including in Japan, the USA, EU and UK.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that manual and automated PM2.5 monitoring data serve different purposes. Automated monitoring provides real-time data every hour based on optical principles and is used to provide the public with health protection notifications and allow local governments to respond to air pollution incidents in real time. However, data deviations are sometimes generated due to the interference of salt and moisture in the air. In contrast, manual monitoring is more accurate as moisture interference is more easily removed following monitoring principles, shown in Fig. 1. With removal of moisture interference, manual PM2.5 measurements are suitable for evaluating the effectiveness of the overall air pollution improvement strategy. A comparison between automated and manual PM2.5 monitoring data collected throughout Taiwan reveals an average difference of more than 1 μg\/m3 in 2024 at 5 monitoring stations (2 stations with positive deviation and 3 with negative). The deviations are more significant in winter when the air quality is usually poorer, exceeding 1 μg\/m3 at 17 monitoring stations (14 with positive deviation and 3 with negative). \nWhether from automated or manual monitoring, the MOENV stressed that all air quality data are made available for the public to access. Historical air quality monitoring results have shown that the annual concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) indicates a descending trend indicated by both automated and manual data, as shown in Fig. 2. The practice adopted in Taiwan to analyze both automated and manual PM2.5 monitoring data is like international trends. Automated and manual PM2.5 monitoring data are displayed together as air quality monitoring data and in annual reports for the purpose of safeguarding public health, responding in real-time to air pollution plumes, and evaluation of air pollution control measures.", "year": "2025", "month": "1", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/b20bb4fe-4e85-47c2-a2c4-18b9c42db557" }, { "no": "4518", "title": "Ministry of Environment Starts Issuing “Dedicated Environmental Protection Specialist E-certificate”", "preview": "A dedicated environmental qualification certificate that has been issued for years as a hardcopy will have a new electronic version starting in 2025, as a part of the government’s policy of digital transition and digitalization of certificates. Mr. Tsung-Yung Liu, President of the National Environmental Research Academy (NERA), noted the new e-certificate features many advantages. It is difficult to forge, simple to administer, and quick to certify and issue, all of which lower certification fees and reduce the carbon footprint of the certification process.", "content": "The new e-certificate includes a digital stamp of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) that is difficult to duplicate. It is relatively easy to forge a simple hand-written signature on an electronic document or by presenting the signature as a graphic, and it is difficult to discern if the signature is truly that of the holder. In addition, there is the risk of physical documents being lost or stolen. To deal with these potential security weaknesses, a digital signature must be provided along with a certificate by an institute approved by the competent authority in compliance with the Electronic Signature Act, making the e-certificate more difficult to be tampered with. Upon receiving an email from the NERA informing you that the e-certificate is available for downloading, the e-certificate receiver may log on to the NERA website through a personal computer or mobile device, free from time and location restrictions. The certificate is free to access anytime, anywhere without worrying about losing it.\nAdvances in network technology offer better transparency and convenience of verifying e-certificates. For example, if a firm is examining a job seeker’s qualifications as a dedicated environmental protection specialist, verification of an e-certificate and its contents can be done by simply scanning the QR code on the certificate, whereupon the validity of the certificate will be displayed, obviating the need to call the competent authority and increasing efficiency.\nNERA President Liu pointed out that the electronic version of the certificate is very different than its hardcopy version, from its production to the authentication of the certificate itself. The average administrative processing time is not only shortened from seven days to just one day, but also much quicker to approve the certification. After passing the end-of-training exam and as soon as an applicant receives an approval email, the new dedicated environmental protection specialist may download the e-certificate him\/herself. There is no need to wait for physical delivery of a certificate.\nIn addition, the fee for the e-certificate of dedicated environmental protection specialist is only NT$500, as opposed to NT$1,000 for a hardcopy certificate. However, the NERA points out that anyone who receives an e-certificate may also request a hardcopy, as some may wish to display their personal achievement of passing the environmental protection certification test with a physical certificate. Therefore, both the electronic and hard copy versions of the certificate are made available to whoever has a need.\nApproximately 10,000 people take the training every year to become a dedicated environmental protection specialist, with an 80% pass rate. A large supply of paper is needed to issue roughly 8,000 hardcopy certificates every year. This e-certificate launched by the NERA has a lower carbon footprint because it not only saves paper but also reduces CO2 from the production and delivery of paper certificates. On top of that, it is much easier to request or access a certificate online through a cell phone or personal computer, reducing unnecessary travel through traffic and as well as waiting time.", "year": "2025", "month": "1", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/a92abe74-560f-4613-bae7-16548913e52c" }, { "no": "4517", "title": "Minister of Environment and Local Environmental Protection Bureau Chiefs Aim to Resolve Exposed Garbage Problem by End of 2026", "preview": "There is much public concern about exposed garbage piling up. To address this problem, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Peng Chi-Ming, invited the heads of the local environmental protection bureaus from counties and cities where there are pileups of exposed garbage. They jointly pledged and signed a declaration on cooperation to continue implementing several measures, including digital management, source reduction, resource recycling, landfill management, and reduction of packaging waste and volume. Governments at both the central and local levels will work together to deal with exposed garbage in local counties and cities once and for all by the end of 2026.", "content": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) pointed out that 24 incinerators started overhauls in 2017, thus diverting much garbage to landfills. As of the end of 2023, up to 840,000 metric tons of garbage were stored at exposed landfills throughout Taiwan. To help local governments deal with this issue, the MOENV planned a 3-year, NT$1.2 billion budget to help local governments sort waste, cover landfills and implement disaster prevention measures, starting from 2024. \nThe MOENV further pointed out that it had asked local governments with exposed garbage piles to come up with year-by-year treatment plans in 2024, which were approved by the ministry in November 2024. The target is to deal with the exposed garbage pileups appropriately by the end of 2026 through a series of measures, including landfill processing, covering with soil, re-packaging and disaster prevention measures. The Environmental Management Administration (EMA) has established the “Nationwide Exposed Garbage Pileup Processing Monitoring Platform” (https:\/\/landfill.moenv.gov.tw\/Storage_map_TV.aspx) to supervise local governments to accomplish the work. Through this website one can view online how garbage is being held at exposed landfills by counties and cities and see if these sites are being improved. The EMA periodically publishes progress reports on the website on garbage processing by municipalities. Information transparency aided by digital technology helps improve public monitoring of governments and demonstrates the resolution of governments to address these garbage issues. \nThe MOENV stressed that garbage processing is in fact a part of local self-governance according to the Local Governance Act (地方制度法). The reduction of garbage from sources is the fundamental solution. The MOENV calls on local environmental protection bureaus to learn from the successful experience of Changhua County. This would involve intensifying mandatory garbage sorting and inspections for broken bags, the implementation of a \"strict prohibition and broken bag inspection\" policy, strengthening the promotion of resource recycling and source reduction concepts to the public, reducing daily garbage generation, and preventing non-combustible and incombustible garbage from reaching incinerators or landfills, thereby reducing the risk of fire in environmental protection facilities and improving efficiency of treatment. \nMinister Peng and the heads of local environmental protection bureaus joined together and promised to solve the garbage issues once and for all by the end of 2026. Digital management tools will allow the public to keep the government accountable. Adherence to the idea that “we are all on the same ship” is testimony that the central and local governments are working together for the common environment. The MOENV will continue with its efforts to build a clean and safe environment for Taiwan.", "year": "2025", "month": "1", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/ae3bc2c4-9fc6-4a6d-b0cb-54a7d2237b55" }, { "no": "4516", "title": "MOENV Promulgates Regulations for Reuse of Common Industrial Waste as SRF Materials", "preview": "The MOENV considers conversion of waste into energy as one of pathways to net-zero emission and studies the global trends of converting combustible waste resources into energies. The control regulations for use of SRF materials as well as requirements regarding manufacturing technology guidelines and quality specifications in the current Regulations Governing Reuse of Common Industrial Waste (共通性事業廢棄物再利用管理辦法) and their appendices are integrated in order to enhance material source control, manufacturing specifications, usage management and declaration monitoring. The aim is to achieve better solid recovered fuel (SRF) control and enhance control level of manufacturing technology guidelines and quality regulations. As the result, the Regulations Governing of Reuse of Common Industrial Waste as Raw Materials for Solid Recovered Fuels (共通性事業廢棄物作為固體再生燃料原料再利用管理辦法) have been announced on 17 January 2025 as an appropriate response to the public concern about measures for improving SRF control.", "content": "The MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration (RCA) indicated that examination and guidance were conducted between June and September 2024, followed by a report. Improvement measures were formed for issues found during the guidance process and included in the regulations. As the draft was preannounced in early November 2024, three meetings were organized in northern, central and southern Taiwan to collect public opinions before the regulations were developed. Key points are described below: \nI. Better source control: Sources of industrial waste include waste plastics and paper generated by domestic enterprises that can be used to make SRFs, and hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is removed. It is specified that no debris shall be detected under visual inspection, and there are limited regarding percentage of debris under manual sorting. \nII. New added items for online registration: Enterprises generating waste as SRF materials are mandated to register each batch of wastes, and reuse enterprises to keep a daily log and on the next month report the use, production and storage and disclose their whereabouts and quantity. \nIII. Third-party verification system: It is specified that reuse enterprises may start selling SRFs once verified and approved a third party or after obtaining documents proving their test qualification. \nIV. Installation of closed-circuit TV (CCTV) surveillance system: Reuse enterprises are mandated to install CCTVs to make remote surveillance available for competent authorities. \nThe RCA explained further that specific codes for industrial waste used as SRF will be added in the regulations. Enterprises generating waste as SRF materials and reuse enterprises are given a one-year buffer period for regulatory transition and to meet the needs of actual operations, allowing them to apply to evaluating authorities for modification of their industrial waste clearance plans.", "year": "2025", "month": "1", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/5e5fef2d-5984-4677-97d5-37fa5540a631" }, { "no": "4515", "title": "MOENV Promulgates Tightened SRF Emission Standards to Align with Controls", "preview": "As the public is concerned about possible air pollution from the use of solid recovered fuel (SRF), the MOENV has revised and released tighter air pollution control regulations on 2 January 2025 as a practical measure for control of air pollution targeting use of such fuel. Under the conditions of feasible control technologies, the parts regarding dioxin, lead, cadmium and mercury, which are of concern about higher risks, are tightened in the Emission Standards of Air Pollutants from Boilers (鍋爐空氣污染物排放標準) with the EU and other countries as reference and also following regulations for large incinerators. This is to reduce the risks of environmental exposure. The remaining emission standards are already within the acceptable ranges or considered negligible risks under the USEPA's regulations for heavy metal air pollutants. The MOENV stressed that it has asked local governments to propose a 2025 enhanced inspection plan to ensure that the use of SRFs complies with air pollutant emission standards.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that the EU has different emission standards for different combustion equipment and how much fuel it uses, where the standards for particulate matters and NOx are 25~30 mg\/Nm3 and 200~300 mg\/Nm3 (equivalent to 97~146 ppm), respectively, for SRF-using equipment. The counterparts in Taiwan currently are 30 mg\/Nm3 and 100 ppm, also respectively, suggesting little or no difference. Apart from the tightened emission standards, the emission standards for heavy metal air pollutants in the Emission Standards of Air Pollutant from Boilers are specified in the relevant standards for stationery pollution sources, such as the Stationary Pollution Source Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions Standards (固定汙染源有害空氣汙染物排放標準). The health risk assessment and control technology feasibility study have confirmed that the risk values fall within the definition of negligible risk (<10-6), or acceptable risk (10-4~10-6) established by USEPA. The purpose of requirement pollution sources to set up automatic continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) or periodical testing for HCl and CO is to understand combustion efficiency as an attempt to find out possible generation of dioxin and emission status. More data will be collected and studied for future reviews and tightening. \nThe MOENV stressed that the SRF management should involve many participants, so it is not only tightening control on the pollutant emissions from the use of SRF but also focusing on systematic source control for the quality of SRF products. Combining with technologically feasible and risk-free emission standards, the stricter product classification, more transparent product whereabouts and comprehensive facilities will help achieve the goal of practical environmental protection management.", "year": "2025", "month": "1", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/94bfa1ed-b99b-427f-9459-c69c317aee59" }, { "no": "4514", "title": "MOENV Announces Amended EIA Determining Standards for Development Activities and EIA Enforcement Rules", "preview": "The MOENV released the amendment on certain articles and Attachment Charts 1 and 2 of Article 3 under the Standards for Determining Specific Items and Scope of Environmental Impact Assessments for Development Activities (開發行為應實施環境影響評估細目及範圍認定標準) on 16 January 2025. This amendment was conducted with suggestions provided by relevant agencies and revisions and announcements of relevant regulations, reviewing problems found in practical implementation. Requirements regarding environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for renewable energy are adjusted to implement effective solar power management generation, ensure both renewable energy development and environmental protection, facilitate development of renewable energies such as small hydropower and geothermal power, and encourage relevant research and development. The amendment is summarized as follows:", "content": "I. Prospecting and mining activities are to adhere to EIA regulations according to the Mining Act (礦業法) amended on 21 June 2023; \nII. The targets exempted from EIAs for lumbering are adjusted, replacing “manmade forest plantations in lowland plains” replaced with “sustainably operated plantation forested announced by the competent authority of forestry”. \nIII. It is added that the EIAs may be exempted for small hydropower plants whose “water quantity reaches 2 cubic meters per second or more downstream of water intake points”, “whose tail water is released back to the original surface waterbodies after power generation”, and that are reviewed and approved by the competent industry authorities. \nIV. It is added that EIAs are required for solar power plants located in environmentally sensitive areas, such as national parks, wildlife refuges, natural protection areas, farmlands in specific agricultural areas, and public forestation sites, and for those located on a hill slope with an installed capacity of 20,000 kW or more or an installed size reaches 15 hectares or more. \nV. It is added that EIAs are required for geothermal power plants located in certain environmentally sensitive areas with an installed capacity of 10,000 kW or more and size two hectares or more. Also, installed capacity is increased to 50,000 kW or more for those located in general areas. \nVI. It is added that EIAs may be exempted for indoor substations whose straight-line distance from the boundaries to those of elementary schools, junior high schools (including designated lands) or those of hospitals reach 50 meters or more. \nVII. It is added that EIAs may be exempted for experiment projects approved by the competent industry authorities. \nVIII. It is added that EIAs may be exempted for small-scale urn walls or columbarium located 1,500 meters or more above sea level with the approval of the competent authority in charge of indigenous affairs and competent industry authorities. \nThe Environmental Impact Assessment Enforcement Rules (環境影響評估施行細則) have been amended together in response to the amendment of the determining standards above, considering the fact that some development activities are local and medium or small in size with impacts that have similar characteristics and involve common environmental issues. The revised part is relevant to EIA review and division of labor of competent authorities in supervision over certain development activities, such as small hydropower plants and fishing harbors, to achieve both environmental protection and local development. The transfer of jurisdiction is scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2025.", "year": "2025", "month": "1", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/83b905fd-4b2a-468a-86ac-2cfbf86a7d2e" }, { "no": "4513", "title": "MOENV Announces Amended Regulations of Water Pollution Control Measures, Testing and Registration", "preview": "The MOENV released the draft partial amendment of the Water Pollution Control Measures and Test Reporting Management Regulations (水污染防治措施及檢測申報管理辦法) on 20 January 2025. The amendment focuses on encouragement of priority treatment for highly organic wastewaters for conversion to energy, testing and reduction of antibiotics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), encouragement of reutilization for reasonable reduction of testing and registration, and addition of zebrafish embryos as a species in toxicological testing. Details are explained below:", "content": "I. Wastewater treatment and energy conservation and generation \nConventional biological wastewater treatment is done aerobically, but it leads to issues such as large energy consumption, high emissions and massive sludge. Anaerobic treatment of highly concentrated organic wastewater generates methane that can be recycled and used as energy, which is also the global trend in wastewater treatment. For industries up to a certain scale and with energy conversion potentials, including paper making, food production, fermentation, petrochemicals and public wastewater treatment plants, the amendment has added that they are to evaluate and adopt best-available control technologies (anaerobic treatment) and collect and use methane in permit application, modification or extension. Apart from the amendment, the MOENV stresses that planning of subsidies is underway so that those interested in reutilization and energy conversion and eligible can apply for subsidies to become demonstration sites. \nII. Testing and voluntary reduction of newly emerged concerned substances \nDischarge of drugs into water bodies poses a risk of hazards, and PFASs are hazardous persistent organic pollutants, so the Stockholm Convention has set limits and bans overuse of PFASs. And wastewater testing and reduction controls are in adopted for drugs and PFASs in the world. As a result, it is added in the revision that hospitals and medical centers of a certain scale, sewage systems of science parks, and enterprises whose production processes use PFASs are required to conduct annual testing and registrations. A voluntary reduction plan is to be proposed for two consecutive failures to meet the monitoring value. \nIII. Simplified testing and registration to encourage resource circulation \nAdministration regarding registration is simplified to push manure reutilization. Testing and registration are waived for those that irrigate with animal manure in individual reuse cases or as farmland fertilizers and animal farms that either have all their manure processed by reutilization treatment centers or 75% or more of their manure reutilized themselves. Requirements are relaxed regarding types of documents mandated in the proposal of use of manure digestate, and testing and registration may also be waivered for water recovered from manufacturing processes or pollution control equipment. \nIV. Reduction of live animals used in water quality tests \nOriginally, acute biotoxicological tests for effluents are mostly conducted with live animals, such as carps and flowerhorn cichlids. Zebrafish embryo is listed in the amendment as test species to reduce live animal testing and meet the principles of 3R (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) for animal experiments and bioethics. \nThe MOENV emphasized that this amendment is in line with the international trend of carbon reduction and regulations as well as promotion of converting wastewater to energy via treatment for energy conservation and generation. Other purposes include testing and reduction of emerging pollutants to lower risks of hazards and encouraging wastewater reutilization by simplifying testing and registration processes.", "year": "2025", "month": "1", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/172ce400-03e5-419a-adc7-2e252b6975a1" }, { "no": "4512", "title": "MOENV Releases SRF White Book and Regulations to Tighten Controls", "preview": "Three months after the release of the inspection results of 66 solid recovered fuel (SRF) enterprises throughout Taiwan in September 2024, the MOENV published the drafts of the Solid Recovered Fuel White Book (固體再生燃料（SRF）白皮書) and the Regulations Governing Controls of Reuse of Common Industrial Waste as Raw Materials for Solid Recovered Fuels (共通性事業廢棄物作為固體再生燃料原料再利用管理辦法) on 14 January 2025. The difference between the released drafts and preannouncement is the cancellation of Level 5 products, which are the highest in the contents of chlorine and mercury, for effective reduction of dioxin produced. The Resource Circulation Administration (RCA) indicated that the entire draft of the white book will be published online in early February. All opinions are welcomed by mid-March in hopes of finalizing the white book in April. The regulations will be released very soon to elevate their level of implementation and strengthen management of waste-to-energy conversion.", "content": "“This draft is the foundation for joint discussion. Those who are interested in this industry and those who have their doubts are all advised to read the draft before talking to us about the SRF management system,” urged the MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Ming. The MOENV examined the current SRF production capacity in the white book and estimated that there is still room for growth in terms of material sources. However, all enterprises are encouraged to follow the regulations in the follow-up material disposal and to upgrade their equipment so that they meet the quality standards. At the same time, the threshold will become higher for enterprises to enter the SRF industry once the new regulations are tightened. \nI. The white book reveals SRF productivity capacity and markets while the regulations tighten the standards\n“We put our actions where our mouths are. We have studied SRF management around the world,” pointed out Minister Peng. There is active promotion of technologies in the world that turn waste into energy. Non-hazardous but combustible wastes, such as plastics, rubber, paper, wood, fibers, animal\/plant-based scraps and general wastes, are sorted, pulverized and mixed before becoming SRFs. In countries where SRF is promoted, such as EU, Japan and Korea, the materials are mostly waste plastics and rubber, as they make good SRF materials for their high heat value and combustion characteristics. Statistics of the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicate that SRF has become an important way to convert waste into energy and is widely used in papermills, cement plants and cogeneration plants as alternative for coal, and it also enhances energy efficiency. \nTaiwan has been implementing the SRF policy since 2019, forming quality specifications in 2020 and completing inspections in and aiding manufacturers and users throughout Taiwan in 2024. The future implementation focuses will be proposed after conducting analysis of the international development of SRF industry, looking into Taiwan’s SRF operation status, and reviewing policy implementation. The release of the (draft) SRF White Book explains to the public the operation station and policy directions regarding SRF industry in hopes to collect public opinions for improvement of SRF controls. For issues found during the inspections and assistance, control measures are enhanced by having the Regulations Governing Controls of the Reuse of Common Industrial Waste as Raw Materials for Solid Recovered Fuels” (referred to as the SRF Regulations hereinafter) established in response to the public expectation on the improvement of SRF controls. \n“The policy priority is still source reduction, followed by proper recycling and circulation to minimize harvests of natural resources, and finally conversion of wastes to energy provided that combustible materials meet the quality specifications,” stressed MOENV Deputy Minister Shen Chih-Hsiu. Inventory documented in the SRF White Book reveals that 342,000 metric tons of materials were used by SRF manufacturers in 2024, and roughly 272,000 metric tons of potential SRF source materials have yet to be converted among all the hazardless and combustible industrial wastes. Currently, there are plans to make general waste into SRF, approximately 300,000 metric tons, in certain counties and cities. However, the complicated nature of materials from such sources and difficulty processing them will require enterprisers to upgrade their disposal capabilities to produce qualified SRFs, which meet the specified quality standards and are approved by user plants. The MOENV stressed that in the future it will continue to pay close attention to enterprises’ equipment installation and operations and collect successful experiences as references for other manufacturers to promote the total enhancement and sustainable development of the SRF industry.\nFor dioxin that is a public concern, six requirements under the SRF Regulations and the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣汙染防制法) have designed the world's most rigorous standards at both the front and back ends of the SRF production. Deputy Minister Shen pointed out the three checks already in place, which are material selection, removal of hard plastics and PVCs by visual examination before production, and quality standards regarding chlorine content. To prevent generation of high dioxin after use of SRFs, the air pollution emission control standard is tightened to 0.1 ng-TEQ\/Nm³, the tightest in the world. This is to encourage SRF users to invest in pollution control equipment and demand the manufacturing end to do their best. \nFor the new SRF Regulations, the MOENV has set stricter rules in material source control, manufacturing process, and quality standards. In terms of SRF manufacturing, the plan is to eliminate Level 5 for the contents of chlorine and mercury, leaving only four levels to lower the contents of chlorine and mercury and therefore improving product classification. A one-year buffer period is provided, given that there are still enterprises whose current contracts still cover Level 5 products. For use of SRF, currently different emission standards regarding heavy metals and dioxin apply to different enterprise types and scales. Both will be tightened and are to meet the requirements set for large incinerators. Take dioxin for example. Regardless of operation scale, all enterprises are require to meet only one flat standard at 0.1 ng-TEQ\/Nm³, tighter than before and increase testing frequency to four times per year. In addition, reuse enterprises and SRF-using factories are required to install CCTV for transparency of product whereabouts and install equipment to reduce dioxin and particulate matters. \nII. Conversion of waste into SRFs with better control system\nMinister Peng urged enterprises already participating and those interested in this industry to read the white book and the SRF Regulations thoroughly. The hope is that enterprises “join in because of understanding” and work together for the conversion of wastes into energy and do not choose to “walk away for failing to meet standards”. He also mentioned that sources and capacity of SRF will change eventually with advancing technology. The MOENV will continue to improve the control system and allow sustainable development for compliant enterprises that meet all the requirements. \nMinister Peng made it clear that the MOENV has no intension to throw a NT$10-billion Green Growth Fund into SRFs without careful consideration, saying “this is only a small industry with little production value. There are still a lot to do to encourage source reduction.” Deputy Minister Shen further added that inventory of current domestic material sources and usage capacity indicates that there are more than enough to supply domestic uses, so. There is no need to worry about “importing foreign garbage”, and current regulations also prevent importing foreign wastes for SRF production. \nIII. Opinions are collected from all sides to improve SRF control\nGiven the public concern surrounding the SRF policy, the RCA has set up the following website (https:\/\/wooo.tw\/3BzkWM5) for information disclosure on presentations and graphics in the press conference, the white book abstract and SRF policy feedback forms. The complete draft of the white book will be released in early February. Opinions will be collected from all sides before mid-March, and answers responding to these opinions will be included in the white book as an appendix. It is hopeful, via public participation, to help improve SRF controls, maximize values of reutilizing combustible waste, and lead to a win-win development of economy and environment.\n", "year": "2025", "month": "1", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/e75f6890-036a-4f96-849b-4d373d79ed4f" }, { "no": "4511", "title": "MOENV Preannounces Draft Regulations for Emission Sources Subject to GHG Inventory and Registration", "preview": "The MOENV has expanded the scope of those subjects to inventory and registration of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission sources in order to increase and strengthen control of emission quantity. Only the inventory and registration of GHG emission, not verification, are required according to the regulations regarding classification of inventory, registration and verification under the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法). Therefore, the draft of the Enterprise Emission Sources Subject to Inventory and Registration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (事業應盤查登錄溫室氣體排放量之排放源) was preannounced on 9 January 2025 for public comments.", "content": "The preannounced draft lists the following enterprises under control, in total approximately 500 more subjects to inventory in estimation. They are enterprises in the service industry, transportation industry, hospitals, colleges and small and medium-sized manufacturers with high use of electricity, oil, or other fossil fuels, including information service enterprises, department stores, shopping centers, wholesale stores, railway transportation, mass rapid transportation and colleges whose annual electricity consumption reaches 10 million kWh at a single premise or 20 million kWh for the entire enterprises\/school; medical centers; hotels whose annual electricity consumption reaches 10 million kWh at a single premise; telecommunications enterprises, chain convenience stores and supermarkets that own more than 100 directly-operating and contracted stores; bus companies, and tour bus enterprises and cargo transportation that operate with 200 vehicles or more. Last but not least, they include small- and medium-sized manufacturers that meet any one of the following requirements, including a single premise whose annual consumption reaches 4,000 tons for coal, 3.2 million kiloliters for fuel oil, or 5 million m3 for natural gas; a single exhaust vent whose total design or actual heat input reaches 10 million kcal\/hour; or the entire factory\/site which consumes 20 million kWh or more of electricity per year. Those that meet the preannounced conditions are required to complete inventory and registration of the previous year's GHG emission by 30 April every year. It is conducted by headquarters or colleges for emissions of all their subsidiaries, branch companies, branch stores, branch offices, appointed or franchise stores, branch campuses and branch departments, except for the manufacturing industry, hospitality industry and hospitals. \nRegarding the concerns about additional costs to hire consultants or for verification, the MOENV points out that the expanded inventory would following the following principles, namely “No trouble, no commission, no verification, and no carbon fee collected”. The MOENV will have the inventory platform designed to interface with TaiPower’s power consumption database, with industrial commerce identification required for login. Inventory is performed only for scopes 1 and 2 and this will not cause enterprises to have any additional cost. The MOENV has a series of workshops and training programs in place in 2025 and is now working on the inventory handbook for service industry, transportation industry, and hospitals to walk them through the inventory process without having to commission external assistance. Only inventory and registration are required, and verification is not, hence no concern regarding not finding a verification institute or additional verification expenses. At the same time, those subjects to collection of carbon fees are not included for the time being. The MOENV will recognize efforts of enterprises active in carbon reduction to encourage outstanding green enterprises.", "year": "2025", "month": "1", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/057810bd-7fe5-4feb-b917-fce8b7ef69fd" }, { "no": "4510", "title": "Cross-departmental Cooperation on Chemical Source Management for Green Chemistry", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the “2024 Workshop on National Chemical Substance Management Policy Guidelines and Action Plan Results” at the international conference hall (Da-Xia Hall) of Chien Kuo Campus, Chinese Culture University, on 25 December 2024. With the topic of “green chemical technology innovation and promotion”, members of the “National Chemical Substance Management Board” were invited to host and provide consultation during the event. At the workshop, the MOENV explained how the “National Chemical Substance Management Policy Guidelines” and the National Chemical Substance Management Action Plan (2024 to 2027) were revised. Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the International Trade Administration and the Industrial Development Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Electronic Systems Research Division of National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, the MOENV, the Ministry of Education and other experts were invited to give speeches on workshop topics and outline results of efforts to promote green chemistry.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that the “National Chemical Substance Management Policy Guidelines” were approved by the Executive Yuan in 2008. Since then, the MOENV has organized a result presentation workshop every year to examine the implementation results of fellow agencies under the Policy Guidelines framework and encourage communication and interaction with all of society. A wide range of chemical substance management topics were discussed this year. All participating agencies shared their results and provided their comments and insights, which brought together the authorities and resources of government agencies and the private sector to discuss the goals and visions of the National Chemical Substance Management Policy Guidelines and Action Plan. \nMOENV expressed that it is extremely important to manage chemical substances properly to lower the risk of accidents and minimize hazards to humans and the environment. The “promotion of green chemistry” is a major policy in Taiwan’s chemical substance management. \nThe aim of the policy is to reduce the use of toxic chemical substances and thus prevent them from entering the environment throughout their entire lifecycle, from the use of chemical materials in various processes up to their safe disposal. The products must comply with low toxicity and international waste reduction standards. \nGreen chemistry education also plays an indispensable role. Even with the popularization of fundamental knowledge and research on environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, communications regarding safe green chemistry will not be effective without proper education. Therefore, the workshop topic of “green chemical technology innovation and promotion” was included in the hope of improving the management of chemical substances in Taiwan, aligning it with international practices. By sharing experiences with and outcomes of the green chemistry measures promoted by government agencies, and through discussions and communication on prospects, Taiwan’s green economic competitiveness will be escalated to achieve the goal of sustainable green chemistry. \nThe MOENV also stated that since 2020, it has compiled annual reports on the overall achievements of Taiwan's chemical substance management, summarizing the implementation results of relevant ministries and agencies. These reports are available in the “Education and Advocacy\/Publications” section of the Chemical Administration, Ministry of Environment, on the MOENV website (https:\/\/www.cha.gov.tw\/lp-118-1-xCat-02.html). MOENV encourages anyone interested to review these reports. Moving forward, the MOENV will continue to compile annual inter-ministerial performance reports, which will also be made available for download on the webpage. MOENV welcomes ongoing attention and engagement from all sectors.", "year": "2024", "month": "12", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/d2075dd8-c5d1-4d9e-9ba9-b9b1ee723652" }, { "no": "4509", "title": "Ministry of Environment and Tourism Administration Join Forces to Reduce Waste as Hospitality Industry Enters Year 1 of Plastic Reduction", "preview": "On 24 December 2024, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held a press conference on \"Year 1 for Plastic Reduction and Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry\", encouraging all hospitality businesses to reduce the use of single-use products starting in January 2025. A subsidy is provided to help these businesses gradually reduce the use of bottled water with the aim of reducing waste from sources, improving the environment and reducing CO2 emissions.", "content": "I. New regulations take full effect in 2025 \nHotels, B&Bs and other hospitality businesses are prohibited from actively providing personal hygiene products. The new regulations require all hotels to provide liquid body care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion, in large bottles instead of small ones under 180 ml. At the same time, six personal hygiene products -- hair brushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, shaving cream and shower caps -- shall not be provided unless requested by consumers; in other words, customers are encouraged to bring their own. \nMinister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming stressed that this policy is a reply to the global call for CO2 and plastic reduction and conforms to the idea of sustainable development applied at the Paris Olympics. Hotels chosen for government personnel on their official trips will be requested to meet these green concepts. \nLocal environmental protection bureaus have organized more than 50 promotional workshops for 2,500 businesses to help them with the transition, and to encourage consumers to prepare their own self-care products during the announced buffer period. These bureaus have been working hard in multiple ways to organize events and campaigns, such as local cultural festivals and large events, giving consumers a better idea of the plastic reduction policy. With matching efforts, the MOENV advertised via Facebook, radio, bus stops, train stations, Taiwan High Speed Rail, and the Taipei Mass Rapid Transit system, as well as short films on taxi fleets and stands at international tourism shows. They hoped the policy announcements would reach as many consumers and hotels as possible. With these efforts, it is estimated that 460 million small packets of hospitality products will be reduced every year, equivalent to approximately 2,100 metric tons of product and 2,500 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year. \nII. Bottled water subsidy to help hotels with their transition \nThe MOENV will provide a subsidy to help hotels reduce the use of plastic water bottles. Hotels that reach the reduction goal are eligible for a subsidy of NT$30,000 per entity from their local environment protection bureau, for up to 5 entities per county\/city. This is expected to reduce the use of plastic bottles. The hotels are encouraged to adopt alternatives for bottled water and provide new, environment-friendly drinking water services. \nDirector General Lai Ying-Ying of the Resource Circulation Administration, MOENV, said these policies will help hotel businesses reduce plastic waste and contribute to sustainable tourism. This is consistent with people's expectations for increased environmental protection awareness and is expected to help drive the green transition in Taiwan's hospitality industry and create a more diversified culture of environmental protection. \nIII. Response and outlook \nGeneral Manager Huang Hsin-Chuan of Lion Travel, a leader in the tourism industry, says the policy has his full support. He shared his experiences promoting sustainable tourism, and said he hopes that all tour guides will help spread the idea. These measures will also support consumers who voluntarily engage in responsible travel. For example, Lion Travel has stopped providing bottled water on their tour buses since 2022. Restaurants and hotels are also asked to provide drinking water dispensers. Mr. Huang pointed out that these new regulations and subsidy programs will help businesses transition to a business model that meets the requirements of sustainable development. There will be challenges at the beginning, but in the long run, a policy like this will give Taiwan's tourism industry a more competitive position in the market and draw the attention of environment-minded domestic and international tourists. \nDeputy Director General Lin Hsin-Jen of the Tourism Administration stressed that green tourism has been a key point for the government when promoting Taiwan's tourism industry to the world. Green tourism has been accepted widely in the western world and is now taking root in Asia after years of promotion. The Tourism Administration will work together with society on green tourism and incorporate environmental protection concepts as a feature of Taiwan's tourism industry. A subsidy program will assist hotels requesting environmental protection labels to show their sustainability certification. It will encourage tourism businesses to adopt sustainable tourism and make Taiwan a world-leading green travel destination. \nThe plastic reduction regulations and bottled water subsidy program launched by the MOENV for the hospitality industry set a cornerstone for Taiwan's green tourism. The cooperation of government and industry will not only drive environmental protection forward but also set the foundation for future sustainable tourism. It is expected that the launch of these policies will help Taiwan's hospitality industry contribute more to environmental protection and CO2 reduction, while demonstrating to the world what Taiwan has done and achieved for environmental protection.", "year": "2024", "month": "12", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/eac3c827-58f2-4de8-a308-ba0f0810092e" }, { "no": "4508", "title": "Ministry of Environment Works with 22 Local Environmental Protection Bureaus on Climate Change Response", "preview": "On 3 December 2024, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the “Workshop for the Promotion of Climate Change Response by Local Governments”, in Taipei City. Participants from Taiwan’s 22 local environmental protection bureaus gathered to brainstorm on how the central and local governments should cooperate in response to climate change. The “Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories at the Local Level” were updated to better conduct local inventory tasks. Local governments were subsidized to implement climate change mitigation and adaptation plans and increase their capacity to locally implement climate change related measures. The central and local governments are now joining forces to conduct GHG emission source audits, carbon fee collection and voluntary reduction plans, moving toward the goal of transition to 2050 net-zero and green growth.", "content": "Minister of Environment, Dr. Peng Chi-Ming, said in his opening remarks that the MOENV has been talking to the industrial sector about Taiwan’s carbon fee collection system, as the era of paying for one’s CO2 emissions begins in 2025. After collecting, carbon fees will be used for GHG reduction and climate change adaptation measures, including subsidies to local governments for their GHG reduction efforts. Support will be provided by MOENV as soon as a local government formulates an effective CO2 reduction plan. \nThe carbon pricing system will be connected to the total quantity control emission trading process in which industries and local governments are encouraged to participate. Also, following suggestions of the National Climate Change Committee, all agencies are to develop targets from top down and stack CO2 reduction plans from bottom up for review and communications, to set more ambitious CO2 reduction goals for 2030 and 2050 and bring central and local efforts together for a common CO2 reduction roadmap. \nMinister Peng mentioned that the deputy heads of the MOENV, fellow agencies and local governments are taking responsibility as CSOs at the government level, as if in private businesses. By so doing, it will help intensify internal cooperation on sustainable development policies and promote the overall net-zero transition of Taiwan. The MOENV developed the “action plan for strengthening investments in green growth net-zero industries” based on Japan’s “Green Innovation Fund”, which has been approved by the National Development Fund, with a green growth fund of NT$10 billion secured. This is expected to encourage local governments and private sources to invest in emerging net-zero sustainable businesses, creating more green employment opportunities and facilitating the net-zero transition in the industrial sector. \nThe MOENV explained the interactions between central and local governments at the workshop covered the following: \nI. Update inventory guidelines at the local level and establish basic CO2 reduction capacity of local governments \nThe amendment to the “Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory at the Local Level” was promulgated on 29 November 2024, based on international specifications and the Climate Change Response Act. This amendment covered updates to how local governments shall carry out GHG inventory efforts and the improvement of inventory procedures. As an action based on individual local conditions, it was added that in principle local government GHG emission inventory reports are to be updated every year starting from 2025, or if circumstances make it challenging to do so, at least once every 3 years. The inventory reports shall be included in local government annual activity reports on their implementation of GHG emission reduction tasks and disclosed on MOENV’s \"Climate Talk\" platform. \nII. Continue funding local governments for climate change mitigation and adaptation \nMOENV continues to fund local governments for their core affairs, such as the operations of local climate change response committees, CO2 reduction and adaptation action plans and climate change adaptation, and the subsidy program for 2025. The key points of this subsidy program are coupled with net-zero green life, combined with the low-carbon sustainable homeland program, and coordinated with developing green-collar talents and improving local capabilities for adaptation and resilience, with the aim of building a living environment that incorporates local features. \nIII. Help local governments with relevant matters in response to the promulgation of the Climate Change Response Act \nLocal governments are helping the MOENV with inspections of emission source operations, emissions equipment and other relevant information within their jurisdictions. To facilitate this effort, the MOENV formulated the \"industrial GHG emissions source monitoring plan\" to guide in-depth onsite monitoring of industrial GHG emission sources, specifying monitoring processes and key points for local governments to adhere to. In addition, for those subject to carbon fees who have proposed a voluntary reduction plan, local governments will be invited to give their viewpoints to accelerate the review process, in cases where the permission of local governments is involved. \nThe MOENV stressed that this workshop not only aimed to facilitate cooperation between central and local governments on climate actions, but also to deepen the awareness and implementation of local governments in terms of conducting GHG inventories and CO2 reduction strategies. Local governments play a key role in the promotion of climate change response efforts. Through conducting emission source inventories, promotion of local climate governance and implementation of CO2 reduction measures, governments at both central and local levels will work hand in hand toward the 2050 net-zero emission goal and together build a sustainable and livable environment for future generations.", "year": "2024", "month": "12", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/654c0437-124b-416e-86e3-9d589ccedefc" }, { "no": "4507", "title": "Subsidies Extended and Matching System Created to Facilitate Air Pollution Reduction through Old Vehicle Replacements", "preview": "To improve air quality and head toward the goal of net-zero emissions, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) continues its efforts to promote its old vehicle replacement policy. To this end, the “Regulations on Scrappage and Subsidies for Reducing Air Pollution Emissions by Replacing Old Vehicles with New Ones” (hereinafter referred to as “the Regulations”) and “Procedures for Application and Review of Air Pollutant Reduction Benefits by Replacing Old Vehicles and Matching Service” (hereinafter referred to as “the Procedures”) were established on 11 January 2023. Owners of vehicles 10 years or older who wish to replace them with an electric or low-polluting vehicle may, based on the type of replacement, apply for subsidies from the MOENV. Another option is to exchange emission reduction credits for a lower purchase price via the “Vehicle Replacement Matching Platform” (hereinafter referred to as “the Platform”). The amendment will also extend the subsidy application deadline to 31 December 2026.", "content": "Expanding economic incentives for vehicle replacements, the MOENV encourages buyers of new electric vehicles to transfer emission reduction credits gained from replacing vehicles to the MOENV in exchange for a subsidy. Alternatively, consumers may consult a matching service to sell their reduction credits to a developer that is subject to reducing their emissions in accordance with an environmental impact assessment (hereinafter “EIA developer”). The consumer then receives a discount on the new vehicle price, based on the air pollutant emissions offset matching system. These economic incentives are designed to encourage consumers to replace old vehicles with electric ones. \nThe MOENV is doing everything to encourage buyers and sellers to qualify for emission reduction credits by replacing old vehicles. Apart from expanding the system, the amendment to the Procedures adds several criteria on how to match buyers and sellers of reduction credits. To augment the incentives and efficiency of old vehicle replacement, EIA developers may work with businesses or vehicle fleet operators to buy air pollution reduction credits obtained from replacing the vehicles of a business, employee cars, or vehicles in a commercial fleet. \nThe MOENV indicated that more than 70,000 old vehicles have been replaced due to the introduction of the incentives, as more and more developers show interest in buying air pollution reduction credits. The public is reminded to keep an eye on the MOENV website for new information. \nFour EIA developers, namely the Hsinchu Science Park of the National Science and Technology Council, the Tainan City Government, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Taiwan International Ports Corp., have registered and proposed buying credits. The maximum amount available for vehicle replacement in air quality zones, including incentives for CO2 reduction, air pollutant reduction and recycling, are shown in the chart. For vehicle owners who may not be eligible to sell reduction credits to EIA developers, the amendment to the Regulations extends the application deadline for subsidies and provides for consultations for vehicle owners who have retired their old vehicles, to encourage them to choose electric vehicles to meet their ongoing transportation needs.", "year": "2024", "month": "12", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/7b82b9fb-66a0-43cd-86e2-59c621b29a8c" }, { "no": "4506", "title": "National Sustainable Development Awards Recognize Ministry of Environment’s Success with Intelligent Monitoring", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) successfully established a comprehensive air quality monitoring network based on the three strategies of “integrate air quality monitoring services”, “grassroots local monitoring technologies” and “international monitoring system” set forth in the “Protect National Sustainable Environment – Establish Taiwan’s Intelligent Air Quality Monitoring” project. MOENV’s efforts were recognized by the 2024 National Sustainable Development Awards in the government agency category and received the Civil Service Outstanding Contribution Award (group category), demonstrating the Ministry’s important achievements in sustainable development.", "content": "An MOENV spokesperson stated, “It started with 19 monitoring stations in 1976 and now we have an AI-enabled comprehensive monitoring network to protect citizens’ health with technology.” Taiwan has reached several major milestones in the field of environmental monitoring in recent years. It was recognized by the 2024 Smart 20 Awards given by the Allied Smart Cities. It was established by the Asia Pacific AERONET Calibration and Training Center (APAC) in November 2023, the first in Asia and certified by NASA. Five countries, including Japan and Korea, have brought their equipment to Taiwan for calibration. \nRegarding smart monitoring, the MOENV deployed 10,000 air quality sensors across Taiwan to conduct AI-enabled monitoring of air quality throughout Taiwan 24\/7, facilitating the continuous improvement of air quality in Taiwan. This system has helped investigators with precise law enforcement, as several major violations have been discovered for total penalties of NT$310 million and retrieval of NT$420 million of air pollution control fees. To keep the public informed of the latest air quality conditions, the MOENV developed the “Environment Info Push” app, which has been downloaded 670,000 times. The app has become highly reputed among citizens, providing air quality information in real time, as well as alerts to warn people to take necessary protective measures when air quality conditions are forecast to worsen. \nThe Executive Yuan announced the establishment of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Alliance to promote and accelerate progress toward the 2050 net-zero emission target. The Alliance is headed by the Vice Premier as the central government’s CSO, with the Minister of Environment as the chief secretary leading central agencies, local governments and state-owned enterprises toward “green growth and net-zero transition”. The CSO is tasked with five responsibilities, namely integrating sustainability affairs across agencies, improving sustainable governance, facilitating cultural reformation and innovative thinking, intensifying partnerships between the government and the private sector, and putting the Climate Change Response Act into practice. Priorities for government agencies are internal carbon inventories, energy efficiency diagnoses, making all official vehicles electric, recognizing buildings for their energy efficiency and increasing green procurement. \nThe MOENV will continue to work on CSO Alliance policies, improve intelligent monitoring technologies and join forces with all agencies to build a more sustainable living environment. Monitoring results have shown that 93.8% of the air quality index (AQI) readings are fair or good, indicating how far Taiwan has advanced in environmental sustainability. \n“The National Sustainable Development Award is an honor and a force that drives us forward”. MOENV will continue to improve monitoring technologies, expand international cooperation and move toward the goal of 2050 net-zero emissions. The Ministry will keep working hard for the sustainable development of Taiwan through innovative applications of intelligent technology to build a better living environment.", "year": "2024", "month": "12", "assortment": "Monitoring and Information", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/56d72173-d625-4ebb-bfba-df2c2f169f1a" }, { "no": "4505", "title": "2024 air quality monitoring released for precision governance of air pollution", "preview": "MOENV produced the 2024 air quality monitoring results and found decreasing trends in concentration of all pollutants for the last five years. The number of station-days with air quality index (AQI) at good or moderate (AQI≦100) accounted for 94% in 2024. The number of station-days with unhealthy AQI (AQI>100, orange alert or above) continued to drop. At the end of 2024, the average concentration was 12.7 µg\/m3 for the fine particulate matters (PM2.5) nationwide, showing improvement from 13.7 µg\/m3 in the previous year. This could not be achieved without the joint efforts between central and local governments on carrying out various air pollution control strategies. On top of that, both the number of rainy days as well as rainfall increased in the second half of 2024, and the percentage of weak winds decreased, both of which helped with removal and spreading of the particulate matters.", "content": "The MOENV has started the Phase II Air Pollution Control Plan since 2024 as a continuation of previous action plans and the Phase I Air Pollution Control Plan for air quality improvement. A strategy of measures on multiple fronts is adopted. They include tightened control on factories from fuel composition to emission standards, replacement of more than 50% of old large diesel vehicles, optimized road network for electric vehicles to increased use, integration of air pollution and emissions reduction effects via a matching platform for vehicle replacement, offshore wind power projects, and three new ways to burn joss paper to practice religious beliefs and achieve environmental protection. All of these are implemented to accelerate the improvement of air quality and protect people’s health. \nThe MOENV indicated that the next step is to enhance the mutual benefits of both net-zero reduction and air pollution reduction. Strategies in planning are hazardous air pollutant controls, increased use of electric buses, and restrictions on volatile organic compounds in consumer products. All these also will result in lowering PM2.5 and ozone (O3) to build a healthy and sustainable living environment for the citizens. \nThe MOENV explained further that tighter protection standards will be adopted with the AQI’s concentration thresholds adjusted on 1 January 2025 according to the Air Quality Standards (空氣品質標準) amended on 30 September 2024. In addition, for the air quality forecast for offshore islands, the one-day forecast will become 3 days starting from 1 January 2025 to initiate early pollution response and ensure people’s daily health.", "year": "2024", "month": "12", "assortment": "Monitoring and Information, Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/0b7abfa2-2f1e-4458-8175-3f8e9be825d0" }, { "no": "4504", "title": "Resource Circulation Administration establishes cell phone recycling rules to help citizens recycle their old cell phones by extending producers’ responsibilities", "preview": "New smart phones come out every year, and 5 million phones are sold in Taiwan every year. A cell phone contains many chemical elements in its parts, and recycling helps reduce mining for new materials and CO2 emissions. In Taiwan, however, only 12% of cell phones are recycled. Seeing this, MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration (RCA) has announced regulations on cell phone recycling, mandating cell phone manufacturers, importers and retailers to take responsibility for recycling. It is hoped that old phones can be reutilized afterwards and that enterprises come up with circular services, such as cell phone rental or repairs. The regulations will be in effect on 1 January 2025.", "content": "The RCA’s survey indicates that more than 50% of people have at least an old cell phone lying somewhere at home instead of recycling them. A closer look into the results suggests reasons including not knowing recycling locations, lack of incentive, or worries of exposing personal information. The Regulations Governing Recycling and Circular Services of Waste Mobile Phones and Enterprises with Sorting and Recycling Labels (應執行廢行動電話回收、循環服務與標示分類回收標誌之業者範圍及其他應遵行事項) announced this time specify that a recycling and sorting label shall be put on cell phones manufactured or imported starting from 1 January 2026. Cell phone brands and retailers are required to shoulder up recycling responsibilities. In addition to providing recycling facilities at the business venues, instructions should be provided at the entrances and exits indicating how to recycle old phones, the appropriate measures of destruction or precautions to be taken to prevent exposure of personal information, and rewards for consumers for recycling their old cell phones. \nFurthermore, cell phone recycling and circular use are promoted to keep the recycling action going by including services such as cell phone recycling and rental and old phone buybacks or repairs. Starting from 2026, relevant enterprises shall produce annual reports on the cell phone recycling rate of the previous year, which shall be 15% or higher. Those who fail with the recycling rate shall propose an improvement plan, and failure to achieve the required rate in the next year will be subject to a penalty of NT$30,000 to 150,000 according to the Resource Recycling Act (資源回收再利用法).", "year": "2024", "month": "12", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/1ad5e0db-1c4a-425e-b1cd-d4698d92a114" }, { "no": "4503", "title": "Preferential Fee Rates Available for Container Recycling, Clearance and Disposal", "preview": "The MOENV will start providing preferential rates for container recycling, clearance and disposal for refilling of glass containers, use of recycled materials for plastic containers, and green designs for plastic containers on 1 January 2025. Such move is in response to the international call of sustainable development, circular economy trends and Taiwan’s own resource circulation policies.", "content": "The MOENV indicates that the table of the first item under the Fee Rates for Container Recycling, Clearance and Disposal (容器回收清除處理費費率) is amended to maximize resource circulation, minimize waste disposal, create new circular operation (business) models, and respond to the global ideas of resource circulation and green design. Economic incentives are provided, with a 50% preferential rate for enterprises to adopt recycling and reuse mechanism for glass containers; a 15% preferential rate for using recycled materials in plastic containers; and an additional 15% to 30% preferential rate for green designs such as use of pure materials, original colors, reduced labeling or tethered caps. A preferential rate up to 45% is available for plastic containers, qualifying all the requirements to encourage recyclable container manufacturers and importers to adopt green concepts and facilitate sustainable consumption and production.", "year": "2024", "month": "12", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/df971b07-ed51-4ca3-b645-6ff408c533fa" }, { "no": "4502", "title": "Subsidies Extended for Large Diesel Vehicle Repairs to Encourage Owners to Maintain Air Quality", "preview": "The MOENV announced the amended Regulations Governing Subsidies for Repairs of Fuel Injection Systems or Installations of Air Pollution Control Equipment on Large Diesel Vehicles” (referred to as the Regulations hereinafter) on 12 December 2024. This amendment extends subsidization to 31 December 2025 and newly makes Phase-IX large diesel vehicles whose opacity of black smoke exceeds 1.0 m-1 during voluntary inspections eligible for subsidies, helping owners cut down pollutant emissions from their vehicles. Subsidy is up to NT$80,000 per vehicle, which helps owners improve air quality while making a living.", "content": "Statistics of fine particulate matters (PM2.5) emitted by mobile sources indicate that the Phase-I-to-III large diesel vehicles account for the largest percentage, as pointed out by the MEONV. Subsidies have hence been provided for repairs of fuel injection systems for these vehicles since 2019, with which owners commission MOENV-certified maintenance shops for maintenance of engine systems, injection pumps or injection nozzles (one or more of the three) and carbon deposit removal. Starting from 2025, Phase-IX large diesel vehicles whose opacity of black smoke exceeds 1.0 m-1 are eligible for the subsidies, aiming to encourage owners to take voluntary inspection. Owners are eligible for subsidies by having their vehicles serviced at MOENV-certified maintenance shops to replace injection nozzles with new ones and remove carbon deposits. It is hoped to work with vehicle owners to cut down on pollutant emissions. \nThe Regulations were initially scheduled to end at the end of 2024 but are now extended up to 31 December 2025 considering that subsidization is still manageable under the Air Pollution Control Fund. As of the end of November 2024, there were approximately 70,000 Phase-I-to-III large diesel vehicles, and 10,000 of them need improvement. For Phase-IX large diesel vehicles that fail to secure voluntary management labels in voluntary inspections, it is estimated that roughly 2,000 of them are in need for the repair subsidy. Subsidy is up to NT$80,000 per vehicle for Phase-I-to-IX large diesel vehicles eligible for the subsidies. The aim is to enhance the reduction of pollution from mobile sources by increasing subsidies for large diesel vehicles and extending subsidization. \n", "year": "2024", "month": "12", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/8a3bc4eb-e7b0-4085-867c-73a06d3fabeb" }, { "no": "4501", "title": "Amended Effluent Standards Announced", "preview": "The MOENV released the amended Effluent Standards (放流水標準) on 18 December 2024 to maintain water body quality and promote pollutant reduction and control. This amendment has added or tightened controls on ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus, copper, and free available residual chlorine, lowered the loads of high-concentration phosphorus discharged into water bodies, and continued reducing copper concentration in certain river basins. All aims to improve water body quality and facilitate reutilization of wastewater (sewage).", "content": "The MOENV further explained that the pollution reduction efforts have seen substantial achievements since 13 types of industries including wafer foundry and semiconductor manufacturing were added for ammonium nitrogen control in the Effluent Standards in 2011. However, within enterprises discharging ammonium nitrogen not listed for control, leathermaking (manufacturing of finished wet-blue leather products), printed circuit board manufacturing, slaughtering, meat product manufacturing and markets, hospitals, and medical institutes still discharge wastewater in relatively high concentration of ammonium nitrogen, presenting a need to include them for control. Therefore, ammonium nitrogen control has been added regarding them in the revised Effluent Standards.\nConsidering that phosphorus is a nutrient salt, Taiwan’s phosphorus control applies only to those with discharges into water quality\/water volume protection areas for tap water to lessen impacts on water body ecosystems. Total phosphorus control is added in the Effluent Standards targeting wafer foundry and semiconductor manufacturing, photoelectric material and part manufacturing, and wastewater sewage systems of science parks, all of which discharge wastewater with high concentration of phosphorus and have potentials of reutilization. Such revision was made with reference to relevant controls abroad and in consideration that certain industries often discharge wastewater containing high concentration of phosphorus that affects water bodies or causes their eutrophication.\nThe MOENV pointed out that the copper control limits were tightened since 2017 for the effluent discharged from metal-related industries, science parks, industrial parks and petrochemical parks above a certain scale, which has produced results in pollution reduction. Considering the lower rate of copper meeting water body quality standards at certain river basins, the copper control limits have been added or tightened in the Effluent Standards for the abovementioned targets and metal industries that did not reach a certain scale to improve water body quality and encourage these enterprises to reutilize discharged copper. \nMoreover, it is known that excessive adding chlorine in hospitals, medical institutes and public sewage systems leads to high levels of residual chlorine or generates byproducts from disinfection, therefore harming aquatic organisms. To prevent this, the revision of the Effluent Standards has added control on free available residual chlorine, whose limit is not to exceed 2 mg\/L. However, this requirement does not apply in circumstances concerning prevention and control of infectious diseases or special hygiene and disinfection. \nThe MOENV stressed that this amendment is based on international regulatory trends, results of domestic industrial wastewater research, impacts on water body and quality, domestic public concerns and feasibility of treatment technologies. Approximately 3,000 enterprises are to be affected, and a buffer period is set for them to make improvement. In the case of total phosphorus control, apart from the buffer periods given for limits in three separate stages, those which encounter technical difficulties or whose improvement involve construction projects are to propose effluent pollutant reduction management plans to postpone the date in which controls take effect. In addition, MOENV is currently proposing a plan for wastewater reutilization and low-carbon smart treatment to obtain subsidies for demonstration sites of green transition of wastewater treatment. Enterprises are interested in resource reutilization and low-carbon technologies, such as reutilization of copper and phosphorus in wastewater, introduction of AI management for precise dosage of agents, and energy generation via anaerobic digestion, and eligible may apply for subsidies to local competent authorities from 2025.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "12", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/68e5ac00-2db5-4cda-b9ca-536f127f1f07" }, { "no": "4500", "title": "Draft Announced for Stage III Regulatory Goals to Increase Reduction Efforts and Expend Inventory", "preview": "The MOENV just released the draft Stage III Periodic Regulatory Goals of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and information on the public hearing on 30 December 2024 according to Article 10 of the Climate Change Response Act (the Climate Act hereinafter) (氣候變遷因應法). The draft increases Taiwan’s 2030 GHG emission reduction goal from the nationally determined contribution (NDC) first announced in 2022, which is a 24±1% reduction compared to emissions of the base year (2005), to a 28±2% reduction compared to emissions of the base year (2005). It also proposes to have the electricity emission factor reach 0.319 kgCO2e\/kWh by 2030 (a 35% reduction compared to the status) and includes the periodic regulatory goals for the six major sectors, which are energy, manufacturing, residence and commerce, transportation, agriculture and environment. The MOENV said that the public hearing regarding the draft Stage III Periodic Regulatory Goals of Greenhouse Gas Emissions will be held at the multifunctional meeting room on second floor of the MEONV’s rear wing at 2:00 p.m. on 7 February 2025 and streamed live online, hoping to start a science-based dialogue with society.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that President Lai declared the escalation of climate actions on 24 October 2024 at the meeting of the National Climate Change Committee to enhance the edges of Taiwan’s industries in the global competition, increase the pace to align with international NDCs, and review the 2030 goals to make major breakthroughs with greater ambition. Taiwan’s new carbon reduction goals for 2032 and 2035 were also set at the meeting. MOENV proposed and submitted the draft of the Stage III Periodic Regulatory Goals of GHG Emissions according to relevant regulations to the Climate Change and Net-Zero Transition Task Force (hereinafter the Task Force) of the National Council for Sustainable Development under the Executive Yuan to establish coordination mechanism and cross-departmental discussions. The Task Force has already had eight cross-departmental meetings, two for decision making among heads of department, and three for their own since August 2024. Experts such as members of the National Climate Change Committee have been consulted to review several flagship projects on strengthening and escalating transitions in the six major sectors. They are, for the energy sector, about acceleration (wind and solar power) and breakthrough (geothermal energy and small-scale hydropower) for renewable, energy storage technologies, methane pyrolysis, hydrogen (NH3-containing) energy supply chain, and carbon capture, storage, and sequestration; for the manufacturing sector, about self-designated carbon reduction, in-depth energy conservation, and carbon reduction in state-run enterprises; and for the residential and commercial sector, about net-zero buildings and energy conservation. Not only so, but transition for the transportation sector also means transformation of vehicles, such as promoting electric and zero-carbon ones for commercial vehicles as well as sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs); and transition in the agricultural sector aims to deepen carbon reduction in the form of agricultural and ecological resilience, carbon sink, and low-carbon, sustainable agriculture. Finally, for the environmental sector, the MOENV has proposed a cross-departmental resource circulation flagship plan and launched the carbon pricing mechanism.\nThe MOENV stressed that, in comparison with the neighboring Asian countries, the new 2030 goal of “a 28±2% reduction compared to emissions of the base year”, reset under the draft Stage III Periodic Regulatory Goals of GHG Emissions, is next only to Japan’s 41% reduction by 2030 when calculated with the same base year (2005). Calculation of each country’s individual annual reduction against peak emissions shows that Taiwan’s 2030 goal as opposed to the emissions peak in 2007 displays reduction by as much as 34%-38%, close to that of Korea (-40%) and next only to that of Japan (-46%). Looking down the road, the government will stay aligned with the world by proposing the new national reduction goals through the National Climate Change Committee. \nWith the new reduction goal, the MOENV will expand the scope of those subjects to inventory and registration. Regulations regarding inventory, registration, and verification under the Climate Act mandate these targets to conduct only GHG emission inventory and registration, but not verification, and those subject to carbon fees are not included for the time being. Those who meet the announced conditions are to complete inventory and registration of their GHG emissions of the previous year by 30 April every year starting 2026. Those expected to be newly added under the expanded list subject to inventory include enterprises in information service, department stores, shopping malls, wholesale stores, railway, metro transportation, hospitality enterprises, and colleges of which the annual emissions reach 5,000 metric tons of CO2e for a single premise and 10,000 metric tons of CO2e for the entire enterprise Others include convenience store franchises, supermarkets and telecommunications enterprises with 100 or more storefronts; as well as enterprises in passengers and cargo transportation that operate 200 or more vehicles, medical centers, and small- and medium-sized manufacturers with emissions up to 10,000 metric tons of CO2e for a single premise. It is expected to be newly listed with approximately 500 enterprises (with roughly 20,000 storefronts) as targets subject to inventory. Such measures expand inventory scope allow more enterprises to better understand correlations between energy use and carbon emission, identify high-emission sources, and enhance carbon reduction through energy efficiency. \nGovernment agencies will join the line of carbon inventory efforts in addition to expansion of the inventory scope. First, completing its internal GHG emission inventory for 2023 in November 2024, the MOENV will promote internal carbon inventory within every agency by organizing workshops. while for the moment focusing on internal carbon inventory within government agencies starting 2025. The aim is to expand reduction efforts through collaboration between the public and private sectors and with all industries and sectors.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "12", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/fe447cb5-1896-45db-bdea-ee767db3ed86" }, { "no": "4499", "title": "MOENV Signs Agreements with Taiwan Space Agency and National Central University on Satellite and International Monitoring of Air Quality", "preview": "On 26 November 2024, Minister Peng Chi-Ming of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) signed an agreement on satellite applications in environmental monitoring and GHG observation with Chairperson Cheng-Wen Wu of the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), and another on environmental monitoring and international interaction promotion with Dr. Jing-Yang Jou, president of National Central University (NCU). The cooperation agreements, one with TASA to launch Taiwan’s atmospheric pollution monitoring satellites and one with NCU to promote the international monitoring network, demonstrates what Taiwan is technically capable of monitoring. It gives Taiwan the ability to monitor pollutant migration and distribution locally and beyond its borders, as well as track changes in GHGs in time and space across Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific. It will allow for early warnings on air pollution plumes and will generate scientific data to help develop strategies. The monitoring data from satellites and international counterparts can be shared with other countries for extensive regional applications, the first such cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.", "content": "The MOENV stated that the cooperation with TASA to launch low-orbit satellites is the first time satellites will be used for environmental monitoring by Taiwan as part of the forward-looking climate change actions outlined in the National Project of Hope. The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Climate Office indicated that satellite monitoring, as a supervision tool, examines CO2 emissions data and compares them with practical observations to determine CO2 emission hot spots, and provides countries around the world with vital data for climate policy development. The MOENV has a long-term cooperative relationship with NASA and worked with that agency on developing and launching Taiwan’s first geosynchronous satellite to observe atmospheric pollution and GHG emissions. The satellite is programmed to transmit high resolution observation data every ten minutes, which helps improve communications, telemetry, disaster warnings, near-real-time monitoring of atmospheric pollutants and GHG emissions, and changes in CO2 emissions and air pollution, thus strengthening the resilience of Taiwan's global communications network, and enhancing Taiwan's global competitiveness. \nThe MOENV pointed out that the NCU’s Center for Environmental Monitoring and Technology was founded under the long-term cooperation between the USEPA and the MOENV, originally for the expansion of the Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN). The center has introduced or developed advanced environmental monitoring technology and value-added applications, including integrating observation data collected from satellite telemetry; the Micro-Pulse Lidar Monitoring Network (MPLNET); the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET); high-precision aerosol optical parameters and GHG data; aerosol composition data; and other adjustable satellite data to improve satellite observation accuracy. In addition, it has partnered with the UN’s Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN), the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance (CCGG) and the Federated Aerosol Network of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to acquire advanced technologies, expand international relations, and disseminate Taiwan's environmental monitoring achievements.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "11", "assortment": "Monitoring and Information", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/56364284-3168-4e58-98f0-11f8ca26e584" }, { "no": "4498", "title": "Government and CSO Consensus Camp Draws Roadmap for Future Green Development", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) organized the “Government and CSO (Chief Sustainability Officers) Consensus Camp” on 23 November 2024, participated in by officials from central and local governments and CSOs of government-owned enterprises. Premier Cho Jung-Tai and Vice Premier Cheng Li-Chiun of the Executive Yuan, Mr. Chang Tun-Han, Deputy Secretary-General to the President, and Mr. Su Chun-Jung, Directorate-General of Personnel Administration, Executive Yuan, were invited to speak on how to establish a “chief sustainability officer” (CSO) within government entities in order to enhance the internal coordination of sustainable development policies and promote the overall net-zero transition in Taiwan.", "content": "Premier Cho said in his speech that the “CSO Alliance” was announced in the Executive Yuan’s Action 101 Strategy press conference and was established within six months of President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration. \nPremier Cho pointed out three priorities for a CSO. First, a CSO must establish goals for each stage, get them done, reach an agreement with society as soon as possible, and discover and develop good talents, as they are the assets of Taiwan and need to be nurtured and developed. Second, CSOs must work together, and involve central agencies, local governments, government-owned enterprises, schools and medical institutes to build upward links, downward rooting and lateral communications. Third, CSOs should innovate for transition, as new ideas, thinking and technology are needed and all departments must have practical CO2 reduction plans for GHG emissions (including a carbon fee collection system, net-zero technology development, green financing and green procurement, where the green procurement should start from the government and spread across the private sector and then to green industry development to achieve net-zero emissions). \nVice Premier Cheng Li-Chiun added that a CSO has two main duties. On one hand, the CSO has to help Taiwan promote the overall goal of sustainable development and, on the other, to carry out net-zero transition and adaptation actions, by dealing with challenges of climate change through proactive initiatives, introducing innovative thinking, proposing a master plan for homeland adaptation, promoting green industry, a green economy and green-collar talents, and creating a new sustainable development model for generations to come. \nMinister Peng Chi-Ming encouraged CSOs by looking at six priorities for the future, namely: to complete an internal carbon inventory step by step; diagnose and execute energy efficiency; replace petrol-fueled vehicles and government vehicles with electric ones; establish building energy efficiency marking a direction toward zero-carbon buildings; increase green procurement to build an ecosystem of reduced carbon emissions, and; revolutionize organizational culture through interactions between government and the private sector. To close, Minister Peng gave the example of the MOENV undergoing a carbon inventory and finding its GHG emissions were approximately 4,084 metric tons of CO2e for 2023. There are plans for workshops in the future, to teach all agencies about conducting carbon inventories. \n \nMr. Jesse Chou, CSO of Delta Electronics, and Mr. Su Chun-Jung, Directorate-General of Personnel Administration, shared their practical experience and real-world cases of promoting sustainable development, and provided new ways of thinking for the future sustainable transformation of Taiwan by fostering cooperation between businesses and government, thus setting a solid direction for CSOs on the way to net-zero transitions. \nThis CSO alliance consensus camp was provided to explore what a CSO should and could do and the direction sustainable development will take by incorporating the sustainable development promotion framework of private businesses. In the future, there will be efforts invested in building a lateral communication platform, developing training programs and empowerment activities, and improving cross-departmental consensus for effective sustainable development.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "11", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/d49aebc9-9edf-4c2d-bc0a-3a0e08140729" }, { "no": "4497", "title": "Taiwan NGOs Partner with Marshall Islands to a Hold COP29 Side Meeting", "preview": "The “29th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change” (UNFCCC COP29) started on 11 November 2024. The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) COP29 set up a “war room” to keep watch on the conference progress in real time. On 12 November, Taiwan’s ITRI held a side meeting with Taiwan’s diplomatically, the Marshall Islands, on “Transitioning away from fossil fuel for energy systems: Technological applications and basic market-based policy tools” at the blue zone meeting room of the conference. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) also attended, as it served as the official international media voice of COP29, giving reports on the progress of the gathering.", "content": "Taiwan is not party to the UNFCCC, however the MOENV stated that Taiwan has eleven NGOs registered with the UNFCCC able to participate in the COPs as observers. This year, there were seven side meetings involving Taiwan. On 11 November 2024, the International Cooperation and Development Fund, the Foundation of Taiwan Industry Services and the state of Palau organized a side meeting on “Harmonizing science and nature – Innovative adaptation strategies for a resilient future”. Also, on 12 November, ITRI held a side meeting along with the Marshall Islands, featuring a panel with: Dr. Chien-Te Fan of National Tsing Hua University; Mr. Clarence Samuel, Director of Climate Change Directorate, Ministry of Environment, Marshall Islands; Mr. Aayushi Singh, consultant of Perspective Climate Group; Mr. Hiroshi Ono, Executive Director of IGES, and Dr. Tsai Wei-Chen, associate researcher of ITRI. They discussed how to work together across multiple fields toward global climate goals through Article 6 of the “Paris Agreement” and a carbon pricing system. Participants had a heated discussion, and the entire event was reported by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the official international media spokesperson for COP29.\nThe MOENV explained that it set up a COP29 war room assigned with MOENV staff. The progress of the conference and important meetings were broadcast live online to stay on top of the conference progress. The war room went online with Baku at 2:00 p.m. on 13 November, inviting Dr. Chen-An Lien, senior engineer at ITRI, to share what he learned at the COP and side events and the latest developments at the main event. The war room provided domestic media with information on progress at the \"World Leaders Climate Action Summit\" on 12 November and reported on how representatives from individual countries discussed how best to implement the international reduction system specified in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, along with a daily summary of important information.\nThe MOENV has simultaneously held the \"COP29 Determination to Escalate Climate Actions Series Forum” in Taiwan since 15th November to encourage public attention on developments related to COP29. Domestic and international experts have been invited in person or online to focus on the main topics of COP29. This series of events will be broadcast live online.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "11", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/75968765-905b-4897-b7e1-95ffe6c75e0b" }, { "no": "4496", "title": "MOENV and L’Etape Work Together for First Time to Hold Environment-friendly Sporting Event", "preview": "The cycling event, L’Étape, took place on 29 November 2024 at the beautiful Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan. Minister Peng Chi-Ming of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) led a group of MOENV colleagues in the 29 km category. He said at the end of his ride that it is never difficult to organize an environmentally friendly competition. For example, the participants may choose to wear clothing made of environmentally friendly materials, and bring their own water bottles instead of drinking bottled water. People interested in the competition may choose to take public transportation to the venue and thereby reduce CO2 emissions. There is much event organizers can do for the environment at such an event: reusable cups may be provided to reduce single-use water bottles; LED screens can be used to reduce the use of single-use items such as billboard posters or canvases; the event program and other documents may be provided in a digital electronic form to reduce paper printing; trophies and medals can be made of recyclable or environment-friendly materials; and meals may be produced with local ingredients to reduce the CO2 emissions from the transport of food.", "content": "The MOENV has been cooperating with several sporting events since Minister Peng publicly praised the Paris Olympics in June 2024 for adopting environmentally responsible practices to combat climate change, a first in Olympic history. This environmental education campaign addresses the reduction of plastics, low-carbon, net-zero and other issues, and promotes environmentally friendly measures around the event. The MOENV is collaborating with the event L’Étape held in Taiwan for the first time, following recent events such as HBL, UBL, and the Mizuno Road Race. In addition to providing players with environment-friendly clothing, the MOENV coordinated with the organizer to refrain from using disposable products in favor of disseminating event information electronically to make the event more environmentally friendly. At the same time, Minister Peng once again led his colleagues by participating in person to express his support for this environmental protection event.\nMinister Peng indicated that Taiwan has become accustomed to activities such as recycling and garbage sorting, due to the government’s promotion and, more importantly, these concepts have been taught in schools where children integrate them into their daily routines. This has shown that the efforts of the environmental protection department are insufficient to make the environment better. It requires support and participation from multiple angles, of government, the private sector and the public, to reach the final goal, one step at a time. Cooperating with the organization of a sporting event is another step for the MOENV outside of its usual comfort zone. To let more people become familiar with and participate in environmental protection activities, the MOENV is hoping to work with all competent authorities and sporting event organizers on issues such as environmental sustainability, net-zero emissions and environmental education, in order to encourage an environmentally friendly ambience at major sporting events in Taiwan and to jointly create a new culture of sports for environmental protection. \n", "year": "2024", "month": "11", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/e12c04cc-7fe4-42c4-a005-16956e24a5b2" }, { "no": "4495", "title": "Ministry of Environment Signs MOU with TSMC to Promote Carbon Capture", "preview": "Minister Peng Chi-Ming, head of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV), attended the “Ceremony marking commercial Cooperation with the Taichung Center for Zero-Waste Manufacturing” on 1 November 2024 and signed a “Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Carbon Capture and Utilization” with Senior Vice President of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSMC), Lora Ho. This MOU signifies deep cooperation between TSMC and the MOENV on carbon capture, CO2 emission reduction, green technical innovation, and working together toward the long-term goal of net-zero emissions. This MOU marks the commitment of TSMC and MOENV to pay attention to global climate change and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Their cooperation will focus on the development and demonstration of applied technology, feasibility assessments of general waste treatment facilities, regulatory adaptations under the Climate Change Response Act, and promotion of successful experiences.", "content": "The “Taichung Center for Zero-Waste Manufacturing”, a 4.54-hectare environmental facility within the park aimed at improving the circulation of resources, was created jointly by the Central Taiwan Science Park Bureau and five firms in the park, led by TSMC. It provides facilities to advance waste reduction and a circular economy, with plans to establish facilities to recycle organic solvents used in electronics manufacturing. It is estimated that 86,000 metric tons of organic solvents will be processed every year to recover high-value chemical products. \nTo demonstrate the development of carbon capture technology, the MOENV is helping government-operated incineration plants to secure third-party certification or apply for recognition of voluntary reduction projects, even though none of these incineration plants is listed as a target designated for carbon fee collection and greenhouse gas reduction. The MOENV is also funding equipment upgrades and improvements at these incinerators. In addition, the ministry is giving guidance on energy saving actions, and replacement of old machinery and equipment. The aim is to maintain steady operations and recover heat from incineration for power generation, to lower the use of fossil fuel. An MOU has been reached to introduce carbon capture technology at government-operated incineration plants. Once realized, the CO2 captured will be sequestered in liquid form and transported to those who can use carbon or sent to storage facilities in order to maintain carbon neutrality. \nSenior Vice President Lora Ho of TSMC expressed her excitement about the MOU. She stressed that TSMC has been working on sustainable corporate operations and this cooperation not only combines technological development and policy promotion but also goes toward fulfilling the responsibility of both the MOENV and TSMC to address climate change. Environment Minister Peng added that the MOENV is the competent authority in Taiwan responsible for promoting environmental protection and sustainable development. It oversees developing and executing Taiwan’s environmental protection policies and promoting solid actions to respond to the impacts of climate change. \nMeanwhile, the other MOU partner, TSMC, leads the world in semiconductor manufacturing. The company has been very actively engaged in environmental protection and sustainable development and is dedicated to doing its part to reach the national target of net-zero emissions by 2050. This cooperation brings the MOENV and TSMC together to provide robust support for national carbon reduction policies and accelerate the innovation and application of CO2 reduction technology, to fulfill the visions of net-zero emission by 2050 and circular economy. It is hoped that more firms and businesses will jump on board to create a well-oiled ecosystem of resource circulation. \n", "year": "2024", "month": "11", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/f6729d95-d603-49c7-89e0-bfff17fdd71a" }, { "no": "4494", "title": "Revisions Preannounced on Designation of Air Pollution Control Zones", "preview": "The MOENV preannounced the draft amendment of the Air Pollution Control Zones in Special Municipalities, Counties and Cities. Carried out according to the amended Air Quality Standards (空氣品質標準), promulgated on 30 September 2024, the amendment has adapted more rigorous determination methods. Other than raising requirements for concentrations, the previous determining method with averages of data across all monitoring stations are replaced as counties, cities, and special municipalities are mandated to have all air quality stations within the jurisdictions meet the criteria to be listed as Class II control zones (areas meeting the standards). For Class III control zones (areas failing to meet the standards), the MOENV will join force with local environmental protection bureaus to implement stricter controls, including adopting the best available control technologies for newly identified pollution sources and cutting down pollutions of existing sources. In addition, the air pollution control fees are higher for a Class III control zone, which will help continuously improve air quality as more resources will be used for pollution controls and to encourage enterprises to invest in pollution control equipment.", "content": "The MOENV stressed that the counties and cities listed as Class III control zones (areas failing to meet standards) not because their air quality deteriorates but because more rigorous standards are adopted. Among all pollutants, the number of Class III control zones for suspended particulates (PM10) has increased from six to 11. The additional five counties\/cities (New Taipei City, Taichung City, Changhua County, Nantou County and Chiayi City) are included because the annual and daily average PM10 standards have increased from 50 and 100 µg\/m3 to 30 and 75 µg\/m3, respectively, and the determination method is changed to that all monitoring stations within the jurisdictions are to comply with the standards. Since implementation of pollution controls in 2016, these five cities and counties have shown a significant decrease in PM10, a performance no less impressive than that of other counties and cities, by 35%, 36%, 29%, 40% and 42%, as shown in the figure below. For particulate matters (PM2.5), there are still 14 cities and counties that remain Class III control zones, whereas all counties and cities are Class III control zones for ozone (O3) except for Yilan County, Hualien County and Taitung County. \nThe MOENV pointed out that the control tool, which designates air pollution control zones, gives city and county governments the authorization to take more aggressive actions for pollution sources, such as controls on sources including street dusts, open-air burning and construction activities. The aim is to continue to reduce PM10 pollution and tighten controls on precursors of PM2.5 and O3 which are generated by industrial emissions and traffic pollutions, ultimately improving Taiwan's air quality and safeguard citizens’ health. \n", "year": "2024", "month": "11", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/91f0fa47-0388-4b03-9d49-53625f3f6f38" }, { "no": "4493", "title": "MOENV Keeps Plastic Reduction Policies Despite No Agreement Reached at Global Plastic Treaty INC-5", "preview": "The INC-5 of Global Plastic Treaty commenced in Busan, Korea on 25 November 2024, with over 170 government organizations, over 400 observers, and many NGOs attending. The MOENV sent delegates to participate as well to observe and track progress of discussions on various issues. The conference came to an end after 44 meetings within seven days. Participating parties were unable to reach any agreement, the representatives from different countries still recognized the importance plastic pollutions and hoped to make substantial progresses in the next conference. Taiwan is committed to facing international plastic issues and stands firm on policies of plastic reduction and restriction. The next step will be to develop innovative methods and measures and strengthen social communications based on existing successful experience and the goal of plastic restriction set in 2018. The MOENV will build a green growth model focusing on source reduction and circular economy and work together with the world on dealing with conventional plastic pollution.", "content": "The MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Ming said in the press conference that the world is facing a significant challenge in terms of transition from the use of plastics. Like the global climate conventions with the “common but differentiated responsibilities” (CBDR), the Global Plastic Treaty involves multiple stakeholders, and the international society has reached a mutual consent. Taiwan is determined to tackle international plastic issues and stands firm with the policy of plastic reduction and restriction despite the delay in the progress of global discussions on the Treaty. Innovative methods and measures will be developed based on existing successful experiences and the goal of plastic restriction set in 2018 to handle oppositions and difficulties during the promotion. The MOENV is expected to start talking with all sides in the first half of 2025 and enhance communications. A green growth model centered on source reduction and circular economy will be designed to tackle conventional plastic pollution issues in the hope to work together with the world and contribute to the sustainable development of the world’s environment. \nDirector General Lai Ying-Ying further pointed out that the draft of the Global Plastic Treaty covers 32 articles and Articles 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 11 draw lots of attention. The opinions collected are included behind every article in brackets. The draft clearly shows many disagreements among different countries regarding wording and provisions. For example, there are disagreements on definition and scope of terms such as plastics and plastic pollution (Article 2); requirements of plastic products should take into consideration individual countries’ circumstances and abilities to identify problematic plastic products, management levels (global or national), and standards of products or chemical substances listed for controls (Article 3); and plastic product designs should consider individual countries’ circumstances and abilities to strengthen plastic product management (Article 5); Other disagreements include that, to set the goal of global production reduction, comprehensive assessments should be conducted on risks and consequences for individual countries (Article 6) and whether waste management should be legally compulsory or voluntary (Article 8). Also, it is necessary to consider individual countries’ capabilities and establish a specific multilateral mechanism with funds as support to help developing countries in their transitions (Articles 11 and 12). \nThe MOENV added that a close look into the treaty draft that came out as the result of INC-5 revealed the correspondence to the five directions of the policies of plastic resource circulation currently promoted in Taiwan. The directions include: 1. Avoid unnecessary consumption, encourage reuse, and use regulations to restrict or ban the use of single-use plastic products in stages and under different categories; 2. Improve recyclability of plastic products, design green design guidelines, and provide incentives; 3. Enhance plastic recycling and reuse, establish a four-in-one recycling system, and introduce technical tools and innovative technologies in the future; 4. Encourage the use of recycled and alternative materials, and establish a review and verification mechanism; and 5. Minimize impacts of plastic garbage on the environment, and build a cross-departmental mechanism of cooperation, such as the Respect the Ocean – Coast Cleanliness and Maintenance Program. The MOENV will stay in line with the global trend on plastic controls based on the negotiation of the Treaty for reviewing and updating future goals and measures of plastic reduction. \nThe Resource Circulation Administration sent a delegation to Busan at the INC-5 to track the meeting progress and collect international information. The delegation included government and industry representatives and academic researchers, who are expected to bring back the latest progress of the conference and opinions from different countries. In addition to the official meetings during the Global Plastic Treaty conference, the Korea Ministry of Environment and Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco) organized a series of side events. A total of 40 side events focused on \"Rethinking Plastic Life\", including promotions, campaign activities, seminars on feature topics, financing consultations, and result presentations with discussions on issues such as the system of extended producer responsibility. In future negotiation meetings or conferences of the parties, Taiwan will look for opportunities inside events to share its experiences in extended producer responsibility and systems regarding recyclables as references for the world. \nDespite the failure to reach an agreement in INC-5, Director General Lai expressed that Taiwan will keep a close eye on the Global Plastic Treaty’s following development and coordinate with other agencies in joint promotion based on the Treaty’s negotiation progress and individual agencies’ responsibilities Efforts will be taken to work with Plastic Alliance and industries to develop responding solutions in order to help the plastic industry with the transition. Currently, the MOENV is working on revising the Circular Economy Promotion Act (循環經濟促進法) to provide legal supports, further facilitating circulation and reuse of plastics resource. \n", "year": "2024", "month": "11", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/e139a2e2-baf4-473b-8f70-dba1541b0f99" }, { "no": "4492", "title": "MOENV Joins Force with NASA to Enhance Monitoring in Asia and Improve Regional Air Quality", "preview": "The MOENV invited NASA, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam for the 2024 7 South East Asian Studies (7-SEAS) and KPEx Workshop” on 12 and 13 November 2024. Other than presentations of the results of 3D air quality experiments between NASA and Taiwan in Kaohsiung and Pingtung in February and March 2024, the participating countries talked about the 7-SEAS, the synchronized international urban air quality experiment that is about to take place from 2025 to 2026. It is hoped that this experiment helps jointly combat air pollution by shedding some light on the air quality in major cities across Asia and issues of transboundary air pollution transmission and understanding causes and changes of regional air pollutions.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that the 7-SEAS project is an international atmospheric environment monitoring activity designed and carried out jointly by NASA, Southeast Asian countries and Taiwan. The primary purpose is to investigate long-distance, transboundary transmissions of pollutants generated by burning agricultural wastes in Southeast Asia, and their interactions with the atmospheric environments, radiations and climates. As the continuation of long-lasting cooperation in the past, the 7-SEAS project has started a new chapter of urban air quality study based on this solid foundation. \nThe MOENV pointed out that Taiwan’s experiment in Kaohsiung and Pingtung combined with NASA’s Asian air quality plan on flights to break down the characteristics of 3D distribution and transmissions of local air pollutions and discuss the formation and distribution mechanism of secondary pollutions. Analytic models were introduced for integration and verification to improve the ability of air pollution controls and assessment. All ground-based, vertical and flight monitoring results were integrated to calibrate satellite observation, which has extremely extensive benefits for the needs and applications of international environmental monitoring. The 3D air quality experiment in Kaohsiung and Pingtung has facilitated cooperation between industries and academia for the development of multiple domestic-produced air quality sensing and monitoring systems to stay consistent with measurement data collected by NASA’s flights. It has led to successful analysis of vertical changes in air pollution and provided an important scientific basis for strategy development with potentials of great commercial values. Efforts are currently in place to expand the research to the Southeast Asian market.\nIn his speech, Dr. Hal Maring, 7-SEAS project manager from the NASA headquarter, expressed his gratitude to the representatives from the participating countries and praised Taiwan’s work on integrating 3D monitoring and research capacities in the experiments conducted in spring 2024, recognizing Taiwan’s technologies and contribution in environment monitoring. The workshop covered atmospheric monitoring, meteorological observation, atmospheric chemistry and long-distance transmission as well. Through discussions with global scholars and experts in this event and future international cooperation, the MOENV hoped to improve regional and urban air quality , demonstrate Taiwan’s monitoring capabilities, and increase Taiwan’s visibility in the world.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "11", "assortment": "Monitoring and Information", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/c08aa5d2-3548-4701-8a01-ba49fe244e45" }, { "no": "4491", "title": "MOENV Adds PFAS standards to Ensure Safety and Quality of Drinking Water", "preview": "The Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent organic pollutants and carcinogenic to human body and pose potential health hazards if the find their way into the drinking water supply system. In response to international control trends and to tighten controls, the Drinking Water Quality Standards (飲用水水質標準) has been introduced for compulsory regulations with PFAS-related standards and relevant requirements added to Article 3-1.", "content": "I. Introduction of legal controls through addition of PFAS standards and relevant regulations \nAiming to intensify control in response to the PFASs Control Action Plan, approved by the Executive Yuan on 22 October 2024 and the international control trends, the MOENV has introduced the Drinking Water Quality Standards for compulsory regulations. Article 3-1 has been amended, with PFAS standards and control requirements added. Revisions include strengthened voluntary testing and management for operators of water purification and treatment equipment within two and a half years stating from 2025; and mandatory reports and proposals of “drinking water quality management plans” for those who exceed the maximum of PFAS limits. Execution of drinking water quality management plans are to be completed within two years if it requires equipment purchase or constructions, or three months if no constructions are involved. \nII. Intensified random inspections since 2025 and required improvements for those who fail the inspections \nThe MOENV stresses that the competent authorities will initiate the Drinking Priority Auditing and Control plan in 2025. Large drinking water treatment facilities (capacities of 20,000m3 or more, approximately 60 facilities) are listed for priority intensified random inspections, and smaller ones (capacities of 20,000m3 or less, approximately 317 facilities) will then go through random inspections year by year. Those exceeding the maximum PFAS limits are required to propose an improvement plan and execute it accordingly. Starting from 1 July 2027, a fine between NT$60,000 and NT$600,000 will be imposed directly on those which fail to mee the PFAS standards for drinking water. They will be given a deadline for improvement and fined continuously for days for failure to improve by the deadline. \nIII. In line with international control efforts through reviews and revisions on a rolling basis or tightened standards \nThe MOENV has developed the Guidelines for Testing, Management and Screening of Emerging Concerned Items for Drinking Water Quality on 11 March 2024 as reference for screening out, determining guideline values of, and testing and managing emerging concerned items. With guideline values set before carrying out control measures, the utility water supply industry is encouraged to accelerate improvement of water purification and treatment facilities, and efforts will be taken to continue to monitor international control trends and conduct reviews and revisions or tighten standards on a rolling basis in order to ensure drinking water safety. Furthermore, the MOENV added that the administrative procedures including draft preannouncement and discussions have been finished for this amendment of the Drinking Water Quality Standards according to the Administrative Procedure Act (行政程序法). \n", "year": "2024", "month": "11", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/fce286bd-bf38-451d-8b86-df5f038d2640" }, { "no": "4490", "title": "Regulations of Fine Determination Revised for Violations of Water Pollution Control Act", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) promulgated the amended Regulations of Fine Determination for Violations of the Water Pollution Control Act (違反水污染防治法罰緩額度裁罰準則) on 7 November 2024 in order to specify the criteria for the amount of fines for violations of the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防治法) based on the circumstances and resulting impacts of the violations. Key amendments include adding the violation scenarios and calculation basis for pollutions caused by improper collection and disposal of wastewaters generated in campgrounds; increasing fines for food enterprises whose scales are smaller than those of controlled enterprises, as specified by the act, regarding distances between wastewater discharges and water bodies or coastal areas; specifying that commutation is not applicable for both discharge bypasses and first violation within three years of which the circumstances are serious; and determining penalties for pollutions of water bodies caused by insufficient contingency measures.", "content": "The MOENV further explained the four key amendments of the regulations as follows:\nI. New penalties on prohibited water-polluting behaviors in campgrounds: The violation scenarios and calculation basis are added as improper collection and disposal of wastewater generated in campgrounds has been listed as a polluting behavior under the amended Prohibition of Water-Polluting Behaviors (禁止足使水污染行為), which was announced on 16 January 2024 and took effect since 1 March.\nII. Stricter penalties on enterprises in control areas whose scales do not reach those of controlled enterprises: There have been reports of discharges of high-concentration wastewater from food manufacturing, fermentation and slaughtering processes, committed by enterprises whose scales do not reach those of ones listed for control. Therefore, fine calculation points and base numbers of penalties for violations are revised and tightened to deter any violations.\nIII. Commutation not applicable for major violations, such as discharge bypasses: Violations such as discharge bypasses do not align with the legislative purposes of commutation and, therefore, are excluded in this amendment. Also, commutation is not applicable for serious offenses or violations in which permits are not acquired and hence are subject to suspension of operations, even if it is the first violation in three years.\nIV. Penalties on water pollutions due to negligence: The amount of fines was usually determined based on “failure to take emergency response measures as required” regarding water body pollutions caused by enterprises due to negligence. However, the degree of accountability varies as “failure to take emergency response measures as required” includes “failure to take emergency response measures” and “insufficient emergency response measures taken”, and, therefore, the amendment specifies penalties for different violation scenarios.\nThe MOENV stressed that the amendment this time has taken into consideration the practical law enforcement needs within the scope of penalties authorized by the current Water Pollution Control Act. Calculation of penalty amount is formulated as a reference for the MOENV and local environmental protection authorities to impose fines in order to strengthen the enforcement of penalties for violations of the Water Pollution Control Act and maintain the water quality of rivers and surface water bodies.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "11", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/a295eb98-e7ba-4e6b-b362-d69160cacac8" }, { "no": "4489", "title": "National Development Fund Approves NT$10 billion As MOENV’s Green Growth Fund", "preview": "The MOENV has come up with the Green Growth and Net-Zero Industries Enhancement Plan to accelerate green growth and reach the goal of net-zero transition by 2050. The plan was approved by the National Development Fund (NDF), Executive Yuan on 29 November 2024, with NT$10 billion granted as the Green Growth Fund. In the next decade, the MOENV will strengthen investments in emerging net-zero sustainable industries, introduce private capital to invest, accelerate the development of emerging net-zero industries in Taiwan, and create more green job opportunities to stimulate new momentum for Taiwan's green growth.", "content": "The MOENV mentioned that under the 2050 net-zero goal the government-led green investments have become an international trend. For example, Japan has set a budget of two trillion yens to establish the Green Innovation Fund, and the US has promulgated the Inflation Reduction Act. To achieve the goal of “green growth and 2050 net-zero transition” in the President’s National Project of Hope, the five strategies of net-zero transition are expected to drive the emerging net-zero sustainable industries. On top of that, Taiwan will soon start collecting carbon fees, and industries are in desperate need of carbon reduction. As the integrator and promoter of net-zero climate, the MOENV has started working on green growth investment projects in September 2024 and formulated the Green Growth and Net-Zero Industries Enhancement Plan by collecting opinions from interested investors, such as government agencies, experts, scholars, and Taiwan Venture Capital Association. Today, the plan was approved by the NDF. \nThe MOENV explained that the plan is to use the NDF-approved funds and work with investors to invest together on domestic enterprises engaged in relevant emerging net-zero and sustainable efforts or foreign firms that have major business activities in Taiwan. However, these do not include publicly listed or OTC companies. The investment priorities go to resource circulation, development of sustainable and forward-looking energy technologies, technological energy storage, enhanced energy conservation, improvement of energy efficiency, caron capture and reuse, development of negative carbon technologies, digital technologies, and development of low-carbon (reduction) technologies and climate change adaptation technologies. No more than NT$150 million shall be invested in a single enterprise, no single investment shall not exceed NT$100 million, and the public equity shall not exceed 49% of the paid-in capital of the invested enterprise.\nThe MOENV pointed out that net-zero transition requires innovative technologies. Through the application of innovative technologies, the Green Growth Fund will join force with private capitals to accelerate carbon reduction and improve resilience while creating employment opportunities. The MOENV will proceed to finalize regulations regarding investment preparations, set trust funds, and establish the project office based on the plan approved today, and hold seminars to review and select investors. It is expected to receive investment applications from the second quarter in 2025, which will mark an important step in Taiwan's green growth.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "11", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/e3ca297a-4a25-4730-adfb-a59e93dfde69" }, { "no": "4488", "title": "Department of Atmospheric Environment Sends Delegation to Thailand to Share Experience in Air Pollution and Noise Control", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) is always on the lookout for opportunities to interact with Southeast Asian countries in the area of environmental protection. On 29 October 2024, Deputy Director General Chang Ken-Mu of the Department of Atmospheric Environment departed with a delegation to Thailand to exchange insights on the control of air and noise pollution with the Pollution Control Department of Thailand (PCD) and other relevant officials. The Thai officials were impressed by how successfully Taiwan has been performing in terms of effective pollution control and aims to increase interactions and learn more in order to duplicate Taiwan’s successful efforts.", "content": "The MOENV expressed that this visit was in fact an extension of the South & Southeast Asia–Air Improvements in the Region (SSEA-AIR) cooperation activity conducted between the US EPA and the MOENV in September 2024, as Thai representatives mentioned at that time the difficulties, they were facing in air pollution and noise control. Thus, the Department of Atmospheric Environment prepared a summary of its successful experience in making improvements in recent years and sent a delegation of experts to Bangkok for an in-depth discussion with Thailand’s counterparts. It is hoped the visit will serve well in developing relevant strategies to improve air quality in Thailand. \nThe MOENV pointed out that PCD Thailand is extremely interested in several aspects of Taiwan’s air quality control which have been implemented in Taiwan for years, including: the air pollution control fee system; the air pollution prediction and warning system; communication mechanisms between local and central governments in case of severe air pollution events; the use of AI technology for fugitive pollution source control, and; innovative law enforcement measures using acoustic photography. The Thai officials are looking forward to more learning and interaction sessions and posted a news release about the visit on PCD Thailand’s website, indicating how much their government values this event. \nThe MOENV indicated that this event between PCD Thailand and the Department of Atmospheric Environment is a great example for further international cooperation with Asian countries, showing that Taiwan is capable of providing assistance in air pollution control in Asia, doing one’s part as a citizen of the planet, creating a win-win cooperation model for all parties involved and accelerating the improvement of regional air quality.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "10", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/cf615fcb-2554-4940-b1b2-4bee858aebb6" }, { "no": "4487", "title": "Ministry of Environment Amends “Criteria for Fines for Air Pollution Emitted by Mobile Pollution Sources”", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) announced an amendment to the “Criteria for Fines for Air Pollution Emitted by Mobile Pollution Sources” (移動污染源違反空氣污染防制法裁罰準則) on 28 October 2024. The amendment specifies the applicable equations to determine penalty amounts and adds penalties for violations of mobile pollution source control measures within air quality maintenance zones. Also, the penalties for fuel manufactured, imported for, or sold to mobile pollution sources that do not meet emission standards have been increased, as authorized under the current Air Pollution Control Act.", "content": "This amendment took into consideration the promotion by local environmental bureaus over the years of air quality maintenance zones and incorporates into the penalty criteria the factors behind violations committed by mobile pollution sources within air quality maintenance zones. To tighten management of pollution sources, failure to meet exhaust standards during inspections of car manufacturers or importers have also been included in the Criteria. The degree of a violation is also determined by the number of unqualified manufactured or imported vehicles found by inspections. Furthermore, penalties have been included for fuels manufactured, imported for, or sold to mobile pollution sources that exceed certain component control criteria, which place more responsibilities and obligations on fuel suppliers. \nThe MOENV indicated that this amendment takes into consideration the practical needs of law enforcement and revises how penalty amounts are determined. It will serve as the basis for the MOENV and local environmental bureaus in penalty determination and will improve the administrative efficiency of law enforcement.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "10", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/8b872482-59dd-41bc-926b-eb4d51fb5667" }, { "no": "4486", "title": "Taiwan’s First Low-Carbon Electric Recycling Trucks Launched in Chiayi City", "preview": "In answer to calls for 2050 net-zero emissions and a transition to electric vehicles by the National Development Council, the Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) will be promoting a “gradual transition to a fully electric fleet of recycling vehicles”. The electric recycling vehicles will be low in CO2 emissions, noise and energy consumption, and be examples of exhaust emission reduction and compliance with trends toward green transportation. The Chiayi City Government selected Kuozui Motors to launch the first electric recycling truck, introduced to the public on October 21. The vehicle then became the first electric-powered truck to run a regular recycling route in Taiwan, providing an estimated reduction of 60.9% of CO2 emissions.", "content": "The Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) of the MOENV has been promoting low-carbon, smart garbage and recycling vehicles since 2018, and has gradually phased in 365 hybrid-powered recycling vehicles. A hybrid vehicle features an average of 23.3% CO2 reduction compared to a diesel vehicle. As a part of a pilot plan to collect recyclables at local communities and village recycling spots, the RECA helped the Office of Environmental Management of the Taoyuan City Government introduce the 1.9-ton electric recycling trucks developed by CMC Motors. Compared to their diesel counterparts, the electric vehicles perform admirably in both energy consumption and CO2 reduction. On October 21, the Chiayi City Government purchased two new electric recycling vehicles that are scheduled to run the recyclables collecting routes at Hunei Village. This is the first recyclables collecting route run by electric vehicles in Taiwan, signifying the first step of gradual replacement of older trucks by electric recycling vehicles throughout Taiwan. \nThe RECA indicated that this presentation not only demonstrated the technical advancement of electric recycling vehicles in Taiwan, but also provided an opportunity for local environmental bureaus to learn more about fully electric recycling vehicles. It is expected that the low-carbon, smart recycling vehicles will make the work environment safer and more environment-friendly for cleaners, and help Taiwan achieve its net-zero emissions goal through the transition to low-carbon, smart vehicles.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "10", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/c8a63988-d6d4-4120-8498-db2c227e8302" }, { "no": "4485", "title": "Digital Resources Shared to Enhance Monitoring of Vehicles Transporting Toxic Substances", "preview": "In an effort to strengthen transportation safety and the capacity to respond to incidents involving toxic chemical substances and other substances of concern, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) actively promotes cross-departmental data sharing and technical applications of its transportation vehicle tracking system. After its official launch on 1 October 2024, a real-time digital tracking system (GPS) application for transportation vehicles can now be installed. The presentation of information on the real-time monitoring platform has been refined to improve the prevention of transportation hazards and the efficiency of any responses required by government agencies and transportation operators. These changes benefit the integration of information, full monitoring of travel and reduction of losses due to accidents.", "content": "The MOENV has successfully made interfaces between the environmental protection permit information system, vehicle license data from the Highway Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and company registration information from the Administration of Commerce under the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The MOENV then completed digital application functions for installing real-time tracking systems (GPS) in vehicles transporting toxic and concerned chemical substances, while simultaneously launching online application services for mobile devices. Businesses are now able to take photos and upload required information in real time through their mobile devices in order to complete applications online, thus bypassing the tedious paperwork traditionally required and greatly improving the efficiency of applications and of administrative work. \nDirector General Yein-Rui Hsieh of the Chemicals Administration, MOENV, described how the trajectories of vehicles carrying toxic\/concerned chemical substances and information on these substances are made available on the information management platform for vehicles transporting hazardous materials, maintained by the Highway Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. This is an example of inter-ministerial cooperation and the application of data sharing technology. Access to the system monitoring map platform is provided through the 119 dispatch APP of the National Fire Agency of the Ministry of the Interior, which allows firefighters to see the distribution and locations of vehicles carrying toxic\/concerned substances at or near an accident site. In addition, the Chemicals Administration continues to cooperate with the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction on incorporating data on trajectories of vehicles carrying toxic\/concerned chemical substances into the disaster information network, thus strengthening the collection of information and improving the overall effectiveness of disaster response.\nDirector Hsieh emphasized that as many as 1,080 icons representing vehicles were redesigned and developed based on the status of vehicle movement (e.g., driving, idling or engine shut down), vehicle type (e.g., frame type, van or tank truck) and the substances carried, in order to improve the clarity and usefulness of the monitoring map platform. These icons cover the combinations of 3 types of vehicle bodies, 3 vehicle statuses, 8 travel directions and 15 types of substances carried, which allow the competent authorities and operators quick identification of the types of substances being carried, how vehicles are moving and their direction, thus improving fleet self-management and safety monitoring. \nThe MOENV pointed out that transportation requirements have been incorporated in relevant legislation since 2007, and 1,781 vehicles have been registered for monitoring so far. In 2023, a total of approximately 4.38 million metric tons of toxic and concerned substances were transported. Either the competent authorities or transportation operators will be given the responsibility to track the whereabouts of toxic\/concerned substances through the toxic and concerned chemical substance transportation vehicle tracking system. The system will report any incidents in real time, distribute emergency response information and provide better information integration, full-journey monitoring and reduction of losses due to accidents.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "10", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/6089abad-0957-4036-89cf-c2fd0b8512bf" }, { "no": "4484", "title": "Minister Peng Foresees “Intelligent Environmental Governance” as AI Training Program for MOENV Personnel Launched", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) launched the “AI (artificial intelligence) seed trainer training program” on 8 October 2024. Taiwan’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Peng Chi-Ming, expressed high expectations for the program, pointing out that it is not only an important MOENV milestone for incubation of internal AI talent, but also demonstrates the MOENV’s determination to move toward “intelligent environmental governance”. Minister Peng clearly indicated on the first day of his term that AI technology will be a key pillar of environmental policy implementation. This training program is testimony to this commitment.", "content": "Minister Peng pointed out that the rapid development of AI technology is reaching into all corners of society and raises new challenges and opportunities for environmental governance. In such an era, the MOENV will not be a bystander but an active leader in promoting technological innovation and sustainable development.\nMinister Peng emphasized that environmental issues are becoming increasingly complex. From climate change and energy use to natural resource management, every level involves massive amounts of data, complicated models, and real-time decision-making needs. Traditional data processing means are important, but if AI technology is put to good use, whether it is data analysis, predictive modelling, or intelligent management, AI can greatly improve efficiency and precision for decision-making. For example, AI will be able to more accurately predict changes in air quality, detect ecological anomalies more quickly, and provide optimal energy usage recommendations. This technology is a major boost for the aims of environmental protection and sustainable development.\nUpon taking office, Minister Peng instructed the MOENV’s Department of Monitoring and Information to formulate the \"MOENV Digital Transition Promotion Plan\" (環境部數位轉型推動計畫) aimed at enhancing the ability of MOENV staff to use artificial intelligence in environmental administration and affairs, and to apply emerging technologies to executing tasks, while the National Environmental Research Academy (NERA) helped by organizing training courses for seed trainers. The MOENV aims to improve the AI operating skills of its staff through systematic digital skills training and foster the effective application of AI in their daily work. \nThe AI-series programs provided by the NERA cover AI applications and practical training courses, including for example \"Introduction and Application of the Principles and Applications of the TAIDE Model for Natural Language Processing\", \"Introduction to Data Governance Applications\", \"AI Visual Generation Training – Entry Level\", \"Practical Application of Generative AI in the Workplace\", \"Practical Application of AI Big Data Analysis and Application\", \"Python machine learning practical application study\" and \"Process automation design practice – Open AI + RPA robot\". The MOENV estimates there will be over 300 initial enrolments in these training programs by its staff members. \nMinister Peng stressed that AI is not just an abstract concept, but a powerful tool for every MOENV task. He foresees MOENV staff will learn how to apply AI in their daily work to bring concrete improvements to the environment.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "10", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/5f96298e-1ba0-447a-a824-70bac0962f17" }, { "no": "4483", "title": "Making Taiwan’s carbon pricing system complete, Ministry of Environment entrusts TCX for trading and auctioning of domestic reduction credits", "preview": "The MOENV announced the Management Regulations for Trading, Auction, and Transfer of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Credits (溫室氣體減量額度交易拍賣及移轉管理辦法) on 1 July 2024 to provide reduction credits for enterprises to offset emission increments or deduct carbon fees. Taiwan’s carbon pricing mechanism has been thoroughly set up as the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange (TCX) was commissioned to officially launch the Domestic Reduction Credit Trading Platform in September 2024 for trading and auctions of reduction credits. To ensure enterprises with actual needs acquire reduction credits in a safe and secure manner, the regulations stipulate that credits can only be transferred by the MOENV once and require full disclosure of all trading information. The disclosed information will be made available for the public to examine enterprises’ carbon trading activities in order to effectively avoid concerns about greenwashing.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that the reduction programs whose applications have been filed and that are currently on the platform will all have their credits traded at a fixed price. There are six offset programs in total, which are China Steel Corporation’s energy conservation from furnaces for steel billets, Taipei 101’s adoption of high-energy efficiency lighting in its building parking space, Han-Bao Agriculture and Livestock’s power generation with methane from wastewater treatment (third-phase), Chimei Corporation’s replacement of fuel oils with natural gas, and Han-Cheng Bus Traffic Company’s electric buses. Their combined reduction credits, available for trading, are equivalent to 6,080 metric tons of carbon dioxide, priced at NT$2,500 to 4,000 per metric ton. What deserves attention is that the reduction programs on the platform including energy conservation in production process and in commercial buildings, recycling and power generation of methane in livestock farming, replacement of fuels for energy supply, and replacement of fuel vehicles with electric ones. Each of them belongs to the five major emission categories, such as manufacturing, residence and commerce, agriculture, transportation, and energy, so they serve as great demonstrations that help lead and encourage others in all aspects to conduct voluntary reduction and participate the trading and auction mechanism.", "year": "2024", "month": "10", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/9531a655-e2ad-42e7-930e-8df6cc5376f4" }, { "no": "4482", "title": "Added PFAS Limits in Drinking Water Quality Standards Scheduled for Promulgation Alongside Source Control", "preview": "The MOENV preannounced the amended Drinking Water Quality Standards (飲用水水質標準) on 21 August, adding the concentration limits of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in drinking water and testing and management requirements. Once the amendment completes the legislation procedure and is promulgated, efforts will be made to reinforce random sampling and inspections and, at the same time, continuously strengthen source management and testing investigations.", "content": "I. Stricter than recommendations drafted by the WHO\nThe MOENV mentioned that the revision was drafted based on international regulations, toxicological parameters, water purification technologies, testing methods and costs, Taiwan’s studies during the years and expert consultation. The draft’s control standards are tighter than those ones proposed by the International Health Organization (WHO) in 2022 (two to four times stricter in terms of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and PFOS together. \nManagement of PFASs in drinking water varies widely around the world with compulsory standards or recommended values. The US has set rigorous drinking water quality standards for PFASs on 10 April 2024, but other countries are still evaluating. It is because the US has relatively serious PFAS pollution due to many years of manufacture, and its standards focus on investigation and improvement, requiring monitoring to be completed within three years and improvement measures to be implemented for those who exceed the standards within five years.\nThe draft revision stipulates that water suppliers, such as Taiwan Water Corporation, shall conduct regular testing and submit management plans when drinking water is found to exceed standards, starting from the next year until 1 July 2027. Competent authorities of environmental protection are mandated to perform sampling inspections. The MOENV will select high-potential hot zones (such as those with water sources affected by airports, landfills, etc.) as priority targets.\nII. Intensified source control and testing management \nThe UN has established the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (the Stockholm Convention hereinafter) to keep persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from harming the environment. Despite not a member of the Stockholm Convention, Taiwan is willing to demonstrate its directions and actions in POPs control, as the Executive Yuan approved the cross-ministerial National Implementation Plan for Stockholm Convention on POPs on 3 July, 2008 as basis for agencies involved for their control efforts. PFASs are one type of POPs monitored by the Stockholm Convention, and the ministries involved have started PFAS management according to the Stockholm Convention.\nTo align with practices taken by advanced countries such as the EU, the US, and Japan to strengthen PFAS controls, the MOENV has worked with relevant ministries and formulated a cross-agency PFAS Management Action Plan (draft) for the approval of Executive Yuan on 1 July 2024. The plan specifically expends a dedicated chapter for PFASs to focus on inter-ministerial cooperation. Recourses will be integrated for source management, tracking of distribution, international alignment, and risk communication, aiming to strengthen PFAS substance management. All tasks are underway now. \nAs an effort to strengthen management of emerging pollutants in wastewater, the MOENV has also announced the draft of partial amendment of the Water Pollution Control Measures and Test Reporting Management Regulations (水污染防治措施及檢測申報管理辦法) on 26 September. The regular testing of PFASs is mandated for the emerging concerned perfluorinated chemicals in wastewater emitted by science\/industrial parks and those using related agents in their manufacturing processes, such as high-tech industries and electroplating. Those whose concentrations exceed the warning limits shall propose measures to cut down and control pollutants and strengthen reductions in discharges. Moreover, the amendment focuses on management of emerging concerned substances by requiring hospitals over a certain scale to test and cut down antibiotics and other medicine in wastewaters.\nIII. Acceleration of legislation for immediate implementation and management\nThe MOENV will incorporate, and review opinions collected from relevant departments for adjustment and accelerate the legislation process. The announcement is scheduled at the end of 2024, and it is expected to include random sampling and inspections to enhance regular operations to ensure the safety of drinking water and improve source control. The MOENV will continue to monitor international trends and tighten controls with reviews on a rolling basis.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "10", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/3088d270-3be7-4fad-96ba-919262442d46" }, { "no": "4481", "title": "IEMN Meeting Shows US-Taiwan Efforts in Leading Global Electronic Product Circulation Strategies", "preview": "The MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration (RCA) organized the 2024 International E-Waste Management Network (IEMN) Annual Meeting. The event was launched on 2 October with more than 70 guests from Argentine, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Tuvalu, the US and Vietnam as well as the MOENV’s partners in Taiwan. Attendees discussed global strategies of electronic product circulation, shared experience and technologies, and led partner countries in resource circulation to improve efficiency of resource use and reduce extraction and use of resources.", "content": "The IEMN’s establishment was facilitated when Taiwan signed the environmental technology agreements with the US. Both the US and Taiwan have been working together since 2011 to promote the IEMN and dedicated to appropriate disposal of electronic wastes around the world, helping all partner countries establish effective management system and develop technologies with their wide influence. The IEMN is transitioning gradually from focusing on recycling and disposal of electronic wastes in the past to developing circular economic strategies toward the goal of net zero and sustainability. \nIn his opening speech, the MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Ming mentioned that Taiwan strives for net-zero emission with recycling playing an important role in its pathway to net zero by 2050. In the past the Environmental Protection Administration (predecessor of the MOENV) had since its establishment been dedicated to extending manufacturers’ responsibilities with the unique fee collection and subsidization system and also promoting the 4-in-1 recycling program. Now, the MOENV has been founded and makes further efforts to create a circular economy. For years, garbage sorting has become a new fashion that is intertwined with people’s daily life, with a recycling rate of over 58%. \nMinister Peng pointed out further that electric appliance and electronic products are a major part of Resource Circulation and Zero Waste, Taiwan’s eighth key strategy for 2050 net-zero transition. The RCA has been making efforts to launch environmental protection policies different from the previous ones in aspects from circular design, source management, intensified recycling to circulation for reuse, such as establishing maintenance index for electronic products and promoting digital product histories, rental instead of purchase, and circular procurement for a sharing economy. There are also policies that provide preferential rates as economic incentives for use of recycled plastics in electronic products, which with those above encourage practice of green designs and help it become a driving force. At the same time, the RCA combines the consensus of environmental protection with cultural creativity to promote environmental education and motivate public participation, thus making environmental protection easier.\nFacing the brutal challenge of promoting resource circulation, Taiwan has started to utilize strategies to operate as a group, integrating multiple resources and looking for ways to establish alliances within the same industries or among different industries. Various industries are encouraged to develop new competition models, come up with different products or technologies, accelerate upgrades and transformations, and maintain its edge in the international market. \nAiming to continue exchanges with the world on environmental protection, this three-day event included discussions where policies and practices were shared, appliance maintenance activities, and visits to enterprises. More importantly, Taiwan was able to interact with its friends around the world, build a more solid cooperation platform, and set a new milestone for an environment capable of sustainable development by sharing its experiences.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "10", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/f4a582c4-5933-4599-9bf9-f235b89c5658" }, { "no": "4480", "title": "MOENV Approves Forest- and Bamboo-Based Reduction to Increase Natural Carbon Sinks", "preview": "The MOENV review committee of GHG offset programs and voluntary reduction projects had its eighth meeting on 28 October, approving two reduction methods of local natural carbon sinks, which are “reinforced forest-based management” and “bamboo forest-based management”. By adopting these reduction methods to increase carbon sinks and obtain reduction credits, enterprises have the incentives to invest in strengthening or improving existing forestry for woodlands or bamboo forests, therefore helping achieve the goal of net-zero emission through expanding and accelerating the results of carbon sinks.", "content": "The Management Regulations for Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Projects (溫室氣體自願減量專案管理辦法) (the Management Regulations hereinafter) specify that an enterprise that has submitted its voluntary reduction plan to apply for reduction credits are required to execute the plan by adopting reduction methods. In regard to this, the MOENV has announced 143 reduction methods under 13 categories on 1 February 2024. The Management Regulations also specify that enterprises may apply to the MOENV for review of new reduction methods in order to take in reduction methods that have advanced along with the technological evolution and become suitable for Taiwan’s environmental conditions. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture requested the review of the two methods mentioned above in January 2024, which were later approved in the committee meeting on 28 October after the draft announcement, public opinion consultation, and discussions in meetings with experts. These two methods are the first ones that have been requested for review and then approved and involve natural carbon sinks after the promulgation of the Management Regulation. \nThe two reduction methods are summarized as follows: \nI. Scope and conditions of application\nThe \"reinforced forest-based management\" applies to woodlands other than wetlands, where tree-based interplanting, mowing, stand density management, thinning, pruning, harvesting and other forest management measures are practiced. Applications for registration are to be submitted within three years from the implementation date. The \"bamboo-based forest management\", on the other hand, applies to properties with bamboos as main land uses five years before the beginning of the programs, and where bamboos (e.g., Makino bamboo and Moso bamboo) grow in a scattered manner and account for 50% or more of forest vegetations, or clusters of bamboos (e.g., thorny bamboo and long-shoot bamboo) account for 20% or more of vegetations. Both also include trees growing within the boundaries set of the bamboo harvesting projects. These trees and bamboos shall not be logged unless it is necessary for the purpose of forest protection. \nII. Determination of results of wood\/bamboo products included as carbon sinks\nCalculation of the results of carbon fixation of woods and bamboos after they are made into products is what sets the tree\/bamboo-based forestry apart from previous reforestation. The reduction methods approved this time set specific categories for manufactured wooden\/bamboo products so as to have conservative estimation of the amount of carbon captured in wooden\/bamboo products, and exclude products with short lifecycle for the calculation. And to track the whereabouts of wooden\/bamboo products, applicant shall provide legal documents recording harvests and transactions of wood\/bamboo materials as proof, which are to be registered in the officially recognized tracking system for wooden\/bamboo products. \nThe MOENV indicates that the domestic reduction method to increase carbon sinks is “forestation and reforestation for carbon sink” among the 143 announced methods for voluntary reduction programs and applies to forestation on non-forest lands. To provide incentives for promoting increase of carbon sinks through “existing forests of trees and bamboos”, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) took references from the international practice of “Improved Forest Management (IFM) and drafted proposal of new reduction methods. A panel of experts, put together by the MOENV and consisting of external experts and scholars review committee members, reviewed these methods based on the environmental, technological and legislative conditions of Taiwan in hopes that they are suitable for Taiwan’s forest development. The methods can be adopted by enterprises committed to acquire reduction credits via forest management and help increase natural carbon sinks in Taiwan and therefore achieve the goal of net-zero emission. \nThe two approved reduction methods will be announced by the MOENV on the Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Offset Information Platform for public access, once they are revised by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) according to the meeting resolutions. The MOENV reminds all that forest management are to comply relevant regulations and recommends careful evaluation as planning and implementation of voluntary reduction programs require a certain degree of professional expertise as well as substantial manpower, resource, and time. For maximized benefits, the MOENV also suggests that those interested tion plan thoroughly, apply for registration, ensure compliance with relevant requirements, and, after being reviewed and approved, proceed to implementation.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "10", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/f5c9e171-33a6-4989-94eb-b2a09cbbbf87" }, { "no": "4479", "title": "Construction and Operation Included for Offset to Optimize Air Pollution Increment Offset system for EIA Cases and for Better CSR", "preview": "The MOENV announced the amended Principles for Reviewing Air Pollution Emission Offsets of Development Activities (審查開發行為空氣污染物排放量增量抵換處理原則) (Offset Principles hereinafter) on 1 October 2024. The aim is to set consistent review principles concerning offsets of increment of air pollutants generated by development projects and also as references for environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for development activities.", "content": "The MOENV invited relevant agencies, environmental groups, developers and local governments onto eight meetings, listening opinions from all sides and the issues the environmental groups were concerned with. The Offset Principles were revised according to opinions collected and are summarized as follows: \nI. Expanding offset scale: Increased emissions of air pollutants during construction activities are included in the Offset Principles. \nII. Establishing offset priorities: Development projects that are stationary pollution sources shall first target stationary sources for their offset efforts on increased air pollutant emissions and, only when the offsets are insufficient, then move on to target mobile sources (replacement of vehicles), reduction regarding fugitive sources, and other reduction sources. \nIII. Diversifying offset sources: The revision newly added measures for offset efforts, such as introducing low-pollution transportation vehicles in industrial\/science parks, obtaining voluntary management labels for clean emissions for construction machinery, and adoption of air quality purification zones. Offsets are deleted for offshore islands. \nIV. Offsetting from near to far: The revisions has specified the priority for the selection of locations for which development activities conduct offsets for increased air pollutant emissions (in the same city\/county, in same air quality zone, and in the vicinity of upwind cities\/counties of the air quality zone). The different offset ratios are also specified, 1:1.2 for the same city\/county, 1:1.3 for the same air quality zone, and 1:1.4 for the vicinity of upwind cities\/counties of the air quality zone). All of the above are set to offset development-generating pollutions from the nearest sources. \nThe MOENV points out that the current offset principles target stationery, mobile and fugitive sources. Developers would fund existing public and private venues to cut down air pollution in order to obtain a certain proportion of offset credits for pollution reduction. Statistics from 2019 up till now show that the MOENV has reviewed 174 development projects, whose total increased air pollutants generated from development activities of developers amount to approximately 10,500 metric tons\/year. The post-offset net increment has dropped to approximately 2,150 metric tons\/year, a nearly 80% offset with reduction actions. This indicates that the offset system is effective in reducing the environmental impacts of new development projects. It is expected that this amendment of the Offset Principles will improve the offset system. \nThe MOENV is currently planning to develop an information platform for offsets of increased air pollutant emissions from development activities in response to the public call for to disclosing the offset information. The platform will provide development projects’ offset promises, implementation status of offsets, as well as information of matching those in need of diverse offset methods. This aims for transparency of offset information by helping all concerned parties learn more about offset sources, developers’ offset status and offset verification. \n", "year": "2024", "month": "10", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/f28a9dd4-d2c4-452c-affe-ecb71f73d100" }, { "no": "4478", "title": "MOENV Announces Carbon Fees Collection Rates", "preview": "The “Collection Rates of Carbon Fees” (碳費徵收費率) were announced on 21 October 2024 as the MOENV approved the rates and completed relevant legislation according to the suggestions of the Carbon Fee Rate Review Committee. The rates will become effective on 1 January 2025 with details as follows:", "content": "I. Regular rate: NT$300\/ton of CO2e (t CO2e)\nII. Preferential rate A (for compliance with the industry-specific designated reduction rates mandated in Table 1 of the Designated Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals for Entities Subject to Carbon Fees (徵收對象溫室氣體減量指定目標): NT$50\/tCO2e\nIII. Preferential rate B (for compliance with designated reduction rates for technical benchmarks in Table 2 of the Designated Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goal for Entities Subject to Carbon Fees: NT$100\/tCO2e\nThe MOENV’s promulgation of the three sub-laws concerning carbon fees on 29 August 2024 has marked the arrival of carbon pricing era in Taiwan. It was then followed by the announcement of the Collection Rates of Carbon Fees, an issue of major public concern. Required by the Regulations Governing Carbon Fee Collection (碳費收費辦法), collection targets of carbon fee are to calculate their own greenhouse gas emissions of 2025 and pay the carbon fees accordingly in May 2026. \nThe MOENV stresses that the carbon fees collection aims for carbon reduction. An entity subject to carbon fees may request for the approval of a preferential rate if it proposes a voluntary reduction plan and then meets the designated goal. To help collection targets smoothly adapt the carbon fee collection system, the MOENV will organize workshops on formulation of voluntary reduction plans, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs will initiate a counselling mechanism to provide professional technical consultation and guidance and help enterprises apply for voluntary reduction plans and suitable preferential rates. \n", "year": "2024", "month": "10", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/3a0a408a-33e5-4a0d-9939-23e8222c5284" }, { "no": "4477", "title": "The Ministry of Environment hosted the APEC Capacity Building for Chemical Emergency Preparedness Program for the first time, and countries came to Taiwan for the event", "preview": "The “Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation” (APEC) is the most important cooperation fo-rum in the Asia-Pacific region. Its 21 member countries account nearly half of the world’s total trade volume, indicating its influence in the Pacific rim or even the world. This year (2024), the “Capacity Building for Chemical Emergency Preparedness” program proposed by the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) in the APEC Chemical Dialogue (CD) was support-ed by all members in the APEC CD and, therefore, scheduled from 23 to 28 Sep 2024 at the Southern Taiwan Toxic Substance Emergency Response Training Center at Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology. 25 people from 8 member countries received the training.", "content": "The “Capacity Building for Chemical Emergency Preparedness” program organized by the MOENV this time is aimed at the risks that are bought to the safety of environment, life and properties by chemical substances, as the demands for chemical substances rise significantly in high-tech industries during their production activities for their rapid development. This training program helps APEC members pay attention to and improve their professional capabilities in responding to hazardous chemical accidents. APEC members such as Peru, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, as well as non-APEC members such as France and Poland, had their personnel participate in the training program to jointly carry out in-depth ex-changes and technical training. The. The trainees participating in the training and experts, scholars and professionals in the field of chemical response attended the opening ceremony held on 23 Sep at Southern Taiwan Toxic Substance Emergency Response Training Center at the Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, showing their commitment to chemical accident response and achieving the effect of expanding communication. \nMinister Peng Chih-Ming of MOENV said in his speech that the use and transportation of chemicals continue to increase with the rapid development of global economy and trade, and the risk of cross-border chemical accidents increases with it. Seeing this trend, APEC members need to not only improve their own response capability, but also strengthen cooperation to deal with these complex challenges together. This event is an excellent platform for cooperation. It is hoped that Taiwan’s expertise and experience in responding to hazardous chemicals will help the Asia-Pacific region and even the world build a more robust chemical disaster response system. \nDirector General Yein-Rui Hsieh of Chemicals Administration, MOENV said that the \"Southern Taiwan Toxic Substance Emergency Response Training Center\" established by the Ministry of Education and the MOENV at Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology is an internationally certified professional training site. The training center provides governments at all levels and chemical operators with professional training on response and command of toxic dis-asters, and is capable of customizing exclusive training courses as needed, which contributes to enhancing the response capabilities to toxic disasters and protecting the safety of responders. It is hoped that our professional training facilities\/equipment and high-quality training instructors and systems will contribute to interacting and cooperating with member countries on the prevention and reduction of toxic disasters. \nIt is our hope that this training program provides a communication platform for toxic disaster response, maintain and deepen exchanges between member countries, and achieve the purpose of promoting and exporting our toxic disaster response and training capabilities, demonstrating our hard work and advanced technology in disaster prevention, and increasing our international visibility.", "year": "2024", "month": "9", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/e5a1ff06-5ec9-4f50-81ae-7f282321a687" }, { "no": "4476", "title": "Ministry of Environment and Deutsche Emissionshandelsstelle share knowledge of carbon pricing and agree on Stage II of cooperation", "preview": "International collaboration is an important key to dealing with climate change. Germany and Taiwan signed the letter of intent on cooperation of carbon trading in 2018, and started ex-change of knowledge and experience in carbon pricing issues over the years. On 11 and 12 Sep 2024, the “Germany-Taiwan Carbon Pricing Workshop” was held and participated by a group of Ministry of Environment (MOENV) staff led by Minister Peng Chih-Ming. Once the carbon pricing system is officially launched, it is expected to deepen the interactions between Germany and Taiwan on the carbon pricing mechanism and increase the efforts for CO2 reduction.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that the Deutsche Emissionshandelsstelle (DEHSt) is the department un-der Umweltbundesamt (UBA) in charge of EU’s Emission Trading System (ETS) and Germany’s own Nationales Emissionshandelssystem (nEHS), and serves as the window to communicate with ETS businesses, verification bodies and the general public. The MOENV, formerly Environmental Protection Administration, has had friendly interactions with the DEHSt ever since the signing of the letter of intent. Every year, workshop or training program is provided on topics of carbon pricing or carbon market, one year in Taiwan and the next in Germany. Teleconferencing was adopted during the COVID-19 pandemics. This year, it is Germany’s term for the workshop in Berlin. \nTaiwan promulgated the 3 sub-laws of carbon fee in Late Aug; the carbon pricing system is officially launched and the carbon fees will be collected starting next year (2025). On the other hand, EU’s CBAM is expected in its official implementation in 2026, and EU is planning to initiate ETS 2 in 20237 to cover residential\/commercial buildings, transportation and fuel supply. The MOENV indicated that the carbon pricing is an important measure to promote CO2 reduction. The promotion and development such a system in the world is accelerating, suggesting Taiwan’s importance in carbon pricing and international exchanges. The workshop was chaired by Dr. Jürgen Landgrebe, Director of DEHSt, who started by introducing the latest development of climate policies in EU and Germany, followed by DEHSt experts presenting the important elements of EU’s ETS (including the establishment of total emission quantity and benchmark, carbon leakage risks, permissible emission quota, emission declaration, registration and verification), EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and EU’s ETS 2, while the MOENV shared Taiwan’s carbon fee system and implementation schedule. An in-depth discussion occurred between both parties on various topics. Finally, the workshop ended with the conclusions of Minister Peng, Ambassador Jhy-wey Shieh of Taipeh Vertretung in der Bundesrepublik and Dr. Landgrebe. \nMinister Peng appreciated what DEHSt has done over the years for the interactions and cooperation with Taiwan for carbon pricing issues in his closing speech. Taiwan ranks the top in the world in semiconductors and many technologies, and it is the MOENV’s hope that Taiwan will keep up with EU and Germany in the response to climate change. Minister Peng said that the official launch of Taiwan’s carbon pricing system signifies that the interactions between both countries will enter Stage II for carbon pricing. He expected that era of carbon pricing starts in Taiwan as soon as carbon fee collection starts next year (2025), and a series of tests will be performed for the carbon trading system. He hoped that the total quantity control and emission trading will be online within the next 4 years. In addition, The MOENV is currently examining and increasing carbon reduction targets through a bottom-up and top-down process across departments.", "year": "2024", "month": "9", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/40807fef-44c9-4770-9dc4-091b0d0ad181" }, { "no": "4475", "title": "13th Annual APMMN Partners Meeting solidifies the technical co-operation in Asia Pacific", "preview": "The “13th Annual Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN) Partners Meeting” was held on 3 Sep with Miss Jane Nishida, Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Inter-national and Tribal Affairs, and Dr. Peng Chih-Ming, Minister of Environment co-hosting the opening ceremony. More than 50 government officials and experts from 16 countries, including Australia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Korea, Palau, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailan and the US, participated in this meeting, discussing and sharing what they have done for mercury monitoring and management.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that this meeting has been held in Taiwan for 2 years straight, suggesting Taiwan’s efforts are highly regarded in Asia Pacific region in terms of mercury monitoring technology and management capacity. The MOENV worked with the US EPA to set up the Annual Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN) in 2012 and help partner countries improve their mercury monitoring capabilities, which contributes to the gradual decrease of mercury level in the atmosphere year by year. So far, assistance has been provided in establishing 14 mercury wet deposition samplers in several partner countries and collecting and analyzing more than 1,700 rainwater samples for mercury. The MOENV will continue to expand regional cooperation for environmental monitoring, and strengthen international monitoring mechanisms, monitoring technology interactions and data sharing. \nThe meeting was broadcast online through teleconferencing. The activities included the briefing of David Schmeltz, senior analyst at the U.S. EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs, and David Gay of the U.S. National Atmospheric Deposition Program, on APMMN’s current progress and future prospects; report of Japan’s National Institute for Minamata Disease on mercury levels in the East China Sea and northwestern Pacific Ocean; MOENV’s report on best practices and achievements in response to the United Nations Environment Program’s Minamata Convention on Mercury; and the current development of partner countries’ mercury monitoring. Mercury wet deposition sampling and analysis technology training was also provided to improve partner countries’ mercury monitoring technology and data quality, deepen Taiwan’s cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries in mercury monitoring, and increase Taiwan’s international monitoring visibility. \nThe MOENV pointed out that the cross-departmental “Plan to Promote the Implementation of UN’s Minamata Convention” (執行聯合國汞水俣公約推動計畫) was launched in response to the global trends of mercury management and as the basis of mercury management promotion in Taiwan. The joint efforts of all departments involved have paid off as all 9 categories of mercury-containing products in the Minamata Convention were successfully placed in the monitoring list as scheduled. The flow and use of mercury are controlled from the source, and the environment, commodities and food are sampled and monitored. The management of mercury-containing waste is strengthened and education and publicity are carried out, and the efforts to improve management measures continue to ensure a healthy living environment for the people. As a member of the global village, Taiwan hopes to establish a close partnership through this workshop to jointly promote the Minamata Convention on Mercury and create a sustainable future for generations to come.", "year": "2024", "month": "9", "assortment": "Monitoring and Information", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/8bdf61c2-56cf-46ae-9ca8-0cff165a5655" }, { "no": "4474", "title": "National Environmental Research Academy reached a memorandum of understanding with National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction, focusing on climate change adaptation", "preview": "Seeing the increasingly harsh challenges brought by climate change, the National Environ-mental Research Academy (NERA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR) on 9 Sep 2024.。This cooperation aims to integrate the scientific, technological and research resources of both parties, focus on the research, development and application of climate change adaptation, and enhance Taiwan's resilience facing extreme weathers and disaster risks brought about by climate change.", "content": "The NERA indicated that Taiwan is on high demand for climate change adaptability as the global climate changes intensify, temperature increases, sea level rises and extreme weather events become more frequent and powerful. For this, the NERA was established on 22 Aug 2023 with the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) upgrade, and considered “becoming an important think tank for MOENV” as one of the most important missions. With this in mind, the NERA chose to expand research capacity and, therefore, work with the NCDR for studies on the applications of climate change adaptation and risk assessments. Mr. Tsung-Yung Liu, President of NERA, stressed in his speech that Minister Peng Chin-Ming of Environment mentioned the “trinity of disaster prevention, net-zero emissions and adaptation for climate change” in the Climate Change Committee meeting on 8 Aug 2024 at the Office of the Presi-dent. Therefore, the MOU reached between NERA and NCDR was very meaningful as an indicator. \nThe NCDR is highly experienced and professional in terms of disaster risk assessment, disaster response system dev elopement and building resilient communities, and capable of providing accurate climatic data and forecasts to support Taiwan’s adaptation efforts. For NERA, the professional knowledge of the NCDR is valuable for the development of innovative technologies for climate change adaptation and promotion of these technologies for the applications in national policies, thus ensuring that Taiwan has the effective means in dealing with possibly imminent climate risks. \nThe NERA and NCDR work together this time to not only take on the challenges from climate change, but also look at the future and dedicate themselves to building a more resilient and adaptive community system for Taiwan. This MOU signifies the in-depth cooperation between NERA and NCDR for climate change adaptation, sets a solid foundation for Taiwan in upcoming climate change adaptation and creates a win-win cooperation model.", "year": "2024", "month": "9", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/d8bb770a-5a59-44df-bbd0-5c51db5f50fe" }, { "no": "4473", "title": "MOENV and NASA cooperate to invite Southeast Asian countries to come to Taiwan, a giant leap for cross-border cooperation for air pollution control", "preview": "As a cooperative effort to improve the air quality in Taiwan and Southeast Asia, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) worked with NASA for the South & Southeast Asia–Air Improvements in the Region (SSEA-AIR). 9 government officials and experts from Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam were invited for exchanges of air pollution control strategies. The workshop started with the speeches of Minister Peng Chih-Ming of Environment and Mr. Justin Spenillo, U.S. EPA Environmental Protection Specialist, on 9 Sep. The MOENV will share Taiwan's air quality control experience on issues of interest to the participating countries, arrange field visits, and have substantive technical exchanges with these countries for better international interactions.", "content": "The MOENV expressed that this was a 5-day event of international interactions where the experts shared the experience of their respective countries on strategies for air pollution control. The US Environmental Protection Agency shared their US EPA fire smoke maps, national air quality standard technology program training and establishment of air quality standards with the MOENV and local environmental protection bureaus in person and through online tele-conferencing, which is valuable for the implementation of air pollution control, as the information provided is helpful for setting a foundation for strategy formation, combining technical tools and their applications, and improve the control performance. \nThe MOENV has produced fruitful results in air pollution improvement and control effective-ness in recent year, as a series of control strategies, legislations and regulations were rolled out. This time, the MOENV shared the experience with the participating countries on topics of their interests; for example, how to fund the works to be done for air pollution improvement, Phase II air pollution control program targets, real-time monitoring of stationery pollution sources, emission management of mobile pollution source, technical control of construction activities, and indoor air quality mark and legislation. A field visit to several places was arranged to demonstrate intelligent jobsite for construction control, roadside inspection on mobile pollution source and how surprise inspections are performed. The participating experts were im-pressed by the efforts Taiwan has done for air pollution control and the results produced. \nThe MOENV indicated that Taiwan is unique geographically. In spring, the monitoring efforts are focused on pollutants migrated over a long distance from Indo-China and in winter, the northeastern winds bring pollutants from China. The air pollutants migrate cross border from one country to another. The participating countries learned from one another in this technical workshop and hoped to deepen the international cooperative efforts, as a workshop like this create a win-win pattern of cooperation for the air pollution control in Asia and accelerate the improvement of air quality.", "year": "2024", "month": "9", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/4fe35df1-2a71-4436-93e7-bc0629378ac6" }, { "no": "4472", "title": "2024 international Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) workshop was held in Taiwan as partner countries worked together to head for a net-zero future", "preview": "Facing climate change, pursuing net-zero emissions what Taiwan and the international community are working hard together for. In order to share net-zero emissions policies and practical promotion measures among countries, the GCTF Joint Committee, composed of the American Institute in Taiwan, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, the Australia Of-fice, the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, worked with the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) on the 2024 GCTF \"International Workshop on Setting an Ambitious Path towards a Net-Zero Future\" held from September 4th to 6th at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Taipei.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that 177 participants were invited from 25 countries around the world, including 52 international speakers. The participants were government officials from the world and Taiwan, scholars and experts in green energy and circular economy, and professionals specialized in promoting net-zero transition. Leaders from all over the world gathered under one roof, observing and encouraging each other, and working together to achieve the global goal of net zero by 2050. \nDr. Peng Chih-Ming, Minister of Environment; Dr. Lin Chia-Lung, Minister of Foreign Affairs; MR. Robert Fergusson, Australian Representative in Taiwan; Mr. Raymond Greene, Director of American Institute in Taiwan (AIT); Mr. Hiroyuki Okajima, Deputy Representative of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association; and Mr. Jim Nickel, Executive Director of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei gave their speeches in the opening ceremony. The new GCTF logo was unveiled at the workshop, and Canada was welcomed as the fifth partner of the GCTF. \nMinister Peng of Environment said in his speech that the inclusion of 2050 net-zero emissions in the “Climate Change Response Act” (氣候變遷因應法) is the demonstration of how much Taiwan is committed to CO2 reduction. Taiwan has entered the era of paying for your CO2 emissions, as soon as the “3 sub-laws of carbon fee” were promulgated on 29 Aug 2024 and the carbon fee system was launched. There will be further plans for Taiwan’s total quality control and emission trading, and governmental and private funds will be pooled together as the new driving force for the green growth of Taiwan. The Office of the President has formed the National Climate Change Committee to introduce public energy and develop strategies for Taiwan, while all ministries take an inventory from top to bottom on CO2 reduction plans and come up with the control targets for 2030. The net-zero transition is not just a slogan. It is an urgent action that take all of us to get it done. \nThe MOENV expressed that the workshop was focused on the future of net-zero emissions. Officials and experts from Taiwan and all over the world gathered together to share their experience on topics like “the future trends of renewable energy”, “green financial strategies”, “promotion of circular economy”, “promotion of sustainable growth with green technology” and “climate change adaptation and future of net-zero emissions”, and had a visit to several businesses engaged in circular economy and banking groups committed to green fi-nance, demonstrating to international guests and participants how much Taiwan has done for net-zero transition and the results produced. \nThis workshop allowed the world to see how professional Taiwan is. They saw Taiwan is capable of doing something positive for the world. We will work together with the world to over-come the global climate crisis. Taiwan will be an important solution to the threat of climate change for the world, as well as the safest, most reliable and trustworthy partner. The MOENV hopes that this workshop promotes two-way exchanges of knowledge and experience be-tween Taiwan and rest of the world, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation.", "year": "2024", "month": "9", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/5e0b4adc-9807-4775-bc78-0296e42e55bf" }, { "no": "4471", "title": "MOENV Preannounces Revisions of Penalties for Violations of Stationary Sources in Public and Private Venues", "preview": "Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants that are carcinogenic and, therefore, hazardous to human health once they find the way into the drinking water supply system.", "content": "The MOENV takes consideration of the seasonal characteristics of air quality in recent years (2016 to 2022) and strives to achieve the goals of the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Plan (2024-2027) approved by the Executive Yuan, including the annual average concentration of particulate matters (PM2.5) below 13µg\/m3 by 2027 and reduction of red alarms by 80% for the number of station-days of 8-hour ozone (O3) concentration compared to that of 2019. In order to achieve the goal of improving air quality, penalties are to tightened for those whose violations of the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣汙染防制法) involve emissions of air pollutants, such as PM2.5 and precursors of O3. Moreover, the MOENV will examine overly harsh penalties due to tightened standards concerning leakage that have to do with spare parts of equipment as well as review the draft in accordance with revisions in the Air Pollution Control Act and other relevant regulations under the principle of proportionality, flexibility, and display of warning effects. This will help make penalties for administrative remedies fair and reasonable with fewer disputes of law enforcement. \nThe MOENV stressed that poor air quality, namely high concentrations of PM2.5 and O3, occurs frequently from late fall to early spring next year and in spring and fall. In order to urge enter-prises to adopt appropriate control measures, penalties shall be harsher for stationary pollu-tion sources that illegally emit PM2.5 and precursors of O3, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Furthermore, Penalties are to be much harsher as well if such emissions occur during the period of poor air quality between September and May next year or in a level-3 control zones. \nThe MOENV explained that the control values for leakage due to spare parts of equipment were tightened by ten times in the amendment announced in December 2023. It is clearly too strict and out of proportion based on the calculation for penalties and, therefore, deserves a thorough review. In addition, illegal use of (supplementary) fuels, such as solid recovered fuel (SRFs), that fails to comply with standards regarding compositions or comes from unknown sources is banned. Violations will be penalized directly upon detection. This will help the com-petent authorities in law enforcement and enhance air pollution prevention and control. \nThe MOENV further pointed out that this amendment provides more flexibilities on penalty calculations and also more room in law enforcement for competent authorities regarding the first and second batches of permitted stationary sources, which have relatively large emis-sions. The amendment includes the third batch of stationary sources less of a pollution con-cern, and set relatively mild penalties as to achieve proportionality. In addition, for a stationary sources that operate without air pollution permits or those with major violations, the reduced penalties are no longer applicable. Instead, they will be punished more harshly and face penal-ties up to NT$2 million, the upper penalty limit, so all public and private venues are advised to refrain from challenging the law.", "year": "2024", "month": "9", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/d9ba5759-0044-43ca-8f93-78bf18808375" }, { "no": "4470", "title": "MOENE Resource Circulation Administration Preannounces Revision of Fee Rates for Container Recycling, Clearance and Disposal", "preview": "Preferential rates are used as an economic tool for containers in response to the international trends of sustainable development and circular economy, as well as Taiwan’s re-source circulation policies. For containers which is required to have a fee collected as recy-cling fund, a 50% discount is provided for glass containers that can be used repeatedly, a 15% discount for plastic containers made of recycled materials, and an extra 15-30% dis-count added for the above incorporating green design. That means a preferential rate as high as a 45% discount in order to encourage manufacturers and importers of recyclable containers to introduce green concepts and facilitate sustainable consumption and production.", "content": "The MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration indicates that the fee rates for container recycling, clearance, and disposal, developed in 29 June 2006, underwent five amendments with the latest one on 20 July 2018. In order to maximize resource circulation, minimize waste processing, and create a new recycling operation (business) model, the MOENV has revised the table of the Item 1 under the announcement of the fee rates, adding the green rates for re-cycling, clearance, and disposal of glass and plastic containers. This is to answer the global idea of resource circulation and green design , using economic incentives to encourage enterprises to adopt a recycling and reuse mechanism for glass containers and, for plastic containers, incorporate the green design of pure raw materials, original colors, less labels and tethered bottle caps and use recycled raw materials. This will help reduce use of raw materials and unrecyclable resources, And therefore make the transition from linear economic model of production and consumption to a sustainable one.", "year": "2024", "month": "9", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/00738cda-48ca-4723-975d-f420ef4d111b" }, { "no": "4469", "title": "MOENV Visit the EU to Connect Carbon Pricing and Help Enterpris-es Cope with CBAM", "preview": "The MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Ming, accompanied by Ambassador Roy Chum Lee of Tai-pei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium, led a delegation of MOENV staff to visit EU agencies on 16 September 2024. Besides discussing on environmental issues such as climate change, carbon trading, air quality management, chemical substance management, the Global Plastics Treaty and circular economy, Minister Peng mentioned that Taiwan has promulgated the three sub-laws regarding carbon fees at the end of August. The pilot pro-gram of carbon fee registration will commence later this year and the official fee collection is scheduled in 2025. A plan is in place to initiate total quantity control and emission trading within four years. This visit demonstrated to the world Taiwan’s efforts and practices in carbon reduction, which were highly recognized.", "content": "The Emission Trading System (ETS), established by EU in 2005, is the most mature and largest carbon emissions trading market in the world. Its rich experience in trading is a perfect example for Taiwan. Through this visit and interactions with senior officials the delegates found that the ETS’ practices focus on emission monitoring program, emission inventory, verification, establishment of total quantity, allocation and auctions of emission quota, trading market establishment and collection of emission quota. The system and its supplemental regulations in-volve multiple professional fields and many stakeholders and have already become \"carbon pricing diplomacy strategy\", a trend which deserves Taiwan's attention. \nThe MOENV is planning to put together a delegation again in 2025, consisting enterprises in relevant industries, environmental groups, experts and scholars, to visit Europe to have correct understanding of and build professional foundations for carbon pricing via exchanges. This will facilitate full discussions in future development of emission trading and help successfully complete and implement relevant laws and regulations. \nThe EU, on the other hand, gradually tightens the upper limit of total quantity and decreases the percentage of free allocation and therefore has launched the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) on imported products. For Taiwan this has mainly affected the industries of metal fasteners (screws and bolts), steel and aluminum. The EU’s CBAM is still in the transition, and enterprises in Taiwan have all successfully completed registration with help from the government. However, there are still concerns about how Taiwan’s carbon pricing aligns with the EU ETS after its CBAM officially come into effect. Regarding the concern, the MOENV explained that, in addition to contents of the CBAM regulations in this visit it confirmed through face-to-face communication the number of CBAM certificates required to be collected that can be deducted with carbon fees already paid in Taiwan. Still, the details will not be specified until regulations regarding “deduction with the carbon prices paid in a third country” and “allocation free quotas and harmonization with the CBAM system under the EU ETS” are published in2025. \nConsidering the complex and highly professional nature, the MOENV will have professional and full-time personnel stationed in the EU early next year to keep track of the latest developments in CBAM and participate in negotiations to assist in the response of Taiwan’s industries. \nMinister Peng expressed that the MOENV has gained confidence in the future development of Taiwan’s pilot system of carbon pricing and carbon fees from the in-depth exchanges with high-level experts in relevant fields in this visit. The conversations with experts also shed some light on the details of CBAM, which is of significant concern of Taiwan’s enterprises, and the MOENV will continue to stay updated with the CBAM development. This visit has helped establish a complete communication platform and mutual trust, and allowed the EU to under-stand more about the endeavors of Taiwan, which is an essential part of global high-tech sup-ply chain, for climate change. There will be bilateral interactions on a regular basis to continue conversations between the EU and Taiwan. In recent years many political leaders, industries, think tanks, media and environmental groups in the EU have made significant in-depth progresses with issues of climate change and carbon pricing and have developed into net-zero communities with different styles. Their approaches of coaching and training are very important and worth learning for Taiwan. \nEfforts will made to keep working tirelessly with Europe to ensure a smooth transition for Taiwan’s enterprises and assist them to stay competitive in the international market. The MOENV is ready and will continue to be a strong support for all enterprises.", "year": "2024", "month": "9", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/9f6c0e86-f2f0-4ae6-b652-56838813ebf1" }, { "no": "4468", "title": "MOENV Drafts SRF Regulations and Assists Enterprises in Compliance", "preview": "The results of checkup on 66 solid recovered fuel (SRF) manufacturers across Taiwan just came out. This checkup aimed at helping manufacturers with management of wastes, raw material arrival, equipment, and products. The results indicate that 52~70% of the manufacturers comply with relevant regulations and 30~48% need improvement. On the other hand, more than 90% of users comply with relevant regulations, and only 6% need improvement.", "content": "“To check up is to understand,” said the MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Ming, further adding that the regulations in place are thorough after five years of SRF development in Taiwan, but yet to be perfect. Hence, this checkup is actually the first step toward of perfection. With intensive field visits and communications for three consecutive months, the MOENV is set to tighten standards for SRF manufacture and associated air pollution emissions, and plans to propose a policy white book to build a good environment for SRF development. This checkup helps enterprises understand more about government policies, but also allows the government to gain better knowledge of the industry’s current development. Approximately 14, or 20%, of SRF manufacturers decided to step out of the SRF market after the communications. The remaining ones are expected to pour more efforts and investments, “but this is not to increase business costs, but to increase assets for Taiwan”. \nI. Applicable to carbon neutrality declarations for an organization, product or service \nMinister Peng pointed out that countries around the world are striving for proper SRF utilization in order to facilitate resource circulation and lower use of coal. Particularly, right now there are 1.8 million metric tons of industrial wastes every year heading for incinerators across Taiwan, meaning poor resource circulation as well as compromised the capacity of household waste disposal. \nII. The checkup examined operations and also sought solutions for problems \nThe MOENV’s statistics show that the number of SRF enterprises has grown from eight to 66 in five years and the annual production from 55,000 metric tons to approximately 300,000. In other words, 300,000 metric tons of WRFs are replacing coal fuel every year. \nThe MOENV Deputy Minister Shen Chih-Hsiu, also in charge of the full-scale checkup, mentioned that experts and scholars in waste treatment technology, waste operation and management, air pollution prevention and control, and environmental testing were brought in to participate the checkup on 66 enterprises, including 48 manufacturers and 18 users. This was an inspection on the enterprises’ onsite operations and also a two-way communication with them face to face. The checkup group would discuss with the SRF enterprises after onsite inspections, providing solutions to their problems to help them improve and upgrade. More than 90% of the SRF users are enterprises with a capital size of over NT$100 million that are in paper or cement industries and mix in SRFs when burning coal. They all promised to install control equipment in order to comply with relevant standards. By the end of 2024, the MOENV is planning to tighten the air pollution standards related to SRFs, making the emission standards for heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury as strict as those applicable to large incinerators. Emission standards for dioxin, the most concerned by the public, will be tightened up to 0.1ng-TEQ\/NM3. \nIII. Four firms withdrew voluntarily and ten accept assistance for transformation \nLai Yingying, Director General of the MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration, pointed out that 14 enterprises chose to withdraw from the market. Four did it voluntarily, including two manufacturers that have cancelled the production plans since SRF is not their primary products and two users that have terminated the use of SRFs because of switch to other fuels. The rest of the 10 enterprises are all SRF manufacturers (three processing waste wood, three processing waste rubber, and four processing pulverized residues from waste vehicles) chose to accept guidance for transformation since their waste reuse technology is mature and, therefore, the waste can be reused to as other products or supplemental fuels. For those that remain in operation of SRFs, the MOENV will keep monitoring them and help with improvement. \nDirector Lai stressed that when 18 manufacturers did not fully disclose information regarding where their products are sold to. This is the focus of the future tightened management. These measures aim to enhance monitoring and requiring manufacturers to establish criteria for receiving wastes to use as SRF raw materials, set up inspection mechanism, and install CCTV at the material receiving area. \nMost of the SRF manufacturers are capable of producing high-quality SRFs, and MOENV is considering the possibility of tightening the quality standards to encourage the manufacturers to raise product quality. \nIV. Product classification for manufacturers and emissions standards same as those of large incineratore for users \nMinister Peng said that existing firms and those interested in SRFs are leaning toward accepting the MOENV adopting the tightest standards in the world and willing to cooperate. In their opinion, standards are a set of clear approaches they can follow and are positive for the wellbeing of Taiwan despite the increased burdens. \nThe MOENV explained that a set of SRF management regulations are scheduled for proposal at the end of 2024 with elevated level within the legal system based on the checkup results. The plan includes adding new items in online registrations, establishing a third-party verification system, and installing CCTV and surveillance. The strictest standards for large incinerators will be in place for the heavy metals and dioxin in the air pollution emitted by SRF users. There will be additional testing for dioxin precursors, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) with specified testing frequency, hoping to further improve the SRF industry’s level. The regulations are expected for promulgation at the end of 2024. Also, the MOENV will propose the policy white book at the end of 2024 to build a good environment for SRF production and conversion of waste into energy.", "year": "2024", "month": "9", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/e9b4d4d5-cc57-4b27-a9bb-7eb4c4089ff8" }, { "no": "4467", "title": "MOENV Publishes Guide for Enterprise Declaration of Carbon Neutrality", "preview": "Many enterprises have declared on their own that their products, services or organizations achieve carbon neutrality, showing their actions of greenhouse gas reduction. However, it remains questionable whether the reductions are as substantial as declared, or it is simply greenwashing under the disguise of carbon neutrality. The MOENV has published the Guide for Enterprise Declaration of Carbon Neutrality (企業宣告碳中和指引) on 25 September 2024 to demonstrate to enterprise how to declare carbon neutrality while keeping the public from being misled by false declarations or failure to fully disclose information. It is also an effort to educate the consumers ways to examine the authenticity of enterprises’ reduction actions in order to decide whether to support the declaring enterprises.", "content": "The MOENV points out that the Guide for Enterprise Declaration of Carbon Neutrality is developed to help enterprises set GHG reduction goals and ensure that they put in actual efforts to achieve these goals and become fully transparent by disclosing all relevant information. The guide is summarized as follows: \nDrafts of the three sub-laws was preannounced on 29 April 2024. Regarding this, industries and civil organizations were invited to nine meetings and a public hearing for communications. Discussed topics included deduction of collection threshold, identification of industries with high carbon leakage risks, adjustment coefficients and schedules for emissions, offsets by domestic reduction credits, base year for designated targets and establishment of benchmarks, and information disclosure of voluntary reduction plans”. The MOENV made adjustments under the three sub-laws based on public opinions and suggestions. Key points of the sub-laws are as follows: \nI. Applicable to carbon neutrality declarations for an organization, product or service \nCarbon neutrality refers to balance between emissions and removals of GHG generated by human activities, which can be achieved by approach including offsetting emissions with carbon credits. The Guide for Enterprise Declaration of Carbon Neutrality applies to carbon neutrality declaration made by enterprises for an organization, product or service after they acquire substantial results through GHG inventory, reductions and offsets. \nII. Three core principles to be followed: Emission inventory, reduction and offset \n1. Inventory: An enterprise shall perform a complete GHG emission inventory, select an appropriate target for carbon neutrality and ensure that it represents the enterprise itself or strive to have all products, as practically as possible, achieve neutrality instead of a single product. It means that the enterprise should not claim neutrality with just a handful of “symbolic actions” out of its many emission activities, one of greenwashing brought up by the World Economic Forum (WEF). \n2. Reduction: Enterprises are to determine short-term to long-term reduction pathways and targets based on widely recognized and science-based carbon reduction approaches, such as Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), and lower emissions of the neutrality target ac-cordingly by taking concrete initiatives to cut down emissions or remove increments. Al-so, there is to be evidence showing that it has done what it can for reduction, including disclosing implementations of reduction measures, adopting the best feasible technolo-gy currently available, or any proof of having achieved the goals set for the current stage along the long-term net-zero pathway. \n3. Offset: If in need of achieving neutrality by offsetting the remaining emissions with reduction credits, an enterprise shall prove that it has done what it can to reduce the neutrality tar-get’s emissions, and that the reduction credits used are to come from one or more re-duction projects that are authentic and comply with international standards. Before using reduction credits for offsets, enterprises shall investigate the source with due diligence to ensure that the credits are unique, authentic, permanent and not calculated repeatedly, as required by the standards under the guide. Furthermore, the time of the credits used for neutrality occur shall precede the carbon neutrality period by no less than five years. \nIII. Support required with complete, specific and correct open information \nThe MOENV indicates that another common greenwashing mentioned by the WEF is “selective disclosure”. An enterprise shall ensure that its information disclosed is thorough, precise, and correct when pursuing carbon neutrality. The information, including boundaries of carbon neutrality targets, calculation processes, reduction results and offset sources, are to be disclosed over its corporate website in a manner that is easily accessible to stakeholders and the general public. \nThe MOENV also states that it takes all sectors to cope with climate change. Enterprises are to ensure the authenticity and validity of their own carbon neutrality through scientifically rea-sonable calculations and third-party verification. Enterprises’ ultimate purpose of their substantial efforts for climate change is to achieve the final net zero through reduction and car-bon sink increase, rather than the carbon neutrality during the process. An open statement of measures that they will keep adopting and goals in the future when enterprises declare car-bon-neutral at the current stage.", "year": "2024", "month": "9", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/cdc9f514-028d-4d1f-9d1f-1831b16d0cd9" }, { "no": "4466", "title": "MOENV Showcases Successful Results of Environmental Technology R&D", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the “2024 Environmental Technology Forum and Results Presentation” on 27 August in Taipei City to showcase major advancements in environmental technology in 2023. The event drew the attention and participation of many international and domestic environmental protection experts and research institutes and provided a precious opportunity for people concerned about environmental issues to share ideas and learn from one another. This opportunity overseen by the MOENV demonstrated its firm dedication to promote innovation in and applications of environmental technology.", "content": "“Facing global environmental challenges, the applications of technological innovations have become increasingly important,” said Shih Wen-Chen, Deputy Minister of Environment, in his opening speech. “We hope that this event encourages interactions and cooperation across various fields to explore feasible solutions and arrive at sustainable development together.” Two keynote speeches were delivered at the forum. The first was on “Net-zero life and social transition,” given by Dr. Chiu Hua-Mei, Associate Professor of the Department of Sociology, National Sun Yat-Sen University, in which she shared her insights from a social science point of view and led the audience deep into how to practice a net-zero lifestyle. The second was “3D air quality experiments in Kaohsiung and Pingtung as a joint effort between NASA and the MOENV”, a talk on the MOENV's inter-ministerial project in cooperation with the US space agency. The project involved experts, scholars and NASA measurement stations analyzing high pollution events in southern Taiwan, meteorological effects, airflows, topography, and the physical and chemical characteristics of poluutants and and the mechanisms through which they transform, in an effort to improve the scientific basis for control strategies. \nDuring the forum, the MOENV presented multiple scientific research results obtained in 2023. For net-zero emissions, the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP) was used in the “Integrated evaluation of reduction effects through the net-zero path”, and was combined with the “Community Multi-scale Air Quality” (CMAQ) model and Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP) to quantitatively analyze the reduction effects of net-zero emission efforts.\nIn addition, a presentation was made on a simulation model for evaluating the impacts of daily behavior changes on CO2 reduction. For example, a scenario of wider diet change was presented, showing that 40 kg of CO2 emissions can be reduced every year if everyone starts to eat 30% less meat and replaces it with vegetable sources that provide the equivalent calories. Another survey done by a domestic research body indicated that 37.9% of citizens are willing to adopt such a diet, which they estimated to reduce emissions by 356,000 tons of CO2 every year, equivalent to 0.14% of Taiwan’s total CO2 emissions. These data indicate that one can contribute to CO2 reduction in daily life by changing dietary habits. \nThere was significant progress in resource circulation as well. By integrating data on biomaterials across multiple government agencies, the MOENV established a biomaterials database and source map, which now contributes to the effective reuse of biomaterial resources and advancement toward the goal of resource circulation and zero waste. Apart from that, the development of a method to quantify the impact of CO2 reduction provides a convenient means to determine how much CO2 would be emitted in various resource circulation scenarios, thus allowing for more detailed development of CO2 reduction strategies. \nIn order to promote the applications of green chemistry more actively, the MOENV developed the “Diagnosis module for safer alternatives to high-risk chemicals”, based on the 12 principles of green chemistry and the best international practices for safe alternative assessment of chemical substances. The module is an integration of international risk assessment tools that businesses can use to identify at source potentially harmful substances, which will allow them to seek out technically feasible alternatives earlier. The module identifies potentially harmful properties by examining chemical structures and comparing, cross-referencing and categorizing them according to similar known structures. The application of the module will be helpful for reducing exposure to hazardous substances during industrial production processes, minimizing environmental pollution and improving basic human safety and the quality of the environment.\nThe MOENV noted that this forum and presentation not only showcased the R&D results of environmental technology and shared new scientific and technological knowledge, but also provided a good opportunity for those concerned about environmental issues to participate, engage and make suggestions, which in turn encourages the sharing of R&D resources, and the dissemination of and interactions regarding technical results throughout the entire environmental technology domain. The MOENV will keep working with all interested parties on promoting the development of environmental technology and remain dedicated to building a healthier, safer and more sustainable environment.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "8", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/2ff840c1-7adf-4e33-8fa2-dbe391ce6e62" }, { "no": "4465", "title": "Resource Circulation Administration to Hold Campaign to Replace Old Lighting Sources", "preview": "The “Campaign to replace old with new lighting sources” started on 1 September and runs to 31 October 2024. People who “recycle light tubes\/bulbs” and “buy LED light tubes\/bulbs” at designated stores are eligible to register online at the event website for prizes, such as laptop computers, cell phones and electronic vouchers.", "content": "Every home is lit up by a lighting source. However, old light tubes and bulbs, be they traditional fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent light bulbs or the latest LEDs, have to be recycled, as they may lead to environmental pollution if not discarded properly. To encourage the recycling of light tubes and bulbs, the Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has joined with Kuang Nan Fashion Shop, Carrefour, Test Rite Retail and Dance Light (Jan Cheng Group) for the “Campaign to replace old with new lighting sources”. About 250 stores throughout Taiwan have answered the call and are calling for all residents to replace and recycle their old, outdated lighting fixtures with LED lighting sources at stores in their neighborhood. \nThe RECA pointed out that up to 97,420 tons of conventional lighting fixtures have been recycled since the 2002 announcement of a target recycling rate of more than 90%. This rate is projected to exceed 95% in 2025. With the increased energy efficiency criteria for three types of fluorescent lighting products stipulated on 1 July 2024, it is expected that conventional lighting products will be phased out, even including energy-efficient and fluorescent light tubes and bulbs commonly seen in our homes. \nThe RECA further described how old lighting sources are collected by recycling trucks, at recycling points (such as recyclers) and by sellers of products for recycling. Recycled lighting products materials, such as glass, iron, aluminum and plastics, are recovered by undergoing pulverization and screening. The pulverized products are then further transformed into more useful materials, thus all residents are encouraged to not discard but recycle outdated light tubes and bulbs.\nThe RECA explained that LED lighting sources have longer service life, save more energy and reduce more CO2 emissions than their conventional counterparts. For example, using an LED bulb (approximately 16W per bulb) can save up to NT$100 from a power bill, compared with a compact fluorescent bulb (approximately 32W per bulb). Say 20 LED bulbs are used in a 3-bedroom unit. The savings will be approximately NT$2000 for the power bill and with 200 kg fewer CO2 emissions per year.\nThe RECA hopes that this two-month campaign will encourage people to check lighting sources in their homes and, more importantly, replace and recycle old light tubes and bulbs, allowing useful resources to find their way back into circulation. The lucky winner of the \"Campaign to replace old with new lighting sources\" is expected to be drawn in late November. For more campaign information, please visit: https:\/\/lightreca.com.tw\/.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "8", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/9adeabb7-0a4d-4437-b759-ae15bb3102e7" }, { "no": "4464", "title": "Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan Cooperate on Water and Soil Protection and Remediation Technologies", "preview": "The Environmental Management Administration (EMA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) organized the “International Conference on Collaborative Verification to Soil and Groundwater Protection Technology for Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program” on 29 August 2024 in Taipei City. The Japan Environmental Management Association for Industry (JEMAI) and the Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines (ITDI-DOST) were invited to explore an international mechanism of mutual ETV recognition and along with Taiwan deepen their cooperative relationship working with soil and groundwater protection technology in the Asia Pacific region.", "content": "The Environmental Management Administration (EMA) invited from Japan and the Philippines experts in environmental technology with many years of experience implementing Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) systems and technologies to come to Taiwan in order to launch a mutual certification system for soil and groundwater ETV in Southeast Asia. The invited professionals and scholars were joined by their domestic counterparts for in-depth interactions and discussions on ETV certification, verification and promotion. Deputy Director-General Liu Rui-Hsiang of the EMA said in his opening speech that Taiwan has accumulated rich experience and strength in research, development and practical application of soil and groundwater pollution remediation technologies. This conference was a great opportunity to help Taiwanese businesses better understand the international requirements and standards for environmental technology verification, hoping to further promote international cooperation in ETV and connect with the 12 member countries of the \"Technical Working Group on Remediation for Soil and Groundwater Pollution in the Asia-Pacific Region” (ReSAG) for international mutual recognition of environmental technologies. This would contribute to Taiwan’s capabilities in soil and groundwater pollution remediation technologies, and assist countries in the Asia-Pacific region with protecting and restoring soil and groundwater resources.\nDr. Kyashiro Ohno (大野香代) of Japan and Mr. Reynaldo L. Esguerra, ETV Program Director of the Environmental and Biotechnology Group of the Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines, spoke about the current environmental technology verification systems used in their own countries and were very hopeful for a mutual recognition mechanism for ETV. The international experts shared examples of technologies that have been verified and the verification processes, while discussing how to reach a consensus and establish a platform for mutual technological recognition among countries under the framework of ISO 14034, which deals with environmental technology verification. Domestic certification\/verification\/testing bodies also attended the conference so that domestic businesses could understand the latest and future international trends in the field and of ISO 14034, and prepare to enter the international market in the future.\nTaiwan is a leader in soil and groundwater remediation technology in the Asia-Pacific region. The conference successfully laid the foundation for cooperation between Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan in environmental technology verification, and set the ground for a number of potential cooperation opportunities, representing a firm step forward for Taiwan in promoting cooperation in international environmental technology.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "8", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/d0739eec-ac2f-4111-b053-56954e848575" }, { "no": "4463", "title": "MOENV Cooperates with Other Ministries to Help Businesses Improve Chemical Incident Response Capabilities", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) organized the \"Seminar on Integrated Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substance Disaster Information Reporting and Prevention Mechanisms and Award Ceremony for Excellent Operations and Management Joint Defense Organizations\" at the Zhongxing Campus of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) on 6 August 2024. Experiences and views were exchanged regarding the domestic toxic incident response system and recognition given to those involved in toxic incident prevention and response. Hosted by Minister Peng Chi-Ming, the event was combined with industrial and inter-ministerial case studies and exhibitions on new disaster prevention and response technologies. Head of the Executive Yuan, Premier Cho Jung-Tai was in attendance to interact with over 500 people from industry, government, academia and research circles and review the efforts and achievements over the past year in toxic\/chemical incident prevention and control by both the public and private sectors.", "content": "Premier Cho began his speech with praise for the 29 emergency response organizations that have performed outstandingly in the joint prevention and control of toxic\/chemical incidents this past year and recognized their dedication to environmental incident prevention and response. He expressed his appreciation for their active cooperation with the government's incident prevention and management policies. In the aftermath of the Launchtech fire in Pingtung in September 2023, the government worked with its subordinate agencies through the \"National Chemical Substance Management Board\" and put available resources together to fully strive to fulfill chemical substance management policies and duties. The \"Mobile Innovation AI Cabinet\" also hopes to invest in more private professionals, provide more new intelligent technologies and knowledge, and work together across domains to implement independent incident prevention measures in industries. The government has established the \"101 Action Strategies\" to introduce AI to improve incident prevention and response management across agencies. The aim is to innovate and formulate more pragmatic and efficient policies so that the vision of \"effective management of chemical substances and building a healthy and sustainable environment” will be gradually realized in Taiwan.\nMinister Peng stated that this seminar served as a platform for cross-domain exchanges and interactions, and he was very happy to see everybody assembled. As in previous years, industrial and emergency response organizations shared their experiences in toxic\/chemical incident response. In addition, the Taiwan Responsible Care Association was invited to share its rich experience in joint operation and management of incident prevention organizations. The Bureau of Industrial Parks of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Chemicals Administration of the MOENV, the National Fire Agency of the Ministry of the Interior, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the Ministry of Labor were also invited to share their experiences in \"inventory, management, inspection, and training\", using the Launchtech incident as a case study.\nThe Ministry of Economic Affairs revised the Factory Management Act to improve the management of hazardous goods in factories. The Ministry of the Interior revised the Fire Services Act to improve the commercial sector’s management of goods and equipment that pose public hazards and to strengthen the reward mechanism for whistleblowers, and it introduced incident response technology to improve the safety of firefighters. The MOENV's Chemical Cloud is a cross-departmental data transfer platform for declaring chemicals, customized for departmental needs, to track and audit irregularities among manufacturers, to assist competent authorities with gathering data on operations involving hazardous goods, to help fire departments conduct training to contain chemical plumes, and to improve the overall effectiveness of incident response. The Ministry of Labor has strengthened supervision and inspection mechanisms for \"priority chemicals to be managed\" to ensure that government agencies have adequate information on high-risk factories for the sake of worker health and safety.\nFor the incident prevention and response technical demonstration, the MOENV introduced AI and demonstrated its capabilities in cross-domain cooperation and its potential to improve the effectiveness of incident prevention and response. For example, the MOENV is cooperating with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and industry on the introduction of AI to improve the image recognition of real-time monitoring systems in science parks. The MOENV is also cooperating with ITRI to create virtual reality and simulation modules for emergency response personnel training, using robots equipped with detection capabilities, and AI big data analysis to quickly identify sources of pollution or other substances. The use of new technologies enables gathering of more accurate information in real time to assist decision-making and mitigate the risk of severe incidents and disasters.\nThe MOENV stated that the prevention of and response to toxic\/chemical accidents depend on the integration of cross-departmental resources and collective efforts, and hoped that the industrial sector will continue to make good use of the power of emergency response organizations and deepen mutual assistance and cooperation, as they all jointly improve toxic\/chemical incident prevention and response capacities. The MOENV will continue to introduce AI and new technologies for incident prevention and response, and further strengthen the toxic incident prevention and response system, to safeguard human well-being and the environment.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "8", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/c5935bf9-1c86-43e4-b93d-caf2e20a30e6" }, { "no": "4462", "title": "National Environmental Research Academy and Central Weather Administration Cooperate to Expand Climate Change Research Capacity", "preview": "Regarding the improvement of Taiwan’s climate change response capabilities, the National Environmental Research Academy (NERA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) joined forces with the Central Weather Administration (CWA) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) to rapidly expand their capacity to conduct climate change research. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MOENV and the CWA was signed on 14 August 2024 at the MOENV office, which will improve cooperation and enable more effective use of scientific and technical R&D resources from both sides.", "content": "The NERA indicated that the CWA is in charge of the monitoring, analysis, simulation and estimation of weather and sea conditions, which is closely related to what the NERA does in terms of climate change studies. In particular, the CWA recently put its sixth generation super computer into operation and established a GPU (graphics processing unit) computation system to accelerate the development of AI (artificial intelligence) weather forecasting applications. With this in mind, the NERA and the CWA combined existing computing resources, and plan to cooperate with domestic and foreign industries and academic research circles to actively use advanced data science and technology to develop digital systems for climate change adaptation and decision-making. The NERA has laid a solid foundation in environmental research over a long period. Combined with the CWA's rich data and experience in meteorology services, cross-domain cooperation will surely produce abundant results. The MOU sets the direction for future cooperation between the two agencies, with climate change, environmental governance, and pollution prevention among the focuses of joint research.\nAt present, the NERA, the CWA and other agencies are working hard on a plan to integrate cross-domain applications related to climate change adaptation and risk resilience, which is expected to facilitate work on major domestic issues such as climate change adaptation and risk resilience building. At the same time, through cooperation in climate adaptation research and service platform construction, a climate service collaboration platform will be established to provide climate science information services and practical applications that are closer to users. This will serve as the scientific basis for the national climate adaptation strategy and help transform Taiwan into a low-carbon, sustainable and climate-resilient society.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "8", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/2622d23f-92a0-43f7-ae57-89b8002dc208" }, { "no": "4461", "title": "8+N Resource Circulation Alliance Founded Toward Circular Economy Via Collaboration Between Public and Private Sectors", "preview": "Eight industrial alliances related to resource circulation attended the “Public and Private Collaboration, 8+N Circulation” ceremony on 30 August 2024. Over 200 corporate and government representatives from food production, plastics, textile, health, construction, electronic products, inorganic resources, recycling industry, and other fields together formed the eight alliances under the witness of the MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Ming, Director General Lai Ying-Ying of the Resource Circulation Administration (RCA) and alliance representatives. The alliance representatives shared the purposes and missions of establishing the alliances and the expected achievements in the upcoming year and talked with Minister Peng about the alliances’ actions, hoping for more effective links within resource circulation industry via collaboration between the private and private sectors. It is estimated that value of the resource circulation industry will reach up to NT$370 billion by 2030, achieving the goals of green and digital transitions and environmental sustainability.", "content": "Minister Peng pointed out that circular economy is the key in responding to climate change and achieving net-zero emission and sustainable development. According to the State of Climate Tech, climate technology funds have invested significantly in circular economy, next only to climate adaptation and transportation. In particular, Minister Peng mentioned the three major funds in Taiwan’s green growth strategies. From the Green Growth Fund, the MOENV will seek the investment of NT$10 billion on reduction and circular economy to boost corporate development. Regarding the Insurance Industry Funds, the MOENV has started joining force with the Financial Supervisory Commission to channel funds from insurance companies to circular economy. And lastly for the venture capitals, the MOENV is working with Taiwan Venture Capital Association to encourage venture capitals to support circular economy and net-zero industries. These funding sources will become the important driving force behind industry development. All relevant enterprises are urged to work with the MOENV to expand the scale of circular economy and create new industry values. Hopefully, the alliances will expand from the eight current ones to include more and cooperate to create the economic scale for the resource circulation system. It is also hoped that the alliance members will back amendment of the Resource Circulation Promotion Act (資源循環促進法) as civilian supporters. It is believed that more possibilities and imaginations will become practical actions after revisions.\nAt the same time, with the international awareness of growing plastic pollution, the United Nations is promoting the Global Plastics Treaty as an attempt to solve the problem of plastics from production, consumption to disposal, and puts more emphasis on the importance of resource circulation. The MOENV is in charge of resource circulation and zero waste under the key net-zero strategies, and continues to strengthen effective resource circulation and use aiming toward the net-zero goal by promoting diversified waste treatment methods, creating circulation parks, and formulating solutions across ministries. In addition, the MOENV is also actively promoting the new cultural movement of environmental protection with measures such as implementing resource sorting and recycling, reducing use of plastic bags and disposable utensils, using more environmentally friendly products, facilitating sustainable consumption, and pushing implementation of resource recycling in both industries and people’s daily life.\nChairman Eugene Chien of the Taiwan Institute of Sustainable Energy, as well as the former Minister of Environmental Protection Administration, is also excited about the completion of the Resource Circulation Promotion Act. He said that it was in his term that the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法) was amended to specify producers’ responsibilities and establish the recycling system. With other policies like the “Alien Babies” to promote citizen education, Taiwan has outperformed the world in the field of recycling. Once the resource circulation industry grows to maturity in Taiwan, it will help the world and also put Taiwan on the global stage.\nThe RCA Director General Lai explained that since its establishment the RCA has developed the three major circulation strategies, which are \"green design and source management\", \"energy and resource circulation\", and \"waste generation-disposal balance and management\". alongside its two driving pillars, \"smooth circulation network\" and \"innovative technologies and systems\" By putting priority on promotion of ten key projects, the RCA hopes to achieve zero waste and the net-zero vision so as to deal with key issues regarding the circular economy, such as legislations, product costs, technological innovations, behavioral patterns, coordination and cooperation, industry transformation, and international environment. The MOENV just celebrated its first anniversary and has gradually transformed its role from a supervisor previously to an integrator and promoter. The purpose of establishing the 8+N resource circulation alliances is to build a resource sharing platform, improve efficiency of resource matching among industries, and strengthen resource circulation among industries through collaboration of public and private sectors and cooperation across different fields. The ultimate goal is to build up industries’ economic scale and maintain smooth resource circulation channels.\nWhen it comes to founding the 8+N Resource Circulation Alliance,\"8\" means linking the eight alliances that have existed, and \"+N\" aims to grow and bring in more organizations engaging in resource circulation into the alliance, ultimately creating a network that accelerates resource circulation transformation together from design, production, consumption, recycling to circulation. This cross-domain communication can effectively enhance innovations and values of resource circulation products and services, and encourage formation of an resource circulation industrial chain consisting of manufacturing and service-related industries in the upstream, mid-stream and downstream, which will jointly increase the market influence and increase the industry’s economic scale. The alliance has been formed with the government taking the lead in promoting the linkage of various resource circulation industries through MGM (member get member), proving various subsidies and regulatory adaptation, and introducing resources and funds through public-private collaboration to expand development. Moreover, enterprises are encouraged to introduce digital technologies and tools to improve resource circulation efficiency, accelerate the development of circular economy, and expand economic scale.\nThe 8+N Resource Circulation Alliance will organize regular meetings or workshops to build a resource circulation platform that incorporates industries, the government, the academia, and the research community Strengths from all fields will be integrated to stay on top of trends and technological developments home and abroad and work together on promotion plans. The Alliance will provide suggestions on policies as important references for policy planning and evaluation, and jointly facilitate the amendment of the Resource Circulation Promotion Act. Hopefully, it will strengthen the effective resource circulation, increase the production values of the resource circulation industry, provide more advantages for Taiwan's resource circulation industry in the global market, and achieve the vision of zero waste and net-zero emissions.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "8", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/675fd92d-5e4e-4e97-a5e8-29d447ba3d52" }, { "no": "4460", "title": "Amendment Preannounced for the Drinking Water Quality Standards in Line with PFAS Control Trends", "preview": "Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants that are carcinogenic and, therefore, hazardous to human health once they find the way into the drinking water supply system.", "content": "The MOENV developed the Guidelines for Testing, Management, and Screening of Emerging Concerned Items Regarding Drinking Water Quality (飲用水水質新興關注項目檢測管理及篩選作業指引) on 11 March 2024. Then on 24 May 2024 certain guidance values, including “perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) combined at 50ng\/L” and “PFOS and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) combined at 70ng\/L”, were introduced as reference for administrative management.\nThe Drinking Water Quality Standards (飲用水水質標準) have been introduced in response to the international control trends and to intensify management efforts. Revising Article 3-1, the amendments this time have added water quality standards for PFAS and relevant management requirements, in which those who operate water purification facilities are to intensify their voluntary testing management in two and a half years staring from 2025 and, If test results exceed the maximum allowed values, to notify the competent authorities and propose drinking water quality management plans. Implementation of the management plans are to complete within two years if requiring addition of equipment or construction projects or within 3 months if construction projects are involved.\nAlso starting from 1 July 2027, efforts will be made to enhance random inspections, and failure to meet the drinking water quality standards for PFAS will result in being immediately fined between NT$60,000 and 600,000 and compulsory improvement by a given deadline. Failure to improve by given deadline will be subject to further daily fines. The Standards will be reviewed in a rolling basis and subject to revisions or tightening based on international control trends, as to ensure the safety of drinking water.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "8", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/c9fdf632-b0d3-4a13-ba10-52e9602dc3b2" }, { "no": "4459", "title": "Draft Amendment Preannounced for Stationary Sources in Public and Private Premises to Increase Air Pollutant Emission Testing Frequency Regarding Resource Circulation Fuels", "preview": "The MOENV preannounced draft amendment of the Stationary Pollution Sources in Public and Private Premises Required for Regular Testing and Registration (公私場所應定期檢測及申報之固定污染源) on 14 August 2024 in order to address the recent public concerns on using solid recovered fuels (SRFs) to convert wastes into energy. The revision specifies that public and private premises using resource circulation fuels, such as SRFs and waste-derived fuels, shall perform regular tests on air pollutant emission. The pollutants to be tested are dioxin, heavy metals, particulate matters, sulfur dioxides (SOx) and nitrogen dioxide (NOx). This is to intensify efforts to ensure proper implementation of air pollution controls in public and private premises while they use resource circulation fuels.", "content": "The MOENV explains that three draft amendments were preannounced on 20 June 2024, including the Fuels Used in Stationary Pollution Source to Comply with Co-firing Ratios and Component Standards (公私場所固定污染源應符合混燒比例及成分標準之燃料), Co-firing Ratios and Component Standards for Fuel Used in Stationary Pollution Sources (公私場所固定污染源燃料混燒比例及成分標準) and Air Pollution Emission Standards for Boilers (鍋爐空氣污染物排放標準). Such move was in response to the possible air pollutions coming from promotion of converting wastes into fuels under the Pathway to Net-Zero Emission by 2050. The focus is to intensify air pollution controls on the use of resource circulation fuel through fuel composition classification (including three types, biofuels, SRFs and, waste derived fuels), restricted use in production process, specified air pollution control equipment and tightened air pollution emission standards. This amendment requires those using SRFs and waste derived fuels to regularly test for pollutions inside emission pipelines, and ensure proper operation of air pollution control equipment at public and private premises, implementing proper pollution management for the use of resource circulation fuels.\nThe MOENV stresses that the comprehensive management of the use of resource circulation fuels has been gradually strengthened from the fuel composition at the source to fuel-using equipment and pollution control. Through tightening the pollution emission standards, enhancing regular testing and disclosing test results public inquiry, public and private premises are made sure to shoulder responsibilities for pollution controls while using resource circulation fuels, ensuring both the promotion of net-zero strategies, effective pollution controls, and safeguarding people’s health all at the same time.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "8", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/96c6bbd1-7fb9-43b5-a6aa-436cd462e0f3" }, { "no": "4458", "title": "MOENV Preannounced Draft Amendment of the Effluent Standards", "preview": "The MOENV preannounced the amendment of the Effluent Standards (放流水標準) on 27 August 2024 to maintain the quality of water bodies and promote pollutant reduction and control. The control measures are added or tightened on ammonia nitrogen, phosphorus, copper and free available residual chlorine. It is expected to increase the total control amount of ammonia nitrogen in industrial wastewater from 80% to 92%, reduce the loading on water bodies from discharge of high-concentration phosphorus, and continue to reduce the copper level in specific river basins, improving water body quality and wastewater reutilization.", "content": "The MOENV further explains that the pollution reduction efforts have seen some solid reduction results since Effluent Standards added controls on 13 types of ammonia nitrogen targeting industries including wafer foundry and semiconductor manufacturing since 2011. However, the total emissions of ammonia nitrogen in wastewater produced by non-controlled ammonia nitrogen-generating industries, such as leather manufacturing (that of finished leather products from wet blue), printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, butchery, meat markets, hospitals and medical institutes, are still comparably high and hence necessary to be included under control. That is why the ammonia nitrogen control is added to the Effluent Standards in the revision this time.\nThe control on phosphorus, which is a nutrient salt, in Taiwan is imposed only on targets that discharge to water quality and quantity protection areas in order to mitigate the impacts on the aquatic ecosystem. The MOENV has studied relevant measures abroad and considered that industrial wastewaters with high concentration of phosphorus, discharged by certain industries, will affect water bodies or cause eutrophication. As a result, the total phosphorus control is added in the Effluent Standards on targets that discharge wastewater with high concentration of phosphorus and has the potential for resource circulation, such as wafer foundry and semiconductor manufacturing, photoelectric material and device manufacturing, and dedicated sewage systems in scientific parks.\nThe MOENV points out that they have been promoting the tightening of copper control limits in the Effluent Standards for metal-related industries, scientific and industrial parks, and petrochemical industrial parks of certain scale since 2017, resulting in certain reduction. Considering the low achievement rate of water quality criteria by type of water bodies in certain river basins in terms of copper, and to improve water body quality and encourage enterprises to reutilize copper, the copper control limits are tightened in the Effluent Standards, covering the targets mentioned above and metal-related industries originally below the scale specified above.\nAlso added to amendment of the Effluent Standards is the control on free residual chlorine as an attempt to keep hospitals, medical institutes and public sewage systems from adding excessive chlorine. Such practice results in excessive level of residual chlorine or production of disinfection byproducts, both harmful to aquatic organisms. The discharge shall not exceed 2 mg\/L. However, the criterion may not apply in case of epidemic control or special needs for hygiene and sanitation.\nThe MOENV emphasizes that the amendment is based on international control trends, results of investigations on domestic industrial wastewaters, effects on water body quality, public opinions and feasible treatment technologies. A sufficient buffer period is provided. With total phosphorus control as an example, the buffer period is given with control limits in three stages, and those with technical difficulties or with constructions involved as improvement measures may propose effluent pollutant reduction management plans for an extension of implementation. In addition, the MOENV is pushing development and promotion of new wastewater treatment technologies. Those interested in resource reutilization and low-carbon technology and also qualified may apply for subsidies to become sites for demonstrational projects.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "8", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/1e82416c-8f86-4a22-b261-bd7081d96b0d" }, { "no": "4457", "title": "MOENV Preannounces draft amendments of 2 Regulations of Continuous Emission Monitoring System for Stationary Sources to Enhance Real-Time Air Pollution Monitoring", "preview": "On 21 August 2024 the MOENV preannounced the amendment drafts of the Management Regulations for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) for Air Pollutants from Stationary Sources (固定污染源空氣污染物連續自動監測設施管理辦法) and the Stationary Pollution Sources Required for Installation of Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems in Public and Private Venues and System Links to Competent Authorities (公私場所應設置連續自動監測設施及與主管機關連線之固定污染源) (referred to as the CEMS-required pollution sources). Responding to recent public concerns toward air pollution issues derived from use of resource circulation fuels, such as solid recovered fuels (SRF), and thermal treatments of hazardous industrial wastes, these amendments will serve to expand control targets for real-time information of pollutant emission status, intensify controls on pollution monitoring, and properly carry out pollution preventions and controls.", "content": "The MOENV explains that the first through fifth batches of CMES-required pollution sources have been gradually announced since 1993. This time, the sixth is added to include stationery sources where resource circulation fuels are used or hazardous industrial wastes are subject to thermal treatments. The aim is to align the key strategy of resource circulation and zero waste promoted as part of international net-zero trends and also respond to possible air pollutions from converting wastes into energy. It is specified that, in addition to existing list of CEMS-monitored pollutants, large pollution sources where resource circulation fuels are used shall monitor carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen chloride (HCL), both with potential pollution risks, just like incinerators are required to do so. On the other hand, pollution sources adopting thermal treatments for hazardous industrial wastes are subject to control by treatment size to ensure proper pollution source management while promoting net-zero strategies. With the sixth batch of controlled subjects added, it is expected that the MOENV will keep track of more than 70% of sulfide oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from nationwide stationery sources via CEMS.\nThe MOENV stresses that addition in the draft amendments allows city, county, and municipal competent authorities to extract collected data and handle system inspections regarding approved monitoring facilities as well as enhance existing management systems. For pollution sources with major violations of the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣汙染防制法), the local competent authorities may be authorized to designate such sources as a target required to be connected to CEMS so as to monitor their pollution emissions in real time. The purpose is to stay on top and ensure that those committing major violations properly prevent and control pollution in the follow-up improvement according to relevant regulations and avoid repeating violations.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "8", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/b4e7c8d9-3215-4a7d-a9fa-1841dfb21ad0" }, { "no": "4456", "title": "Three Carbon Fee Regulations Announced, Officially Ushering in the Carbon Pricing Era", "preview": "The MOENV have completed promulgation of three sets of carbon pricing sub-laws based on the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法, the Climate Act hereinafter) in order to establish Taiwan’s own carbon pricing system and promote steady carbon reduction. The three announced regulations were the Regulations Governing Carbon Fee Collection (碳費收費辦法), the Regulations for Voluntary Carbon Reduction Management Plan (自主減量計畫管理辦法), as well as the Designated Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals for Entities Subject to Carbon Fees (碳費徵收對象溫室氣體減量指定目標). This task corresponds to the dual transition to digital and green industries within the net-zero transition strategies of President Lai Ching-te, under which promotion of carbon pricing and market mechanism encourage enterprises to pursue low-carbon transitions. The implementation of the carbon fee system has marked Taiwan’s official entry into the erea of carbon pricing. In the future, the government will bring in funding from both public and private sectors and make the carbon fee system the new driving force of Taiwan’s green growth.", "content": "The MOENV stressed that the carbon fees are collected to accelerate and scale up the reduction efforts, with entities subject to carbon fees able to come up with their own voluntary reduction plans. Once the carbon fee system is in effect, it is estimated to achieve reduction by 37 million metric tons of CO2e by 2030, equivalent to 14% of the total emissions in 2005. The MOENV and Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) will conduct more than ten sessions of meetings There will be enough time for enterprises to prepare and develop their reduction measures up to 2030 and seek the reduction paths and technology best for themselves, thus creating opportunities for green growth through premium fee rates and relevant assistance from the MOEA.\nDrafts of the three sub-laws was preannounced on 29 April 2024. Regarding this, industries and civil organizations were invited to nine meetings and a public hearing for communications. Discussed topics included deduction of collection threshold, identification of industries with high carbon leakage risks, adjustment coefficients and schedules for emissions, offsets by domestic reduction credits, base year for designated targets and establishment of benchmarks, and information disclosure of voluntary reduction plans”. The MOENV made adjustments under the three sub-laws based on public opinions and suggestions. Key points of the sub-laws are as follows:\nI. The Regulations Governing Carbon Fee Collection:\n1. Entities subject to carbon fees: Enterprises in the electric power and fuel supply industry as well as manufacturing industry that meet qualifications of the Enterprise Emission Sources Subject to Inventory, Registration and Inspection of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (事業應盤查登錄及查驗溫室氣體排放量之排放源) and whose annual emissions, both directly from entire factories (sites) and indirect from the use of electricity reach a total of 25,000 metric tons of CO2e or more. In addition, considering fair competition within the same industry, the collection threshold of 25,000 tons of CO2e may be deducted in principle when enterprises determine emissions to be charged for carbon fees.\n2. Fee collection period: Starting from the next year after carbon fee rates are announced and in effect, entities subject to carbon fees are to report their GHG emissions between 1 January and 31 December of the previous year and pay carbon fees by the end of every May.\n3. Carbon fee determination: The carbon fees payable are the “charged emissions” multiplied by the “fee rate”. Practices in the EU, Korea, and Singapore (such as partial free allocation or tax exemption) are taking into consideration on calculation of the “charged emissions”, and an emission adjustment mechanism is designed in the regulations to prevent carbon leakages. The MOENV pointed out that enterprises are to have voluntary reduction plans approved before applying to be identified as industry with high carbon leakage risks, for which different emission adjustment coefficients are applied in three stages. The emission adjustment schedule, on the other hand, will be announced on a later date considering the international schedules for phasing out free emission allocations, Taiwan’s reduction results and industries’ international competitive edges. Also, for such industries’ charged emissions, the collection threshold of 25,000 metric tons of CO2e is no longer deductible.\nII. The Designated Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals for Entities Subject to Carbon Fees and the Regulations for Voluntary Carbon Reduction Management Plan:\nArticle 29 of the Climate Act specifies that an entity subject to carbon fees may propose voluntary reduction plans and apply for a preferential rate once it has reduced emissions effectively and achieved the designated reduction goals set by the central competent authorities by taking reduction measure. Such measures include switch to low-carbon fuels, adoption of negative emission technologies, improvement of energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, or enhancement of manufacturing process.\n1. Designate reduction goal: Two ways are provided to determine the designate goals; one is the industry-specific reduction rate based on the science-based targets initiative (SBTi), and the other the technical benchmark-based designated reduction rate, established according to international and domestic technical emission benchmarks and under the condition of reaching the nationally determined contributions by 2030.\n2. Voluntary reduction plan: For the eligibility of the preferential rates, an entity subject to carbon fees needs to select the designated reduction rate from either Appendix 1 or 2 in the Designated Goals, and determine the emissions of the target year to be achieved by 2030 accordingly as the designated goal. Once the reduction paths are planned out every year leading up to 2030, including the progress of reduction measure implementation and emissions every year, the application for voluntary reduction plans may be submitted and carried out only after obtaining approvals from central competent authorities.\n3. Regular result inspections: The central competent authorities will inspect the progress of voluntary reduction plans every year. Enterprises need to submit the process report of the voluntary reduction plan of the previous year by the end of every April. Those meeting the set progress are eligible for the preferential rates in the current year. If found failing to execute the plan accordingly by the central competent authorities after inspection, enterprises are to return the difference of the carbon fees payable between the regular and the preferential rates for the current year and make improvements by a given deadline based on the regulations. Failure to improve by the given deadline will result in cancellation of the voluntary reduction plan.\nFinally, the MOENV has set the ratio at 1.2 for the deduction of reduction credits from charged emissions for entities subject to carbon fees who use voluntary reduction plans and offset projects, providing that he deduction limit for using reduction credits shall not exceed 10% of the enterprises’ charged emissions. This is to encourage these entities (i.e., major emission sources) to lead those not subject to carbon fees to take reduction efforts and keep funds in Taiwan,. To recognize enterprises’ early reduction efforts, it is specified that enterprises not of high carbon leakage risks and participating in the pilot reduction products are eligible for the 30% ration of deduction of reduction credits from the charged emissions for the first 3 years of the collection of carbon fees. Additionally, enterprises not of high carbon leakage risks are eligible to use foreign reduction credits approved by the central competent authorities as an extra supporting package, provided that no more than 5% is deducted from the charged emissions.\nThe MOENV expressed that Green Point collection will continue to expand green shopping services for Green Points and incentivize more environment-friendly actions to guide the public towards living a net-zero green life. One simple action, however small, can make a big difference in the world if multiplied. The MOENV also sincerely invites more people to join in Green Point collection, act to protect the environment and contribute to a good future for the Earth. Everyone is welcome to download the Green Points APP and become a member, to \"Go with the green points and live a net\n", "year": "2024", "month": "8", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/3a4730be-9e7c-4f67-a78c-cd7e625e4992" }, { "no": "4455", "title": "Hotels Urged to Reduced Plastics in Order to Achieve Sustainable Travel", "preview": "The MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration (RCA) held a press conference and also a forum, Less Plastic Bottles for a Better Travel, on 30 July 2024. Director General Chou Yung-Hui of the Tourism Administration (TA) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC), Emile Sheng, Chairman of FDC International Hotels Corporation, and youth representative He Ching-Yang (Afu), band leader of Soda Green, were invited to discuss with the MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Ming and shared experiences of environmental protection and plastic reduction. There were 60 enterprisers in hospitality and drinking water supply attending, jointly promoting plastic reduction in the hotel industry. is the event emphasized that plastic-reducing accommodation will become mainstream in the future and also the new trend that shows personality and emotions.", "content": "The MOENV announced the oncoming subsidies to encourage hotels to reduce use of bottled water and also introduced the RCA’s four recycling mascots. It is hoped to promote the concept of resource circulation with the mascots’ cute, retro, and eye-catching 2.0 design as well as calling on hotels and citizens to change their existing travel style by neither providing nor using single-use supplies and bottled water. At the same time, it was also a reminder that the Targets and Measures for Restricting Single-Use Lodging Supplies (一次用旅宿用品限制使用對象及實施方式) will be in effect on 1 January next year. It is estimated to reduce 2,300 metric tons of plastic and approximately 3,000 metric tons of carbon emission every year.\nMinister Peng talked about the four Aliens, the recycling mascots, that were popular across Taiwan and led the public to begin sorting garbage when the EPA was first established. Today with the rising generation of garbage, the MOENV reintroduced the 2.0 version of Dr. Blue, Red Pepper, Golden Rat, and Emerald Frog to help the public adapt to challenges including the ban on single-use plastic cups, effective on 1 September, and the Global Plastics Treaty next year.\nMinister Peng pointed out that the 2024 Paris Olympics centered on sustainability, highlighting carbon and plastic reduction as the future. The MOENV introduces resources and funds via assistance in terms of subsidies and facilitation for participation in order to encourage enterprises to gradually transition and create a new culture of environmental protection. He particularly emphasized the MOENV’s active cooperation with the TA to make environmental protection one of the features of Taiwan's tourism. \nUsing Siaoliuqiu as an example of the long-term cooperation between the MOENV and the TA, Director General Chou of the TA mentioned that local young people on the island use the \"beach currency\" mechanism to encourage tourists to reduce wastes, emissions and plastics through accommodation discounts and other incentives. He pointed out that, with the global advocate on low-carbon emissions and plastic reduction for hotel brands, the TA will double the number of hotels certified with the Green Mark within a year by helping enterprises to obtain the Green Mark so as to win the support of local and international tourists.\nIn addition to encouraging specialty B&Bs, Director General Chou said that the TA will set key performance indicators (KPIs) for each county and city to motivate improvements for general hotel enterprisers as well as a corresponding budget as he predicts an rise in the cost of the tourism industry. Moreover, he pointed out that sports events and exhibitions are part of the carbon reduction campaign besides hospitality industry. In recent years, participants in sports events such as marathons and cycling have begun to consciously try to reduce wastes.\nFleur de Chine (FDC), a five-star hotel alongside the beautiful Sun Moon Lake, has been actively participating in local and international sustainability evaluations in recent years, and even taking the initiative in carbon footprint verification. \"Environmental protection is neither convenient nor cheap,\" said Chairman Emile Sheng. The tourism industry is seeking a balance between attentive service and carbon reduction. FDC often had to deal with employees’ doubts and concerns in the early stages of internal communication, with questions such as \"How can a five-star hotel not provide these items?\". Starting from 2018 and 2019, an initial attempt was made not to provide bottled waters on one floor. Instead, sparkling water machines were installed in the hallways, and hotel rooms had glass bottles of sparkling water with the filling time marked, reminding guests to fill it up themselves if needed. He recalled thousands of critiques online left by customers because of not automatically providing toothbrushes and other amenities. However, he found that 90% of online opinions responded negatively in 2022 and then 40% expressed support in 2023.\nAfu, Soda Green’s band leader, mentioned that he loves vacationing at FDC, taking his kids to fill their own water bottles and biking around the lake to enjoy the surrounding mountainous views. Soda Green once held a zero-waste music festival, and Afu believes that the plastic reduction culture should start from more exposure to the nature, expressing one’s true color, and creating one’s unique rituals. When having a reusable beverage cup that speaks of one’s own style, one no longer aspires to use single-use paper or plastic cups like others. He even thinks that hotels that believe in sustainability and practice plastic reductions with their own styles will be supported by young consumers who share the same beliefs.\n【Restrictions on single-use amenities take effect in 2025】\n\"Small bottles instead of big ones for four items; Preparing one’s own for six items,\" Explained the RCA Director General Lai Yingying. In response to the global tourism’s plastic reduction initiative, the RCA has formulated the Targets and Measures for Restrictions of Single-Use Lodging Supplies, which will take effect on 1 January 2025 and apply to tourist hotels, hotels, guesthouses, and other lodging enterprises. For four types of liquid cleaning and skincare products such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and lotion, large bottles are to replace small one; and six types personal hygiene products including combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, shaving foam and shower caps will only be provided upon request. However, this does apply to auxiliary facilities, service facilities and business facilities outside of guestrooms, such as SPA and swimming pool. It is hoped to achieve source reduction by replacing small bottles with large ones\" and encouraging preparation of one’s own supplies so that one can practice environmental protection while traveling.\n【Six tips to replace plastic bottled water】\nBesides announcing restrictions on single-use items in advance, some local hotels follow many foreign hotels and take initiatives to replace plastic bottled water with glass bottled ones and install drinking dispensers. The glass bottles will be recycled, rinsed and refilled by the suppliers once used by the tenants. Minister Peng encouraged hotel enterprisers to carry out plastic reduction measures based on existing facilities, security concerns, costs, and demand of service quality. Plastic reduction can begin from conference halls and guestrooms, followed by swimming pools, fitness centers, playgrounds and other recreational areas, cutting down single-use plastic bottled water. Recommended plastic reduction measures include (1) water in glass bottles or aluminum cans; (2) installation of water dispensers and sparkling water machines; (3) water kettles and cold water containers in guestrooms; (4) reusable containers, such as glasses and porcelain cups; (5) rental of reusable cups for outings; and (6) promotion of preparing one’s own containers with more plastic-free choices for consumers.\n【Subsidies available to encourage enterprises to take action】\nThe RCA stated that reducing single-use plastic supplies and bottled water does not compromise hotels service quality and hence called on the public to show their support by choosing environment-friendly hotels . To urge more enterprises to select \"repeated use\" over \"single-use and disposable\", the RCA is setting incentives and subsidization measures; namely, a subsidy program for hotels on a local level and a trial program for refilling system on a regional level The hope is to cut down use of plastic bottled water via public-private collaboration and cross-sector cooperation and thereby lower damages and pollutions to the environment.\nThe RCA calls on hotel enterprisers to adjust service models for a gradual transition and believes that consumers are willing to support the transformation. It is hoped that the public and businesses will answer to the government's plastic reduction policy and have the awareness of \"prepare one’s own supplies, use repeated, and use less\". Through sustainable travels in which plastic reduction actions, such as via bringing one’s own supplies and refusing plastic bottled water, are taken can one contribute to environmental protection while traveling.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "7", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/87acee8b-d799-4fa5-9353-a56545965bbf" }, { "no": "4454", "title": "Forum Held to Discuss Digital Technology and Carbon Management in Supply Chain", "preview": "Carbon footprint verification (CFV) is fundamental in carbon reduction, and the use of digital tools enables more efficient control of sources and emissions and review of reduction possibilities in response to climate changes. Therefore, the MOENV invited Professor Noboru Koshizuka of University of Tokyo to conduct a speech on application of digital technology on carbon management within the supply chain and relevant experiences. There were also discussions on the topic among experts from industry, governmental and academic sectors so as to provide new thinking for future carbon management within industries. More than 130 people participated in the event either in person or online.", "content": "The MOENV-held forum, Digital Technology and Climate Change: New Visions of Supply Chain Management started with Professor Noboru Koshizuka of University of Tokyo giving a speech on “Challenges of Green x Digital Initiative Using Emerging Technologies in Japan”. Professor Koshizuka shared his experience and insights of Tokyo’s net-zero emission strategies, green\/digital initiatives, promotion of smart city, and establishment of data exchange platforms for verification of emissions under Scope 3. The MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Ming presided the following discussions together with Director General Leu Jang-Hwa of Administration for Digital Industries (ADI) of the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA); Director Fan Chien-Te of Taiwan Climate Institute; Grace Liu, CSO of Acer; Ku Hsiu-Hwa, CSO of AUO; and Deputy Director Deng Tung-Po of Open Data Alliance. The discussion centered on issues facing the Scope 3 CFV industry and possible applications of digital tools.\nMinister Peng mentioned that digital development and green growth should go hand in hand for sustainable development. Therefore, the MOENV and the MODA should work closely on digital and green transition so as to more efficiently achieve set goals regarding net-zero emissions or waste disposal. Agreeing with Minister Peng, the ADI Director General Leu added that net-zero emissions are one of the ADI’s main tasks in facilitating digital development and that the Net-Zero Cooperation Office has been established under the Department of Democracy Network specifically for this task. Next, both the CSOs of Acer and AUO shared their experiences within the industries and mentioned the importance and difficulty of collecting supply chain data and that digital tools can do a lot in this aspect. Data quality and verification capacity are important factors for considerations when it comes to data exchange. Deputy Director Deng of Open Data Alliance then said that Internet of Things (IoT) can be used in data collection. Finally, Director Fan of Taiwan Climate Institute stated that the Scope 3 data covers extensive fields and is highly complicated. As a result, it is important that the government agencies promote data exchange based on respective authorities and responsibilities.\nThanks to the development of digital technology, there are digital tools available for efficient CFV and management of supply chain in Taiwan and abroad. Minister Peng stated that the forum was just the beginning and that there are many more discussions and cooperations to come. It is essential to use digital tools properly and complete Scope 3 verification effectively, setting the foundation for carbon reduction and moving toward the net-zero goal.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "7", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/35cd3832-ecd4-47a0-a290-4b38f88c36d7" }, { "no": "4453", "title": "Regulations Announced for Trading, Auctions, and Transfers of Reduction Credits", "preview": "The MOENV promulgated the Regulations Governing Trading, Auctions, and Transfer of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Credits (溫室氣體減量額度交易拍賣及移轉管理辦) according to Article 25 of the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應) so as to have more targets exposed to reduction incentives. Aiming to establish an open and transparent trading market in Taiwan for voluntary reduction, the promulgation encourages proactive reductions and has started a new page for carbon pricing in Taiwan.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that the legislation aims toward open transparency in trading, auctions, cancellations after use of domestic reduction credits. Other purposes include allowing the public to easily review industries’ specific reduction status, and avoiding speculations, operations involving other commercial interests, or trading disputes. The regulations specify requirements in various stages regarding reduction credits, such as holding, trading or auctions, completions of trading deals, cancellations after use. Effective on 15 August 2024, there are a total of 38 articles. Key points of the regulations are as follows:\n(1) Government management against frauds\nA trading platform will be set up by the MOENV-commissioned Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange for enterprises to trade or auction reduction credits. Regular private entities are prohibited from providing platforms to conduct brokerage, consignment or trading of reduction credits. The centralized management of reduction credit trading market will help improve trading security and prevent enterprises from scams.\n(2) Open transparency against green-washing\nCredit units are expressed in tons of CO2e. Each unit is coded to provide identification information such as types of credit, types of project and monitoring periods, ensuring the validity of credits during acquisitions, transfers after trading or auctions, and cancellations after use. Also, relevant trading and auction information are made public on the trading platform for public viewing and inquiries, thus effectively preventing green-washing. Such information include project names, reduction measures, quantity of reduction credits, credit codes and monitoring periods, trading prices, and the names of buyers and sellers.\n(3) Diversity and flexibility\nThe regulations specify three trading methods, by fixed price, negotiations, and auctions. Enterprises can choose the most favorable trading method based on the nature of its reduction credits, sales strategies, and profits. However, preliminary projects are reduction measures before the Climate Change Response Act was promulgated. The resulting credits can only be traded by negotiation, but trading or auction is not available at the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange. The goal is to ensure Taiwan's actual reduction results.\n(4) Stability ensured for supply and demand\nSellers allowed for trading or auction are enterprises that have implemented their own offset projects, preliminary projects or voluntary reduction projects and have available reduction credits. Buyers are enterprises that meet one of the purposes specified in the Climate Change Response Act Article 26, such as carbon fee payments, offsets for increased emissions in EIAs, or any other MOENV-approved purposes, and individual persons are not eligible buyers. Furthermore, once traded or auctioned, reduction credits will be transferred by the MOENV and transferred once ONLY to ensure market stability.\nThe MOENV indicated that carbon fee collection, which has received lots of attention lately, is the key to carbon pricing, and promotion of voluntary reduction trading system is an important assisting measure. The open and transparent trading market allows enterprises and governments to make their reduction credits available for others for carbon fee reductions, offsets and relevant environment statements. Establishment of the reduction credit trading market will help Taiwan implement the carbon pricing system and achieve the goal of net-zero transition.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "7", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/5bf492fe-5232-4500-9036-431b157c4ee8" }, { "no": "4452", "title": "Stage Play Premiered and on Tour as Environmental Education for Kids", "preview": "The \"Little Carbon Detector’s Adventure\" of IF’Kids Theater Studio premiered at Taipei Children's Amusement Park on 27 July 2024. The joyful and educational performance received laughter from parents and children in the audience. The MOENV stated that family-friendly stage plays are always a good tool of environmental education for children. Carefully selected scripts and actors' subtle performances easily help children understand environmental protection and cultivate awareness. This tour started in Taipei and will continue on in nine counties including Tainan and Penghu. Seats are limited, so Those interested are encouraged to register for tickets quickly at the designated website.", "content": "The MOENV stated that the script of \"Little Carbon Detector’s Adventure\" was adapted from three winning works in previous environmental education picture book competitions. They include \" Little Carbon Detective of Ocean - Return to Good Times\" by Penghu County, \"Nini's Last Wish\" by Hualien County and \"Poco’s Adventure\" by Hsinchu County. Environmental protection topics such as climate change, emission reduction, cherishing energy, recycling and waste reduction were incorporated in the plays. Audience are able to follow the footsteps of the protagonists and enjoy the interesting story, and children can learn correct knowledge on environmental protection during the adventurous journey along the protagonists, thereby improving their environmental literacy.\nAttending the premiere, the MOENV Minister Peng Chih-Min mentioned that environmental protection concerns everyone and that no one can stay out of it. Therefore, environmental education should start from an early age, and family-friendly stage plays are a good tool. Actors’ rich body languages, stimulations from lighting and sound effects, and funny and interesting plots all draw children’s attention and allow them to learn about seemingly complex environmental issues while they are relaxed and laughing. This plants the seeds of environmental protection in the mind of children, which in turn affects families, changes society, and improves the environment.\nAfter the premiere, the tour will visit Tainan City, Penghu County, Hualien County, Yunlin County, Nantou County, Hsinchu County, Kaohsiung City, Changhua County, and Taichung City with one performance at each place. Tickets are available online by registration two to three weeks before the performance, and each person is limited to four tickets. For the performance schedules, locations and ticket registration, please visit: https:\/\/reurl.cc\/mMgRK9.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "7", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/f7ec9505-7303-4c44-b55e-ed98b236048b" }, { "no": "4451", "title": "MOENV Holds 4th Carbon Fee Rate Review Committee Meeting", "preview": "The MOENV held the fourth Carbon Fee Rate Review Committee meeting in the afternoon on 5 July 2024. The commission members engaged in discussion on the effects of CO2 reduction and the impacts of different fee rate scenarios per the resolutions made in previous meetings. The participating members all believed unanimously that the carbon fees in different rate scenarios have insignificant impacts on the macroeconomy (with GDP as an example) and consumer price index (CPI). However, the members requested MOENV to assess in greater details impacts on individual industries, the results of which will be evaluated in the next meeting for a more comprehensive development of carbon fee rates.", "content": "The MOENV has come up with two carbon fee scenarios based on the preannounced draft of the Regulations Governing Collection of Carbon Fees (碳費收費辦法); a general one in which high risks of carbon leakage are not considered, and another one in which the same risks are considered for several industries. An assessment was conducted on the impacts on macroeconomy at the fee rate ranging from NT$100 to 1,000\/ton. The MOENV pointed out that the simulation proposed in the meeting was based on different fee rates and not finalized, only provided for reference. The participating members were encouraged to suggest more rates for further impact assessments. Under the general scenarios, impacts from the simulated fee rate range proposed this time (between NT$100 to 1,000\/ton) will fall between 0.04% and 0.4% on GDP and between 0.0269% and 0.2687% on CPI. Under the scenarios in which a 20% discount is provided for industries of high risks of carbon leakage, the impact is between 0.018% and 0.181% on GDP and between 0.0121% and 0.121% on CPI. Full discussions among the participating members concluded that the impacts on the macroeconomy is not significant. The next meeting will focus on impacts of different fee rate scenarios on individual industries.\nIn addition, the participating members suggested that the fee rates should be adjusted in stage in order to provide collection targets of carbon fees better reduction incentives and predictable reduction costs. Other suggestions include first setting mid- and long-term target rates (for 2030 for example) and then the initial fee rates and those for individual stages. As such, the members requested the MOENV to study similar practices in other countries and report the findings in the next meeting for review and Finally, regarding reduction results, the MOENV explained that Taiwan’s carbon fee collection system specifies that a premium fee rate is applicable to collection targets provided that they reach reduction goals set by their proposed voluntary reduction plan. The purpose is to motivate industries to achieve substantial reductions via economic incentives and to ensure collection targets achieve reduction results estimated by the designated reduction goals. The draft Designated Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals for Entities Subject to Carbon Fees (碳費徵收對象溫室氣體減量指定目標) specifies two reduction rates; one is industry-specific based on the science-based targets (SBT), and the other technical benchmark-specific. The MOENV’s preliminary estimation indicates collection targets’ total emissions lowered between 23% and 31% in the target year (2030) compared with those in 2022, assuming that all entities subject to carbon fee collection have proposed their own voluntary reduction plans and achieved the designated reduction goals. The Climate Change Administration (CCA) has established a section for the Carbon Fee Review Commission. Information concerning this meeting is available at the CCA’s website at https:\/\/gov.tw\/dBw.discussion.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "7", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/0f733977-10b7-4673-b382-b9603f62ce3b" }, { "no": "4450", "title": "Ministries of Environment, Labor, and Health and Welfare Hold Seminar on Adaptation to Extreme Temperatures", "preview": "Public concern is rising about extreme temperatures and other impacts due to climate change, making climate adaptation a priority topic. The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) invited the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Labor to jointly hold the \"Seminar on Countermeasures for High Temperatures due to Climate Change\" on 31 July 2024 in Taipei City. Experts, scholars and relevant agencies were invited to discuss topics such as high temperature warnings, urban cooling, and adaptations to safeguard human health. Dr. Peng Chi-Ming, Minister of Environment, participated in the entire seminar. The comments of all participating experts were included in the discussion of adaptation plans, with improvements and solutions expected to be proposed next year.", "content": "Minister Peng stressed that average annual temperatures worldwide are likely to rise by 0.5°C to 2°C compared to today, based on the current global warming trend and progress in carbon reduction. Now, the MOENV, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Ministry of Labor have taken the lead on measures to protect people from extreme temperatures. More ministries and agencies are expected to join the effort to create a resilient homeland that integrates \"disaster prevention, adaptation, and net-zero living\".\nMinister Peng said that extreme heat is the most important indicator when dealing with climate change. Adaptation and response strategies will require modifications over time. In the future, more ministries and agencies will be included in building a sound system to protect domestic security and all walks of life including residents and workers. Dr. Jih-Haw Chou, Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare, said that besides causing discomfort, extreme heat can be adverse to human health in many ways, such as worsening cardiovascular and heart disease, kidney problems, diabetes, and even psychological disorders. The Ministry of Health and Welfare will endeavour to educate the public on how to effectively face heat exhaustion and avoid heat-related health problems. The Ministry of Labor’s Director-General, Dr. Tzou Tzu-Lien, noted that many workers at private companies and government-operated businesses have considered taking leave due to high temperatures. The Ministry of Labor is currently looking at international research on the topic, examining preventive and risk-reduction measures, and formulating amendments to occupational safety and health facility regulations. In particular, businesses have been asked to provide more shading when temperatures reach the highest danger level, and rest areas to protect workers and citizens from heat-related problems.\nThe United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO) pointed out that June 2024 was the hottest June on record, with monthly climate records set for 13 consecutive months. The \"National Scientific Report on Climate Change 2024\" published by the MOENV and the National Science and Technology Council on 8 May also pointed out that there will be seven months of summer in Taiwan and temperatures will be as high as 36°C for up to 75 days if greenhouse gas emissions cannot be effectively controlled to curb global warming. Extreme heat increases the urban heat island effect and exacerbates heat-related health conditions. It may even increase the risk of fatal respiratory and cardiovascular episodes, and directly or indirectly cause adverse psychological conditions.\nThe seminar topics discussed covered two major issues: extreme heat warnings and urban cooling, and; adaptation to maintain health. \nOn the topic of extreme heat warnings and urban cooling, Chief Hong Ching-Shan of the Central Weather Administration, under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, said that scientific evidence shows global warming is bringing higher temperatures. He explained the threats posed by extreme heat and the need to prepare and make adaptations based on long-term climate trends. Dr. Lin Tzu-ping, Distinguished Professor at the Department of Architecture of National Cheng Kung University, shared his insights on how to assist the government to: develop urban cooling strategies and management strategies based on climate change research; use information systems to identify gaps in adaptation measures and strategies, and; establish public-private collaborations for social justice as temperatures rise, or “climate justice”. Commissioner Wang Yu-fen, of the Taipei City Government’s Department of Urban Development, shared Taipei City’s experience in promoting urban cooling programs for climate justice. \nOn the topic of adaptation to maintain health as temperatures rise, Professor Chang-fu Wu from the College of Public Health of National Taiwan University shared his thoughts on how communities can plan for adaptation through climate change risk assessment. Deputy Director Lung Shih-Chun of the Research Center for Environmental Changes of Academia Sinica introduced high temperature adaptation strategies for health and the digital tools available to help. Finally Chief Chang Kuo-Ming of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Ministry of Labor, explained a few actions that can be taken at workplaces to guard against heat-related hazards.\nThe seminar was a joint effort across various fields and departments for the purpose of increasing understanding of feasible strategies and what the government has been doing to combat extreme heat. The MOENV stated that adaptation to extreme heat and climate change requires not only cooperation across central government ministries and departments, but also joint promotion with local governments. For the first time, local governments are required to propose local climate change adaptation and implementation plans by the end of October 2024. The comments of experts gathered in this seminar will be provided to local governments to help them develop adaptation strategies, tailored to local conditions, for facing extreme heat issues.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "7", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/37e13052-aea9-44e8-b9eb-9695078693bd" }, { "no": "4449", "title": "MOENV Preannounces Draft Amendment to “Regulations of Fine Determination under Water Pollution Control Act”", "preview": "To clarify the amount of fines for violations of the Water Pollution Control Act, on 3 July 2024 the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) preannounced amendments to “Regulations of Fine Determination for Water Pollution Control Act” Keys to the amendment include ___ the violation patterns and calculation criteria for pollution caused by inappropriate collection and treatment of wastewater at camping sites, increased fines for discharge of wastewater (sewage) at specified distances from water bodies, or coasts by food industry operators and other processes that do not meet the regulatory scale of enterprises covered by the Act, bypass discharge and first-time serious violations within three years to which reducing fines are not be applicable, and clarification on penalties for polluting water bodies due to omissions and inadequate contingency measures.", "content": "The MOENV further explained the four key points in the amendment to the Regulations. First, the failure to properly collect and treat wastewater generated by camping sites is listed as a polluting act in response to the \"prohibition of acts that cause water pollution\" announced last year, which took effect on 1 March 2024. Therefore, the violation patterns and fine calculation criteria have been added. Secondly, it has been heard of discharge of high-concentration wastewater from food manufacturing, fermentation, and slaughtering processes that have not reached the scale of the notified stipulated control level for enterprises, and the penalty calculation points and the violation penalty base have been increased to deter illegal activities.\nFurthermore, the amendment excludes the circumstances of reducing fines, because violations such as bypassing discharges are inconsistent with the legislative intent of reducing fines. The reduced fines are not applicable to a violation that is serious or punishable by suspension of work for not having a permit document and that is the first within 3 years. Finally, water body pollution caused by negligence of factory operators are often fined for an amount based on \"failure to take emergency response measures in accordance with regulations.\" However, the \"failure to take emergency response measures in accordance with regulations\" can be either \"failure to take emergency response measures\" or \"Insufficient emergency response measures taken\". The culpability is different between both cases and, therefore, the penalties should be different.\nThe MOENV stressed that this amendment incorporates the practical needs of law enforcement within the scope of fines authorized by the current Water Pollution Control Act. The determination of fines is specified as the basis for the MOENV and local environmental protection bureaus to determine fines and improve the efficiency of law enforcement and administration. The information related to the release of this amendment is provided in the attached file, which is available for download at the Executive Yuan Gazette Online at http:\/\/gazette.nat.gov.tw\/egFront\/ three days after the release date.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "7", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/a3fb966f-f55d-4007-849f-366dd31bc2b6" }, { "no": "4448", "title": "MOENV Tightens Fuel Regulations for Boilers Without Valid Installation Permit", "preview": "The regulations applicable to the three power plants operating on solid recovered fuel (SRF) in Taoyuan City caused quite a stir recently. The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) stated that these power plants are stationary pollution sources subject to the Air Pollution Control Act (hereinafter referred to as the APCA) that require a permit to operate. The APCA specifies that the three SRF power plants need an installation permit from the Taoyuan City Government before establishing pollution sources. The MOENV pointed out that the \"Emission Standards for Air Pollutants from Boilers\" preannounced on 20 June 2024 were tightened in response to public concerns about emissions of dioxins and other pollutants. The \"New Boiler\" regulations apply to boilers that have not yet acquired an installation permit issued by the local government as required by law.", "content": "The MOENV explained that it is necessary for the competent environmental protection authorities to keep a track of how pollution sources operate and the charcteristics of their pollution emissions. Article 24 of the APCA specifies that public and private premises possessing stationary pollution sources shall apply for permits for installation, operation and fuel use prior to installation or modification, and the facilities shall not start operating as permitted until they are approved in a test run, functional test or other review procedure to confirm the fuel use complies with applicable criteria and air pollution controls are in place at the facilities, for the ultimate purpose of pollution prevention. In order to avoid confusion in terms of applicability, the MOENV will add the purposes of the APCA to the applicable objects of the draft \"Emission Standards for Air Pollutants from Boilers\", making it clear that boilers that have not obtained an installation permit shall be identified as newly installed boilers.\nIn addition, combustible general industrial wastes in Taiwan go through screening, crushing and mixing to be turned into SRF based on development trends in advanced jurisdictions such as European countries and Japan, to be used as boiler fuel and reducing CO2 emissions. Regarding past concerns about management and matters, on 22 March 2024 the MOENV amended the \"Technical Guidelines and Quality Specifications for the Manufacturing of Solid Recovered Fuels\" (固體再生燃料製造技術指引與品質規範) strengthening the review system and management regulations. The \"SRF Operation Checkup Consultation Group\" was also established to diagnose problems and provide suggestions for improvements via factory visits, inspections and counseling. The checkup report will be ready in September 2024.\nThe MOENV will continue to review and integrate relevant regulations, propose SRF management measures within three months after the completion of the checkup report, and discuss better management through the use of digital tools. Subsequently, the MOENV will examine the dynamics and benefits of SRF operations, and expect to produce a white paper on SRF before the end of 2024. In the medium and long term, the MOENV will help the industry develop an alliance of its own, establish comprehensive self-regulatory mechanisms from manufacturing to use, build a good environment for conversion of wastes into SRF energy sources, reduce public concerns and maintain environmental quality.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "7", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/5738e24f-7119-40cc-bf20-ae22bd49c167" }, { "no": "4447", "title": "MOENV and Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum Unveil Environmental Educational Facility and Permanent Exhibition", "preview": "To promote the concept of net-zero green life and environmental education, on 19 July 2024 the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the unveiling ceremony of the Front Hall of Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum as an environmental education facility and the opening ceremony of the permanent exhibition, “Environmental Protection Miracles in the Dusts of Life”. Speakers at the ceremony invited the public to live a net-zero green life together and do one’s part for the planet through simple changes in daily habits.", "content": "As part of its hard work promoting net-zero green living in daily life the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) cooperated with the Buddhist organization Fo Guang Shan to install the permanent exhibition of \"A Green New Era - Environmental Protection Miracles in the Dusts of Life” on the second floor of the Front Hall of Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum in Kaohsiung. The exhibition will be ongoing until 30 November 2025. The exhibits display six aspects of life, \"Zero-waste low-carbon diet (food)\", \"Environment-friendly green fashion (clothing)\", \"Healthy and energy-efficient green buildings (housing)\", \"Low-carbon transportation network (travel)\", \"Sustainable sightseeing and leisurely travel (recreation)\" and \"services instead of purchases (purchasing)\", to lead the public to environment-friendly daily practices. The changes in one person's daily actions may seem insignificant, but the environment will have a chance to change for the better if everyone does a little more.\nIn addition, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum was certified by the MOENV as an environmental education facility on 23 April 2024. On 19 July 2024, Minister of Environment Dr. Peng Chi-Ming, abbot of Fo Guang Shan Master Xin Bao, and Kaohsiung City Mayor Chen Chi-Mai together unveiled the museum as an environmental education facility. The site has rich natural ecological resources and a Buddhist botanical garden. It follows the concept of the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Master Hsing Yun, of \"environmental protection and heart protection\" , , combining the Buddhist idea of compassionate care and environmental protection with environmental protection behaviors. The museum helps the public understand the relationship between the natural environment and human activities, thereby encouraging low-carbon and environment-friendly behaviors and habits in daily life. \nMinister Peng said that it is better to start a net-zero green life from an early age. Every child is a future minister of environment. He hoped that the exhibition and environmental education activities motivate people to follow the concepts of net-zero green life in their daily lives. All are invited to join the ranks of net-zero green living, leaving a beautiful pure land for the next generation, and working together for the goal of Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero emission.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "7", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/50fd95f2-42c2-4a02-a0ee-fd43eb650662" }, { "no": "4446", "title": "Textile Circulation Alliance Established to Weave a Sustainable Future", "preview": "To promote the circulation of textile resources and stay in line with international trends, the Resource Circulation Administration of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) established the \"Textile Circulation Alliance\" and held its founding conference on 16 July 2024. The \"Sustainable Fashion Mark\" was issued to alliance members who comply with the \"Textile Circulation Guidelines for the Franchise Apparel Industry and Department Store Retailing Industry\" for consumers to identify.", "content": "There are currently 66 members in the Textile Circulation Alliance , comprising those in the up-, mid- and downstream textile circulation industry chain such as raw material producers, brand manufacturers, department stores, the material circulation processing industry, and industrial, governmental, academic and research sectors. Alliance members are moving toward green design, circular procurement, sustainable consumption, smart sorting, recovered fiber certification, and industrial innovation through communications, mutual matchmaking, and strategies such as integrating the latest research on textile circulation at home and abroad, to improve the development of Taiwan’s textile circular economy model.\nDr. Chih-Hsiu Shen, Deputy Minister of Environment, pointed out that the textile industry is a major industry worldwide, producing 4% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In recent years, the fast fashion trend has increased the frequency of people replacing old clothes with new ones, generating a large amount of post-consumption waste. The international community is working to improve circulation of materials from the fashion industry. For example, the EU's \"2030 Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles\" requires industry players to achieve \"textile to textile\" (T to T) from design to recycling, and regulates the use of digital passports for information disclosure.\nTextiles are included in the eight strategies for \"resource circulation with zero waste\" as a key action item for Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero carbon emission path. The Resource Circulation Administration is working hard to promote textile circulation in order to reach the 80% circulation rate target, and assisted with establishing the Textile Circulation Alliance, to take inventory based on the textile life cycle of companies throughout the up-, mid- and downstream of Taiwan's textile manufacturing industry, including brand labels, department stores and recycling industries. After studying consumer behavior, policies such as circular procurement guidelines and public and private sector procurement regulations have also been put forward one after another to guide the actions of industry players.\nIn addition, in order to guide the concept of environment-friendly design and cultivate talent, and stay up to date on the latest environmental regulations and policies, academic, research and government units were invited by the Textile Circulation Alliance to the event [SPECIFY: WHICH EVENT AGAIN?] and to establish an industry-government-university-research communication platform. The alliance has six goals in mind: promoting green textile designs, circular textile procurement, encouraging innovation in the textile industry, promoting sustainable consumption behavior, establishing a verification mechanism for recovered fibers, and providing guidance on the establishment of smart sorting facilities. All members will work together to promote work related to textile circulation.\nMembers were invited to the signing ceremony to launch the establishment of the Textile Circulation Alliance. , and Members who joined the Sustainable Fashion Alliance were presented the \"Sustainable Fashion Mark\" in accordance with the \"Textile Circulation Guidelines for the Franchise Apparel Industry and Department Store Retailing Industry Textile Circulation Guidelines for the Franchise Apparel Industry and Department Store Retailing Industry\" in recognition of the efforts of brand names and department stores in textile circulation. Benchmark companies were invited to share their insights on the future trends and challenges of a circular economy for textiles, as well as share practical experience in sustainable textile circulation.\nDr. Lai Yingying, Director General of the Resource Circulation Administration, pointed out that this alliance connects the entire \"textile ecosystem\" from raw material production, brands, department stores to circulation industries. The alliance will provide a communication platform through regular meetings or workshops, communicate and interact with all parts of society, continue to listen to what people have to say about the promotion of textile circulation, shape the textile circulation supply chain network, establish an important communication channel between enterprises and governments, work together to promote textile circulation, and produce social media posts, videos or electronic publications to present the achievements of alliance members.\nDr. Lai pointed out that some of the fastest ways to achieve textile circulation are functional clothing made of a single material which are designed to be easily disassembled for more uniform procurement of recovered materials. Services like circular procurement, renting instead of buying, and exchange are other textile circulation issues. In the future, not only the textile industry will continue to call for the support and response of more industrial, governmental, academic and research units, but similar alliances will also form in the food, electronics and circulation processing industries to enhance Taiwan's industrial competitiveness in the international market on the basis of sustainable resource use.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "7", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/d949ec2f-b25f-4e54-aa33-ef01c01d7aa7" }, { "no": "4445", "title": "Green Point Program Celebrates One Millionth Member, Additional Prizes Offered", "preview": "“Every point you collect is something you do for the Earth!” On 23 July 2024, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held a press conference to announce “A New Milestone – One Million Green Point Members”. In addition to awarding a million Green Points to the “one millionth registered member”, the MOENV announced the beginning of the “Celebrating the One Millionth Member” festival. Several Green Point distributors matched the effort with premium discounts to show their gratitude to members who have been adopting environment-friendly practices.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that the one millionth member just joined Team Taiwan, which practices net-zero green life through green consumption and public transportation. Thanks go to the joint efforts of the public, distributors, green service providers and government departments involved. On average there has been one member registered every four minutes, and a green product sold every seven seconds.\nThe MOENV’s statistics indicate that 70% of the one million registered members are still using the Green Point app, and 50% remain active members. In terms of participation, 66.9% of Green Points are awarded for using public transportation, while green consumption and environmental actions account for nearly 40% each. Among the active members, 12% purchase green products every month, and most of these members are in Hsinchu City and New Taipei City. In the previous year, 33.7% of members have taken environmental actions, with most of these members in Kaohsiung City and Penghu County. Most active members who take public transportation to collect Green Points are in Taipei City and New Taipei City. This shows that Green Point collection has become a part of daily life for many people, as they start a new net-zero green life buying green products, taking public transportation, and participating in charity events for environmental protection.\nDr. Peng Chi-Ming, Minister of Environment, referred to the story of making \"stone soup\", in which everyone contributes a little to jointly make progress from scratch. “I believe this pot of stone soup will be delicious as long as it goes in the right direction and everybody plays a part in it.” He believed that it would not be difficult to work together for a net-zero green life, thanks to the government's investment of resources and now with over a million members signed up.\nMinister Peng said that he often opens the Green Point app to check his account. The continuous accumulation of a few green points collected every time he took public transportation has produced results. The MOENV’s statistics show that Green Points have incentivized an increase of economic benefits by a factor of 18.1 times for members and point distributors.\nMinister Peng said that the MOENV will continue to encourage more companies to partner with the MOENV through distributing Green Points, to accelerate progress together. Currently, most members are females aged 31-50 and males 41-50. The MOENV will continue promoting the Green Point system to young people, hoping they will adopt more net-zero green practices under the Green Point incentive program to build a new way of life together.\nAmong Green Point distributors, the retailer Leezen has been selling organic fruits and vegetables for 26 years, now offering about 800 organic and environment-friendly products.\"The meals you eat are the most direct opportunity to practice environmental protection.\" A discussion with the MOENV about how green points is collected from buying organic fruits and vegetables led to Leezen joining the Green Point collection system at the end of 2023. Leezen’s own members enthusiastically embraced becoming Green Point members, and the coupons provided by Leezen have become popular to collect for credit redemption.\n\"Net-zero green life includes you and me.\" Thirteen distributors -- RT-Mart, Aimai, E-Life Mall, Tsann Kuen, Hi-Life, FamilyMart, 7-ELEVEN, Simple Mart, Leezen, ET Mall, EP-Life, PChome and Super Point -- that are part of the Green Point collection system were present to celebrate the one millionth Green Point member registration. E-Life Mall, Tsann Kuen, 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, Leezen, Simple Mart and Aimai rolled out a number of discount packages, encouraging shoppers to choose green products bearing environmental protection labels and carbon footprint labels.\nThe MOENV also announced that new and old members may take advantage of the “Celebrating One Millionth Member” event from 23 July to 31 August. There will be opportunities to win an Apple Watch SE (GPS) 44mm, green sustainable trips, bonus Green Point awards and many more, by collecting Green Points, registering accounts with distributors and taking specified actions. The MOENV explained that all Green Points are accumulated automatically once the simple step of setting up an account is done. All are welcome to become a member, be informed of Green Point discounts, choose green products, and live a net-zero green life.\nThe MOENV expressed that Green Point collection will continue to expand green shopping services for Green Points and incentivize more environment-friendly actions to guide the public towards living a net-zero green life. One simple action, however small, can make a big difference in the world if multiplied. The MOENV also sincerely invites more people to join in Green Point collection, act to protect the environment and contribute to a good future for the Earth. Everyone is welcome to download the Green Points APP and become a member, to \"Go with the green points and live a net-zero life!\"\n", "year": "2024", "month": "7", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/e50c48c6-8e54-43f5-aaf1-b1cae3dba5df" }, { "no": "4444", "title": "Taiwan and USA Host Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop Soil and Groundwater Remediation", "preview": "Taiwan has never slowed its pace of developing technologies for soil and groundwater pollution investigation and remediation. It is always looking to introduce environmental protection technology from advanced countries to refine, improve and localize its own technology, which is how the nation maintains its leading position in the Asia-Pacific region. Thanks to the US-Taiwan Cooperation Agreement for Environmental Protection (臺美環保合作協定), the Environmental Management Administration of the Ministry of Environment (hereinafter the EMA) invited seven experts from the United States and Australia to take part in the “2024 International Workshop for Soil and Groundwater Technology in the US and Taiwan” held on 27-28 June 2024 at National Cheng Kung University in Tainan. More than 200 international and domestic participants from governmental, industrial and academic sectors took the opportunity to learn about development trends regarding advanced remediation technologies and management strategies for internationally significant emerging pollutants.", "content": "Dr. Peng Chi-Ming, Minister of Environment, said in his opening speech that clean soil and groundwater are the basis for protecting human health and the ecosystem, as they are important to achieving the goals of sustainable development (such as SDG2 zero hunger, SDG6 water and sanitation, and SDG15 life on land). In particular, to face extreme weather events due to climate change, an array of greener, more sustainable and resilient methods and tools are needed when planning remediation solutions. On top of that, the challenges of emerging pollutants also need to be dealt with. The MOENV has started working on the investigation and management of such pollutants. This workshop provided an outstanding opportunity to share experiences with emerging trends in pollutant remediation and management and to interact with specialists in this area and with experts on how to mend the environment and keep the earth sustainable for all. \nDr. Jane Nishida, Assistant Administer of the US EPA, stated in her remarks that the US EPA has been working very closely with Taiwan’s MOENV on protecting the environment since the 1990s. Dr. Nishida expressed her gratitude to the US EPA, Taiwan’s MOENV, and the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Fund Management Board (ReSAG) for organizing this event. She stressed that soil and groundwater pollution has become a serious threat to human health, particularly to the socially disadvantaged, children and the elderly, and that is why it is important to improve pollution site remediation capabilities. She hoped the workshop would encourage the exchange of professional knowledge and serve to protect the environment in the Asia-Pacific region. \nThe MOENV stated that experts were invited from the United States and Australia for this international event held by Taiwan to share their insights on the management of emerging pollutants around the world, and how to deal with them by examining practical examples. The EMA also invited the official representatives of nine ReSAG member countries to share their knowledge about the latest remediation technology, management strategies and implementation experiences. Several experts from Taiwan were invited to interact with the international guests, bringing them quickly up to date on the latest international developments. Guests and participants quickly started discussions as soon as the workshop started. \nAnother aspect of the international workshop was the display of Taiwan’s twelve most advanced soil and groundwater pollution remediation and environmental protection technologies, including for soil washing, which are the fruits of cooperative efforts between the MOENV, academia and the industrial sector. Experts from governmental, academic and industrial sectors demonstrated how these technologies work and the results they produce to US and Australian experts and official ReSAG representatives. While visiting the demonstration display, Mr. Shen Chih-Shiu, Deputy Minister of Environment, expressed that he was happy to see Taiwan demonstrate novel environmental protection technology at an international event, demonstrating the nation’s leading position in environmental pollution investigation and remediation technology. He hoped to promote the technologies in the Asia-Pacific region, showing that “Taiwan Can Help” regional neighbors with the prevention and remediation of soil and groundwater pollution, and encourage regional cooperation for environmental protection in general. \nThe EMA stressed that the protection of soil and groundwater is the last line of defense for a habitable Earth. As an important actor for environmental protection in the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan will continue to work with advanced countries to develop green and sustainable remediation technologies and pollution prevention strategies, while sharing the results of cooperation with regional neighbors to protect soil, water and homelands.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "6", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/aa80c98f-d58d-4475-a7ba-848ad0bf1a00" }, { "no": "4443", "title": "Post-COVID GHG Emissions Dropping in Taiwan in Contrast to Global Trend", "preview": "To align with the most recent international specifications, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) worked with relevant departments to develop the “National Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory (2004)” (hereinafter the GHG emission inventory) according to Article 13 of the Climate Change Response Act. The inventory was published on the “Open Climate Information Platform” on 25 June 2024. It shows that Taiwan’s 2022 GHG emissions were 285.97 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). After deducting 21.83 MtCO2e to account for carbon sinks, the net GHG emission was 264.13 MtCO2e, a decrease of 4.07% compared to 2032 and 1.77% compared to the base year of 2005. The inventory data reflects that Taiwan has been doing its part in energy transformation and GHG reduction in every department. Taiwan has gone a long way regarding GHG reduction, in contrast to increased post-COVID GHG emissions around the world.", "content": "The following are the key points of this GHG emission inventory: \n(1) Attachment 1 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) asks all members to submit a national inventory report (NIR) every year for the previous two years. Although not a UNFCCC member, Taiwan has produced its own NIR every year, adhering to the IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. This year, Taiwan decided to follow the resolution of UNFCCC COP27 and adopted the global warming potential (GWP) values in the 5th IPCC assessment report for the inventory. \n(2) Taiwan’s historic record of total GHG emissions shows that its emissions peaked in 2007 then started a decline to 2020. Despite the increase in 2021 as the economy revived after the COVID pandemic and as power consumption increased, the emissions took a downturn again in 2022. As for CO2 emission intensity, in 2022 it was 0.01191 kgCO2\/NTD in 2022, a decrease of 5.62% compared to 2021. \n(3) The complete report and executive summary of the “National Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory (2004)” are available for download at the “Open Climate Information Platform”.\nPost-COVID GHG emissions reached a high in 2022 globally, while emissions decreased in Taiwan.\nThe Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research, EDGAR, operated by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, released the “GHG Emissions of All World Countries” report, indicating that global GHG emissions reached a record high of 53.8 GtCO2e in 2022, a 1.37% increase as opposed to 2021. In addition, the “CO2 Emissions in 2023” published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicated a 1.3% increase in global energy-related GHG emissions in 2022 compared to 2021, suggesting a constant increase of GHG emissions as the economy came back to life in the post-COVID era. In comparison, Taiwan has shown a decrease in 2022 in both the total GHG emissions (3.78% less than in 2021) and energy-related emissions (3.39% less than in 2021), indicating that Taiwan has not aligned with the general worldwide trend of rising GHG emissions during the post-COVID economic rebound. \nTaiwan’s GHG emissions and economic growth showed a decoupling trend in 2022, placing Taiwan among the best-performing countries in the world. \nIn contrast to advanced countries, Taiwan displayed 2.60% economic growth in 2022 compared to 2021, a clear sign that GHG emissions and economic growth are decoupling. This suggests that Taiwan has produced outstanding results in promoting green growth and transition to low-carbon. It has been particularly remarkable that it maintained a downward slide for GHG emissions while keeping the economy growing, putting Taiwan among countries of significant performance in this regard. \nFacing the daunting task of net-zero transition by 2050, Taiwan still has to pick up the pace for CO2 reduction. \nThe MOENV points out that it has been busy taking climate action in terms of legislation, systems and policy. With the promulgation of the Climate Change Response Act in 2023, all relevant ministries and agencies are getting involved in the 2050 net-zero path and the 12 key strategic action plans. In August 2023, the National Council for Sustainable Development revealed the annual goals for six major departments regarding improvement of the GHG management and auditing system, including an annual achievement report. In his inauguration speech on 20 May 2024, President William Lai said that his “National Hope Engineering” incorporates the five strategies for 2050 net-zero transition. The MOENV is positively promoting a carbon pricing and market system, leading the industrial sector through transition to low-carbon, and examining progress towards established goals based on the emissions inventory, thus moving toward the ultimate goal of “net-zero transition, sustainable Taiwan”. \n", "year": "2024", "month": "6", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/e6e27ce7-ccd5-4e91-9096-1447c591653b" }, { "no": "4442", "title": "2024 World Environment Day Promotes “Less Plastics for Better Health”", "preview": "Health starts from eating locally, in season, and with no plastics! Lining up with the 2024 World Environment Day theme of “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience”, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV), joined by local environmental bureaus and residents, held an event on 1 June 2024 at the Peng-Shu Forest Park in Douliu, Yunlin County, entitled “2024 World Environment Day – Less Plastics for Better Health”. A series of interactive displays and games helped members of the public better understand the close relationship between land and food, and the impact of plastics on health. Taking care of one's own health and cherishing the earth's resources start with green living in daily life, and reducing plastics is a part of this. The event also encouraged everyone to work together towards 2050 net zero goals.", "content": "Promotional displays, games and hands-on demonstrations were arranged at the event to help members of the public learn in a lively and interactive way that choosing seasonal and local ingredients reduces the use of plastic packaging materials and reduces carbon emissions from transportation. There was a booth for borrowing environmentally friendly tableware, allowing the public to immediately experience how to reduce plastic and eat healthily. The local food ingredients were fresh, delicious and nutritious. The stage area featured a series of musical performances, picture books and musical story presentations, with the theme of \"plastic reduction and food conservation\". Short and interesting musical stories helped adults and children understand that changes in every aspect of life can contribute to plastic reduction and food conservation. All are encouraged to change their habits and love the land and the planet.\nBooths such as ones titled \"The Plastics You Must Know\" raised awareness of plastics, the environmental and ecological impacts caused by carelessly throwing away plastic wastes, how to take action to reduce plastics and environmentally friendly handmade products. There was also a \"Reduce Plastics and Eat Local\" market area, featuring Ministry of Environment booths promoting \"Green Food\", \"Green Tourism\", and \" Reporting Public Nuisances\". In addition, an anti-corruption booth was set up to demonstrate government integrity to the public through interactive games, and to deepen the public's understanding of an honest and capable government through education and entertainment. Meanwhile, local environmental protection agencies from 19 counties\/cities presented seasonal high-quality, environment-friendly produce from various places, including banana and fruit vinegar from Qishan, Kaohsiung City, organic fruit and small vegetable potted plants from Yunlin County, and NG beef jerky and NG Gong Tang candy from Kinmen County. \"Dapu Community, Gukeng Township\" in Yunlin County, which won the 3rd National Environmental Education Award Local Preliminary Excellence Category, and 111-year old \"Cuozai Community, Lin Nei Township\" in Yunlin County, which won the Green Cuisine Championship in 2022, were invited to demonstrate the use of seasonal, local, and premium ingredients to make dishes not only good for health, but that also reduce harm to the environment from plastic waste.\nPrior to the activities that day, in early June 2024 the MOENV held the online sharing activity of \"Plastic Reduction for Me\", inviting the public to join the action of \"Plastic Reduction for Me, whether you and I, how small a good deed is”. All who love the earth are welcome to follow the \"Ministry of Environment Facebook Fan Page\" and reduce plastics for the sake of our common environment.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "6", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/66f8fdd5-4d9c-4610-97bf-262f723e5c72" }, { "no": "4441", "title": "Environmental Management Administration Introduces E-tracking for Pollution Prevention to Replace End-of-Pipe Management", "preview": "To improve the efficiency of environmental law enforcement and effectively deal with environmental pollution problems, the Ministry of Environment’s Environmental Management Administration (EMA) has introduced E-tracking, a digital technology tool for environmental tracking and analysis, which is combined with IoT, AI identification and data analysis to discover in a timely manner suspicious pollution sources through data analysis, thus helping to proactively deal with pollution problems immediately and reduce the occurrence of major pollution incidents.", "content": "In recent years in Taiwan, there has been an annual average of 270,000 public nuisance reports related to pollution, equivalent to one report every two minutes. The number of reports remain high and there are not enough inspectors to deal with them all. On top of that, environmental crimes have been evolving with increasingly sophisticated plots, making it more difficult for inspectors to trace where pollutants come from and to obtain evidence. \nTo solve the new difficulties faced by law enforcement, the EMA introduced the E-tracking tool. With this tool, the currently established environmental law enforcement information system is accessed for digital applications and for use in data analysis, thus enabling law enforcement personnel to more efficiently use manpower, time and materials for inspections. For example: visual analysis tools are developed and used to monitor pollution hotspots; a license plate AI recognition system is set up to instantly trip an alert whenever suspected illegally abandoned vehicles are spotted; and data on listed companies are collected and integrated in one single system to handle data on enterprises and facilitate broader investigations and analysis of data on suspected illegal operations. \nStatistics from the EMA suggest that the introduction of the E-tracking tool has been effective. The number of public nuisance reports regarding pollution dropped from 279,383 in 2021 to 264,315 in 2023, a decrease of 15,000. Concurrently, despite limited inspection manpower, the number of violations found and fines issued by every inspector increased year by year. From 2021 to 2023, the number of violations found per inspector increased from 98 to 188, and the average amount of fines issued per inspector rose from NT$657,000 to NT$799,000. The statistics also indicate the effectiveness of the new license plate AI recognition system, installed to apprehend commercial waste disposal vehicles that fail to operate as they normally should, in violation of Subparagraph 3, Paragraph 1, Article 31 of the Waste Disposal Act. The number of violations discovered increased from 28 in 2023 to 83 in the first quarter of 2024. Clearly, the new law enforcement tools have improved the efficiency of inspections. \nThe EMA stated that the introduction of E-tracking represents a transition from end-of-pipe inspections to preventive management that reduces environmental pollution at source. The EMA continues to monitor 24\/7 to prevent pollution and enforce environmental laws.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "6", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/fa0cac3c-78ab-4afe-8272-3674a0031ac7" }, { "no": "4440", "title": "Ministry of Environment Publishes Amended Guide for Greenhouse Gas Verification to Ensure Quality of Verification Bodies", "preview": "A number of mechanisms and requirements, such as carbon fee collection and intensified voluntary reduction, were established in response to the amendment of the Climate Change Response Act (hereinafter the Climate Act) on 15 February 2023. These are part of the foundation for the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Taiwan, and the requirements in this regard are generally being tightened around the world. The latests amendments to the guide are intended to strengthen the requirements for independence and impartiality of verification bodies and their workers. A code of ethics has been added for verification bodies in addition to minor adjustments based on the changes in the inventory and verification sub-laws. The purpose is to guarantee the reliability and credibility of Taiwan’s inventory and verification data as the basis of the nation’s carbon pricing mechanism and the force driving progress toward the national goal of net-zero by 2050.", "content": "The guide was amended in three aspects: new requirements for impartiality and independence of GHG verification bodies; a code of ethics and relevant courses for these bodies, and; principles to follow for verification. These are described below. \n(1) Improve the fairness and independence of GHG verification bodies\nVerification bodies shall perform greenhouse gas verifications as a third party from a detached position. Thus, this amendment is focused specifically on the code of practice for impartiality and independence. It has been added that a verification body shall have no affiliation with the entity being verified; also, a verification body that is a non-profit corporation shall not verify its sponsor(s). In order to maintain the impartiality and independence of the verification body, personnel performing verification tasks shall not have nor develop close personal relationships with important workers of the entity being verified, which produces greenhouse gases and data on production processes.\n(2) Eliminate confusion around courses for GHG verification personnel \nSome entities have misleadingly publicized that they offer programs leading to accepted qualifications as GHG verification specialists. To deal with this, a code of ethics has been added in Chapter 1 of the amendment stating that training programs provided by verification bodies must be designed to prepare trainees to become professional verification specialists, however they will not be permitted to publicize that trainees will become legal verification specialists after receiving a certificate for completing their training programs. \n(3) Specify GHG verification procedures and improve GHG verification quality\nThis amendment to the guide is based on that of the “Regulations for Management of Inventory, Registration and Verification of Greenhouse Gases”. It defines the scope and parameters of verification, determines emission coefficients, examines heat values and sources of carbon, and adds key points to be covered in the verification report. Also added are principles for case splitting in ad hoc verification cases, and definitions for the size of micro and small voluntary reduction projects. \nThe MOENV pointed out that the amendments will take effect on 1 January 2025 to allow ample time for enterprises to prepare for the new regulations on GHG verification. These amendments to the guide aim to serve as a technical basis for verification bodies in their operations, helping them maintain and then improve the quality of verification, and gradually improve Taiwan’s GHG verification management system.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "6", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/b83722e3-da02-42f4-811d-3b6b55d8d52d" }, { "no": "4439", "title": "Ministry of Environment Announces Amendments to “Permit Registration and Approval Regulations for Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances”", "preview": "To promote the integration of environmental protection permits, improve management efficiency and reduce administrative work, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) added stipulations that new applications, changes, alterations or extensions involving other types of environmental protection permits (documents) shall be submitted at the same time, along with other requirements such as the principles of review by municipal and local competent authorities and the deadlines for issuing permits.", "content": "The MOENV stated that the amendments to the \"Permit Registration and Approval Regulations for Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances\" were designed for the integration of various environmental protection permits, where factory operators have to prepare and submit drawings indicating the flows of air, water, wastes, toxic and concerned chemical substances of entire sites before applying for, changing or extending permits for manufacturing or using toxic and concerned chemicals, registration documents and approval documents. The same shall apply to applications, changes, alterations or extensions involving other types of environmental protection permits (documents).\nTo improve the overall management efficiency of toxic and concerned chemical substances, another amendment stipulates that upon the approval of municipal or local governments, and after an operator submits the approved permit, registration document and approval document as required, the review agency shall certify and issue the permit, registration document and approval document within 14 days. \n", "year": "2024", "month": "6", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/850a9f93-1576-4b3e-a713-6724e3a4376a" }, { "no": "4438", "title": "Connect SRF management to the world; Ministry of Environment is developing a consultation group for business operation checkup, as it is everybody’s responsibility to protect the environment", "preview": "A public concern arose as 3 SRF operations were chosen at the Taoyuan Environmental Protection Technology Park. As the agency in charge of environmental protection, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) expresses that they are planning to establish an SRF consultant group for full-scale checkups and industrial consultation for SRF manufacturers and users. The group is intended to identify potential issues and come up with viable solutions. The local government needs to have the ability to deal with wastes within their own jurisdictions, while asking all new plants to comply with all applicable regulations for issuing a permit. On top of that, it is necessary to communicate with the public and uphold environmental justice. Local governments may punish companies that fail to comply with environmental protection laws.", "content": "The conversion of wastes into useful resources is one way for Taiwan to reach net zero. Taiwan has started the conversion of combustible wastes into fuel by studying the development trends in advanced countries like EU and Japan. For better management, the MOENV amended the “Technical Guidelines and Quality Specifications for Manufacturing Solid Recovered Fuel (固體再生燃料製造技術指引與品質規範)” again on 22 March 2024 for intensified material source management. Our own SRF quality standards are established based on ISO standards, and a product classification system developed. Manufacturers are subject a 3-stage technical review (document review, field visit and trial run), and a mechanism for joint review by central and local governments are created to improve review quality and ensure that manufacturers have the ability to produce SRF. For the manufacturing of SRF, scrapped paper, plastics, wood and other non-hazardous and combustible wastes are selected from assortment of wastes, and subject to purification and homogenization before being converted into solid recovered fuel (SRF) complying with quality standards. The source of materials, manufacturing process and where the products are sold to are scrutinized for compliance with requirements. The SRF products are supplied for boilers fueled by coals, which not only solves the headache of increasing quantity of wastes, but also replace the use of coal for CO2 reduction. \nThe public, on the other hand, has doubts about the deterioration of air quality that may come with the use of SRF. For this, the MOENV is working to review and integrate the regulations involved and specifies strictly that the facilities for which the use of SRF is permitted are fluidized bed boilers, rotary cement kilns or power generators complying with the Regulations for Installation and Management of Renewable Energy Generation Equipment, and the facilities in question shall be equipped with pollution control against dioxin, particulate matters, sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide. For the SRF users at the same time, the dioxin criteria will be tightened and frequency of regular inspections increased based on European and Japanese standards. The relevant regulations are expected to be developed by the end of June 2024 for intensified control on the air pollutant emissions by SRF users and reduced impacts on air quality. \nThe MOENV points out that the SRF management needs to follow its position in the world, and a sound management solution established for manufacturers and users to follow the applicable regulations. The MOENV is planning to assemble the “consultation group for SRF operation checkups” to run a checkup on and provide industrial guidance for SRF manufacturers and users, and help them identify potential issues and ultimately advise improvement solutions. For the time being, the focus is on providing industrial guidance, diagnose problems and provide solutions and checkup reports; and for the long run, the goal is to examine the dynamics and benefits of SRF operations, propose a white paper on SRF development, and help businesses with the establishment of an alliance for a good development environment for SRF to turn waste into energy.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "6", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/874a02e6-ad14-4b71-ad1a-87d0c09ffa36" }, { "no": "4437", "title": "Ministry of Environment Renews MOU with Tzu Chi for Promotion of Environmental Sustainability", "preview": "Dr. Peng Chi-Ming, Minister of Environment, and Mr. Po-Wen Yen, CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation, signed the MOU of “Clean at Source; Environmental Protection for Earth” on 5 June 2024, the World Environment Day. It is an effort between government and private sector to increase the influence of environmental education and call on the public for environmental protection.", "content": "The Environmental Protection Administration, predecessor of Ministry of Environment (MOENV), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Tzu Chi Foundation in 2020, promoting environmental knowledge to people of all ages, such as energy efficiency and CO2 reduction, recycling and reduction from source, in multiple types of events. In addition, the Tzu Chi Taichung Jing Si Hall was certified by MOENV as a of environmental education in 2022, where interactive programs are provided for disaster prevention and rescue, circular economy and green life, thus improving the capacity of environmental education. \nDr. Peng Chih-Ming, Minister of Environment, who has been a Tzu Chi voluntary worker for years, felt honored that the he renewed the MOU with Tzu Chi on behalf of the MOENV. He was the weather anchor of Da-Ai TV for 17 years. Not just reporting weathers, he gave many speeches at several voluntary worker stations, communicating with people face to face for positive influence. For years, Dr. Peng has been the Tzu Chi’s climate change consultant in COP conferences. He knows how much Tzu Chi can do in the world as an NGO. \nMr. Yen, CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation. Pointed out that the cooperation in the last 4 years was focused mostly on spreading the ideas of environmental protection and net zero. For this renewal, more contents were added, such as reduction of cigarette butts; i.e., the environment can be cleaner and impacts on the environment can be reduced by asking smokers not to litter cigarette butts and filters. Mr. Yen confessed the he had no idea why something as small as cigarette butts can be such a big threat to the environment, since cigarette butts are a rare sight when Tzu Chi is involved. Tzu Chi is not only going to ask its members to quit smoking for reduction from source, but also spread the idea that cigarette butts can be harmful to the ocean and marine ecology. \nThe most previous resource of Tzu Chi is its powerful energy emitted by its voluntary workers, as added by Mr. Yen, and Tzu Chi will continue to work with the government policy of net-zero transition to promote net-zero green life from how we eat, wear, live, travel, entertain and buy as an attempt to change people’s life styles and live a low-carbon life. In addition to continuous promotion of resource classification and recycling, Tzu Chi will strengthen reduction from source, promote green design and green consumption, encourage circular economy and have it practiced in people's daily lives. It is hoped that the government and the public work together to excite a crowd-building effect to drive more people to pay attention to climate actions, protect the environment, and jointly promote environmental sustainability.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "6", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/6da877fa-d024-4031-bfb2-402de3c23656" }, { "no": "4436", "title": "Ministry of Environment X Ministry of Education; Leading the New Trends of Sustainable Fashions by Promoting Green Design", "preview": "The “Nature to Future – Environmental Sustainability and Circulation Exhibition” was launched jointly by Ministry of Environment (MOENV) and Ministry of Education (MOEDU) from 5 June to 29 September, 2024 to help people familiarize themselves with how important resource circulation, environmental education and sustainable development are and to answer the call of the country’s “resource circulation for zero waste” policy. It is a cross-departmental cooperation to promote green design and sustainable fashion, while burning the idea of resource circulation in people’s minds.", "content": "Dr. Chih-Hsiu Shen, Deputy Minister of Environment, said in his speech that fast fashion has become globally popular in recent years but at the cost of many environmental issues to be reckoned with. For this, this “Nature to Future” exhibition at the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology features “circulatable” green design. The exhibition is prepared by introducing the idea of a futuristic space house instead of using non-recyclable materials such as wood and paper commonly seen in traditional exhibitions. \nOrganized jointly by Resource Circulation Administration MOENV and National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, the “Nature to Future” exhibition is intended to introduce all kinds of environment-friendly fabrics to the public, such as the innovative bio-membrane that is made from coffee grounds and featuring air-breathing and sweat-repelling and designed to replace undegradable chemical substances; or the effective reduction of wastewater discharge during the dyeing process by incorporating innovated cool transfer printing and the adoption of pigmented yarn for improved color fastness and reduced environmental burdens. The showcased items not only demonstrate the possibility of resource reuse, but also inspire people for resource circulation in the daily life without depleting the precious resources on Earth. Let’s work together to weave a future of sustainable development, starting from a cup of coffee. \nA part of the opening ceremony is a carefully orchestrated runway show featuring the concept of “open you closet for one less piece of clothes to buy; sustainable circulation for the Mother Earth!” with the theme of demonstrating future fashion. The curator is Mr. Jun-Liang Chen, reputed as the Godfather of Design, who introduced apparel in dynamic fashion curation and joined force with installation artist Ren Cheng and contemporary artist Chen Pu to lead their teams for a green fashion runway show on unique stage carefully designed for the exhibition at the Museum. The concept of resource circulation is incorporated in the clothing from materials to final design. For the opening \"Island and Rain Dynamic Fashion Show\", uses transparent white, colorful and brilliant silver to interpret the environmental story of rain, fish and abundance is interpreted in transparent white, colorful pink and brilliant silver. The three themes and 45 \"sustainable fashion\" designs bring fashion and environmental protection to a perfect combination, and present the first generative music runway show in Taiwan's history, allowing everyone to see the infinite possibilities of sustainable fashion, and leading Taiwanese fashion towards the international stage with the concept of green environmental protection.\nThe Resource Circulation Administration has not only promoted material circulation and established a control system in recent years, but also encouraged people to share resources and services through business models, extend products’ service life, and reduce resource waste. Now, the concept of resource circulation covers source management, including pre-production green design and the circular consumption model of renting instead of buying. These concepts are passed on to everyone through environmental education in the hope to achieve the goal of \"zero waste in resource circulation\" and drive Taiwan toward the transition to net-zero by 2050.\nDr. Shen expressed particularly his gratitude to the Ministry of Education and the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology for their efforts in promoting the concept of resource circulation and sustainability, so that the seeds of sustainable fashion will grow into the pillar of future resource circulation. In addition to this event, the MOENV is planning the fifth \"2030 Beyond the Circles - Circular Economy Innovation Exhibition\" in late September this year, allowing everyone for a more intuitively understanding about the concept of resource circulation and zero waste through physical display, and everyone is invited for a visit. For more information about this event please visit the \"Resource Circulation Administration, MOENV\" fan page on Facebook and the website of \"National Museum of Marine Science and Technology\".\n", "year": "2024", "month": "6", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/dde736fc-4421-45ed-b827-aa02150577d4" }, { "no": "4435", "title": "Calling All Efforts for Pest Control", "preview": "Dr. Peng Chih-Ming, Minister of Environment, was joined by the Environmental Protection Bureau, Tainan City Government for a visit at Yi-Cai Village, An-Ping District on pest control and patrol against dengue fever. HE met up with the front-ling cleaning workers and voluntary workers and provided them with personal health supplies, appreciating their efforts. He encouraged all citizens to “check,” “drain,” “clean” and “scrub;” check in and outside of house for any water accumulation and soiling; drain any water accumulation found; clean off containers that may accumulate water; and scrub off insect eggs attached on containers. No larvae, no mosquitoes, and not mosquitoes, no dengue fever.", "content": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) points out that the dengue fever is a disease spread by mosquito bites. The vectors are Aedes aegypti and Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus. A mature mosquito can lay 50 to more than 100 eggs. These mosquitoes can be very productive as long as the environment is perfect. That is why it is important to remove anything that can become their breeding ground, including vase, pot plant tray and basement for indoor environment, and roof gutters, tree holes, scrap tires, pileups and water-holding containers for outdoor environment. These are common places where these vectors love to take a break and lay their eggs. \nThe MOENV provided a fund of NT$39.32 million to local governments in 2024 for breeding ground patrol and preparation of equipment and pesticides. The efforts continue to improve the prevention and control of dengue fever based on the principles of \"prevent every day\" and \"stop from spreading\". Internal inspections and competitions in counties and cities, as well as external audits, are carried out to establish basic information and positioning of breeding sources for decision-making support as an effort to identify, remove and eradicate the dengue fever breeding sources. Examples of important actions taken by central and local government for removal of breeding sources include spreading information through health education, all-out mobilization, intensified patrols on empty lots, unoccupied properties and construction sites, machine dispatching, medicine and pesticide preparation, and the policy of no spraying unless necessary. \nThe MOENV once again reminded that it is the season of flooding, typhoon and torrential rain. All citizens are urged to check their living environment inside and out and remove all potential breeding sources following the four steps of “check,” “drain,” “clean” and “scrub” for lowering the density of disease vectors. Citizens are also advised to wear light-colored long clothes and pants when traveling in a foreign country, spray mosquito repellent, and avoid going to dark places to stay away from mosquito bites. This is the only to keep dengue fever and possible pandemic at bay. \n", "year": "2024", "month": "6", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/42ac2027-c0c7-49b5-82ab-f817f63b233e" }, { "no": "4434", "title": "The Green Policy Office Just Established to Integrate Net Zero Transition Efforts", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) established the “Green Policy Office” as a task force on 20 Hune 2024, taking charge of integrating and coordinating the MOENV and subordinate agencies for the policy development and implementation in terms of climate change and net zero transition, while the MOENV is working together with all ministries involved for net zero and green growth actions and review on how to improve the government’s efforts in climate governance.", "content": "Dr. Peng Chih-Ming, Minister of Environment, indicates that the Office is led by both deputy ministers, and the Director General of Climate Change Administration is appointed as the CEO overseeing the dispatching of workers across the MOENV and subordinate agencies who are familiar with this aspect to work under the Office. Dr. Peng stresses that cross-department cooperation is vital for many net-zero policies, including green and digital transitions in parallel, green finance, promotion of green medical care, net-zero technology applications, green leader training, and citizens’ climate literacy. In addition, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation between government and private sector for low-carbon transformation, continue to stay on top of international development trends, learn from other countries for successful implementation experiences, introduce innovative policy tools in a timely manner, and increase efforts to accelerate carbon reduction.\nDr. Peng mentions that we still have a long way to go for substantial CO2 reduction and the path to net zero. Positive efforts are needed. For this, the MOONV will provide full support for the National Council for Climate Change Strategies (國家氣候變遷對策委員會) under the Office of the President in terms of building a complete organization from the bottom up like building a better house for more efficient implementation of net zero. In response to the public concerns for the environmental impact assessment of the 4th LNG Terminal at Hsieh-ho Power Plant, Dr. Peng says that the National Council for Climate Change Strategies is established for discussion on future energy policies, and he hopes to do more on communicating with the public. For the implementation side, on the other, it all comes to professional review, and he does foresee any pressure or influence on the EIAs. \nAgain, Dr. Peng stresses that his experiences in the private sector tell him that the sustainable department cannot not do the job alone when a company is going for net zero. It takes the entire organization to work as a team. As such, he will play the role of CSO for the Premier and work together with all ministries to deepen the concepts of sustainability and invest practical efforts in the implementation, hopefully better matching the administrational concept of President Lai for “Green Growth Policy.”", "year": "2024", "month": "6", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/693ee30a-7524-4b58-b121-3eb65a4c105a" }, { "no": "4433", "title": "Campaign to Keep Cigarette Butts Off Ground Launched and Starts with Change of Culture", "preview": "On the World Environment Day on 6 June an event was organized by the MOENV to launch national alliance and campaign for cigarette butts off ground. Aiming to start from changing the culture, Minister Peng Chi-Ming had a talk with Minister Li Yuan of the Minister of Culture (MOC), Chang Han-Wei, advisor of the Youth Advisory Committee of the Executive Yuan, Huang Yu-Chen of Girls in the Oasis and a student of the Taipei First Girls High School, and Jason Huang, founder of Re-Think. All attendees hoped to raise public awareness and encourage all to work together to keep cigarette butts off the ground for a better environment.", "content": "?hanges make the difference as there will never be enough inspections?? said Minister Peng, whose top concerned after taking the office is cigarette butt littering besides climate change, resource circulation, and governance regarding air, water, waste and soil. Besides existing efforts such as issuing tickets, source management and enhanced clean-ups, the MOENV staff agree with the Minister and have come up with many ideas, hoping to do more. ?ow to change the mindset, which many have, of doing something despite knowing it is harmful???Minister Peng pointed out that this campaign will be a joint effort with the MOC for cultural creativity and also civil organizations for cooperation between public and private sectors as well as ideas from the public.\r\n?ne day foreigners would be able to tell a Taiwanese apart by his\/her behavior of putting cigarette butts in a beautiful small box. This tiny act shows one? culture, one? way of life.??The MOC Minister Li stated that this new lifestyle should not come from government regulations, but derive from people? feelings and honor for the love of this land. Stressing that culture is life, Minister Li pointed out that the MOC will not have the drama series for the campaign blatantly display the policy of keeping cigarette butts off the ground but present a way of life instead, just like the film ?erfect Days??portraying the care for details of one? daily life.\r\nIn her speech, Legislator Lin Yue-Chin said that Minister Peng proposed the idea of cigarette butts off the ground in his report to the Legislative Yuan after taking office. Beside the impact of smoking on health, the nicotine, copper, lead and acetate fibers from littered cigarette butts may also cause serious harms to the environments and oceans. She hoped for no more environmental pollutions through legislative or cultural efforts in order to leave a clean earth to the next generation.\r\nChang Han-Wei, advisor of Youth Advisory Committee of the Executive Yuan, brought up the blockbuster \"Marry My Dead Body\" showing that the protagonist cares about environmental protection every day and brings his date to a beach clean-up, which really impressed the audience. Advisor Chang believes that a policy has to get to the point by identifying the source, such as what the smokers are thinking and the unique characteristics of different locations.\r\nRe-Think once had a survey on smokers in Ximending, asking them to throw cigarette butts directly into a fish tank It was a shock to smokers who were unaware of issues such as ditches leading directly to the ocean and plastic particles polluting the marine ecosystem.\r\nJason Huang, founder of Re-Think, pointed out that previous studies have shown that in fact smokers do care about social opinions. Ten percent of smokers do not care, but as many as 65% have no idea of cigarette butt? harms to the environment, and 70% said that they would never litter if they had a choice. Huang looked forward to more surveys in the future to find out more problems and needs.\r\n\"It feels more powerful now working with the government,\" said Huang Yu-Chen, a member of the \"Girls in the Oasis,\" a student organization of Taipei First Girls High School formed by upperclassmen when they discovered that cigarette butts are a bigger problem than garbage. While pointing out the current status of streets with ?looded??with cigarette butts, members wish for the day of ?o butts??by continuously organizing clean-ups picking up cigarette butts in streets. Recalling many thumbs up as well as few cynical remarks from passers-by during their street clean-ups, she looked forward to the participation of the government and the general public.\r\nLittle cigarette butts, high environmental pollutions\r\nThe MOENV indicated that approximately 36.2 billion cigarettes were sold in Taiwan in 2023. Say 25% of the cigarette butts were littered, that means at least 9 billion were found in the environment every year. A littered cigarette butt consists of residual tobacco, filter and paper wrapping. Filter is made of cellulose acetate, a artificial persistent plastic material that is non-biodegradable and will takes a decade or even longer to be biologically disintegrated once left in the environment. Residual tobacco contains more than 4,000 harmful chemical substances, such as nicotine, arson, lead, copper, chromium, cadmium and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The chemical mixture is toxic and carcinogenic and, once released to the environment, will be dissolved and enter into soil and water bodies including lakes and ocean, harming the environments and marine ecosystems. These substances will ultimately find its way into the food chain and cause damages to the environments and people? health.\r\nOnce littered, cigarette butts will end up on beaches and in oceans through ditches, storm drains, ditches, or rivers. They cause environmental pollutions and is also a menace to ecosystems as much as plastic wastes, given many incidents cigarette butts were ingested by seabirds or marine mammals. There are still cigarette butt litters in the living environment as an eyesore to urban environment and headache for living quality as well as a continuous hazard to river and ocean ecosystems and environments.\r\nRelevant policies\r\nTo stop dispersions of cigarette butts in the environment, the MOENV has launched a national campaign to keep cigarette butts off the ground., It includes six strategies, namely changes of culture, source reduction, inspections and reports, environmental clean-ups, government-private sector cooperation, and enhanced research There are also 21+N measures to keep cigarette butts off the ground, ensuring a clean and healthy living environment as well as a clean and sustainable ecosystem.\r\nThis first is to start from change of culture, aiming to curb the problem at the source by urging smokers forming the habits of properly putting out cigarettes and throwing them in trash cans. Joined by the MOC and Minister Li to urge the public, the idea is to create an atmosphere in which people encourage one another and work together to change for the better.\r\nFor source reduction, as cigarette butts are considered general wastes, people are encouraged to bring the butts home or throw them in trash cans after putting out cigarettes. The MOENV has youth representatives in place to advocate for no cigarette butt littering but bringing them home or throwing them in trash cans instead. Local governments are encouraged to provide facilities at non-smoking areas and appropriate location to collect cigarette butts and clean them constantly to achieve street cleanliness.\r\nRegarding inspections and reports, the MOENV has established the Environmental Sanitation Inspection and Control Plan for intensified law enforcement. Law enforcement officers work to deter littering of cigarette butts first through visual inspections, video surveillance or AI identification and with regular reviews. Incentives are provided to encourage the public to report violations of littering to the local enforcement agencies or competent authorities with substantial evidence or factual descriptions and information.\r\nWith environmental clean-ups, clean-ups of garbage and cigarette butts has been delegated to authorities with different land jurisdictions based on the Respect to Ocean ??Coast Cleanliness Maintenance Program. These authorities are notified to conduct clean-ups and maintenance through a liaison mechanism. In addition, events are held to provide green points or substantial prizes to urge the public to cut down littered cigarette butts, hence keeping them off the ground. Business premises located at littering hotspots are to take charge of cleaning their surroundings, as an effort to strengthen their concept of creating an environment-friendly stores and their sense of social responsibilities. Other measures include strengthening river garbage removal and beach clean-ups.\r\nSpeaking of government-private sector cooperation, the MOENV recognizes citizens??infinite energy and hence has brought in civil organizations, businesses, religious groups, and the Marine Waste Governance Platform. Enterprises are urged to adopt and maintain a clean environment around their venues business places to lower random litters of cigarette butts and other wastes. In addition, religious groups and environmental groups are also invited to cooperate in policy implementation.\r\nAnd finally on enhanced research and other efforts, the MOENV has begun collecting ideas on cigarette butt management and actions based on research results of plastic particles from cigarette butts in water and their environmental impacts. These ideas are proposals including methods to prevent smokers from littering cigarette butts in the public environment, innovative approaches for competent authorities, and how to create an atmosphere among the society to facilitate throwing cigarette butts in trash cans.\r\nThree wishes\r\n(1) After putting out cigarettes, smokers bring the butts home or throw them into trash cans.\r\n(2) Enterprises and households are motivated to clean up their places voluntarily and keep the surrounding environments clean to avoid the ?roken windows??effect.\r\n(3) Homes and living environments are kept clean through the MOENV? six strategies and 21+N measures to keep cigarettes butts off the grounds.\r\nPrizes worth NT$200,000 to solicit ideas to cut down cigarette butt littering\r\nIs there any way to stop smokers from littering cigarette butts? Make streets free of cigarette butts? What can manufacturers and vendors do to make cigarette butts harmless to the environment? For the first time, the MOENV has organized a competition with total prizes up to NT$200,000 to solicit creative ideas, raising public awareness to the problem and encouraging proposals of solutions to \"keep cigarette butts off the ground\" and \"build a cigarette butt-free environment\". The event gathers creative from all sides, hoping to promote public concerns and action on the issue and make a cigarette butt-free environment result of a social movement.\r\nThe MOENV emphasized that cleaning barely scratches the surface and that elimination at the source is key to improve the problem of cigarette butts in the environment. Therefore, this competition focuses on \"responsibility of manufacturers and vendors\" and \"habit change for smokers\". Groups and individuals are encouraged to make proposals as public policy participation, develop innovative systems or practices that strengthen the environmental responsibility of manufacturers and vendors. All people are invited to use their creativity and propose technological innovation, social advocacy, and strategies to encourage smokers to throw cigarette into trash cans after putting them out, thus gradually transforming the goal regarding cigarette butts from \"pick-up\" to \"reduction\". The MOENV also stressed that designs of boxes for cigarette butts should use recycled or locally produced materials instead of environment-friendly or raw materials.\r\nParticipants can sign up for this competition between 5 June to 5 August 2024. There will be a two-stage evaluation, first with paper documents, where a MOENV-formed group will check if submitted materials are complete and select 30 proposals. In the second stage, participants submitting the 30 chosen proposals will conduct presentations and Q&A session in personal in front of the MOENV evaluation group. In the end, three winners will be chosen and receive the gold, silver, and bronze medals, and another ten excellent awards, all granted prizes ranging from NT$5,000 to NT$50,000. Those that pass the preliminary evaluation will also receive 10,000 green points each. All groups and individuals are welcome to participate, and there is no limit to the number of proposals. \r\nRegistration brochure is available for download at https:\/\/reurl.cc\/4rbWaV.\r\n", "year": "2024", "month": "5", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/b8d0be59-ed78-4852-9b62-cf0da9aed4ac" }, { "no": "4432", "title": "Tightened Air Quality Standards Drafted to Reduce Pollutions in Central and Southern Regions", "preview": "The MOENV has been working with the National Health Research Institute (NHRI) for the last eight years on the correlation between local air pollutions and public health in order to develop a health-based air pollution improvement strategy. On 29 April 2024, the MOENV rolled out the draft amendment of the Air Quality Standards (蝛箸除?釭璅?) based on the NHRI? proven results and taking Taiwan? current air quality status into consideration. The MOENV has heard the public expectation on tightening the standards, and all suggestions and comments are welcomed to complete their formulation.", "content": "The MOENV explains that this amendment of the Air Quality Standards took references from the World Health Organization (WHO) and relevant experiences in the US and the EU. At the same time gradual and practical moves have been made to tightening criteria regarding various pollutants with factors such as health impacts, current air quality status, pollution control technologies, and social and economic developments taken into accounts. Criteria of fine particulate matters (PM2.5) that concern the public the most is lowered to 12 繕g\/m3 in this draft amendment from previously 15 繕g\/m3 this time, 12 years after the it was set last time in 2012. In comparison, the US took 15 years to make the same adjustments, tightening the PM2.5 criterion from 15 to 12 繕g\/m3. Responding to the public expectation for more challenging criteria, the MOENV will evaluate addition of longer-term air quality improvement goals based on other countries??experience.\r\nThe MOENV indicates that air pollution reduction has been an ongoing process since 2016 to gradually improve air quality. As of 2023, significant improvement has been observed in regional and nationwide air qualities. With PM2.5 as an example, the national average has dropped from 20 繕g\/m3 in 2016 to 13.7 繕g\/m3 in 2023, an improvement by 32%. The MOENV points out that air quality is tougher in central and southern Taiwan than in eastern and northern Taiwan, as the central and southern Taiwan is at the downwind side of the northeast monsoon in fall and winter thanks to the barrier of Central Mountain Range. The decreased wind speed can easily lead to poor diffusion of air pollutants. For this, the second phase of the MOENV? Air Pollution Control Program (2024-2027) specifically stresses reducing air pollutions in central and southern Taiwan with a comprehensive improvement strategy on major emission sources, such as power generation industry, petrochemical industry, vehicles and machinery, and open burning. It is expected to see that 73% of nationwide air pollutant emission reduction comes from this region in order to accelerate air quality improvement in central and southern Taiwan.\r\nAir quality improvement is a marathon and a priority of the MOENV? tasks. The MOENV will actively carry out the second phase of the Air Pollution Control Program with joint governance with nine ministries and integration of control capacities of local governments, all continuing to work together to improve Taiwan? air quality.\r\n", "year": "2024", "month": "5", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/a3f1d201-0f25-4fef-8f01-e447097d6960" }, { "no": "4431", "title": "MOENV Held the 3rd Carbon Fee Rate Review Committee Meeting", "preview": "The MOENV had the third meeting of the Carbon Fee Rate Review Committee on 7 May 2024. Chaired by Deputy Minister Wen-Chen Shih, the meeting was attended by 17 members. Starting with the previous meeting? conclusion, the MOENV presented the carbon pricing practices in neighboring countries like Japan, Korea and Singapore and the drafts of three carbon fee sub-laws, preannounced at the end of April. It was concluded in the meeting after sufficient discussions that in the next meeting the Climate Change Administration (CCA) provides assessments and estimations on industries, macroeconomy and consumer price index based on reductions and impacts under various rate scenarios, including regular and preference rates. Such assessments and estimations will serve as reference for the committee? review. The meeting information, including meeting agenda, materials and minutes, will be published on the CCA? website for thorough transparency of the review process.", "content": "The MOENV indicates that the committee members had extensive discussions in the meeting on the mechanism accompanying Taiwan? carbon fee collection and provided many suggestions. They talked about whether tax incentives should be available for enterprises investing in reduction; that design of specific reduction targets shall take the difference of industry types and technical feasibility into consideration; that a voluntary reduction plan template shall be provided for industries??reference; how to evaluate reduction results under the adjustment mechanism during transitions; and whether a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) will be planned in the future. It was also suggested that future collected carbon fees may be used for purposes such as green financing or development of reduction technologies.\r\nThe MOENV adds that the Climate Change Response Act (瘞?€??瑕???) specifies that collection targets of carbon fees are required to propose their own voluntary reduction plans in order to enjoy the preference rates, so as to ensure the substantial reduction results. A complete control mechanism will be set in place by the MOENV for the review of subsequent voluntary reduction plans to ensure that national reduction goals are accomplished.\r\nThe MOENV points out that the three sub-laws regarding carbon fee collection all had their designs based on carbon reduction and now are still in the draft preannouncement stage. All suggestions and comments are welcomed. Meetings will be held for different industry types to communicate and discuss with the public.\r\n", "year": "2024", "month": "5", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/e6e27ce7-ccd5-4e91-9096-1447c591653b" }, { "no": "4430", "title": "Amended Permit Management Regulations Announced Concerning Waste Clearance and Disposal Organizations", "preview": "The MOENV promulgated the amended Permit Management Regulations for Public or Private Waste Clearance and Disposal Organizations (?祆??誥璉皜??璈?閮勗蝞∠?颲行?) on 17 May 2024. The aim is to strengthen the integrity of the review process of waste clearance and disposal organizations, stipulate the principles of permit issuance and, in lines with the efforts of integrating environmental permits, enhance the coherence between tracking of pollution flows and registration contents of various environmental permits (documents). Three articles have been amended this time and become in effect on the day of promulgation. The key amendments are listed as follows.", "content": "(1) Specific principles of permit review\r\nWhile the issuing authority receives applications, submissions, modification or extensions of clearance permits, establishment approval documents, trial operations, or disposal per-mits, the scope of review shall not cover matters other than the said applications, submis-sions, modifications, or extensions. No obligation not specified in any regulation shall be added in any form of penalties. Any obvious mistakes, such as incorrect writings or calcula-tions, on the part of the issuing authority shall be corrected.\r\n(2) Integration with environmental permits\r\nPrior to applications of issuance, modification, or extension of disposal permits and clear-ance permits for establishment of a storage site or transfer station, applicants shall prepare charts indicating the pollution flows regarding air, water, wastes, and toxic and concerned chemical substances. If such process involves applications, modifications, or extensions of other types of environmental permits, they are to be filed simultaneously. However, this does not apply to those that can prove lack of substantial involvement. The issuing authori-ty may continue the review process if applications, modifications, or extensions are not filed simultaneously.\r\n(3) Clear deadlines for permit issuance\r\nThe revision has added a clear deadline by which the issuing authority shall complete the permit approval process to prevent situations where a case remains open at the issuing au-thority due to the failure to issue or collect the said permit.\r\nThe MOENV indicates that this amendment provides more details regarding the issuing authority? permit reviews, which helps improve administrational efficiency and avoid delayed permit issuance. In addition, enterprises involving more than two types of permits are required to prepare charts of pollution flows before future permit applications, modifications, or extensions. They are also to submit simultaneously applications, modifications, changes, or extensions of other types of environmental permits if they are involved in the abovementioned process.\r\n", "year": "2024", "month": "5", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/66f8fdd5-4d9c-4610-97bf-262f723e5c72" }, { "no": "4429", "title": "Garbage Collection at Fixed Hours and Locations Enhances Cleaning Crew? Safety", "preview": "To improve the safety of both cleaning team and people during garbage collection and to give citizens different choices for throwing garbage out, the MOENV? Environmental Management Administration (EMA) has started promoting garbage collection at fixed hours and locations since 2021. And 97 routes in 20 cities and counties had been funded for this trial practice. This year (2024), a subsidy of NT$ 5,996,680 was provided for 48 trial routes in 11 cities and counties.", "content": "The EMA points out that the common practice for most local environmental protection bureaus is to collect garbage as the garbage trucks travel along the established routes. There are currently 3,876 routes in Taiwan and people have to throw their garbage out according to the garbage truck schedule. Sometimes, the trucks are delayed in case of bad weathers, traffic jams or too much garbage to collect after long holidays. However, there are many stops along the routes at very short intervals, and most crew members stand on the trucks??tailgates to conduct their work instead of sitting in the cabin and hopping in and out very frequently at every stop. Such approach helps the operation efficiency but increases the risks of falling from a moving truck. By collecting garbage at a fixed hour and location, the crew members no longer have to stand at the tailgate and hop on and off frequently. At present, 579 routes are now on this practice with fixed schedules and locations.\r\nThe EMA held a demonstration session on garbage collection at fixed schedules and locations on 10 May 2024 to facilitate exchanges of practical experiences of garbage collection and transportation among local environmental protection agencies. It was also to encourage local governments to gradually adjust garbage collection at fixed hours and locations under the existing routes. The cleaning teams of local environmental protection bureaus and the National Workers??Union of Environmental Protection Agencies were invited for the event, and the Department Environmental Protection of Taipei City Government and the cleaning team of Luodong Township, Yilan County were brought in to share their experience in garbage collection at fixed hours and locations. The EMA says that such practice has already become a part of Taipei citizens??daily life. The garbage trucks stop at every location for as short as 5 to 10 minutes and up to half an hour. This allows enough time for the team members to carry out their work and for citizens to take out the garbage. In Luodong, Yilan, this practice is combined with recycling promotion, resulting in a 20% growth in the price of recycled materials sold. On top of that, the 110 stops reduce the time that crew members stand on the back of trucks by 50~81 minutes per route.\r\nThe EMA stresses that garbage collection at fixed hours and locations creates a win-win scenario as it is an alternative to conventional garbage disposal approach so that people do not have to run after garbage trucks and also ensures the safety of both cleaning teams and citizens. The citizens are, on the other hand, urged to follow the rules regarding garbage sorting and recycling. For instance, objects including lithium batteries, mobile charges and pressurized cylinders such as those for portable stoves are not to be mixed with other trash and thrown inside garbage trucks as they may lead to fires or even explosions. Pressurized cylinders are to have flammable gases or liquids inside emptied before given to the recycling trucks. This will ensure the cleaning teams a safe work environment while they continue to provide service and keep the environment clean.\r\n", "year": "2024", "month": "5", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/fa0cac3c-78ab-4afe-8272-3674a0031ac7" }, { "no": "4428", "title": "Environmental Management Administration Promotes Voluntary Pollution Management", "preview": "The Environmental Management Administration, Ministry of Environment (MOENV) invited the Taiwan Surface Finishing Association, surface finishing businesses in northern Taiwan, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), local environmental bureaus in northern Taiwan, the Ethics Office, Department of Water Quality Protection and the Department of Atmospheric Environment of the MOENV to the ?resentation for voluntary pollution management of metal finishing??on 28 May 2024 to promote the new concept of voluntary compliance, hoping the industrial sector will move toward clean production and work with the government to create a new environmentally sustainable world. The presentation was made by Director General Hsu-Ming Yen.", "content": "Director General Hsu-Ming Yen.\r\nThe Environmental Management Administration (EMA) noted that metal finishing is an important part of Taiwan? manufacturing industry. As the industry continues to evolve, the wastewater generated still contains hazardous heavy metals and strong acids and bases. The technology to process wastewater is fairly mature, but it is expensive to process the hazardous sludge generated from wastewater treatment. That is why illegal dumping frequently occurs as some businesses attempt to save money. However, if wastewater containing various heavy metals can be recovered, post-treatment sludge is actually valuable due to recyclable materials therein, which can significantly offset treatment costs. To assure business owners, ITRI is commissioned to develop wastewater diversion technology, and in addition many technical consultants have also developed new technologies for this task. Businesses may search for what suits them.\r\nThe EMA has been working in alliance with prosecutors and police in recent years. Technology is widely used in inspections. Multiple high-profile environmental pollution events have been detected and owners of violating businesses have been subject to imprisonment as well as confiscation of illegal gains, amounting to tens of thousands of NT dollars. The EMA expressed that punishment is not their primary purpose and the last thing they would like to see are businesses going down like this. To solve this problem once and for all, the EMA has been working hard to promote voluntary air pollution control, wastewater control and waste disposal. These efforts are made to improve the technical ease of pollution treatment, reduce pollutant emissions at source, and realize a balance between production and environment.\r\nThe EMA urges all businesses to maintain sustainable operations. It is necessary to move beyond outdated technologies and concepts. Environmental protection should not be seen as a cost that provides no returns. For example, TSMC has made copper sheets out of copper-containing wastewater, a perfect example of turning waste into valuable products. On one hand, this achieves sustainability for industry and the environment, and on the other hand, there are fewer concerns about inspections by environmental protection bureaus.\r\n", "year": "2024", "month": "5", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/b83722e3-da02-42f4-811d-3b6b55d8d52d" }, { "no": "4427", "title": "Ministry of Environment Wins a Smart 20 Award for Innovative Application of Air Quality Sensing Technology", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has been working on the IoT (Internet of Things) for environmental sensing. For air quality, efforts range from the establishment of approximately 10,000 air quality sensors around the country to the innovation of mobile air quality sensors and systems. This year, the MOENV entered the 2024 Smart 20 Awards held by Smart Cities Connect on the topic of ?dvanced Air Quality Monitoring嚗nnovations and Applications of Mobile Air Quality Sensors?? and won the Smart 20 Awards from among more than 700 international competitors in the category ?mart city application service?? This award is not only a recognition of what the MOENV has been doing regarding innovative applications for air quality monitoring and intelligent governance, but also a demonstration of what Taiwan has done as a leader in promoting smart cities.", "content": "The MOENV points out that it has been working hard to introduce advanced technologies such as sensors, IoT and AI big data since 2017. It has been working with 18 local governments on establishing nearly 10,000 air quality sensors as part of an IoT air quality monitoring system that gathers real-time information high in temporal and spatial resolution. This will help local governments with their pollution inspections, and expand cross-field applications for smart environmental governance. \r\nTo further improve the range and mobility of air quality sensors, the MOENV started working with the Green Energy and Environment Institute of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in 2020 on the development of mobile air quality sensor devices and systems for the continuous optimization of mechanism designs and dynamic calibration techniques. Tests and verifications have been performed in multiple fields to improve sensor data accuracy and expand the scope of application. \r\nThis award was presented for the introduction of mobile air quality sensors, that not only helps detect and report potential pollution sources to be investigated, but also can be used to assist with tasks such as traffic control, monitoring sudden pollution plumes, and the management of air quality maintenance zones. It provides powerful technical support for air quality improvement in this constantly evolving intelligent environmental governance application. As an application for environmental governance, the mobile sensors have been deployed in Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taichung City, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Nantou County, Chiayi County and Hsinchu City.\r\nThe MOENV explained that the Smart Cities Connect has been organizing the Smart 50 Awards every year since 2017, recognizing 50 innovative and influential smart city application services. All parties, whether private businesses or government agencies, are eligible for the awards. This year (2024), saw the first Smart 20 Awards, where only the best smart city applications were selected. This award recognizes what the MOENV has done for innovative applications in the area of air quality monitoring and smart governance.\r\nThe MOENV was the first central agency in Taiwan to win this honor and was invited to Raleigh, North Carolina on 7 May 2024 for the award presentation. Deputy Director General Hu Ming-Hui of the Department of Monitoring and Information accepted the award on behalf of the MOENV and had friendly interactions with global experts and smart city leaders to discuss what Taiwan has learned from and done for promoting smart cities.\r\n", "year": "2024", "month": "5", "assortment": "Monitoring and Information", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/850a9f93-1576-4b3e-a713-6724e3a4376a" }, { "no": "4426", "title": "Online Platform Launched for More Efficient Construction and Decoration Waste Flow Management", "preview": "For the convenience and legality of construction and decoration waste information registration, the Resource Circulation Administration, Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has established the ?onstruction and decoration waste flow management platform??at https:\/\/waste.moenv.gov.tw. The website officially went online on 6 May 2024, covering information on businesses dealing with construction and decoration waste throughout Taiwan. As of now, all waste disposal businesses shall register their disposal information on the platform, where they may check and confirm entries for legal waste disposal. A QR code is generated when information is entered in the platform, which serves as the on-board permit document through a smart phone, and is much more convenient for businesses that have to travel between sites.", "content": "The Resource Circulation Administration indicated that home decoration is quite different from typical large construction projects, where the former features smaller scale waste, a shorter construction schedule, and work at multiple sites. Unlike the online triple-sheet registration seen in large construction projects, waste disposal information is commonly written on paper in home decoration projects and given to disposal operators. It is frequent that information is incorrect and difficult to verify. Now, this platform allows disposal operators to register decoration waste information online (through a cell phone, tablet or computer), and a QR code is generated as an on-board permit document that can be shown on an electronic device (cell phone, tablet or computer), or, the information can be printed out and carried by truck drivers.\r\nThe Resource Circulation Administration explained that the newly established ?onstruction and decoration waste flow management platform??provides drop-down menus that allow disposal operators to select a legal dumping site with a waste code, reuse or disposal site, thus eliminating possible typos. The receivers may click ?eceive??and confirm on the platform without the need to enter any further information. The producer, disposal operator and receiver all have to sign electronically through the platform for their specific responsibilities of waste removal and disposal.\r\nThe Resource Circulation Administration stressed that the electronic on-board permit document generated by the ?onstruction and decoration waste flow management platform??not only lessens the burdens of businesses regarding information registration and management, but also helps local environmental protection bureaus to know the whereabouts and quantity of decoration waste, thus it is a win-win management system.\r\n", "year": "2024", "month": "5", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/874a02e6-ad14-4b71-ad1a-87d0c09ffa36" }, { "no": "4425", "title": "Public-Private Regional Cooperation Mechanism Established for Resource Circulation in New Southbound Countries", "preview": "The Resource Circulation Administration, Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the \"New Southbound Countries Regional Partnership Cooperation - Resource Circulation Industry Exchange Workshop\" at the GIS Taipei Tech Convention Center on 29 May 2024. Trade and Investment Queensland and resource circulation businesses that have been operating in New Southbound countries were invited to share their insights on the latest policies and trends of these countries, to act as a bridge to help Taiwanese businesses grow in New Southbound countries.", "content": "Chief Chen Jun-Jong of the Resource Circulation Administration said in his speech that the production of waste is increasing dramatically in New Southbound countries as their economies expand rapidly. They are urgently looking to learn from advanced countries in the areas of waste management, who have experience in dealing with waste and offer opportunities for cooperation. Taiwan is able to assist, with its experience in successful waste management and resource circulation. For example, the extended producer responsibility system, 4-in-1 recycling policy and advanced resource circulation equipment and technologies have earned global reputations. Vietnam, for example, started its own recycling fee charging systems for packaging materials, batteries, lead acid batteries, lubricants and tires based on Taiwan? recycling system.\r\n(1) Queensland has rolled out incentives to encourage Taiwan businesses\r\nCommissioner Juna Ferrett of Trade and Investment Queensland spoke about Queensland? waste management regulations and policies, strategies for waste management and recy-cling, and the current status of economic development and investment. She pointed out that Queensland has a series of incentives for investment projects and industrial partner-ship programs, and all businesses in Taiwan are welcome to seek investment and coopera-tion opportunities.\r\n(2) Taiwanese businesses share their experience in investing in New Southbound countries (India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand)\r\nMr. Lin Cheng-Hsiang, the New Southbound convenor of the Taiwan Environmental Manu-facturers Association, indicated that waste issues are getting worse as the economy and population are growing rapidly in these countries, along with their consumption and man-ufacturing activities. Environmental management systems, policies and regulations differ from one country to the next, and international cooperation is needed to improve waste management. Regarding investment in Vietnam, Mr. Chen Te-Shih, manager in Vietnam of Cheng Loong Corp., recommended a cautious approach with the regulations and responsi-bilities for establishing factories, and the procedures for investment and operating facto-ries in the country. For example, the environmental protection law of Vietnam just under-went a major overhaul, causing challenges for potential and existing foreign investors. The growing pains continue as other laws are harmonized with the amended environmental protection law. Mr. Wu Chun-Yao, general manager of Enerstec, pointed out that the keys for the rubber industry businesses to enter the Thai market are to have the minimum re-quired capital for setting up in Thailand, partnered with Thai entities owning 51% of com-pany shares, or other incentives based on type of industry.\r\n(3) Public-private cooperation to promote Taiwan? resource circulation methods to the world\r\nThe Resource Circulation Administration pointed out that New Southbound countries are important partners for Taiwan regarding both trade and the environment. This workshop will help more companies understand and invest in the New Southbound market, promote joint regional resource circulation cooperation and development, help New Southbound countries with waste issues, while at the same time expand the international market for Taiwan's resource circulation industry and promote Taiwan's resource circulation to the world through public-private collaboration.\r\n", "year": "2024", "month": "5", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/6da877fa-d024-4031-bfb2-402de3c23656" }, { "no": "4424", "title": "Carbon Fee Collection to Be Based on International Practices Focused on Transition", "preview": "There is concern among NGOs as to when collection of carbon fees will start and how they will be collected. The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) stressed once again that the acceleration of carbon fee collection has been a priority of the ministry. The MOENV is studying the carbon pricing experiences of the EU, Singapore and South Korea in order to develop multiple tools for the carbon fee system, under the existing legislative framework for diversified CO2 reduction. The MOENV emphasized that the purpose of collecting carbon fees is to accelerate CO2 reduction and encourage industrial transformation, rather than to increase government revenues. The industrial sector was requested to formulate feasible carbon reduction plans as the MOENV developed the related fee system package. Companies will be awarded preferred rates only if governmental supervision is implemented every year. The following have been added by the MOENV:", "content": "(1) Specific reduction objectives are being mapped out according to the 2030 CO2 reduction path.\r\nThe MOENV currently has two specific reduction objectives for industry in general: one is to reduce emissions by 42% according to science-based targets by the target year of 2023, with 2021 as the base year; the other, based on technical benchmarks, is to reach specific reduction rates using the 5-year average emissions from 2019 through 2023 as the baseline rate of emissions. Provided that the nationally determined contribution is achieved in 2030, the emission benchmark values are established for different types of emissions, such as direct and indirect emissions from the use of purchased electric power. \r\nFor example, for fixed fuel combustion, the benchmark value is defined as the heating val-ue of the top 25% of fuel-burning industries in Taiwan (such as steelmaking, cement manu-facturing, the petrochemical industry, the textile industry, papermaking and others) to be used for calculating the emissions to be reduced by 2030. Once carbon fee collection starts, with voluntary reduction plans and specific targets already in place, the MOENV estimates that up to 24% (compared to the baseline defined by the 5-year average from 2019-2023) of emission reductions can be achieved from entities subject to carbon fees, assuming that all entities subject to carbon fees have proposed their voluntary reduction plans and have achieved the technical benchmark-based reduction rates. The total of these reductions is expected to help Taiwan reach the nationally determined contributions to emission reduc-tions by 2030.\r\n(2) Accelerate industrial low-carbon transition with reduction as the starting point\r\nThe MOENV indicated that the experiences from jurisdictions where a carbon pricing sys-tem is in place, such as the EU, South Korea or Singapore, have shown that free emission credits or tax exemptions are often awarded to prevent carbon leakage and encourage in-dustrial transformation. In comparison, the preannounced draft of Taiwan? Regulations Governing the Collection of Carbon Fees is designed to be stricter.\r\nIn the EU, for example, 100% of emission credits are awarded unconditionally for indus-tries on a watch list for being high carbon leakage risks, yet meet the respective emission benchmarks. However, in Taiwan, the entities subject to carbon fees are required to pro-pose a voluntary reduction plan with specific targets for approval before the deemed quan-tity of emissions are adjusted, considering applicable carbon leakage risk factors. With this mechanism, those subject to carbon fees still have to pay a certain percentage of carbon fees and are obligated to pay them even though they are eligible for the emission adjust-ment mechanism mentioned above. The chargeable emission quantity in Taiwan is devel-oped based on the emission adjustment schedule in steps of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6, and this is in turn based on the phasing-out schedules for free credits internationally. In other words, contrary to rumors, Taiwan? carbon fee system will not provide large discounts for entities with high carbon leakage risks. The system is designed on the basis of emission reduction. There will be no stripping of authority from the carbon fee review committee, as has been speculated.\r\n(3) Appropriate use of reduction credits to encourage diversified reduction in Taiwan\r\nThe MOENV pointed out that its priority is to encourage those not subject to carbon fees (small emission sources) to reduce CO2 in order to maximize reduction results in Taiwan. Thus, if those subject to carbon fees use voluntary reduction credits or carbon offsets to reduce their emissions, they will be credited for 1.2 times the carbon reductions (in other words, they will be granted an extra 20% reduction credit if they use voluntary reduction credits or carbon offsets). However, the upper limit of deductions for the use of reduction credits shall not exceed 10% of the discharged emissions. In addition, a limit is imposed on the use of foreign reduction credits by those who are subject to carbon fees, but are not of high carbon leakage risk. In these cases, for the deduction of charged emissions, the upper limit is set at 5%. The standards for recognition of the source and quality of foreign reduc-tion credits will be established based on the requirements of the Paris Agreement.\r\n(4) Track and audit voluntary reduction plans every year\r\nThe MOENV stressed that it is planning to audit the progress of voluntary reduction plans every year, and keep track of how plans are implemented by those subjects to carbon fees and those who propose voluntary reduction plans. Enterprises are required to submit to the MOENV the progress report for their voluntary reduction plan for the previous year by 30 April of every year. Those who meet the progress targets are eligible for preferred rates for the current year. If any enterprise is found not implementing the plan as required by the central competent authority, the difference between the regular and preferred rates will be collected and improvements required by the given deadline. For those who fail to improve by the deadline, their approved plans will be cancelled. In this case, the enterprise will have to pay for the carbon fees at the regular rate and no longer be eligible for the carbon leakage risk factor due to failure to have its voluntary reduction plan approved. \r\nThe MOENV preannounced the drafts of three sub-laws of carbon fee collection on 29 April 2024. All suggestions or comments are welcome. The MOENV and Ministry of Economic Af-fairs have made three presentations explaining the three sub-laws of carbon fee collection to those subject to carbon fees, and will invite NGOs concerned about the carbon fee col-lection system for further presentations of carbon fee sub-laws for more comments and suggestions regarding these sub-laws.\r\n", "year": "2024", "month": "5", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/dde736fc-4421-45ed-b827-aa02150577d4" }, { "no": "4423", "title": "Joint Taiwan-Sweden Chemical Substance Control Training Held", "preview": "From 21 to 23 May 2024, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held the ?aiwan-Sweden chemical substance preventive control training ??Action plan for a non-toxic everyday environment and PFAS management training program?? Three senior officers from the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI) and a chemicals management specialist were invited to Taiwan to speak on topics such as the management of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Taking the issues of PFAS and chemical substance management very seriously, Dr. Chi-Ming Peng, Minister of Environment, gave a speech at the training venue in person, saying that he hoped this event will serve to improve exchanges between the two countries regarding chemical substance management, and that the MOENV would learn from Swedish PFAS management experiences to improve Taiwan? PFAS management strategies.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that this training was part of the ?ational Chemical Substance Management Board??event series and covered: the ?ction plan for a non-toxic everyday environment, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) management?? an introduction to the regulations under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH Regulations) of the EU; experiences in implementing regulations on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP Regulations), and; an introduction to new hazard classifications.\r\nThe MOENV stated that Sweden has more than a decade of experience in promoting its Action Plan, a national level program dedicated to reducing the risks of hazardous chemical substances to human health and the environment. The plan? central concept is that ?he substances created or extracted by humans in the environment shall never threaten human health or biodiversity.??In Taiwan, the same efforts are being exerted to promote the non-toxic action plan. Hopefully, these precious experiences will be learned directly from KEMI experts through this program and combined with Taiwan? unique conditions for the continuous development of our own non-toxic action plan.\r\nThe MOENV pointed out that there are more than 10,000 PFAS substances as defined by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). As a cooperative effort under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (the Stockholm Convention), Taiwan has included perfluorooctane sulfonate, lithium perfluorooctane sulfonate, perfluorooctane sulfonate fluoride, perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorohexane sulfonate and their salts and related compounds in the Appendix A elimination list. These substances are now Class I toxic chemical substances with management regulations established for their uses. As one of the five countries proposing the full-scale PFAS management legislation in EU, Sweden has years of experience in PFAS management. Hopefully, this event will help Taiwan improve its PFAS management system.\r\nThe MOENV pointed out that chemical substance labeling is an important part of preventive management. Proper labeling helps reduce the risks of using chemicals improperly. At this event, Swedish experts were invited to share their experiences in the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, which in turn will help Taiwan stay in line with international chemicals management regulations.\r\nMinister Peng gave his speech and expected that the training at this event would encourage interactions between KEMI and MOENV, help Taiwan develop its own PFAS management policy and national non-toxic action plan, and complete Taiwan? chemical substance management strategies and systems to align its chemicals management mechanisms with the world.\r\n", "year": "2024", "month": "5", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/42ac2027-c0c7-49b5-82ab-f817f63b233e" }, { "no": "4422", "title": "New Minister Takes Office and Announces Four Key Directions", "preview": "For the first time, Dr. Peng Chi-Ming, the newly inaugurated Minister of Environment, met with the media on 21 May 2024 to speak about his vision of environmental protection. He discussed four topics: ?mproving environmental impact assessment reviews?? ?ccelerating the collection of carbon fees?? ?mproving air quality?? and ?aking the minister? daily schedule public?? Meanwhile he emphasized that 60% of his energy will be placed on getting the net-zero path on track. He mentioned that he has a fairly good idea of 70-80% of the ministry? affairs and is ready to work with everyone in the Ministry of Environment (MOENV).", "content": "(1) Carbon fees are an incentive for CO2 reduction instead of a financial tool\r\nMinister Peng pointed out that President Lai Ching-Te clearly emphasized that his ?reen growth strategy??means Taiwan aims to undergo green economic growth, supported by car-bon pricing in order to develop a net-zero path, and to point the direction for industrial development. The green growth strategy comprises ?reen finance,???et-zero technology,???reen and digital transition in parallel,???reen medical care,???nergy transformation??and ?ncrease of carbon sinks.??Minister Peng stressed that these policies require cross-departmental cooperation. There will be many ?wo minister??policy announcements, in order to demonstrate that the net-zero transition for the climate is not only to keep an eye on environmental protection, but also to uphold both corporate fairness and social inclu-sion. That is what sustainability really means.\r\n? am the chief sustainability officer of the Central Government, and the CSO of every com-pany is their own Minister of Environment,??said Minister Peng, who sees his role in the government from the industrial point of view.\r\n(2) Acceleration of legislation\r\n? have been asked about when carbon fee collection will start,??Minister Peng added, feel-ing pressure from all sectors of society. In order to develop Taiwan? own carbon pricing system and steadily push CO2 reduction forward, on 29 April 2024 the Ministry of Environ-ment (MOENV) preannounced the drafts of ?egulations Governing the Collection of Car-bon Fees,???esignated Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goal for Entities Subject to Carbon Fees??and ?egulations for Administration of Voluntary Reduction Plans??based on the Cli-mate Change Response Act (hereinafter the Climate Act). A 60-day preannouncement period is required to allow for collection of public opinion, and presentations are provided to stakeholders during this period. At the end of the 60 days, a negotiation meeting will be held. It is expected that these sub-laws will be promulgated by the end of August, allowing the entities subject to carbon fees to start working on their CO2 reduction measures and their reduction path to 2023, and to propose their own voluntary reduction plans so as to become eligible for preferred rates. The purpose is to clearly encourage entities subject to carbon fees to make larger steps toward CO2 reduction.\r\nDr. Wen-Chen Shih, Deputy Minister and convenor of the carbon fee review committee, ex-plained that the MOENV is working tirelessly on evaluating the impacts of carbon fee rate schemes on the economy in general. The fourth review committee meeting is scheduled for 5 July.\r\nThe first thing that the new minister must deal with is the challenge of carbon fee collec-tion. Minister Peng indicated that Taiwan uses carbon fees as a stick for promoting CO2 re-duction, while there is no carrot. The experiences of other countries, however, have shown that it does not work well with only the stick. It is necessary to find a new way to get the job done. Two examples worth studying are the tax reduction scheme in the US and the climate bonds in Japan. It is necessary to make the stick and carrot work together optimal-ly, while identifying and launching the carrot policies appropriate to Taiwan, i.e., leading the actual actions of CO2 reduction with well-developed policies.\r\nMinister Peng pointed out that there are indeed green opportunities to be had when we look at the experiences of many Taiwan-based international corporations, such as Delta Electronics, AUO and TSMC, as they have taken initiatives that lead global trends and de-veloped their own unique competitiveness. However, the story could be different for cor-porations that are high in CO2 emissions and struggling with issues of importing and ex-porting. Minister Peng called out to corporations to stay calm. Opportunities are out there as long as they are worked for. The MOENV will take the needs of different industries into consideration, and communicate sufficiently to take advantage of industrial transformation and upgrading.\r\nAs for the progress of carbon fees around the world that everybody is concerned about, such as the EU? carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), the MOENV has people in the US and Europe keeping track of developments, with support provided from the Execu-tive Yuan and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.\r\n(3) Review of Air Quality Standards to stay in line with WHO\r\n?e will try to squeeze something out of nothing for progress, like squeezing a towel.??When asked about air quality becoming worse after the COVID pandemic than before it, Minister Peng stressed that the improvement of air quality for public health is one of the MOENV? core duties, which it has been working on since 2016. The latest statistics show an improved trend in air quality throughout Taiwan. For fine particulate matter pollution (PM2.5), for example, the national average has dropped from 20 繕g\/m3 in 2016 to 13.7 繕g\/m3 in 2023, for an improvement rate of 32%. This met the air quality target of 15 繕g\/m3 for PM2.5. To continue to improve air quality, the MOENV proposed and submitted the Stage 2 Air Pollution Control Solution to the Executive Yuan for approval, and on 29 April 2024 amendments to the Air Quality Standards were preannounced, with tighter standards. The amendments will be integrated with the eight aspects and 37 reduction strategies of the Stage 2 Air Pollution Control Solution to keep a practical and steady pace toward im-provement of air quality.\r\nThe MOENV stressed that significant temporal and spatial variations in pollution spread ex-ist in Taiwan due to multiple factors, such as migration of air pollutants from beyond our borders, pollution caused by ships at sea, the unique physical geography of Taiwan and seasonal changes in atmospheric diffusion. Taiwan is an island where the majority of the population is concentrated in small areas. Most of the pollution sources are located in southern and central Taiwan where the conditions for diffusion are poor. These are just some of the challenges to deal with regarding air quality improvement. With the prean-nouncement on 29 April 2024 of the tightened amendments to the Air Quality Standards, comments asking for far tighter Air Quality Standards have been received from all corners of society. In response, Minister Peng pointed out that the MOENV has been working on how to achieve the air quality targets established by the WHO in stages, while taking all in-fluencing factors into thorough consideration for further amendments.\r\n(4) MOENV continues with EIA review improvement ?€ rapid test kit for offshore wind power\r\nRegarding EIAs for offshore wind power, there has been the issue of overlapping wind farms in the Stage 3 offshore wind power environmental impact assessments (EIAs), where multiple developers are fighting for the same wind farm site using their own EIA versions. This leads to different developers working on environmental surveys repeatedly, but only one single developer will be ultimately awarded the approved capacity to be developed, which is a waste of administrative resources. Seeing this, the MOENV started talking to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) at the beginning of 2024 and came up with a new mechanism of review consisting of two stages, with a checklist included for a higher stand-ard of environmental protection and monitoring. For the stage 1 review, the MOENV will examine the submitted documentation against the checklist. Those who comply with the requirements will be offered an approval letter from the MOENV for passing the stage 1 re-view and become eligible for the selection by the MOEA. Once the approved capacity is awarded, the review package will be submitted to the MOENV for stage 2 comprehensive review. Thus, there will only be one developer that becomes eligible for the comprehensive review, a giant leap for process simplification. It will be like a rapid test kit that takes care of both green energy development and environmental protection, a win-win for develop-ers, environmental groups and government agencies.\r\n(5) The MOENV is considering adding more experts to the Fourth LNG terminal review to seek a consensus\r\nThe Fourth LNG terminal is a great concern as the new minister takes office. The MOENV indicated that Taipower has requested an extension of the review to 31 July 2024. On whether there is a deadline imposed by the MOEA for the LNG terminal review and wheth-er Taipower? plan is involved, Minister Peng stressed that the MOENV does things at its own pace, since ?he Ministry of Environment is not the Department of Environmental Pro-tection of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.??For other issues of public concern, such as ?arine ecology,???hip maneuvering safety??and ?ort operations,??the MOENV is planning to invite an expert from each of the above-mentioned fields from the MOEA, developers or NGOs, for a total of six review experts on the review panel conducting professional investigations on environmental issues, who are to find a consensus. In addition, regarding public participation, citizens and groups for and against the proposition may sign up for the review meeting as observers, and present their comments in the meeting for consideration by review experts, and speak for their own rightful interests while giving an idea of the number of people they represent. The MOENV expressed that it will take all of us working together to tackle climate change, energy transi-tion and environmental challenges to come. The MOENV keeps an open mind for what the public has to say, both positive and negative.\r\n(6) The MOENV is expected to preannounce the Standards for Solar Power Developments Subject to EIA in June 2024 for the review and correction of environmentally sensitive locations and size of establishment.\r\nThe MOENV says the EIA standards for solar power development are being examined for areas needing amendments, seeing that solar power systems located at ?pecific sensitive locations??or ?stablished in large size??have caused quite a stir in society in general. In ad-dition to those proposed at important wetlands that require EIAs, it is considered that those proposed in a sensitive area like a national park or wildlife refuge and those located on a slope of a certain size (in terms of area or installed capacity) shall be subject to an EIA as well. The MOENV held a meeting with the ministries involved and local environmental protection bureaus on 10 May 2024 and reached a preliminary common ground, and it is expected to preannounce draft amendments by the end of June and promulgate them by the end of December.\r\nMinister Peng pointed out that the MOENV will start a review of the existing EIA review sys-tem in the second half of 2024, aiming to complete it in 6 to 12 months. Having said that, the Minister also clarified that most EIA reviews, or more than 90% to be exact, can be done in under a year at present, except certain highly disputed cases.\r\n(7) Open government in real life ??making the minister? daily schedule public\r\nBeing the former head of Open Data for Taiwan, Minister Peng made it clear that he takes the idea of open government very seriously, and suggested that the government should make its information publicly available in an open data format for public access and value-added creativity. He foresees that there will be a lot more to do for the open government, starting from the MOENV. For this, not only his official schedule and those of his deputies will be revealed on the MOENV? website a day ahead, but also the summary of every meeting and visit will be published for public viewing as a response to the public demand for open government.\r\n", "year": "2024", "month": "5", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/693ee30a-7524-4b58-b121-3eb65a4c105a" }, { "no": "4421", "title": "Successful Public-Private Collaboration on Adopting Urban Air Purification Zones", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has promoted air quality purification zones since 1995 to improve urban air quality by using vegetation to retain dust and absorb air pollutants. Corporations may adopt and maintain sites they select as concrete actions in pursuit of sustainable development (ESG) goals. A total of 1,281 sites are currently maintained across Taiwan, with the size of vegetation and purification coverage up to 1,269 hectares, equivalent to 29 Daan Forest Parks. It is estimated that the annual purification effects include intercepting 28.8 metric tons of particulate matter (PM10), reducing 16.2 metric tons of nitrogen dioxide and 45.2 metric tons of ozone. In 2023, 57 sites were recommended by local governments to encourage public-private cooperation in the adoption, maintenance and operation of air quality purification areas. After a selection panel of scholars and experts selected 25 sites and 29 enterprises, communities and NGOs for outstanding adoption performance, the \"2023 Excellent Air Quality Purification Area Adoption Award Ceremony\" was held at the MOENV on 30 April 2024. Director Chang Shun-chin presented the award and showed his gratitude and recognition of environmental protection partners who have worked silently to ensure that Taiwan has a better living environment.", "content": "The MOENV explained that the focus of promoting air quality purification areas has shifted from tree planting and greening of public properties, such as closed landfills, bare land or waste dumps, to suitable land and suitable plants for air purification, thus aligning with international development trends. Trees are excellent air purifiers and local governments are encouraged to plant them in locations surrounding large pollution sources, with high concentrations of key pollutants, and in densely populated urban areas. Precision management is implemented for air quality improvement; thus trees are chosen that will not interact with existing pollutants to produce ozone. In this way environmental quality can be improved and resources used sustainably.\nThe awards presented at this ceremony were based on the 2023 maintenance and operation results of air quality purification areas. Outstanding performance awards and service model awards were given to commend the adopting units for their excellent maintenance results and to recognize their continuous efforts to actively protect air-purifying plants over the years. In addition, seven county, city and municipal governments were selected for performing well in promoting air purification area adoptions. The local governments of Taoyuan City, Taichung City, Miaoli County, Hsinchu County, Hsinchu City, Pingtung County and Hualien County were recognized for their active promotion of the adoption of air purification areas.\nThe MOENV expressed appreciation of all local environmental protection partners for their enthusiastic participation in holding a successful \"Excellent Air Quality Purification Area Adoption Award Ceremony\". Data shows that more than 50% of the air quality purification areas throughout Taiwan have been adopted and are maintained by enterprises and NGOs, with the number growing every year. Air pollution control measures or plans are being gradually included in counties and cities to bring out the best of local governance. In the future, local governments will continue with the selection of excellent adoption units based on regional characteristics and local conditions, improve the efficiency of air quality purification, and promote public-private collaboration for a better living environment.", "year": "2024", "month": "4", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/air.moenv.gov.tw\/News\/news.aspx?ID=6006" }, { "no": "4420", "title": " “Check, See and Listen” When Making Property Transactions", "preview": "In recent years it has been frequently reported that land and factories are abandoned or used as waste dumps by illegal operators. People who are buying, selling or leasing properties must be very cautious and careful, because there have been incidents in which properties were abandoned or used for waste burial, which easily leads to land and soil pollution problems, and may even cause groundwater pollution.", "content": "The Environmental Management Administration (EMA) particularly warned that people need to keep in mind the three tips of \"check, see, and listen\" when buying, selling, and leasing property, that is, check information, view the site, and listen to opinions in order to avoid buying or leasing properties with problematic issues.\nThe EMA explained that first of all, the public may access information about property enterprises and their management of environmental protection concerns via the MOENV's Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (https:\/\/prtr.moenv.gov.tw). Also, one can check whether a piece of property is a contaminated site by looking at the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Website of the EMA (https:\/\/sgw.moenv.gov.tw). Citizens may confirm whether there is information on contaminated sites by applying for a copy of the land registration transcript. Next, members of the public may visit the site and see if there is anything unusual, and conduct assessment, investigation and testing as necessary. Finally, people may listen to what locals have to say about the property of interest, and take professional comments into consideration. Citizens may “check, see and listen” for better knowledge about the history and quality of the property of interest. \nThe Environmental Management Administration urges people to “check, see and listen” when interested in a piece of property, so as to avoid dealing with properties that have been abandoned or contaminated. People need to pay special attention to what the lessee actually does with the leased property when renting out their properties. In addition, property owners, users and managers should fulfill their responsibilities, keeping in mind the three tips of \"check, take notes, report\", and visit their properties regularly and keep records. For any environmental pollution discovered, please call the competent authority for environmental protection at 0800-066666 to report to any suspected foul play.", "year": "2024", "month": "4", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/wdms.moenv.gov.tw\/idms\/newsitem.aspx?k=EC556E2A7D861C579001FE5B9C77099B" }, { "no": "4419", "title": "MOENV Announces Amendments to \"Air Quality Standards\"", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) preannounced a draft amendment of the \"Air Quality Standards\" on 29 April 2024. For the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) criteria that people of Taiwan are most concerned about, the standard for annual average concentration will be tightened to 12 µg\/m3 from 15 µg\/m3. Standards were also tightened for allowable concentrations of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) (see attached table for details). The amendment also specifies that each measurement station within the jurisdiction of each county and city must show that air quality meets the standards before they can be designated as Class 2 air pollution control areas, replacing the previous method of determining compliance with the standards based on the average concentration of all measurement stations within a jurisdiction. The goal is to practically and steadily uphold the public right to respiratory health.", "content": "The MOENV stated that the new amendments to the Air Quality Standards and the criteria for appropriately tightening standards for each pollutant in Taiwan were determined by taking into account factors recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, targets for the different phases of various pollutants, and the record of other regulatory amendments around the world. The WHO guidelines emphasize that when setting air quality standards, countries should take into account factors such as current air quality, pollution control technology, health impacts, and social and economic development. With PM2.5, for example, Taiwan’s annual average concentration has dropped from 20 µg\/m3 in 2016 to 13.7 µg\/m3 in 2023. However, greater challenges await air quality improvement, as the world faces post-pandemic economic recovery and the impacts of extreme weather events. Therefore, the MOENV is promoting the stage 2 air pollution control plan, which is expected to lower the target annual average concentration of PM2.5 to 13 µg\/m3 by 2027, gradually moving toward the longer-term target of 12 µg\/m3 set in the Air Quality Standards draft.. \nThe MOENV stated that this amendment pushes Taiwan's air quality standards towards goals set by the World Health Organization. Taking a deeper look, in Taiwan, SO2, CO, and lead (Pb) standards have all reached the World Health Organization’s final targets or have become the world’s tightest standards; PM10 and PM2.5 standards are tighter than those in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and China; and NO2 and O3 are comparable to those in neighboring countries such as Japan and South Korea.\nThe MOENV stated that this amendment will push the air quality improvement targets one step further, thereby urging central and local competent authorities to strengthen their responsibilities for air quality control. At the same time, all those responsible for pollution sources shall be required to fulfill their obligations to ameliorate air pollution emissions, to help improve Taiwan's air quality and reduce health risks to the public.", "year": "2024", "month": "4", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/619cade4-8a43-4b2e-96d0-58b56d71f394" }, { "no": "4418", "title": "Agricultural Tarp Recycling and Reuse Mechanism Established through Cross-departmental Cooperation", "preview": "Seeing problems such as the lack of pre-processing of tarps used in agriculture and the difficulty of centralized recycling due to scattered farms, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) joined forces with the Ministry of Agriculture to improve the recycling and reuse mechanisms for agricultural tarps. The Ministry of Agriculture will educate farmers on the proper recycling and pre-processing of agricultural tarps, and provide subsidies for pre-processing machinery and equipment for agricultural tarp recycling. The MOENV will survey and provide a list of businesses interested in agricultural tarp recycling (currently 43 in Taiwan), and will fund local governments for agricultural tarp recycling mechanisms.", "content": "The MOENV stated that the Pingtung County Government and Chiayi County Government have submitted their requests for subsidies. The plan is to actively promote the recycling and reuse of agricultural tarps within their jurisdictions, provide guidance on the establishment of agricultural tarp recycling and storage, assist in transporting tarps to back-end reuse firms, standardize agricultural tarp processing and recycling, and generally strengthen agricultural tarp recycling and reuse pipelines. Meanwhile, the Agricultural and Food Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture has assisted in the construction of a demonstration agricultural tarp cleaning and recycling yard in Chiayi County to further resolve the problem of dirt and gravel remaining in agricultural tarps, making them difficult to recycle. Agricultural tarps should be cleaned first before having plastic recycling firms collect them, so as to increase the willingness of recycling firms to accept and promote material circulation. The MOENV will also help the demonstration yard find more sources of material, and guide local governments to transport agricultural tarps to the demonstration yard for cleaning before having them recycled. \nThere have been problems of waste incineration in the open and illegal dumping. In recent years the MOENV has introduced technology such as drones, satellite imaging and positioning to monitor incineration spots or suspected dumping sites, and has dispatched personnel to conduct inspections and strengthen enforcement of laws against such illegal activities. \nThe MOENV stressed that farmers may choose to use natural materials such as straw or biodegradable agricultural tarps for mulching in order to reduce at source the production of plastic agricultural tarps. Another option is to have the plastic agricultural tarps sorted according to the \"three principles of agricultural tarp recycling\", then sent to designated site(s) according to the recycling mechanism specified by the relevant local government, so as to promote resource circulation and avoid penalties for violating relevant laws and regulations. ", "year": "2024", "month": "4", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/ce00fe77-f855-440f-a631-2001e73aedec" }, { "no": "4417", "title": "MOENV Adds Substances to Control List in Line with Stockholm Convention", "preview": "Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, its salts and associated compounds are included in the Annex A elimination list as part of the United Nations Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (hereinafter the Stockholm Convention). To keep up with this measure, these substances are now classified as Class 1 toxic chemical substances as announced by the Ministry of Environment (MOENV). They are listed under Category 1 and operation and management regulations have been established. At the same time, the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonate fluoride and perfluorooctanoic acid for foam fire extinguishing equipment for Class B fires has reached the phase-out deadline under the Stockholm Convention. Thus, the use of these substances is no longer permitted, in line with international management trends.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, its salts and associated compounds have been added to the Annex A (elimination) list of the Stockholm Convention and, therefore, the manufacture, import, sales and other uses not publicly declared of these substances are now banned in Taiwan. However, the use of these substances for the purposes of research, experiments and education is still permitted, within concentrations that satisfy the control levels.\nThe MOENV stated that perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctane sulfonate lithium acid salt (PFOS-Li), perfluorooctane sulfonate fluoride (PFOSF) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were determined to be toxic chemical substances and controlled by laws that took effect in 2010 and 2018, to prevent perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkane organic substances from polluting the environment and harming human health, and to comply with the Stockholm Convention. Now, since the control of perfluoroalkyl organic compounds has been tightened under the Stockholm Convention, the concentration control levels have also been tightened, and the use of these substances is no longer permitted, since their usage in fire-extinguishing foam for fire-extinguishing equipment for Class B fires has expired as per the Stockholm Convention.\nThe MOENV stated that a number of meetings were held to consult with industry in response to this change, and the consulted firms said that they are familiar with the Stockholm Convention and have actively reduced the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or have sought alternative substances. Currently, none of the 147 types of perfluorohexane sulfonate, its salts and associated compounds in this announcement are used, except for small amounts used for research, testing and educational purposes. Regarding traces of pollutants that are not intentionally added, the MOENV added that the requirement does not apply to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are used at a concentration below the listed thresholds and are not intentionally added, as per the international exemption threshold regulations. \nThe MOENV emphasized that a grace period will be given to operators, in stages from 6 to 18 months, for perfluorohexane sulfonate, its salts and associated compounds, as well as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonate lithium salt, perfluorooctane, sulfonyl fluoride and perfluorooctanoic acid, in concentrations less than 0.01%, and for which requirements have been met, such as completed license (approval) document application, labeling, hazard prevention and other measures specified in the chapter on contingencies.\nIn addition to revised management matters, the MOENV also invited the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Education, Ministry of National Defense, the Ocean Affairs Council and National Health Research Institute to work together and draft a \"per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) management action plan\" to align with international trends. Comments have been collected from the industrial and academic sectors. A joint management mechanism will be discussed based on the regulations of governmental departments for public health and environmental safety.", "year": "2024", "month": "4", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/a6cc083b-dd8f-4e68-a4be-6ce87a420fcc" }, { "no": "4416", "title": "Climate Info Hub to Officially Go Online on Earth Day 2024", "preview": "The online volume of keywords such as \"net zero emissions\" and \"greenhouse gases\" entered into search engines has surged in recent years, which clearly shows the need to integrate climate information and disclose it to the public. In order to implement the Climate Change Response Act and improve the public participation mechanism for information disclosure, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) revised the official website of the Climate Change Administration (CCA; at https:\/\/www.cca.gov.tw), scheduled for official launch on Earth Day 2024. At the same time, the \"Climate Info Hub\" (at https:\/\/www.cca.gov.tw\/info\/) is designated as the dedicated website for open climate information from government agencies at all levels, employing the Climate Info Hub concept to create a channel for transparent and open climate information and public participation. In addition, external content websites such as “Climate Talks” (at https:\/\/www.cca.gov.tw\/climatetalks\/) are integrated in the CCA’s official website to provide the public with the latest and most accurate climate information, and the CCA is committed to making the website bilingual to bring Taiwan’s climate governance in line with international standards. Several keys to the revision are described as follows: ", "content": "1. Designate the Climate Info Hub for integration of open statuary climate information \nIt is specified in Article 24 of the “Enforcement Rules of the Climate Change Response Act” that the information to be disclosed by the competent authorities at all levels and those of target enterprises shall be made public on designated website(s). Information is to be made open and publicly accessible through a single channel. For this, the MOENV established the “Climate Info Hub” and designated it as the statuary open climate information website of Taiwan, enabling, for example, the disclosure of documents from central agencies down to local governments on greenhouse gas reduction and climate change adaptation. The documents to be made public range from: the National Climate Change Action Guidelines, periodic regulatory goals, Sectorial GHG Reduction Action Programs, the National Adaptation Action Plan, action programs for seven adaptation areas, result reports, national GHG emissions inventory, national reports on the reduction action plans of local governments, and their achievement reports. To date, a total of 212 documents have been uploaded to the website. The architecture of the information platform is based on the “Environmental Impact Assessment Inquiry System,” where climate information is categorized and concentrated upwards for easy access and downloads. All central competent authorities for target enterprises and local governments will follow this pattern to disclose information on this website. \n2. Build a channel accessible to the public for participation in climate actions\nTo promote public participation in climate change policies and strengthen communications, public meetings required by the Climate Act and held by governments at all levels shall be made public on the \"Climate Info Hub\" at a certain time before the meetings are held, including public hearings of central agencies and local government symposiums. The website will include meeting information, reports, and even meeting minutes, live broadcasts and recordings in full. The public may access the webpage for free, register online to attend meetings, make real-time inquiries for complete and accurate information, and provide online comments, while public comments can be solicited for document drafts. In addition, through the platform, government agencies at all levels may publish information on climate change-related forums, public hearings, communication workshops, and legislation amendment meetings, allowing the public access to the latest meeting information all at one site, thereby promoting public participation and enhancing capacity building.\n3. Integrate information of content type websites for easy access\nContinuous efforts are made to improve and enrich the content of the official website of the Climate Change Administration, lower the threshold for people to access climate information, and integrate three websites: \"Climate Talks\", \"National GHG Inventory Report\" and \"We Are on the Same Ship – Taiwan Climate Change Adaptation Platform\". For example, the integrated \"Climate Talks\" will still provide interactive graphics to keep the public up to date on the latest greenhouse gas reduction results of Taiwan and the six main ministries involved, as well as progress of the 12 key strategic action plans for the transition to net zero. Meanwhile, citizens can post comments online in public discussions on climate change.\n4. Build bilingual websites to connect to the world\nThis website update is committed to building a bilingual environment to make Taiwan’s achievements in climate change governance accessible to the world. An English webpage is provided and English versions of documents related to international conventions are published, such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), the National GHG Inventory Report, GHG National Communication, and Adaptation Communication. All of this is done to promote the internationalization and globalization of Taiwan's important climate governance information, expand the scope of open information and maximize the effectiveness of international connections. ", "year": "2024", "month": "4", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/b171fc46-321e-42ea-8487-31d600939170" }, { "no": "4415", "title": "Ministry of Environment promulgates amendments to “Regulations for the Establishment and Management of Air Pollutant Emissions Inspection Stations for Motor Vehicles”", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) promulgated the amended “Regulations for the Establishment and Management of Air Pollutant Emissions Inspection Stations for Motor Vehicles” (hereinafter the Regulations) on 17 April 2024, increasing the motorcycle exhaust inspection fee from NT$80 to NT$100. In addition, the conditions for establishing regular inspection stations in remote areas have been relaxed, and motorcycle exhaust inspection stations and personnel management have been strengthened to make the motorcycle exhaust inspection system more streamlined and effective. The MOENV expressed specifically that the motorcycle inspections be paid in full by the MOENV from the Air Pollution Fund. Vehicle owners will not have to pay a dollar.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out a few keys to the amendment. For example: \n- A regular inspection station established in a remote area shall not be restricted to the shop size limit of 35 m2 .\n- The motorcycle exhaust inspection fee is now NT$100\/motorcycle.\n- The inspection certificate will be cancelled or withdrawn if the exhaust inspection station and its technicians perform inspections in an illegal or improper way. In such cases, the person in charge shall be banned from being designated as responsible for a motorcycle exhaust inspection station for three years, and the technician involved shall also be banned from conducting exhaust inspection work for a year after his\/her registration is cancelled.\n- Violations shall include: failure of an exhaust analyzer of a motorcycle exhaust inspection station to pass an audit conducted by the competent authority or its entrusted agent, and; daily gas comparison results reaching a 10% failure rate within a quarter. \nThe MOENV once again urges the public to utilize the motorcycle exhaust inspection system, as vehicle owners need to know how much pollution their motorcycles make, keep their motorcycles well-maintained, prevent exhaust from polluting the environment, and make sure to repair their motorcycles when they break down, so as to maintain air quality.", "year": "2024", "month": "4", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/air.moenv.gov.tw\/News\/news.aspx?ID=5994" }, { "no": "4414", "title": "MOENV Assists Local Governments to Dispose Asbestos Waste from Earthquake-Damaged Areas ", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) is working with local governments after a Richter scale 7.2 earthquake struck Hualien early in the morning of 3 April 2024. Those in need of disposing asbestos-containing building wastes generated by the earthquake may file a request to a local environmental protection bureau for help. ", "content": "Old buildings are damaged or collapse in earthquakes, and asbestos-containing building wastes may be generated. If asbestos-containing building materials are damaged in residential buildings, there may still be health risks even though the possibility or exposure to asbestos dust is low. The public needs to know the following three dos and three don’ts: don’t leave exposed asbestos unattended, don’t remove the wastes without protection, and don’t throw the wastes away untreated; and, do remove the damaged sections quickly and safely, do keep the wastes in safe containers, and do report to a local environmental protection bureau for disposal free of charge. \nThe MOENV secured a budget of NT$1.6 billion last year for a joint supply contract of “removal and disposal of asbestos building wastes.” Those in need of disposal of asbestos-containing building wastes may file a request to a local environmental protection bureau for help. \nIn the aftermath of the Hualien earthquake, the MOENV has offered to help people with the removal of asbestos-containing building wastes and environmental protection measures free of charge in response to the emergency. Once asbestos-containing building materials are removed, the waste is to be moistened and placed in two layers of plastic bags and then in solid containers, before calling local environmental protection bureaus which will in turn ask contractors for removal and disposal. \nInformation on removal and disposal of asbestos building wastes is available and requests for subsidies can be made by calling 02-8771-0152 or a local environmental protection bureau. Or, please visit the asbestos information section of the MOENV website at https:\/\/topic.moenv.gov.tw\/asbestos\/mp-4.html.", "year": "2024", "month": "4", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/22a5d0c5-b668-488f-93ad-50b8affcda99" }, { "no": "4413", "title": "Face-to-Face Consultation Provided to Ease Industries’ Carbon Anxiety", "preview": "The MOENV’s Climate Change Administration (CCA) provided consultation services on carbon inventory and voluntary reduction projects on 9, 17 and 24 April to improve enterprises’ capacities of carbon inventory and reductions. The first-hand, face-to-face consultations have helped enterprises on how to deal with carbon inventory and carry out voluntary reductions, freeing them from carbon anxiety! ", "content": "The MOENV amended the Management Regulations for the Inventory, Registration and Inspection of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (溫室氣體排放量盤查登錄及查驗管理辦法) on 14 September 2023. It mandated manufacturing enterprises of specific industries and whose emissions of the entire factories (sites) reach 25,000 metric tons of CO2e per year to register their emissions inventory and inventory reports in the Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting System by 30 April. In addition, the MOENV formulated the Management Regulations for Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reduction Projects (溫室氣體自願減量專案管理辦法) on 12 October 2023. The purpose is to encourage enterprises and governments at all levels to plan reduction measures based on diverse voluntary reduction methods, submit project plans for registration with the MOENV, carry out and monitor the approved plans, and then apply for reduction credits based on the actual monitored reduction results. The CCA stated that many enterprises and governments at all levels started asking how to conduct carbon inventories and obtain reduction credits (also known as \"carbon rights\") since the promulgation of the two management regulations above. On top of that, courses of carbon inventory or carbon rights acquisition in the market vary widely in terms of quality. Seeing this, the CCA provided this special consultation service which covers regulatory contents, operational practices and case studies to meet the urgent needs for carbon inventory and voluntary reductions. Enterprises and governments received first-hand, accurate and completely free information about carbon inventory and voluntary reductions.", "year": "2024", "month": "4", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/14552e9f-5830-428c-9cb3-e97cd3ea0edd" }, { "no": "4412", "title": "Amended Points Recording and Handling Announced for Violating Regulations Regarding Fugitive Dust Air Pollutions from Stationary Sources ", "preview": "The MOENV promulgated the amended Principles for Recording of Points and Handling for Violating Management Regulations for Facilities to Control Fugitive Dust Air Pollution from Stationary Pollution Sources (固定污染源逸散性粒狀污染物空氣污染防制設施管理辦法) (the Principles hereinafter) on 2 April 2024. This was done according to the amended Management Regulations for Facilities to Control Fugitive Dust Air Pollution from Stationary Pollution Sources (固定污染源逸散性粒狀污染物空氣污染防制設施管理辦法) (the Management Regulations hereinafter) promulgated on 6 July 2023. The recording of points for and handling of violations are specified so that local environmental authorities implement the Management Regulations with a consistent basis and in a manner proportional to the extent of violations. ", "content": "This amendment is in line with the amended Management Regulations, revising items that warrant point recorded for violation in the table of Article 2 of the Principles simultaneously. New addition target public and private venues which fail to install or adopt air pollution control facilities, monitoring instruments or video surveillance systems in accordance with the Management Regulations, and have proposed alternative method and have it approved by municipal or county (city) competent authorities, but still fail to carry out the alternative. They will be considered failing to install or adopt air pollution control facilities and have ten points recorded for violations. This is designed to urge implementation of alternative methods at public and private venues and prevent unusual emissions of air pollutants. \nFurthermore, in conjunction with Article 14 of the Management Regulations, paragraph 2 of Article 7 and paragraph 3 of Article 9 of the Principles are to be implemented three years after the promulgation, and the rest of the amendment is given a buffer year after promulgation. The new regulations will be implemented on 6 July 2024. The MOENV points out that the new system is about to be take effect. Public and private venues subject to the Management Regulations need to check again that the air pollution control facilities in the place and comply with the amendment in order to avoid violations and punishments.", "year": "2024", "month": "4", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/eb902898-df03-49bf-85fd-08a87e3c5515" }, { "no": "4411", "title": "The MOENV Starts Youth Programs for Net-Zero Talents", "preview": "Companies are facing new regulations and business models like carbon inventory, carbon reduction, and collection carbon fees and taxes, as the goal of net zero by 2050 has been incorporated in the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法), which was announced in February 2023. As a result, the needs for green-collar workers suddenly skyrockets. To cope with the enormous need of talents in response to the net-zero transition, the MOENV’s National Environmental Research Academy (NERA) has come up with a series of net-zero technology training programs starting from April this year. In particular, admission is free for university\/college students so as help in their green-collar career development. Program enrollment is now open to companies and the public who are interested in net-zero emissions.", "content": "The 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28) in 2023 issued a \"Global Stocktake\" emphasizing that sustainable and just solutions to the climate crisis must be based on meaningful and effective social dialogues with and participation of youth among other stakeholders. As a response, on 17 January 2024, the second meeting of the fourth Youth Advisory Committee of the Executive Yuan passed a proposal of promoting youth participation in climate change policies, demonstrating that Taiwan will strive to build youth’s climate change capabilities and help them express what they have to say. Therefore, the NERA has designed special youth programs specifically for young students and workers. The programs cover international trends of climate change, Taiwan's net-zero progress, promotion of climate governance and carbon reduction mechanisms, and facilitate interactions on issues of concern to young people. It is hoped to gradually improve the development of climate change capabilities in youth, and collect their opinions so that climate change response efforts uphold generational justice.\nThe NERA President Liu Tsung-Yung said that the amended Climate Change Response Act includes a number of new regulations regarding reduction mechanisms, highlighting how important emission inventory and reductions are. The NERA is expected to hold 26 sessions for 1,000 people to help enterprises establish self-inventory and reduction capabilities and meet the future talent needs of domestic and international supply chains. \nPresident Liu stressed that the program lecturers are mostly the MOENV’s supervisory staff in charge of regulations and policies, top scholars from universities and colleges, and senior managers with practical experience in the industry. The faculty consists of experts from the industry, governmental and academic sectors with expertise covering net-zero regulations and policies, fundamental theories and practical implementation and will help build trainees’ professional competencies for the future demand for talents in net-zero emissions.\nThis series of enhancement training provides basic and advanced programs that feature modular planning for a duration ranging from two to five days. The training covers five major topics, namely the basics of net-zero emissions, GHG inventory, carbon footprint verification, environmental-social-governance (ESG) reports and voluntary reductions. The main focuses are on the international trends of net-zero emissions, Taiwan's GHG reduction strategies and management mechanisms, introduction to ISO14064 and ISO14067 standards, writing principles and examples of ESG reports, and method descriptions and examples of voluntary reductions. Trainees who attend the training and pass the test will be issued a certificate of attendance by the NERA. The program information will soon be provided and available on the NERA’s Environmental Protection Training Management System website.\nVisit the NERA’s Environmental Protection Training Management System at: https:\/\/record.moenv.gov.tw\/NERAWEB\/Library\/Home.aspx", "year": "2024", "month": "4", "assortment": "National Environmental Research", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/24aa17a4-4710-4aa1-a488-acb3ddb625aa" }, { "no": "4410", "title": "Drafts Preannounced regarding Carbon Fee Collection, Voluntary Reduction Plans, and Designated Reduction Goals for Collection Targets", "preview": "The MOENV preannounced the drafts of the Regulations Governing Carbon Fee Collection (碳費收費辦法), the Regulations for Voluntary Carbon Reduction Management Plan (自主減量計畫管理辦法) and the Designated Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals for Entities Subject to Carbon Fees (碳費徵收對象溫室氣體減量指定目標) according to the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法) (the Climate Act hereinafter). The purpose is to establish Taiwan’s carbon pricing system and smoothly facilitate reductions. The drafts preannounced on 29 April 2024 are the mechanism for future carbon fee collection and combined with general and preferential fee rates to encourage entities subject to carbon fees to take larger and faster steps toward carbon reduction. ", "content": "The MOENV stressed that the carbon fee system is designed to provide incentives for carbon reduction instead of a financial tool. The drafts preannounced serve as important guidelines for entities subject to carbon fees to develop their reduction measures and paths early on, as an attempt to move toward Taiwan’s goal of net zero by 2050. Communications with the public will be carried out to reach a collective consensus in addition to soliciting comments during the 60-day preannouncement period. The drafts are outlines as follows: \n1. Draft of the Regulations Governing Carbon Fee Collection: \n(1) Entities subject to carbon fees: Enterprises in the electric power industry and manufacturing industry that meet qualifications of the Enterprise Emission Sources Subject to Inventory, Registration and Inspection of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (事業應盤查登錄及查驗溫室氣體排放量之排放源) and whose annual emissions, both directly from entire factories (sites) and indirect from the use of electricity reach a total of 25,000 metric tons of CO2e or more. In addition, considering fair competition within the same industry, the collection threshold of 25,000 tons of CO2e may be deducted in principle when enterprises determine emissions to be charged for carbon fees. \n(2) Starting from the next year after carbon fee collection starts, entities subject to carbon fees are to determine the amount of carbon fee payment by the end of May each year based on the emissions from 1 January to 31 December of the previous year.\n(3) The carbon fee payable by the entities subject to carbon fees is the \"charged emissions\" multiplied by the \"fee rate\". For the calculation of \"charged emissions\", the MOENV took into consideration the global competitions faced by the industry and the fact that the low-carbon transition requires a certain amount of time and space. Therefore, to guide the industry to invest funds in carbon reduction works, a transition mechanism was designed in the collection regulations based on the practices in EU and other countries (such as partial free allocation or tax exemption). For industries with high carbon leakage risks, different carbon leakage risk coefficient (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6) are given in three stages to adjust charged emissions and to maintain the edges of Taiwan’s industries in the international competition. Industries with high carbon leakage risks that are interested in this transition mechanism are to submit an application for voluntary reduction plans to the central competent authorities for approval for the eligibility of this mechanism. In addition, the collection threshold of 25,000 metric tons of CO2e will not be deducted from the charged emissions for such industries.\n2. Drafts of the Designated Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals for Entities Subject to Carbon Fees and the Regulations for Voluntary Carbon Reduction Management Plan: \nArticle 29 of the Climate Act specifies that entities subject to carbon fees who switch to low carbon fuels, adopt negative emission technologies, increase energy efficiency, use renewable energy or take measures to reduce GHG emissions effectively by improving manufacturing processes and reaching goals designated by the central competent authority, may propose voluntary reduction plans and apply for a preferential rate from the central competent authority. The preannounced drafts this time are designed to achieve the 2030 reduction goal. \n(1) Designated reduction goal: Two ways are provided in the drafts to determine the designated goals; one is the industry-specific reduction rate based on the science-based targets (SBTi), and the other is the technical benchmark-based designated reduction rate, set according to domestic and international technical emission benchmarks and also under the condition of reaching the nationally determined contributions by 2030. \n(2) Voluntary reduction plan: for the eligibility of the preferential rates, entities subject to carbon fees must select one of the two ways of determination to set their designated reduction goal for 2030 and develop their own reduction measures to be adopted until 2030. A voluntary reduction plan shall be submitted to the central competent authorities and will be reviewed by a review board formed by all central competent industry authorities. \n(3) Regular result inspections: The central competent authorities will inspect the progress of the voluntary reduction plan every year. Enterprises need to submit the progress report of the voluntary reduction plan for the previous year by the end of every April. Those who meet the progress are eligible for preferential rates in the current year. However, the voluntary reduction plan will be cancelled in accordance with regulations if an enterprise is found by the central competent authorities failing to implement the plan accordingly, and the difference in payment between the general rate and the preferential rate for the current year will be recovered.\nFinally, the MOENV sets the ratio of reduction credits from charged emissions at 1.2 for entities subject to carbon fees who use the voluntary reduction projects and offset projects, provided that the deduction limit for using reduction credits shall not exceed 10% of the enterprise's charged emissions. This is to encourage entities subject to carbon fees (major emission sources) to lead those not subject to carbon fees for emission reduction and keep their funds in Taiwan as a priority. Also, the ratio of reduction credits from charged emissions at is set at 0.3 for enterprises not of high carbon leakage risks which started the pilot reduction projects two years before the collection of carbon fees, as recognize their early reduction efforts. In addition, enterprises not of high carbon leakage risks are eligible to use the foreign reduction credits approved by the central competent authorities as an additional supporting package, provided that the upper reduction limit does not exceed 5% of the charged emissions.\nThe MOENV pointed out that the carbon fee collection system is designed with reduction in mind, rather than an additional source of government incomes. It is hoped that the economic incentives of carbon fee collection will accelerate the carbon reduction of Taiwan's industries and facilitate the low-carbon transition.", "year": "2024", "month": "4", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/page\/3b3c62c78849f32f\/81c06c43-fb95-49a8-9cff-ef10a7bc92e9" }, { "no": "4398", "title": "Amendments Promulgated for Regulations Governing Diesel and Alternative Clean Fuel Engine Vehicle Emissions\n", "preview": "To improve coordination of Taiwan’s vehicle emission management with international practices, amendments to the “Regulations Governing Issuance, Revocation, and Cancellation of the Certificate of Conformity for Emissions from Diesel and Alternative Clean Fuel Engine Vehicles” ( 柴油及替代清潔燃料引擎汽車車型排氣審驗合格證明核發撤銷及廢止辦法) were promulgated by the Ministry of Environment on 1 February 2024. The amendments are based on current international practices and are aimed at improving management efforts in Taiwan, and follow the “Regulations Governing Issuance, Revocation, and Cancellation of Compliance Certification for Gasoline and Alternative Clean Fuel Engine Vehicle Emissions Inspections” (汽油及替代清潔燃料引擎汽車車型排氣審驗合格證明核發撤銷及廢止辦法). Key points of the amendments are:", "content": "1.The “model year” system is cancelled. There is no need to apply for emission inspection qualification certificate every year if there is no change in emissions for a certain model of car. It is estimated this change will reduce applications by more than 50%, a significant reduction of administrative burdens for both the government and dealers.\n2.The test results and qualification certificate issued by the UK are recognized as an effort towards international mutual benefits.\n3.Referring to Paragraph 1, Article 409 of the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法), the “specified regulation lab” system for car testing will be discontinued as of 1 March 2025, after which the tests can be performed by a test body approved by the central competent authority.\n4. A third-party inspection system is introduced for car model inspections based on what the EU has in place for vehicle management. This follows the principle of “user pays”, which not only helps save government budget resources but also strengthens the inspection system to ensure vehicle emissions meet air quality standards.\n5.The quality control specifications for mass production and the sampling requirements for new car inspections have been revised based on current control practices for gasoline-fueled cars in Taiwan. This ensures the quality of cars produced and embodies emission controls for diesel-fueled vehicles.", "year": "2024", "month": "2", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/law.moj.gov.tw\/LawClass\/LawAll.aspx?pcode=O0020048" }, { "no": "4397", "title": "Joint Investigation Discovers Repeat Illegal Wastewater Discharges by a Criminal Network", "preview": "The Northern Center of Environmental Management of the Environmental Management Administration (EMA), MOENV, working together with the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office, Squadron 1, the Third Division of the 7th Special Police Corps, and the Department of Environmental Protection of the Taoyuan City Government, found that a gravel yard run by Yuan XX Development Co., Ltd. discharged wastewater and sludge into Shezi River through roadside ditches, contaminating river water quality. It was a violation incurring administrative penalties listed in the Waste Disposal Act. It was also found that the owner of the business, Mr. Hsieh, was a repeat violator, considered to be a more serious violation by the Prosecutors Office. He was placed in custody as approved by the Taoyuan District Court. With the investigation by the Prosecutors Office, five suspects and two legal entities were prosecuted in February 2024, and NT$93.51 million in criminal proceeds were confiscated.\n", "content": "The Northern Center of Environmental Management received a tip in January 2023 that there was illegal dumping of wastewater and sludge into local rivers from a gravel yard at Xinwu, Taoyuan, causing harm to river ecology and coastal algal reefs. The Center joined hands with the Department of Environmental Protection of the Taoyuan City Government to conduct an investigation, which discovered serious pollution deposits and contamination in Shezi River, along Pugong Road at Xinwu, Taoyuan. The Yuan XX Development Co., Ltd. was suspected of this offence by dumping the wastewater and sludge generated at their sand washing yard. For the investigation, hi-tech tools, such as remote-controlled automatic water quality monitoring instruments, were installed for long- term monitoring, which ascertained that the sand washing yard was indeed the pollution source.\nWith evidence in hand, a task force comprising personnel from the Department of Environmental Protection, the Northern Center of Environmental Management, the 7th Special Police Corps and the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office, launched a joint criminal investigation on 24 September 2023. Previously, in 2020, the owner of Yuan XX Company, Mr. Hsieh, was sentenced to two years of imprisonment by the Taoyuan District Court for illegal dumping and backfilling of sludge and wastes, illegal wastewater discharging and environmental pollution, carried out under the guise of sand washing done by Hung XX Engineering in Guanyin District, Taoyuan City. However, the imprisonment did not seem to alter his criminal behavior, as he did the same after being released from prison, dumping 420 tons of sand washing wastewater and sludge into Shezi River, contaminating river water quality and devastating the local ecology. It was also found that 12,000 tons of illegal wastes were piled up at the company site. Administrative penalties stipulated in the Waste Disposal Act were incurred in the case of Yuan XX Company, which was investigated and prosecuted by the Taoyuan District Prosecutor's Office.\nThe task force did not stop there, as they continued to investigate the site where the wastes were illegally piled up at Yuan XX’s property. It turned out that the wastes were from interior decoration work which were previously stored at an illegal facility of Jin XX Company, which was a Class B waste disposal firm, and relocated to the investigated site by Rui XX Company, which was also a Class B waste disposal firm, to prepare it for landfilling and coverup. With this in mind, the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office initiated the second phase of investigation on 30 November 2023 and found that Jin XX Company collected the interior decoration wastes from Tai XX Engineering and Dong XX Construction Materials for illegal storage and incineration, and some of the wastes were given to Rui XX which in turn gave the wastes to Rong XX Company in Changhua for illegal storage and incineration. Jin XX, Rui XX and Dong XX were all legal waste disposal firms but were conducting illegal business behind their legal front offices, as they worked with companies and gravel yards for illegal collection and disposal of wastewater. Thanks to the meticulous efforts of the task force, the entire network of criminal activity was discovered and prosecuted by the District Prosecutors Office, and will face administrative penalties under the Waste Disposal Act.\nThe Environmental Management Administration points out that it, police and prosecutors have established a robust nationwide alliance capable of conducting environmental crime investigations. Information is shared within the alliance concerning environmental crimes across the borders of counties and cities. Task forces can be assembled in the shortest possible time to fight against environmental crimes, and the EMA warns all those with criminal intentions not to challenge the determination of joint investigations against environmental crimes.", "year": "2024", "month": "2", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/0bf584f3-8830-456b-bba8-7b1e95e8859e" }, { "no": "4396", "title": "“Environmental Education Discovery Center” Offers Fun and Green Credits in Year of the Dragon", "preview": "To learn more about the environment, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) recommends visiting the “Environmental Education Discovery Center”(https:\/\/eeis.moenv.gov.tw\/front\/), which allows visitors to learn about environmental education opportunities provided by the Ministry over the years and to increase environmental knowledge. At this time of year, educational games full of Chinese New Year flavor have been designed for families to play while earning green points for environmental protection. Hopefully, through this exploration process environmental knowledge will spread and the ability to act to preserve the environment will spread among the general public.", "content": "The “Environmental Education Discovery Center” established by the MOENV is designed to provide high-quality environmental education resources and a wide diversity of educational services. The Center is based on an electronic library and the concept of exploratory learning that allows visitors to learn more about environmental topics such as atmospheric environment and monitoring, water and soil environments, resource circulation, climate change, and environmental education. It can be adapted for different modes of education (e.g., environmental teaching, self-learning, participation in activities, learning through competition), and it also provides county\/city maps for various learners (e.g., based on age or social background). It provides the resources to fit specific learner needs and widen knowledge about the environment. All were welcome to visit online during the Chinese New Year holidays.\nThe “Environmental Education Discovery Center” presented a rich assortment of material for children visiting with their parents during the Chinese New Year holidays. There was the “listen to a story about the environment” podcast designed for children, with stories designed to inspire children’s environmental awareness, highlight the importance of environmental protection, and develop their knowledge about environmental protection. Reading is the key to wisdom. In the “Environmental Education Discovery Center,” there are dozens of picture books illustrating local cultural characteristics and environmental topics specific to local counties and cities. Reading with children not only improves parent-child relationships, but also stimulates reflection on how to put environmental protection into practice in daily life.\nThere are environment-friendly ways to travel during the Chinese New Year holidays. For example, the exploration map provided by the “Environmental Education Discovery Center” for preparing a travel itinerary is helps reduce the resource consumption that comes with traveling. Whether one brings their family to visit a certified environmental education facility, explore a local community with friends and see cultural landscapes, or find an environment-friendly restaurant for some good cuisine, all help to improve bonding between family members during the Chinese New Year holidays, while putting the net-zero green life in practice.\nThe MOENV has prepared 247 environmental education films packed with rich contents, which can be accessed by going online to the “Environmental Education Discovery Center,” and clicking on “Lifetime Learning”. There are many films to choose from to raise environmental awareness and stimulate discussion on how to care for and play one’s part in environmental protection.\nApart from exploration activities offered by the “Environmental Education Discovery Center,” there are Chinese New Year themed games that allow visitors to earn green credits while having fun during the holidays. Members of the Environmental Education Discovery Center are advised to check that the mobile phone number in their personal account has been linked to collect green credits before playing the games. A correct answer wins an opportunity for up to 5,000 green credits, and everyone has a chance to win every day. The Chinese New Year holidays are the perfect time to have some fun while increasing environmental knowledge.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "2", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/56fe61b7-cc3a-4b57-b959-d1cdf6af29be" }, { "no": "4395", "title": "Kaohsiung Pig Farm Penalized for Polluting Er-Ren River", "preview": "Through river water quality measurement stations, the Environmental Management Administration (EMA) of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) monitors changes in river water quality and effluents from pig farms in the upstream Erren River Basin. Recently, a pig farm in Neimen District, Kaohsiung City, became suspected of illegally discharging high-concentration wastewater. On 17 February 2024, the EMA joined forces with the Environmental Protection Bureau of the Kaohsiung City Government and successfully determined that the pig farm operators had buried pipes and discharged farming wastewater that was not properly treated, thereby exceeding environmental standards. Untreated pig excrement piled up in the river, bringing serious consequences to the water quality of the Erren River Basin, such as waves upon waves of strong odors. The farm owner will be prosecuted according to the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防治法) and asked to make improvements by a given deadline. Violation of Paragraph 1, Article 7 and Paragraph 1, Article 18-1 of the Water Pollution Control Act is punishable by a fine between NT$60,000 and NT$20 million. If improvements are not completed by the given deadline, the penalties will be imposed continuously, while for serious violations, suspension of work or business may be imposed and the water pollution control permit (document) may be revoked or, if necessary, the business may be asked to close.", "content": "The Southern Center of Environmental Management of the Environmental Management Administration, MOENV, indicated that after an inspection in October 2023, the said farm was warned to collect waste (sewage) water properly and send it to the Erren River Livestock Wastewater Recycling Center to be treated. However, water quality data at the river measurement station showed that there was often substandard water quality at the Er-Ceng Bridge measurement station in Neimen District, Kaohsiung City. By tracing the source upstream, it was found that the color of river water under Guanyin Bridge was strange and there was an obvious smell of pig excrement, which pointed to the said pig farm, which was then targeted under the suspicion of not collecting and treating wastewater before secretly discharging it into the Erren River.\nInspectors negotiated through dense bamboo forest along the river bank and found a shallow spot to cross the Erren River. They found a hidden pipe opening on the slope below the wall of the said pig farm, where farming wastewater was being discharged without proper treatment. As soon as this was found, the inspectors immediately collected samples of wastewater discharges from the hidden pipes, and took drone photos for further evidence. Upon seeing the inspectors and what they were doing, farm workers immediately acted to reduce the wastewater discharged. Little did they know, the inspectors had already dropped a tracer agent at the bypass discharge point inside the site, and found that the tracer agent was indeed discharged outside of the site through the hidden pipe buried underground, providing firm evidence that the pig farm discharged the farming wastewater into Erren River through the hidden pipe.\nThe Environmental Management Administration urges all animal farmers not to secretly discharge wastewater just to save a few dollars, as this causes deteriorated water quality in the upper reaches of the Erren River. In 2024, the EMA is working with the Environmental Protection Bureau of the Kaohsiung City Government to: intensify inspections of livestock wastewater discharges from pig farms in the Neimen area; implement regional management and continue supervision to ensure operations remain in accordance with licensed documents; identify illegal businesses one by one, and; ensure that wastewater is treated according to applicable regulations with discharged water meeting regulatory standards. Changes in water quality in rivers are intelligently monitored through water quality monitoring points in river basins. Once water quality irregularities are detected, early responses can be made so as to maintain continuous river water quality and provide residents with a high-quality living environment.", "year": "2024", "month": "2", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/86e9f7a1-8eb4-4503-b0d6-3bcb6c2731a7" }, { "no": "4394", "title": "Four Dos and Three Don’ts for Environmental Agents: Safe, Legal and Hassle- Free", "preview": "People are reminded to keep in mind the four Dos and three Don’ts when selecting, purchasing online or bringing environmental agents back from abroad, in order to ensure legal, safe and effective agents are selected and to avoid breaking the law, as a violation is punishable by a fine between NT$30,000 to NT$300,000.", "content": "The Chemicals Administration, MOENV stated that a total of 25,010 environmental agent advertisements, labels, counterfeits, and active ingredients were inspected by environmental protection authorities throughout Taiwan in 2023, of which 96.9% passed.\nLooking deeper into the statistics, there were 4,608 environmental agent advertisements, of which 374 were illegal online advertisements, where most of the violations were pesticides or insect repellents claiming to be made of natural substances and other environmental agents, sold over online shopping platforms without a proper license or permit. 20,273 labels were examined of which 388 failed. After random sampling, the active ingredients of 125 environmental agents were analyzed, of which five failed. Also, four environmental agents were found with invalid or forged registrations or prohibited substances. Those responsible for products that failed the inspections were punished according to the Environmental Agents Control Act (環境用藥管理法) and ordered to remove the products from shelves by specified deadlines.\nLooking at the examination results, the Chemicals Administration recommends the “4 Dos” of environmental agent safety when choosing environmental agents: “1. Do choose the right agent”- pest control needs the right environmental agent; “2. Do choose a legal agent” - it is important to choose an environmental agent with a permit number on its package starting with “Huan Bu \/ Shu Wei Chi” (環部\/署衛製字), “Huan Bu \/ Shu Wei Shu” (環部\/署衛輸字) or “Huan Wei Yao Fang Chong” (環衛藥防蟲字); “3. Do choose a valid agent” - it is necessary to make sure that the manufacturing data and expiration date are shown on the product package in order to stay away from expired products; and “4. Do know the label” - use the agent correctly according to the label (on the product package) for safety and effectiveness.\nThe use of online shopping has become a major shopping pattern for the general public, and it is known that domestic environmental agents, or products brought back from international travels, are advertised and sold online or through other advertising channels. If one is not a vendor with a valid environmental agent permit, it is advised not to sell environmental agents online, such as pesticides and mosquito repellent tabs. A violation of advertising illegal environmental agents is punishable by a fine between NT$60,000 and NT$300,000. In addition, selling environmental agents brought back from international travels is also punishable by a fine between NT$30,000 and NT$150,000.\nThe Chemicals Administration urges all citizens to follow the “3 Don’ts” for environmental agents; “Don’t post” - don’t post any advertisement online for selling environmental agents without a permit; “Don’t buy” - don’t buy any environmental agent from an unknown source and without a permit number of “Huan Bu \/ Shu Wei Chi” (環部\/署衛製字), “Huan Bu \/ Shu Wei Shu” (環部\/署衛輸字) or “Huan Wei Yao Fang Chong” (環衛藥防蟲字); and “Don’t recommend”- don’t recommend any environmental agent that is claimed to kill or repel insects advertised in social media.\nIt is best not to use environmental agents, or sparingly if one must. The best way to controls pest is to tidy the environment up instead of using environmental agents. If anyone is wondering if an environmental agent is legal or not, they can go to the “Environmental Agent Permits and Pest Control Licenses” of the Chemicals Administration at https:\/\/mdc.moenv.gov.tw\/PublicInfo to search for the product name and permit number; or, a legal pest control operator or environmental agent vendor can be searched for. More information on how pests behave and how to remove them, or information about illegal environmental agents, can be found at the website “Safe Use of Environmental Agents” at https:\/\/topic.moenv.gov.tw\/evsu\/mp-8.html.", "year": "2024", "month": "2", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/a383f8bb-74de-45a7-97ec-0d7fbd2afc16" }, { "no": "4393", "title": "Minister of Environment Visits the 3D Air Quality Experiment of Cooperation with NASA in Kaohsiung and Pingtung", "preview": "The MOENV joined hands with 15 government agencies, 20 academic and research institutes and more than 40 professors and experts in Taiwan and around the world to launch a 3D air quality experiment in Kaohsiung and Pingtung on 1 February 2024, analyzing the correlation between topography, atmospheric circulation and air pollutants, as well as international joint observation of changes in 3D space over time. At the same time, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are working with Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia on the Asian air quality experiments on flights. Two NASA scientific aircrafts conducted a four-hour air quality observation over central, southern and eastern Taiwan on their way from the Philippines to South Korea on 15 February 2024, providing high-resolution, precise data. This is the MOENV’s first large-scale experiment that is essentially an international collaboration involving multiple government agencies and experts. It was an upgrade from ground-based air quality monitoring to integrated 3D observation, a new page for future collaborative monitoring of the atmospheric environment and an outstanding example for scientific study and international cooperation.\n", "content": "The MOENV said that the precision air quality monitoring instruments on board of the DC8 measured changes in air pollutants from 46 feet (15 meters) up to 11,000 feet (3,300 meters) above Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung. The GIII cruised between Taichung and Pingtung at the altitude of 28,500 feet (8,600 meters), using onboard lidar to measure regional air quality. The 3D air quality experiment in Kaohsiung and Pingtung monitors simultaneously the physical properties, chemical compositions and 3D distribution of air pollutants. Advanced and sophisticated instruments or methods were utilized, such as intensive ground sampling from several local departments, drones, wind profilers, wind lidar, sounding balloons, solar photometers, and satellite telemetry, in addition to two advanced ground-based air quality monitoring supersites jointly operated by NASA and Taiwan and also a vertical spectrometer station from the US National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Scientific data, such as ozone (O3), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matters (PM2.5), their concentrations, particle sizes and chemical compositions were collected for 3D scientific research, and will be used for satellite calibrations, air quality model improvement, pollution source analysis and design of air pollution control strategies. The MOENV appreciated the cooperative efforts from agencies at home and abroad including NASA, the Central Weather Administration, the Civil Aviation Administration, Academia Sinica, the Air Force Weather Wing, Air Force Institute of Technology, and local environmental protection bureaus, as well as 45 professors and experts led by Dr. Lin, Neng-Hui of National Central University. It was their supports and participation that made this large experiment of international collaboration successful.\nThe MOENV Minister Shieu Fuh-Sheng visited the large-scale experiment in this international scientific research project with NASA on 28 February 2024. He expressed his gratitude to the staff of approximately 200 people from many schools, government agencies and local bureaus. They worked tirelessly even during the Chinese New Year Holiday, conducting intensive 3D observation with sounding balloons and drones as well as coordinating NASA flights. Minister Shieu encouraged the participating experts and staff to keep analyzing pollution sources and assisting in design of control strategies through important scientific data from international cooperation, enhancing Taiwan’s air pollution control and improve air quality.\nCheck out the film of Asian air quality experiment by NASA and the MOENV on 15 February 2024 at https:\/\/youtu.be\/I8YU7xxERdI.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "2", "assortment": "Monitoring and Information", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/f55fcd21-9d24-4d60-a496-6bb02d33e0d6" }, { "no": "4392", "title": "Guidelines Preannounced for EIA Preliminary Reviews on Offshore Wind Power", "preview": "The MOENV preannounced the development of the Guidelines for Preliminary Reviews of Environmental Impact Assessments for Offshore Wind Power System Development Activities ( 風力發電離岸系統開發行為環境影響評估初審作業要點) on 2 February 2024. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) documents submitted by wind power enterprises complying with the Offshore Wind Power EIA Review Checklist will be subject to the stage-1 preliminary review of the EIA task forcein order to be approved by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) for qualification of subsequent selection. Enterprises selected and awarded by the MOEA with power generation capacity will go through the stage-2 EIA review. This will improve administrative efficiency and achieve a win-win for both energy transformation and environmental protection.\n", "content": "The MOEA revised the Guidelines for Allocating Capacity of Offshore Wind Power Zone Development (離岸風力發電區塊開發場址容量分配作業要點) in 2023. Under the revisions, “review conclusion of approval suggested by the preliminary meeting of the task force of the MOENV’s EIA review committee” is one of the prerequisites for eligibility for the MOEA’s selection process. This has resulted in data from repeated field surveys by multiple enterprises for the same site and repeated reviews by the EIA review board, which added extra costs for these enterprises and unnecessary administrative resources for the MOENV. Determined to deal with this unreasonable situation, for offshore wind power development the MOENV has split the preliminary review by the EIA task force into two stages as part of the amendment of the Guidelines for Preliminary Reviews of EIAs for Offshore Wind Power System Development Activities.\nThe MOENV came up with version 1.0 of the checklist in 2022. In consideration of reviews for dozens of offshore wind power projects, the revisions this time address common environmental protection topics and requirements, including wind turbine foundations, shared submarine cable corridors and landing points, wind turbine spacing, bird corridors, conservation measures for whales and dolphins, and environmental monitoring plans. The checklist 2.0 is established and incorporated to the guidelines for preliminary reviews, so now ticking the checklist 2.0 means being approved in the stage-1 preliminary review by the task force. The MOENV will state the conclusion of recommended approval of preliminary EIA review in an official letter to allow wind power enterprises to become eligible to enter the MOEA’s selection process. Those awarded with power generation capacity after passing the selection are then required to submit to the MOENV document(s) of proof and proposals of development activities, whose original content are to be revised based on the MOEA-awarded capacity, in order to be approved by the task force for the stage-2 preliminary review. The stage-2 preliminary review by the task force operates with the same procedure in which the task force, consisting of members from the EIA review committee, currently conducts preliminary reviews. Therefore, there will be no restriction or change for public participation or right to voice opinions.", "year": "2024", "month": "2", "assortment": "Environmental Protection", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/c3a9d8f6-3089-459f-9d52-64b4b686bc90" }, { "no": "4391", "title": "Yunlin River Pollution Remediation Completed Thanks to Central Government Funding", "preview": "The Yunlin River Landscape Improvement Project has been completed and launched under the witness of Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan of the Executive Yuan, the MOENV Minister Shieu Fuh- sheng, Magistrate Chang Li-shan of Yunlin County, and Legislators Liu Chien-kuo and Chang Chia- chun. A new chapter has begun in the history of Yunlin River in Douliu.", "content": "Yunlin River, known for its beautiful green riverbanks in early days, was later covered and turned into a parking lot. The foul smell was gone, but so were the shared memories of the locals. As an effort to bring the good memories back and revitalize the river, Legislator Liu Chien-kuo invited the MOENV for several field surveys and worked hard to secure project funding. Starting from 2016, the MOENV had subsidized the Yunlin County Government in project development, and in 2018 approved the pollution remediation project for Yunlin River as a part of the Nationwide Water Environment Improvement Program under the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program. The approved total project budget was NT$1.8542 billion, and NT$890,044,000 (82% of the budget) came from the MOENV subsidies. For the entire project, NT$158,047,143 was allocated for landscape improvement, and 82% (NT$129,598,656) was subsidized by the MOENV. The project was designed based on the nature and location along the upstream and downstream. The part of sewage interception and purification mainly collects domestic sewage from the upstream along Daxue Road and directs it to the gravel water purification plant capable of processing 15,000 metric tons every day, and the treated clean water is discharged to Yunlin River. Catch basins and box culverts are installed at the sewage outlets along the banks of Yunlin River to direct the sewage on sunny days to the Douliu Water Resources Center at downstream for treatment, ensuring clean water for all river sections in the city center and water quality improvement.\nPresident Tsai Ing-wen had a visit in person to Yunlin River in January 2018 and promised to stand by Yunlin in its development, helping tackle its problems. The project started on 26 March 2019. Thanks to the efforts of Yunlin County Government and all sectors, the beauty of Yunlin River was once again presented in front of the public as the concrete covers were removed. It is now a dream come true for local citizens and an environmental landmark for the city.\nAs an active effort to improve the water environment, the MOENV has been subsidizing the Yunlin County Government in recent years in inspections and controls of water pollution sources, river patrols, total pollution source controls, and multiple water quality improvement works for Beigang River, Yunlin River, Huwei Drainage and Lunbei Drainage. The MOENV will continue to assist the Yunlin County Government in river remediation and water quality improvement in the days to come.\nMinister Shieu said that MOENV will keep working with local governments to gradually turn the water quality of urban rivers for the better through in-situ water purification treatment, building them into areas for water quality improvement, environmental education, recreation and ecological conservation, and creating a new look of clean, safe and comfortable river environment.", "year": "2024", "month": "2", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/175de310-c9e4-49df-909f-3794c5a9205b" }, { "no": "4390", "title": "MOENV Releases First Voluntary Reduction Method List", "preview": "The MOENV just approved 143 greenhouse gas reduction methods under 13 sectoral scopes for voluntary reduction projects according to the Greenhouse Gas Voluntary Emission Reduction Projects Regulations (溫室氣體自願減量專案管理辦法) Article 12. The announcement was made public on the Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reduction Offset Information Platform to provide feasible reduction measures for enterprises or governments of all level which are interested in acquiring offset credits by implementing reduction projects in Taiwan. All aim to achieve greater and faster reduction results.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out their experience in promoting the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction projects have been based on the UN’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) since 2015. With the existing CDM and local reduction methods in mind, the voluntary reduction projects developed according to Articles 10 and 11 of the regulations shall comply with the MRC principles of being measurable, reportable and verifiable MRC principles. They are also required to incorporate additionality, conservatism, and permanence and avoid causing environmental hazards and repeated calculations. Under the 10 Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) of the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (IC-VCM), a total of 143 reduction methods under 13 sectoral scopes have been reviewed and approved as methods applicable to the first set of voluntary reduction projects. It will allow the MOENV-issued reduction credits to align with internationally recognized quality specifications in order to achieve substantial reduction results. In addition, the MOENV specified that verification by a third-party verification body may be omitted for 10 reduction methods during application and registration. These 10 methods, including replacement of lighting fixtures, water chillers, and other energy equipment, are mature reduction techniques, involve easy and clear calculations and have been carried out. Thus, the administrative procedures are simplified so that applying organizations become more interested without compromising substantial reduction results.\nThe MOENV emphasized that an enterprise interested in obtaining reduction credits is required to carry out voluntary reduction projects via the approved and announced reduction methods. Application of reduction credits will start only after monitoring shows substantial reduction results.", "year": "2024", "month": "2", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/d8e5e698-a05a-47ad-97a9-674cc2604997" }, { "no": "4409", "title": "Promoting Circulation of Textiles for Sustainable Fashion", "preview": "The Resource Circulation Administration of the Ministry of Environment actively promotes the circulation of textile resources, recently formulating the \"Directions for Circulation of Textile Products for Chain Brands in the Apparel Industry and Clothing Retail Industry\" (連鎖品牌服飾業及百貨零售業紡織品循環指引). Businesses in the brand apparel industry and department store retail industry were invited to join the \"Sustainable Fashion Alliance\" to enhance the sustainable circulation of textile products, and improve resource use efficiency and reduce waste.", "content": "The textile industry is one of the largest industries in the world. A survey conducted by McKinsey & Company indicated that the fashion industry emitted approximately 2.1 billion tons of greenhouse gases in 2018, accounting for approximately 4% of the global total. The European Union proposed the \"2030 Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles\" in 2022, requiring producers to introduce green textile design and assume recycling and reuse responsibilities in textile resource circulation chains. In addition, the Textile Exchange proposed the goal of reducing greenhouse gases generated by textile fiber and material processes by 45% by 2030, urging major international brands to adopt textile circulation and use of recycled materials.\nThe Resource Circulation Administration said that in March 2011, Taiwan announced the \"General Descriptions of Taiwan's 2050 Net-Zero Emissions Roadmap and Strategy\" (臺灣2050淨零排放路徑及策略總說明) and proposed 12 key strategies to reach the net-zero transition goal. Strategy number 8, \"Resource recycling and zero waste\", of which the Resource Circulation Administration is in charge, includes textiles as one of ten key items. Guidelines were developed for the aspects of production, use, recycling and circulation, aimed at connecting Taiwan's textile industry supply chains and schools, building a textile fiber-to-fiber cycle, and reducing the generation of textile wastes and their impacts on the environment.\nAccording to the guidelines set by the Resource Circulation Administration, the brand apparel industry can design clothing made of single or recycled materials, provide clothing repair or recycling services, and set up second-hand clothing specialty areas for reverse recycling and circulation of brand name clothing. In addition, the clothing retail industry may set up used clothing recycling services in their shops, provide discounts or points for events promoting used clothing recycling, and provide multiple recycling channels for used clothing based on the established guidelines. This will not only encourage consumers to purchase more circular textiles, but also facilitate the recycling and circulation of textiles.\nThe Resource Circulation Administration calls on government agencies, schools and private businesses to participate in procurement of circular textiles. One example is the buying of uniforms or special event clothing that has environmentally friendly design and consists of at least 90% of a single material, according to the \"Directions for Textile Product Circulation for the Chain Brand Apparel Industry and Retail Industry\". Another example is requiring clothing suppliers to provide recycling, repair and warranty services in purchase contracts in order to achieve better recycling, circulation and reuse of textile products.", "year": "2024", "month": "3", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/fc375258-2294-4401-aa4c-1786d861b12d" }, { "no": "4408", "title": "Using Electronic Tax Forms to Earn Green Points in Tainan City", "preview": "This year, for the first time, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) is cooperating with local tax authorities, and encourages all citizens to participate in net-zero green living and use the environmental protection green point platform. The Tainan City Government’s Finance and Local Tax Bureau and its Environmental Protection Bureau are collaborating to launch a campaign that will award environmental protection green points for using electronic tax forms between now and 30 November 2024. All taxpayers are welcome to live a net-zero green life, as the MOENV encourages other local finance and tax bureaus to award green points for using electronic tax forms.", "content": "The event targeted \"natural persons who have just filed electronic tax returns for property in Tainan City\". Participants applying for electronic tax bills for the \"vehicle license tax, house tax, and land value tax\" regularly levied by Tainan City (paid in April, May, and November, respectively) will enjoy rewards of triple environmental protection points by completing specific tasks during the campaign. Green points can be earned during the campaign by taking the following steps: \n1. Download the Environmental Protection Green Points APP, enter the Tainan City Government Finance and Local Tax Bureau’s exclusive recommendation code TBTNN9 when registering as a member, and bind the mobile phone barcode or any carrier to get 2,000 green points.\n2. Apply for an electronic tax form and get a reward of 1,000 points (ONLY one reward for each applicant).\n3. Each applicant who applies for an electronic tax form and pays the tax by the specified deadline during the campaign period will be rewarded with 500 points from the Finance and Local Tax Bureau and an additional 500 points from the Environmental Protection Bureau for each tax registration (up to 10 tax registrations for each tax category), while points are still available. \nThe MOENV referred to an analysis of the global energy sector's path to net-zero done by the International Energy Agency, which estimated that 8% of the global energy sector's net-zero emission reductions will need to come from behavioral changes that result in reduced energy demand, as well as improvements in recycling and more efficient use of materials. The net-zero benefits brought about by guiding people through this transition is not something to be ignored. For example, in Tainan City in 2023, there were about 2.12 million paper forms filed for the three major taxes (vehicle license tax, house tax and land value tax), equivalent to 2.68 million kg of carbon emissions. If 10,000 of these forms can be processed electronically per year, an estimated 12,000 kg of carbon emissions can be reduced.\nIt is just a tiny change in life to switch from tax paperwork to paperless electronic tax bills, but it will have a huge effect in daily life. It is hoped that this campaign will serve as a catalyst for more local tax authorities to promote paperless tax forms, and that more people will switch to using them. Let’s live a net-zero and green life together.", "year": "2024", "month": "3", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/61d2159d-4d7d-46c8-8a81-8fa199891c4f" }, { "no": "4407", "title": "Amendment to \"Charging Standards for Applications for Government-Owned and Private Waste Removal and Disposal Entity Licenses\" Announced", "preview": "The Charging Standards for Applications for Government-Owned and Private Waste Removal and Disposal Entity Licenses (公民營廢棄物清除處理機構申請許可案件收費標準) were promulgated 2 January 2002, and amended on 11 August 2006. The MOENV is reviewing and revising the current basis of charges in order to make the collection of review fees more rational in view of several changing factors, such as: price index adjustments, the increase of costs for review procedures and manpower demand after recent years, and reports by local governments that the charging fee rate is no longer sufficient.", "content": "The MOENV explained the key points of the draft amendment on 18 March 2024, as follows:\n1. New fees are added for test run plan reviews.\n2. The amount of review fees has been revised for government-owned and private waste removal and disposal entities’ applications for approval of establishing documents, approval of test run plans, and the issuance, extension, and change of permits and licenses, taking into account practical needs for conducting reviews.\n3. The requirements for waste removal entities have been deleted since these entities no longer exist in the Charging Standards for Applications for Government-Owned and Private Waste Removal and Disposal Entity Licenses. All agencies are now referred to as the issuing agency. \nSummaries of the draft amendment of the Charging Standards for Applications for Government-Owned and Private Waste Removal and Disposal Entity License are available online at https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=64A7C241D405EE51", "year": "2024", "month": "3", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/79e1e57b-457a-4f67-bc35-548c9627609c" }, { "no": "4406", "title": "\"Directions for the Preliminary Review of Environmental Impact Assessment of Offshore Wind Power System Development\" Announced", "preview": "On 28 March 2024, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) announced the directions for the preliminary review of offshore wind power environmental impact assessments, and the \"Checklist of Environmental Impact Assessment Review for Offshore Wind Power System Development\" (風力發電離岸系統開發行為環境影響評估審查事項檢核表). The Directions require that the documents for environmental impact assessment submitted by wind power developers shall be included in the checklist. The stage 1 preliminary review by the review committee shall be completed and eligibility for selection approved by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), once all the items in the checklist are verified. Wind power developers who secure the approved power generation capacity will go to the EIA stage 2 substantive review as soon as the MOEA completes the selection. This will not only improve administrative efficiency, but also achieve the win-win objectives of energy transformation and environmental protection.", "content": "The MOENV announced on 2 February 2024 the development of the “Directions for the Preliminary Review of Environmental Impact Assessment of Offshore Wind Power System Development” (風力發電離岸系統開發行為環境影響評估初審作業要點). On 23 February 2013, local governments, government agencies, NGOs and offshore wind power developers were invited to a meeting to discuss the Directions. While the collected comments were taken into consideration, the original version of the Directions indicated that the approval letter issued by the stage 1 preliminary review committee would be valid for one year. Considering the business selection schedule of the MOEA, the validity has now been extended to two years in the revised version, and may be extended for an additional year, if necessary, as approved by the MOENV. \nConsidering that during the second phase of preliminary review, offshore power developers, on the other hand, will submit the EIA documents, now revised based on the power generation capacity approved by the MOEA, for stage 2 preliminary review (but the actual development scope may not be located in sensitive areas, such as the important\/sensitive wildlife habitat of the Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin or leopard tiger) Article 6 of the Direction adds that the results of stage 1 preliminary review checklist may be adjusted for those with special development conditions with the approval of stage 2 preliminary review. \nAfter examining the checklist published, NGO representatives pointed out that there was no citizen group present at the stage 1 preliminary review for the cetacean preservation in the checklist. The stakeholders will be denied of the development schedule if the information is not made available, and there is the issue with the information representativeness. The MOENV promises that the electronic files of the environmental impact assessment documents for stage 1 preliminary review will be simultaneously disclosed in the MOENV's environmental impact assessment document inquiry system. Once a developer is selected, the stage 2 preliminary review will be the preliminary review process for the task force composed of current environmental assessment members. Therefore, there will be no restrictions or changes to the public’s rights to participate and speak.\nOffshore wind power developers and NGO groups had much to say about the checklist in the meeting. The MOENV stated that the approval of checklist review in the stage 1 preliminary review by the task force is only the \"minimum standard\" to for the developers to participate in the selection process of the MOEA. Once a developer is approved for the selection, the EIA members will be able to focus more on reviewing the environmental impacts of offshore wind power development in the second stage. The excuses commonly made by developers at the EIA meetings, such as “Oh, we will consider that after we are selected,” will not reach their ears. \nAs a part of marine mammal observation program, it is required that a marine mammal observer shall be present during piling and submarine cable installation. Whether or not the watch is assigned to a secondary job, it is up to the developer to come and provide a reasonable explanation and, therefore, this is left to the EIA members for substantive review in the stage 2 preliminary review. For the qualification of marine mammal observers, on the other hand, it is required that all observers shall meet the qualifications of Taiwan marine mammal observers. The checklist published this time also incorporates the \"Underwater Noise Guidelines\" (水下噪音指引) published by the Ocean Conservation Administration of the Ocean Affairs Council, and the peak sound frequency of the porpoise family shall be included in the underwater acoustics.\nThe MOENV explained that the contents of the checklist will be adjusted on a rolling basis based on subsequent actual review status and needs. The MOENV refined the offshore wind power environmental impact assessment review process this time, in line with the energy transition policy. It is an effective improvement of administrative efficiency, and reduction of resource waste for Taiwan's net-zero emissions goal by 2050.", "year": "2024", "month": "3", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/87334b5b-be87-462f-8f17-96df77be6d46" }, { "no": "4405", "title": "Planting Trees Encouraged to Increase Carbon Sinks and Obtain Credits", "preview": "To strengthen emphasis on the multiple benefits and ecological importance of trees, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) encourages all people to take part in tree planting. As carbon sinks are increased, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction credits can be earned for carrying out actions approved by the MOENV.", "content": "Taiwan has incorporated the \"Greenhouse Gas Voluntary Reduction Mechanism\" into its regulations. Businesses are encouraged to participate in reforestation and afforestation to earn “reduction credits” (commonly known simply as credits) obtained by planting trees to expand carbon sinks. The MOENV has promulgated the \"Regulations for Greenhouse Gas Voluntary Emission Reduction Projects\" in accordance with the Climate Change Response Act (the Climate Act), specifying that businesses shall develop and carry out reduction measures according to MOENV-approved carbon reduction methods for the issuance of \"reduction credits\". The first list of 143 reduction methods suitable for afforestation have been approved and made public. The list includes one local reduction method and four listed under the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). In addition, the MOENV accepts applications for approval of new methods, and to date, three new reduction methods related to forest carbon sinks have been proposed. Public suggestions have been collected and the review process will follow. Information is readily available online at the MOENV website, where progress can be to viewed. \nThe MOENV stressed that as trees grow, afforested areas will expand carbon sinks and contribute to Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero goal. Recently, people in Taiwan have shown interest in how to obtain \"reduction credits\" for afforestation, which the MOENV explains as follows:\n1. Carbon credits cannot be rewarded or offered to others for participating in activities:\nReduction credits are rewarded only by increasing carbon sinks through afforestation. Implementers shall carry out voluntary reduction projects according to the approved and disclosed reduction methods before making a request for credits. Credits are based on the actual carbon sink increase observed after registration, review, implementation and years of observation. The MOENV will review and award the reduction credits. A business organizing any energy conservation and carbon reduction activity shall not mislead the public by claiming that carbon credits will be rewarded by participating in their activity.\n2. Carbon sink development is not something that can be done overnight, and the Climate Act does not recognize any carbon sink developer, carbon credits trader, or manager:\nThere are many so-called colleges and programs concerning carbon reduction or carbon net zero on the market, claiming that trainees can become a carbon credit trader, carbon sink developer or carbon trading manager by attending their programs. However, the development of carbon sinks requires reasonable afforestation methods and nurturing measures, and the setting up of reasonable monitoring areas, frequencies and methods for the afforested areas. It takes years of continuous investment of funds and manpower to establish a carbon sink, and is not something that can be done independently by a so-called \"developer\" or \"manager\" as claimed. People need to stay away from flamboyant but misleading publicity stunts.\n3. The awarding of reduction credits must come with “additionality” to ensure substantial reductions:\nReduction credits are used by businesses to offset emissions and achieve the reductions they need. “Additionality” is a basic principle recognized internationally. For this, the MOENV invited experts and scholars to partake in a review committee on preventing inappropriate awarding of credits that would compromise Taiwan's net zero goal. Trees sequester carbon as they grow, thereby contributing to carbon sink expansion. Reduction credits can only be rewarded based on increases to carbon sinks due to afforestation from human activity. It is necessary to prove that hard work has been done to comply with the additionality requirements of the voluntary reduction mechanism.\nSeeing how afforestation can expand carbon sinks, the MOENV states that Taiwan has included \"increasing forest areas\", \"strengthening forest management\" and \"increasing the utilization of domestically produced materials\" as three key promotion strategies under the \"natural carbon sink\" in the 2050 net-zero emissions goal for the forest sector. Carbon sinks are not exactly equivalent to reduction credits, and reduction credits are not the only value gained from natural carbon sinks. Taiwan will focus on the diverse functions and ecological significance of natural carbon sinks, promote the expansion of natural carbon sinks through multiple measures and incentive mechanisms, to create net-zero benefits.", "year": "2024", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/0201fe31-72cb-4ee0-bbab-b04c3e718f7b" }, { "no": "4404", "title": "Ministry of Environment Holds 2050 Net-Zero City Exhibition", "preview": "Net-zero sustainability is not just a goal, it is a trend-setting lifestyle attitude. The National Development Council and the Taipei Computer Association held the \"2050 Net Zero City Exhibition\" and the \"2024 Smart City Exhibition\" on 19 March 2024. The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) set up the \"Net Zero Sustainable Life Hall\" with three major exhibition areas, \"Green Technology\", \"Green Cycle\" and \"Green Life\", exhibiting everything from food, clothing, housing and transportation, to technical monitoring, conversion of wastewater into energy and resources, and smart low-carbon. The aim was to spearhead the practice of net-zero green lifestyle, and showcase Taiwan’s latest achievements in the application of technology and the innovative thinking of circular enterprises.", "content": "The jointly held \"2050 Net Zero City Exhibition\" and the \"2024 Smart City Exhibition\" were attended by nearly 2,200 overseas VIPs from 112 cities and 46 countries from around the world. The scale of the exhibition and the number of overseas VIP visitors for the grand event exceeded last year’s. Vice Premier Cheng Wen-Tsan said that digital technology is the foundation of urban governance, and the twin-axis of digital and green transition requires collaboration between government and the private sector. Taiwan's private industry already has a very mature foundation of applications, allowing Taiwan to become a model for smart cities and the \"whole city (factory) export\" of key industries. Lin Chia-Lung, Secretary-General to the President, pointed out that cities contribute 67% of global carbon emissions and are the key to achieving net zero. The Smart City Exhibition will drive more cross-domain and cross-city cooperation: \"Taiwan not only can help, but also can lead!\" Taiwan aims to transform from being a hidden champion in the information industry chain, to be on the forefront of nations that are flexible in smart applications and produces net-zero solutions, and even to become a world hub.\nEnvironment Minister Shieu Fuh-Sheng said that the MOENV set up the \"Net Zero Sustainable Life Hall\" for this year's Net Zero City Exhibition and had 31 stands in three exhibition areas: \"Green Life\", \"Green Technology\" and \"Green Cycle\". The exhibits were centered on food, clothing, housing and transportation. For example, there was tea serving (quenching thirst and reducing carbon and plastics for the earth); fibers taken from pineapple leaves, normally treated as agricultural waste, were recycled and made into fashionable products, functional clothing, canvas, and vegetable leather for extensive applications. There were also glow-in-dark materials used in public toilets, roads, and school grounds. The long-lasting glowing properties of the materials were combined with appropriate lighting to achieve better energy efficiency. In addition, the use of environmentally friendly building materials, the promotion of electric motorcycles, and interesting board games gave people a taste of what net-zero green life feels like, to help them imagine the daily details of living such a life. Other displays showcased Taiwan's latest achievements in green living, applications of technology and the innovative thinking of circular enterprises. For example: chemical accident prevention combined with technical monitoring and disaster prevention; development of wastewater treatment technology to turn waste into energy and resources; and smart low-carbon.\nLater that day, Deputy Minister Shih Wen-Chen of the MOENV chaired the \"Life transition\" sub-forum, with honored guests Luis Neves (introducer), CEO of the Global Sustainability Initiative (GeSI), and representatives from eight cities from the United States, Germany and Ukraine. Deputy Magistrate Wang Chih-Hui of the Taitung County Government and Director-General Wu Pei-Yu of the MOENV, shared their experience and insights on how to lead people to change behaviors centered on \"life transition\" as the main axis, in areas such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, education, entertainment and shopping. Through shared business models, establishing sustainable consumption models and engaging in national dialogue to build consensus, changes can be facilitated in the industrial supply chain to create a sustainable, low-carbon lifestyle and expand the influence of net-zero green living.", "year": "2024", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/2b245afc-c060-474c-9486-dc9e10b8ccaa" }, { "no": "4403", "title": "Cross-departmental Forum Held to Enhance Environmental Law Enforcement", "preview": "The Cross-departmental Forum on Environmental Law Enforcement took place at National Chung Hsing University on 21 and 22 March 2024. It was held by the MOENV jointly with the Taichung Branch of Taiwan High Prosecutors Office, the Taichung District Prosecutors Office, the Environmental Protection Bureau of the Taichung City Government, the Academy for the Judiciary of the Ministry of Justice and the National Chung Hsing University School of Law. Nearly 200 people from the departments of prosecutors, police, environmental protection, investigation and forestry management in central Taiwan, judges and prosecutors in training, and National Chung Hsing University were invited to attend the forum. They shared opinions and insights on the administrative investigation and criminal investigation procedures and integration in environmental law enforcement, and had courses demonstrating evidence collection with technology to improve law enforcement efficacy.", "content": "The MOENV’s Environmental Management Administration (EMA) stated that this forum themed \"The Intertwining of Administrative Law and Criminal Law in Environmental Crimes – Case Study of and Lessons from the Collaborative Model of Taichung District Prosecutors Office and Homeland Security Team\". Attendees centered on 4 sub-topics, namely \"Application and Limitation of Technological Evidence Collection in Administrative Investigation in Environmental Protection Cases\", \"Use of Evidence Collected from Administrative Investigation in Criminal Procedure\", \"The Intrigue Relationship between Criminal Injustice and Administrative Injustice: A Public Law Perspective\" and \"Procedures of Integrating Criminal Investigation and Administrative Investigation: The Perspectives of Code of Criminal Procedure\". Prosecutors from the Taichung District Prosecutors Office, professors from National Chung Hsing University, Shi Hsin University, and Ming Chuan University, representatives from the EMA’s Central Center of Environmental Management and the Taichung City Environmental Protection Bureau served as the interlocutors and reporters on each topic, providing their valuable knowledge and sharing experience.\nThe EMA pointed out that the procurators, police and environmental authorities established a cooperation platform in 2011. Thanks to the cross-departmental efforts, 3,200 environmental crimes and 11,000 people were prosecuted so far. The environmental crimes often involve huge illegal interests, and the evolution of environmental crimes into organized crimes and the resulting environmental pollution problems have become a top continuous concern to the society. Criminal penalties have been specified in Taiwan’s Criminal Code and environment-related legislations in order to protect the environment. The criminal investigation and the determination of constituent elements, on the other hand, rely on the interactions and cooperation between prosecutors and environmental authorities. It is hoped that this forum served as a brainstorming session that would inspire more sophisticated practices and implementation principles in terms of the collaboration between administrative and criminal investigations to enhance the effectiveness of environmental law enforcement.\nThe EMA said that \"technological law enforcement for environmental protection\" is one of the visions when it was founded. Other than active participation in criminal cases across counties, cities, and agencies, the EMA also actively plans a national science and technology law enforcement strategy, working towards crime prevention from the source and making environmental law enforcement more comprehensive and effective.", "year": "2024", "month": "3", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/e32eb721-8ec3-46f9-abb3-129dc015e2fe" }, { "no": "4402", "title": "Amendment Preannounced for Regulations Concerning Motorcycle Exhaust Inspection Stations", "preview": "The MOENV preannounced draft amendment of the Regulations for Setting up and Managing Inspection Stations for Emission of Motorcycles (機車排放空氣汙染物檢驗站設置及管理辦法). The keys of the amendment include adjusting the subsidy for motorcycle exhaust inspection fees, strengthening management of motorcycle exhaust inspection stations, standardizing safety regulations concerning software systems for regular motorcycle inspections, and relaxing requirements for setting up motorcycle exhaust inspection stations in remote areas.", "content": "Subsidies for motorcycle inspections have not been adjusted since 1997, and it is necessary to review and adjust it considering the change of basic wage and prices of raw materials and consumer goods in recent years. The Executive Yuan convened on 20 December 2023 and decided to increase subsidy for motorcycle exhaust inspections from NT$80 to NT$100 per motorcycle.\nIn addition to reviewing the subsidy scheme, the revision has tightened inspection quality management of motorcycle exhaust inspection stations, which are as follows:\n1. Revisions have newly added regulations that revoke or rescind permits of those who intentionally violate inspections, disqualify inspectors who violate inspections regulations, and clearly specify exhaust analyzers’ intensity. The purpose is to enhance the management system by deterring improper inspection behaviors and strengthening random checks of inspection instruments.\n2. Specifications to strengthen the basic system security are revised in order to make the data transmission system of the motorcycle exhaust inspection stations more secure.\n3. Requirements are relaxed to facilitate establishment of motorcycle exhaust inspection stations in remote areas and bring convenience to local residents, reducing the trouble of finding inspection stations and the unnecessary energy consumption in the process.\nThe measures mentioned above aim to facilitate implementation of the regular motorcycle inspection system. Owners are informed of their motorcycles’ pollution status and urged to keep them in good working conditions, and hence able to repair the deteriorations, which will result in preventing pollutions from exhaust and maintaining good air quality.\nThe draft amendment is available online at https:\/\/docmeet.moenv.gov.tw\/IFDEWebBBS_MOENV\/.", "year": "2024", "month": "3", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/14972b01-cda0-49a9-85a3-f9680522f262" }, { "no": "4401", "title": "Chiayi County Launches Its First Livestock Manure Reutilization Facility", "preview": "The MOENV has worked with Chiayi County Government to subsidize a livestock farm to build a new demonstration treatment facility that reutilizes livestock manure. It collects and processes livestock manure in neighboring animal farms, which solves the problems such as scattered farms, low wastewater concentration, large amounts of pollution, and high treatment costs and also utilizes manure digestate and fibers as fertilizers for farms. Recently Chiayi County completed construction of its first treatment facility, which after operation helps improve the water quality of Beigang River, saves the use of fertilizers equivalent to 25,000 bags of chemical fertilizers per year, and generates biogas for electricity up to 80,000 kWh per year. All of this results from disposing and converting livestock wastewater into energy and resources and achieves circulation economy by reusing manure sludges.", "content": "The MOENV stated that the farm has been very supportive to the policy of livestock manure reutilization over the years. In 2017, it applied for the use of manure digestate and fibers as fertilizer for farms, receiving good results. In 2023, it applied for the increase of fertilized lands. On the other hand, the MOENV subsidized the purchase of a vehicle for centralized collection and transportation of manure digestate and fibers first in 2019, and then installation of new facilities for reutilization and centralized treatment in 29 December 2021, such as wastewater treatment equipment, biogas power generators, and transmission pipelines. This is the Chiayi County’s first case of joint treatment, in which a large animal farm collects and disposes wastewater of multiple small farms, generated from about 4,000 pigs. This turns livestock manure into resources for farmlands as fertilizers, and also reduces the wastewater discharge into rivers and improves the water quality of Beigang River. In addition, the biogas generated is converted into green electricity for sale, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and hence achieving circular economy.\nThe MOENV has been promoting the policy of livestock manure reutilization resource since 2016, completing a total of 3,522 promotion sessions across Taiwan. Estimated achievements accumulated include 11,450,000 metric tons of annual approved fertilization and 39.51% of livestock manure reutilized. 4,718 hectares of farm lands have been fertilized with reutilized manure; annual water pollution fees have been cut down by NT$122.88 million. The reduction of organic pollutants is 72,958 tons per year; the amount of nitrogen fertilized is 1,759 tons per year, equivalent to 271,762 bags of No. 5 Fertilizer of Taiwan Fertilizer Co., Ltd., saving NT$111.42 million per year on fertilizer.\nThe treatment of livestock manure and wastewater is moving towards net-zero carbon emissions and resource circulation, which has become a necessary trend and direction. The MOENV’s Water Quality Protection Administration explained that the Water Pollution Control Act (水汙染防治法) has been amended to define goals for the reuse of livestock wastewater, which is 5% reuse rate by 2025 for small and medium-sized farms with 20 to 1,999 heads of livestock and 10% by 2027 for large ones with more than 2,000 heads. It is hoped that this example will encourage more livestock farms to join in on reutilization and work together for net-zero emissions and resource circulation, and improve the quality of water bodies.", "year": "2024", "month": "3", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/243bdb65-7682-4542-8a2e-b6b2b35e8674" }, { "no": "4400", "title": "List of First Carbon Fee Rate Review Committee Members Announced and 2 Meetings Heldin March", "preview": "On 13 March 2024, the MOENV announced the list of members of the first Carbon Fee Rate Review Committee after finishing the member selection in accordance with the Guidelines for Establishment of the Carbon Fee Rate Review Committee (碳費費率審議會設置要點). Led by the MOENV deputy minister as the head convenor and director general of the Climate Change Administration (CCA) as the deputy convenor, the committee consists of 21 members, including five government officials, six from civil organizations and eight scholars and experts. Now that the committee is assembled, the MOENV held two carbon fee rate review meetings in March 2024. It was decided that the rate review should be based on the comprehensive understanding of Taiwan’s carbon fee-related supplementary sub-laws, and that fee rate will be raised in stages until 2030 to give industries a clear price signal.", "content": "The MOENV grouped academic and expert members into four categories, such as environment, energy and resources, economy, finance and accounting, and law based on their expertise for the committee. The recommendation of academic and expert candidates began on 18 January this year, and 82 entered selection process. The MOENV then organized a meeting to finalize the member selection by inviting relevant agencies and eight academic and expert committee members were chosen.\nFor civil organizations, the MOENV accepted as many opinions as possible from environmental groups, social justice groups and the industry sector and also considered the relevance and representativeness of these groups on the carbon fee issues. Ultimately representatives from Green Citizens’ Action Alliance, Taiwan Environmental Protection Union, Citizen of the Earth, Taiwan, Chinese National Federation of Industries, General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China, and CPA Associations R.O.C. (Taiwan) were selected to serve as committee members. And in terms of members from government agencies, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, National Development Council, the National Science and Technology Council, the Financial Supervisory Commission, and the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics appointed their representatives in the committee.\nAs carbon fee rates are a matter of concern to the entire society, scholars, experts and representatives of civil organizations are not allowed to serve as board director, supervisor, responsible person, employee or consultant of enterprises subject to carbon fee collection during their term as committee members, ensuring the fairness of the review committee. Members are asked to sign an agreement once they are cleared of any conflict of interests by the MOENV. \nWith the first Carbon Fee Rate Review Committee established, the MOENV had two rate review meetings in March this year, and decided that the rate review should be based on scientific facts. First, it is necessary to fully understand Taiwan’s carbon fee-related supplementary sub-laws, and a schedule for rate increase, including regular and premium rates, in stage until 2030 should be set up to give industries a clear price signal and lead them to plan for mid- to long-term reduction as soon as possible. The MOENV pointed out that the committee members were very concerned about the impact of carbon fees at the industrial level, and discussed how the supporting measures should be put to practice. It was also proposed that the carbon fees should consider industries’ early reduction efforts, substitution effect of imported products, and whether costs can be effectively passed on. At the same time, they talked about design of Taiwan’s carbon fee rates as well as uses and effects of carbon fee expenditures in these meetings. It was also decided in the meetings to request the CCA to report in the next meeting on the carbon pricing examples and sub-laws related to carbon fee collection in neighboring countries such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore based on the suggestions made by the members.\nThe MOENV added that all attending members believed that the review of carbon fee rates should be discussed based on sufficient scientific evidence and international experiences. Moreover, suggestions of carbon fee rates are to be proposed , according to the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法) Article 28, after comprehensive evaluations based on Taiwan’s current status of greenhouse gas emissions, industries ‘competitive edges, international carbon pricing and transition mechanism, consumer price index, and assessment of impacts on Taiwan’s economy.\nThe list of members of the first Carbon Fee Rate Review Committee can be found online at https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=44D6972F04FAC52F.", "year": "2024", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/d1c316fe-33a1-458f-884d-880e43655e89" }, { "no": "4399", "title": "MOENV Reminds Enterprises of Emission Inventory and Registration by 30 April", "preview": "The amendment of Management Regulations for the Inventory, Registration and Inspection of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (溫室氣體排放量盤查登錄及查驗管理辦法) was promulgated in September 2023. The MOENV urges specific industries and manufacturing enterprises operating any factory (facility) with 25,000 metric tons CO2e\/year of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to complete the inventory GHG emissions for 2023, and register the inventory and inventory report on the Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting System at https:\/\/ghgregistry.moenv.gov.tw by 30 April 2024.", "content": "The MOENV points out that it was announced in August 2022 that every year enterprises of certain industries are required to conduct the GHG emission inventory, registration and verification for the previous year. These industries include power generation, steel, oil refinery, cement, semiconductor, thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), and other manufacturers whose annual emissions, combining both direct and indirect ones generated from use of electricity, reach 25,000 metric tons of CO2e. In total, in 2022 550 factories or sites met the criteria according to the industrial inventory and registration, the energy verification and reporting data of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the verification of the MOENV. With the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法) promulgated, the MOENV promulgated the amended Management Regulations for the Inventory, Registration and Inspection of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on 14 September last year. It specifies that enterprises shall complete the GHG emissions inventory and registration of the previous year by 30 April every year, and the verification by 31 October. The MOENV reminds all relevant enterprises that this must be done by the given deadline, or there will be a fine of more than NT$100,000. \nIn order to assist in the enterprise inventory work, the MOENV has provided the Inventory Report Template and the 2024 version of Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, where instructions and examples are given on inventory boundary setting, emission calculation methods, calorific values of fuel used and testing regulations for carbon contents of raw materials. To help enterprises save time on preparing the inventory report for the first time, the MOENV has designed an automatic tool for producing inventory reports, Inventory reports are generated automatically first using information filled out in the emission inventory, such as types and quantities of raw materials and\/or fuels used, and fuels’ calorific values, or production quantity and then after inventory boundaries, emission sources and emission calculation methods are selected.\nThe MOENV reminds that the GHG gas emissions inventory, registration and verification must be done by the given deadline. Enterprises can call (02) 2322-2050 or send questions to netzero@moenv.gov.tw for further inquiries and assistance.", "year": "2024", "month": "3", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/7014d23f-163f-4334-80b8-af74c455752d" }, { "no": "4366", "title": "Cell Phone Recycling Included into Legislation to Extend Producers’ Responsibility", "preview": "New smartphones are launched every year, and six million cell phones are sold in Taiwan every year. A cell phone contains lots of chemical elements and substance in its parts, but recycling them will large reduce the needs for new materials as well as carbon emissions. The MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) is planning legislation of cell phone recycling, asking cell phone brands and retailers to be accountable for recycling, clearance, and disposal, allowing cell phones that are no longer in use to be recycled for reuse. It is hoped enterprises will come up with circulation services such as cell phone leasing or maintenance. The target is to recycle 15% cell phones by 2025 and 30% by 2030.", "content": "It was announced in 2006 that cell phones are an item to be recycled by the cleaning squads in Taiwan, to assist the public to recycle cell phones at home that are no longer in use. Starting from 2008, there have been collaborations with cell phone brands and retailers for recycling programs. During this period there have been legislation in USA and EU to hold cell phone enterprises accountable for cell phone recycling, such as E-wastes recycling regulations in respective states of the US, the EU’s Directive on the Waste Electronics and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) and Japan’s Act on Promotion of Recycling of Small Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (廢舊小型電子產品等再資源化促進法). Statistics of recent years indicate that more 15% of cell phones were recycled in Europe, the US and Japan. The cell phone recycling rate reached a record high of 12% in Taiwan in 2022, but there is still room for improvement. \nThe MOENV’s survey has shown that more than 50% of people keep their old cell phones at home and do not recycle them. A deeper look reveals reasons including not knowing where to recycle them, lack of incentives, and worries about exposure of private information. Seeing this, the RECA has started working on drafting the Regulations Governing Sorting and Recycling Labels Concerning Mobile Phone Manufacturers and Importers” (應標示分類回收標誌之行動電話製造、輸入業者範圍及其他應遵行事項) while discussing with cell phone brands and retailers. The aim is to switch from the previous approach, with only promotion campaigns to encourage people to voluntarily recycle their old phones, to the new one that includes cell phone recycling into legislation and holds cell phone brands and retailers responsible for recycling. Besides continuing the current recycling, such legislation efforts will increase percentage of circulation services, such as recycling, leasing, buyback, or maintenance. The target is set to recycle 15% cell phones by 2025 and 30% by 2030. The draft regulations are expected to be promulgated in 2024.", "year": "2023", "month": "12", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/085ceca0-537b-4379-95c1-cc12b395695b" }, { "no": "4365", "title": "Draft Revisions of Vehicle Noise Regulations Preannounced to Include UK-Issued Compliance Certificates", "preview": "The MOENV preannounced draft amendment of the Regulations Governing the Issuance and Replacement of Compliance Certification and Sample Testing for New Vehicle Model Noise Inspections (機動車輛車型噪音審驗合格證明核發廢止及噪音抽驗檢驗處理辦法) to specify that the UK-issued compliance certificates may serve as determination basis.", "content": "The regulations have been amended five times ever since their promulgation on 5 November 2003, with the most recent on 3 January 2019. However, compliance certificates for noise inspection from an EU member state are seen as determination basis, and the current regulations do not apply to the UK since it is no longer an EU member state after Brexit. Considering global reciprocity, equivalent technical inspection capacity and reliability, Article 7, Article 5 Appendix 1, and Article 13 Appendix 4 of the regulations are amended to specify that the compliance certificates issued by the UK may serve as the basis of determination.", "year": "2023", "month": "12", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/9d19682e-3f28-49fb-847d-99fd99e0b594" }, { "no": "4364", "title": "Travelers Advised on Proper Bedbug Prevention and Control", "preview": "Infestation of bedbugs has been reported in many countries. Given the frequent international travels, all citizens are warned to wash clothes and check luggage for any sign of bedbugs as they come home from overseas. Do not panic bedbugs are found. Just check the clothes, luggage, furniture and furniture crevices and get rid of them with these four steps, including sunexposure, steaming, catching and washing. Pesticides are to be utilized only as the last resort.", "content": "Cimex lectularius is commonly known as bedbug. There is no evidence of them spreading human diseases, but they give very itchy bites. Bedbugs have been identified as a major pest since the past, as they used to spread across many countries. However, it seems they are having a comeback with reports of they having become quite a nuance in Europe, the US and Australia. The possible cause could be the frequent international travels, bringing these bugs hiding in luggage and clothes from one place to the next. \nThe MOENV urges all travelers to wash their clothes and check luggage for any sign of bedbugs as soon as they arrive at home. Also, second-hand furniture should be examined before being brought home. At home, it is necessary to clean household environments, get rid of unnecessary hoards, minimize wall crevices and check bed covers, bed sheets, pillows, blankets and mattresses for bedbugs or their excrements (or blood spots). Physical preventions, such as cleaning and checking are to be the primary measures, accompanied by chemical preventions. The rule of thumb is physical measures for small areas and chemical measures for large areas. \nStraw mats or boxes at home, if found with bedbugs, can be put in a plastic bag with its opening tied out before being put under the sun. These bugs will be dead as the temperature exceeds 65℃ in the bag. The idea is the same for clothes suspected of bedbugs, which are put altogether in a plastic bag tied up tightly to trap the bugs and then loaded in the washing machine for a good laundry. Or, a steam iron is a good tool to steam bedbugs to death, and vacuums are useful to capture them. It may be necessary to hire a qualified exterminator in the case of serious infestation. \nThere are currently permits for six general use environmental agents permits and two restricted use environmental agents, approved by and registered with the MOENV for bedbug control. If the bedbug infestation is out of control and\/or affect larger areas, a qualified extermination enterprise may be hired for the extermination. Relevant information is available on the Safe Use of Environmental Agents website of the MOENV’s Chemicals Administration (CHA) at https:\/\/topic.moenv.gov.tw\/evsu\/cp-281-10605-dc5fd-8.html. The MOENV advised that there is no shortcut to get rid of bedbugs and that one is to check crevices around for bedbugs and kill them by sun exposure, steaming, catching and washing People are urged to choose legal environmental agents and stay safe during pest control. More information is provided at the CHA’s website.", "year": "2023", "month": "12", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/39d0690b-e518-44d4-908c-7e8a8b1cc82c" }, { "no": "4363", "title": "Draft HFC Regulations Preannounced to Mitigate Global Warming", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment preannounced the draft Management Regulations for Hydrofluorocarbons (氫氟碳化物管理辦法) and the draft Categories of High Global-Warming-Potential Hydrofluorocarbons Regulated Under the Montreal Protocol (蒙特婁議定書列管的高溫暖化潛勢氫氟碳化物種類) on 20 November 2023. This is a response to the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which has newly regulated hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a substances of high global warming potential (GWP). Based on practices and schedules put out by neighboring countries, such as Korea and Singapore, it is expected to freeze up HFC consumption from 2024 and gradually start reduction from 2029. It is estimated to reduce baseline consumption by 80 % by 2045, thus joining the world for global warming mitigation.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that HFCs are mostly used in refrigeration equipment, cleaning of electronics, fire extinguishing equipment, and foaming materials. HFCs are not substances that damage the ozone layer, but have high GWP, and some types of HFCs have GWP 10,000 times higher or even more than that of CO2. That is why all of the Montreal Protocol´s parties wish to reduce use of HFCs, and it is expected to slow the rise of global temperature by 2010 down to within 0.4℃°. The Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法) Article 38 specifies that the central competent authority may prohibit or restrict the manufacture, import, export, sale, use or emission of high global warming potential GHGs and products that use such GHGs which are regulated by international environmental conventions. Authorized by Article 38, the MOENV drafted the Management Regulations for Hydrofluorocarbons and the Categories of High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons Regulated Under the Montreal Protocol Substances listed for control are 18 HFCs and their mixtures, including HFC-134a, HFC-32, HFC-23, and R-410A, R-404A and R-507A. \nOnce both the regulations are promulgated, imports and exports of HFCs will not be allowed unless with approval. Previous enterprises using and supplying HFCs need to file an application for approved allocation and then for customs declaration in accordance with import and export regulations. Priority will be allocated to users to lessen impacts.\nThe MOENV pointed out that Taiwan has been following the Montreal Protocol since 1991 and regulating sales and uses of ozone-damaging substances, such as HFCs, halon, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and methyl bromide, lowering their uses from the source. Today, HFCs and halon have been banned for impor, HCFC consumption reduced by 99.5%, and use of methyl bromide has been banned except in small amount needed for animal and plant quarantine fumigation. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol came in force in 2019, adding HFCs as high GWP substances under control in order to mitigate global warming. As of now, more than 150 countries and regions have submitted their approval documents to the UN and promised to follow the reduction schedule and control regulations according to the Kigali Amendment. Formulation of the HFCs management regulations is an act of Taiwan’s voluntary compliance.", "year": "2023", "month": "12", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/ba14524e-a429-4fad-b4c8-ff9d0519b1d8" }, { "no": "4362", "title": "Requirements Revised for Exports of Thermoplastic Wastes Used as Industrial Raw Materials", "preview": "The MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) announced the amended definition of Industrial Wastes Categorized as Industrial Raw Materials on 8 November 2023. The amendment is in response to the Basel Convention’s revisions of plastic wastes and aims to ensure that exports of plastic wastes comply with international standards. Under the amendment, effective on 1 February 2024, thermoplastic wastes to be exported are required to be of a single plastic material or type of plastics.", "content": "The RECA indicated that this amendment is based on regulations under the Basel Convention as well as an effort to align with the international standards. The draft amendment was preannounced on 15 August 2023 and a public hearing was held on 15 September 2023 to gather opinions from all sectors. Aiming to better manage exports of thermoplastic wastes, the amendment was released by taking into consideration the opinions from all sides in hope to improve management of plastic wastes used as industrial raw materials, ultimately complying with international regulations and avoiding negative impacts on the environment.", "year": "2023", "month": "12", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/4ee842c7-5d9e-4fe9-9594-1ca9e348a477" }, { "no": "4361", "title": "Revised National Climate Change Action Guidelines Announced", "preview": "The Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法) was promulgated on 15 February 2023. According to its Article 9, the MOENV reviewed and amended the National Climate Change Action Guidelines (國家因應氣候變遷行動綱領), and the amendment was approved by the Executive Yuan. The guidelines are the guiding principles for climate governance in Taiwan. This amendment is the answer to the call of international climate agreements and focuses on both mitigation and adaptation, including net-zero emissions by 2050 as a vision target. Other additions are the principles of just transition, risk assessment and nature-based approaches. The guidelines will serve as basis to formulate Taiwan’s climate change adaptation strategies and Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions, lead the development of low-carbon homeland that adapts to climate risks, and ensure national sustainable development.", "content": "The former Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法), promulgated in 2015, required the central competent authority to formulate the action guidelines, and the first issue was approved by the Executive Yuan on 23 February 2017. With the amendment of the Climate Change Response Act in 2023, the MOENV assembled central industry competent authorities to review the guidelines according to Article 9 of the act, taking into consideration of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC), its agreement, relevant international agreement, and changes and circumstance within Taiwan. The second revision’s draft of the guidelines was submitted to the Executive Yuan, reviewed in the 35th meeting of the National Council for Sustainable Development on 15 August 2023, and promulgated by the Executive Yuan on 3 November 2023 as the important governance directives for climate change adaptation and carbon reduction in Taiwan. The guidelines are available on the Climate Change Administration’s (CCA) website at https:\/\/www.moenv.gov.tw\/cca (click on “Policy Responses to Climate Change”). \nOn climate change mitigation, the guidelines emphasize references of the latest domestic and international scientific studies, analysis and scenario projections on climate change and also inclusion of climate change risk factors. All these are to be utilized to enhance climate change mitigation capabilities, reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience, conduct climate change risk assessment, and develop early warning mechanisms and systematic monitoring, ensuring the sustainable development of Taiwan. The guidelines cover seven major mitigation policies, namely enhancing resilience of infrastructures; maintaining a balance between water supply and demand; facilitating the rational of land use and bolstering national land resilience; preventing coastal hazards and ensuring sustainability of marine resources; improving adaptability of the energy supply system and industries; securing agricultural production and ensuring biodiversity; and reinforcing the public health and epidemic prevention system and improving health risk management. \nFor carbon reduction, the guidelines responds to Taiwan’s Pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050 and the 12 key strategies by listing six major policies. They include establishing a zero-carbon energy system and enhancing stability and resilience of the power supply network; encouraging the green transition of industries and embracing a circular economy-oriented, sustainable production model; promoting the development of smart and environment-friendly transportation system and encouraging transition to net-zero transportation; building sustainable net-zero structures and promoting a low-carbon transition; boosting the development of sustainable agriculture and improving ecosystem management; and alleviating environmental burdens and building a society of full circulation and use of energy and resources. \nIn addition, eight complementary policies packages are included to accelerate the successful implementation of climate governance policies. They are facilitating green finance to enhance industries’ climate resilience; developing a sound foundation for climate legislation; implementing a carbon pricing system; promoting scientific research and development in five key net-zero technology domains; engaging in climate science and mitigation research; encouraging the public to change its habits and awareness and build consensus; cultivating climate-change talents; and implementing just transition and citizen participation.” \nThe MOENV stressed that the guidelines are the highest directives for national climate governance, as defined in the Climate Change Response Act. With the approval by the Executive Yuan, governments of all levels will follow the guidelines and the act. The central industry competent authorities are to develop its own carbon reduction action plans and also adaptation action plans for areas under their jurisdictions that face climate impacts before submitting them to the MOENV and then the Executive Yuan for approval. Both will also undergo reviews on a rolling basis. Local governments will formulate action plans on carbon reduction and climate change accordingly and work on building capacities of carbon reduction and climate change mitigation across multiple disciplines through horizontal and vertical integration and communication. The final aim is to achieve sustainable social, economic, and environmental development and safeguard the public’s health.", "year": "2023", "month": "12", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/67872c39-9c01-461d-a848-3fd96f90fd0b" }, { "no": "4360", "title": "Outstanding Enterprises and Personnel Awarded for Achievements in Environmental Protection", "preview": "The award ceremony for the 5th National Enterprise Environmental Protection Award, the highest national environmental honor, was held on 21 November 2023 at the convention hall of Civil Service Development Institute. Jointly held was the ceremony to award exemplary environmental protection personnel and technicians. The MOENV Minister Shieu Fuh-Sheng presented awards in person to 73 enterprises and 12 exemplary environmental protection technicians with the highest respect and gratitude to these outstanding enterprises and personnel for their dedication and contributions for environmental protection. List of winners and their achievements is available in news issued on the same day in the News Releases of the MOENV website.", "content": "73 enterprises selected for the 5th National Enterprise Environmental Protection Award \nThe MOENV has organized environmental protection award events specifically for enterprises for 32 consecutive years to encourage enterprises to assume corporate social responsibility (CSR) and facilitate environmental protection together. A total of 711 enterprises have been awarded so far, and 128 enterprises signed up to compete in 2023, the most in all years. Seventy-three finalists have been selected after preliminary and secondary reviews, field inspections and final review, including four for the Giant Thumb award, three for the Gold , 24 for the Silver award, 34 for the Bronze award and 8 for final nomination. Among them, two received Honorary awards for having won the Silver or higher awards for three consecutive years. \nAmong participating enterprises’ total environmental protection achievements in 2022, in terms of environmental aspect, 98 have been certified for ISO 14001 environmental management system (a growth by 46%), and 74 certified for ISO 14064 greenhouse gas inventory and verification (a growth by 51%). 445 million kWh of electricity and 72.77 million metric tons of water was saved, and carbon emissions were reduced by 238,400 metric tons (equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed by 615 Daan Forest Parks in one year). In the social aspect, 98 enterprises published their CSR reports (a growth by 55%), and 97 held gender equality training programs. In addition, efforts to follow government policies and engage in environmental protection have led to adoption of 76 public restrooms and 40 kilometers of coastlines were adopted in conjunction with government policy promotion and environmental engagement and 213 beech clean-ups were organized with 7,506 participants collecting 41 metric tons of marine wastes Furthermore, 109 enterprises have answered the call of Green Life for All campaign by participating in green restaurants, green travels and green office). All of the above are excellent models for others to learn from.\n12 exemplary environmental protection personnel and technicians selected. \n16 years have passed ever since the first selection of exemplary environmental protection personnel and technicians in 2008. A total of 162 personnel have been selected for the honor up until now. These winners come from a wide variety of government units and professional fields, and their overall professional capacities have become better and better over the years, some even holding multiple environmental protection certificates, for instance those of air, wastewater, waste disposal, and toxic chemicals at the same time. With implementation of environmental education policies, many awardees have acquired certification of environmental education personnel. By combining their original professional background and environmental education, they actively engage in various environmental protection programs, such as environmental education events and river patrols, and advocate awareness of environmental protection. \nThe MOENV pointed out that it took five members of the review board more than 3 months to select 12 exemplary environmental protection personnel and technicians out of the many outstanding candidates in 2023. \nThe progress of a country does not rely only on government efforts. The government, enterprises and the general public have to work together in order to transition toward net-zero emission by 2050. It is hoped that these enterprises and individuals’ outstanding achievements of environmental protection encourage others to follow and become the driving force for the society to move forward to jointly enhance environmental quality and build a sustainable Taiwan.", "year": "2023", "month": "12", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/eed2f573-a210-43a7-b4df-fa48933ba08c" }, { "no": "4359", "title": "Partial Amendment of Regulations on General Waste Disposal Target Asbestos Wastes", "preview": "The MOENV has intensified management of sorting, storage, discharge, clearance, and disposal of asbestos wastes generated from building demolitions based on actual operations. Also, as an effort to expand technological capability of asbestos waste disposal, the Regulations Governing General Waste Recycling, Clearance and Disposal (一般廢棄物回收清除處理辦法) were partially amended after referencing domestic and international disposal techniques, adding definitions of solidification methods and chemical processing methods.", "content": "This amendment specifies that the asbestos wastes generated from building demolitions are to be dampened before sealed in double-layered plastic bags and placed in robust containers to avoid fugitive asbestos fibers. Also, intermediate treatment methods, such as solidification and chemical processing, are added in consideration of domestic and international processing techniques in order to strengthen asbestos waste management and expand disposal practices. \nFurthermore, the MOENV amended the Methods and Facilities Standards for the Storage, Clearance and Disposal of Industrial Waste (事業廢棄物貯存清除處理方法及設施標準) Article 4-1 on 1 November 2023. The revision sets up unified specifications for storage, clearance and disposal of, thus a consistent system for, asbestos wastes generated by both enterprises currently in operation and non-enterprise sources.", "year": "2023", "month": "12", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/84b87d3c-1556-49c9-a31a-c6ba6dc4086b" }, { "no": "4358", "title": "MOENV’s First VDR Presented to Show Sustainable Development Achievements", "preview": "On 28 and 29 November, the MOENV presented its first voluntary department review (VDR) while hosting the Environmental Sustainability Forum. With the theme of “active response to global environmental circumstances and creation of opportunities for Taiwan’s transition”, the VDR focused on overall environmental governance, aimed to promote sustainable development and net-zero emissions, and explain the MOENV’s current achievements, challenges and future perspectives on sustainable development. Local governments were invited to share their VDR implementation and experiences and find out how to localize sustainable development through practical actions in order to create a sustainable and inclusive community.", "content": "Before being restructured to the MOENV, in 2020 the former EPA of the Executive Yuan followed the UN’s writing guidelines and produced the first VDR, among all departments of government. The report detailed Taiwan’s journey of sustainable development and achievements from promoting sustainable development goals (SDGs). After the restructuring, the MOENV has switched its core target from “natural resource operations and management” to “active response to global environmental circumstances and creation of opportunities for Taiwan’s transition,” stressing more on the overall environmental management and specifically including the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The latest VDR examines the results of current sustainable development efforts from the Ministry’s perspectives and identifies challenges of sustainable development and net-zero emissions, looking forward into the future with past legacies. \nThe world and Taiwan now all have specific visions and clear goals for 2050, whose implementation relies on governments’ efforts. The Ministry is responsible of promoting SDGs and therefore will adopt a variety of measures to contribute toward net-zero emissions. Government agencies need to shoulder the responsibility of environmental protection as well as incorporate sustainable development in their organizations and operations. The MOENV aims to work hand in hand with governmental, industry, academic and research sectors and the public through organizational reforms, focuses on different issues, innovations and cooperation, thus creating a more environment-friendly and sustainable society. \nThe latest VDR of the MOENV examines the results of promoting Taiwan’s SDGs in the last three years (from 2018 to 2022). The MOENV has received a beautiful score card in Goal 6 “environmental quality,” Goal 12 “circular economy” and Goal 13 “climate actions” with practical results in almost all goals in terms of environment, society and economy. However, there are still challenges of sustainable development and climate changes, particularly in the environmental aspect, so the MOENV will put increasing stress on overall environmental governance and Taiwan’s transition toward net-zero emissions, striving toward a future of sustainable development with past legacies. \nA number of experts and scholars in sustainable development were invited for this forum in addition to European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan, relevant NGOs and thinktanks, together sharing insights on international sustainable development trends and the key roles of sustainable finance in policy promotion. The MOENV also held talks on five issues, namely environmental research and technology development, response toward climate change, resource circulation for zero waste and chemical substance management, resilience remediation and green sustainability, presenting its efforts as well as joint works with private sector to promote innovated policies. And in recognition of the contributions from corporations, China Airlines and Asia Cement Corp., both having received the National Sustainable Development Awards in 2022, attended the forum as guest speakers and shared how they incorporated climate risks and opportunities in business operation and devised carbon reduction strategies by adopting Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD). \nMoreover, six local governments that have completed and published their 2023 VDRs, including Taipei City, Yunlin County, Taichung City, Nantou County, Kaohsiung City and Tainan City, were at the forum to present their results of sustainable development works. The first issue has been produced by some local counties and cities since 2019, and all 22 local administrations came up with at least one issue of their local VDRs by 2021. Contents mainly focus on local efforts to align with the global trends and the UN’s SDGs, such as climate change actions and strategies and also transition toward a sustainable and net-zero lifestyle.", "year": "2023", "month": "12", "assortment": "Comprehensive Planning", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/5684d7b6-d28c-4fca-9430-210be9b2dd0c" }, { "no": "4357", "title": "MOENV and NASA Jointly Launch APAC ", "preview": "The Asia Pacific AERONET Calibration and Training Center (APAC) was launched officially by the MOENV on 2 November 2023. The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a program of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which participated in setting up the calibration platform at Lulin Atmospheric Background Station due to recognition of Taiwan’s monitoring capacity. It will help accelerate interactions with Southeast Asian countries in terms of environmental monitoring and remote sensing, improve the quality of monitoring data from sun-photometers and contribute to climate change studies.", "content": "The MOENV Minister Shieu Fuh-Sheng pointed out that APAC will help Southeast Asian countries with sun-photometer calibration and also provide the world with valuable climate change data through cooperation with the MOENV, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) and the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA). He recalled as well how the Lulin monitoring station has been sharing data with NASA, the CWA and the TASA for 20 years. With the establishment of APAC, Taiwan is to transform from data receiver to supplier, providing useful data to Asia and Southeast Asia. This will help regional air pollution governance and carbon reduction strategies, and it is believed to be able to elevate Taiwan’s status in the world. \nThe CWA Administrator Cheng Chia-Ping indicated that there has been ongoing cooperation on air quality between the CWA and the MOENV, in particular forecasts and monitoring of PM2.5 and pollutants highly concerned by the public in Taiwan. The CWA has also been working hand in hand with international counterparts, such as wide utilization of NASA´s satellite data, which enhances regional observation with improved accuracy resulted from comparison with ground observation data and optimized observation quality. Administrator Cheng believed that the establishment of the APAC would give Taiwan’s researchers more confidence in their own data. Besides optimizing research quality and helping nurturing talents in related field, it will boost Taiwan´s competitive edge among the international research field and also assist Southeast Asian countries.\nDirector General Wu Jong-Shinn of TASA expressed that TASA has been benefited from the technical service of AERONET for a very long time. A good example is the real-time delivery of accurate data from the satellite FORMOSAT-5, and there will be much closer cooperation with the following FORMOSTA-8, which will be not only a AERONET beneficiary, but also a data supplier. He believed that the establishment of APAC will assist Southeast Asian countries in precise calibrations as well as enhance their capacities of data use and analysis through opportunities of international cooperation and exchanges. \nThe MOENV has been working together with NASA for 20 years. Data of aerosol optical depth (AOD) obtained by the sun-photometer at Lulin Station is part of NASA’s AERONET for observation, comparison and verification among global satellites. AERONET adopts advanced remote sensing technology and has more than 1,000 sensing spots across the world. Its air quality database has accumulated more than 3 decades of data that are widely used and applied around the world, often for important evaluations of changes of climate and air pollutions. The MOENV has 7 sun-photometers that are now part of AERONET. They are used for help monitor regional air quality, and some of them are located at Lulin Station, Dongsha Island and Taiping Island of Nansha for atmospheric background monitoring, greatly benefitting trends of background air quality pollution in Asia, transboundary pollution transmission and studies of long-term climate changes. \nThe MOENV stated that Taiwan is the leader in Asia Pacific in the development of air quality monitoring technology. The sun-photometers installed across Asian countries have to be shipped back to NASA for calibration every year, and that’s why NASA wanted to establish APAC in Taiwan for the service of Asian countries. On one hand, it minimizes carbon emissions and costs for instrument shipping and, on the other, prepares for the increasing number of monitoring stations in Southeast Asia. Taiwan is expected to take up the important role as regional calibration and training center. \nDirector Hsieh Ping-huei of the MOENV’s Department of Monitoring and Information explained that APAC is established in Taiwan due to Taiwan’s successful long-term cooperation with NASA, recognition of Taiwan’s technical and research and development capabilities as well as the advantage of many mountains in Taiwan taller than 3,000 meters. The unique location of the MOENV’s Lulin Atmospheric Background Station of Ministry of Environment is the key to become part of APAC. The AERONET’s calibration depends heavily on an outdoor calibration platform up in high-altitude mountains with a clean atmospheric background, a condition which only two AERONET-certified stations, located in Hawaii (at Mauna Loa) and Spain (at Izaña) respectively, are qualified to provide. The Lulin Station will be certified as the third platform up to the required standards. APAC, set up by the MOENV, will take charge of AERONET calibrations for Asian Pacific countries and continue to make vital contributions for air quality and climate change in Asia. Director Hsieh said that Taiwan will be able to calibrate 20 pieces of equipment in the first year. Currently, approximately 50 or 60 pieces of equipment around Southeast Asia will be shipped to Taiwan one by one for calibration, with more expected in the long run. The MOENV will invest more resource for further enhancement as well. \nThe Ministry pointed out that, in addition to instrument calibration service and improvement of AERONET data quality, APAC provides education and training by helping Southeast Asian countries with technical enhancement in data use and analysis. This in turn facilitates establishment of international partnership. The AERONET-produced data contributes both directly and indirectly to the studies of global air quality and climate change, highlighting Taiwan’s sustainable responsibility of and active participation in environmental monitoring.", "year": "2023", "month": "12", "assortment": "Monitoring and Information", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/5ef70420-4dba-4fec-abf5-ed476f7d8cfe" }, { "no": "4389", "title": "Ministry of Environment Cooperates with NASA and Other Experts on 3D Air Quality Research in Kaohsiung and Pingtung", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) joined forces with the Central Weather Administration, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), National Central University and NASA of the United States to initiate a large local air circulation research project in the Kaohsiung-Pingtung area in spring 2024, in an effort to learn about how air pollutants arrive and act in the Kaoping area and how different circulation patterns affect air quality. Three-dimensional representations of pollution distributions and the composition of air pollutants will be measured through precision instruments and air quality measurement stations via ground locations, drones, sounding balloons, wind profilers, wind LIDAR, sun photometers and satellites. The data collected will serve as part of the foundation for understanding migration and chemical changes of air pollutants. This is the first large international air quality monitoring and intensive observation experiment since the establishment of the MOENV.", "content": "The MOENV indicated that NASA set up its Chemical, Optical, and Microphysical Measurements of In-situ Troposphere (COMMIT) at Fengshan Senior High School, while National Taiwan University’s Integrated Measurements of Pollution and Aerosol Composition & Transformation (IMPACT) is located at Nanzih Senior High School, both in Kaohsiung City. In addition, Kaohsiung City’s mobile air quality monitoring vehicle is on roads monitoring air pollutants and hazardous contaminants such as heavy metals, carbon compounds, organic carbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and assessing their impacts on the air quality in Kaohsiung and Pingtung, particularly after the wind shifts direction. The data collected are combined with those collected by the MOENV’s observation stations at Qiaotou, Nanzi, Qianjin, Fengshan, Xiaogang and Linyuan, to enable a comprehensive analysis of air quality in the Kaoping area. This includes assessments of atmospheric visibility, and the migration and reactions of aerosol and particulate pollutants, such as fine particles (PM2.5) and ultra-fine particles (UFP). The results contributed significantly to the 3D analysis of air pollutants in the Kaoping area. Eight additional environmental protection bureaus in central and eastern Taiwan, in the counties of Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung, joined the research effort.\nThe MOENV deployed drones, sounding balloons, wind profilers, wind LIDAR and sun photometers, all equipped with multifunctional micro sensing and sampling systems to detect the changes of pollutants in atmospheric circulation, in an effort to break down and analyze in real time the vertical changes in air pollutants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The data collected helps shed some light on how air pollutants, three-dimensional air patterns and topography interact with one another. The data will also be provided to the Taiwan Emission Data System (TEDS) to verify models and improve simulations.\nThe MOENV pointed out that NASA invited Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea and Thailand to take part in the Asia air quality experiment in spring 2024, in an effort to gain a better 3D picture of changes in air pollutants across countries and regions. The MOENV is hoping that the cooperation will be expanded to include wider international exchanges of information and technology to investigate dynamic and chemical mechanisms, and the processes through which air pollutants migrate and spread in the atmosphere.\nThis large-scale study launched by the MOENV will help break down the 3D changes over time along with local air circulation patterns, air pollutant emissions and topography. In addition, it will investigate how secondary pollutants are formed and distributed, study the distribution of long-distance air masses and their mixing and aging processes, and then compare this data with current models to improve simulations and better formulate future control measures. To date, this is Taiwan's largest scale intensive observation research on the atmospheric environment and air pollution. It will integrate scientific results and policy applications, and will serve as a model for further scientific research and international cooperation.", "year": "2024", "month": "02", "assortment": "Monitoring and Information", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/a0944eff-ab0b-4a6d-92d3-d1656b9820fd" }, { "no": "4388", "title": "Cross-ministry Management of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Response to International Trends", "preview": "Taiwan currently has PFAS controls consistent with the“Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants” (持久性有機污染物斯德哥爾摩公約). Apart from complying with the convention, a plan has been devised to draft the cross-ministry “PFAS Management Action Plan” (PFAS管理行動計畫), which has been presented to board members and Premier Chen Chien-jen of the Executive Yuan on the “National Chemical Substance Management Board” after multiple discussion sessions in 2023.", "content": "The MOENV explained that the UN established the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants to prevent persistent organic pollutants, or POPs, from harming the environment. As of 22 August 2023, 34 chemical substances are on the Stockholm Convention’s control list. The chemical family known as PFAS consists of more than 10,000 substances, including some on the control list of the convention, such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanesulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS).\nThe MOENV takes POP pollution very seriously and in 2018 invited all relevant ministries to develop Taiwan’s “National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants”. The plan is now carried out jointly by the MOENV, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labor. Every year, the results of implementation are published online. For the aforementioned PFAS’s listed in the Stockholm Convention, Taiwan already has controls consistent with the convention in place.\nThe MOENV pointed out that PFAS’s are potentially harmful to the environment and human health. Countries around the world have started developing intensified PFAS controls in recent years, including discussion on the feasibility and practice of full PFAS management. Therefore, Taiwan’s cross-ministry “PFAS Management Action Plan (Draft)” is being developed to align with the Stockholm Convention and to execute better PFAS management. The MOENV drafted the cross-ministry PFAS Management Action Plan in 2023 and organized multiple meetings for further discussion. The draft was presented to Premier Chen on 16 October 2023 in a meeting of the “National Chemical Substance Management Board.” Premier Chen instructed all ministries involved to consult public opinion and put risk communication mechanisms in place. The PFAS Management Action Plan will be submitted to the Executive Yuan after drafting.", "year": "2024", "month": "02", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/a948b37f-a795-4b48-9349-7f89c3c9b72a" }, { "no": "4387", "title": "Salute to the Ocean: Coastal and Riverbank Waste Reduced by 60%", "preview": "The Executive Yuan approved the “Salute to the Ocean – Coast Cleaning and Maintenance Project” (向海致敬-海岸清潔維護計畫) in May 2020 and designated the competent authorities in charge of coastlines. A cleaning mechanism was established in which the MOENV leads 9 ministries and 15 agencies along with local governments to conduct coastal cleaning and waste source management, in an effort to build a “Salute to the Ocean” system that is practical to execute and endures in the long term. The ultimate goal is to have every inch of Taiwan’s 1,990 km of coastline monitored and kept clean. The waste found along the coastlines of Taiwan and its outlying islands have been decreasing both in terms of weight and volume since the project was first implemented in 2020, dropping from 2,294 metric tons in 2019 to 940 metric tons in 2023. The overall results were outstanding with a total reduction of 60% of coastal waste.", "content": "The Salute to the Ocean Project coordinates the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ocean Affairs Committee and the Ministry of Education to carry out an inventory of coastal cleaning and waste source management, involving aspects for which each of these ministries is responsible. Local governments and NGOs are also brought in to cooperate. Local government agencies carry out environmental maintenance within their jurisdictions, while NGOs are involved in establishing cleanup mechanisms focused on “cleaning regularly, immediately and urgently” to make every inch of coastline clean. At the same time, the MOENV set up the “Coastline Cleanup Information Platform” (海岸清理資訊平台), allowing agencies to report coastline cleanup results on a regular basis and the public to report any dirty spots along the coastline. A total of 1,516 reports were received from 2020 to 2023, which were all responded to by the relevant responsible agencies, and a total of 230,000 metric tons of waste were removed.\nRegarding inland river drainage, the MOENV has provided NT$600 million of subsidies for interception of water surface waste since 2018, and the Water Resource Agency of the MOEA and the Irrigation Agency, of the Ministry of Agriculture were invited to cooperate in cleaning up a total of 96,000 metric tons of trash. Taking 2023 as an example, waste interception was carried out 11,720 times and 19,625 inspections were performed in 2023 alone to collect a total 9,978 metric tons of intercepted waste.\nThe MOENV’s Environmental Management Administration (EMA), appreciates what NGOs have done for river front cleanup and homeland protection. The EMA explained that river and ocean geography are complex environments where waste easily accumulates and becomes difficult to remove. It requires better cleanup efficiency from the responsible departments. The EMA would also like to urge all citizens to reduce garbage generation from the very beginning, recycle what can be reused as a resource, and not to litter in rivers and the ocean in order to protect river and ocean environments in Taiwan.", "year": "2024", "month": "02", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/1fa43eb2-a9b2-4a17-bb51-83bedc34adac" }, { "no": "4386", "title": "Successful Soil and Groundwater Remediation in Tainan City", "preview": "A soil and groundwater remediation site at Xinshi Factory of Mospec Semiconductor has produced encouraging results, with evidence showing pollutant levels in soil and groundwater have dropped to meet acceptable levels as stipulated in the Soil Pollution Control Standards and Groundwater Pollution Control Standards. The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) announced the removal of the site from the soil and groundwater pollution control list on 15 January, the first organic chloride remediation site in Tainan City to be removed from the list.", "content": "Four years ago, the Environmental Protection Bureau of Tainan City Government asked Mospec to formulate a plan to remediate the pollution that was found, and had the site monitored throughout the remediation. Upholding its social responsibility, Mospec spared no efforts in the remediation, spending a total of NT$26 million on the project. The remediation was completed ahead of schedule, and inspected by the Bureau in July 2023. Test results showed that the contaminants levels in soil and groundwater had been reduced to below levels stipulated by the control criteria. Thus the site was removed from the soil and groundwater pollution remediation watch list. Nearly 20,000 square meters of land had been revitalized.\nThe MOENV pointed out that industrial parks serve to boost local economies and provide local employment opportunities, but sometimes dense industrial clustering raises the possibility of pollution. This necessitates intensified cooperation between firms in the industrial parks and the park authorities to carry out soil and groundwater pollution prevention and management, perform regular tests on soil and groundwater characteristics, establish warning systems, ensure the sustainable use of industrial property, and jointly maintain soil and groundwater quality.", "year": "2024", "month": "02", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/2dbc1e8c-dfd5-49bf-892e-e1c3f29e3e22" }, { "no": "4385", "title": "Resource Circulation Administration Puts out Tenders for Innovative Projects", "preview": "The Ministry of Environment’s (MOENV) Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) recently put out tenders for resource circulation innovation and research and development (R&D) project proposals for 2024. The proposals were received from 9 January 2024 to 19 February 2024. All were welcome to submit innovation proposals, including universities and colleges, research institutes, product manufacturers, businesses responsible for waste recycling and disposal, government-owned and private waste cleaning and removal firms, reuse firms, product repair or circulation firms, and factories, companies, or other legal entities engaged in relevant industries. Each subsidy will be up to NT$5 million, with a total budget of NT$100 million.", "content": "The RECA pointed out that it has been looking for innovative R&D project proposals for resource recycling since 2022, and subsidies have been provided to 199 projects up to 2023. This year (2024), the scope of application has been expanded to include product design, use, repair, recycling, reuse and final disposal, so as to encourage diversified circulation operation models and effective improvement of resource usage benefits.\nThere are three types of projects this year, namely “innovative R&D” focusing on introduction or development of novel technologies, “technical improvement” striving for improvement or refinement of existing technologies, and “topic study” aimed at solving specific issues. Proposals of any type and topic that meet the subsidy criteria or entrustment are eligible to apply. It is hoped that technical innovations and improvements to existing technologies will be made, and all are encouraged to cooperate to work toward technical breakthroughs, help the government with industrial upgrades and endeavor toward the resource circulation goal of zero waste.\nThe 2024 project proposals involve garbage reduction, and subsidies are available for resource recycling firms according to the “Directions of the Resource Circulation Administration, MOENV, for subsidies for resource circulation innovation and R&D projects.” A subsidy of up to NT$5 million is available for each proposal. The project is focused on resource recycling instead of garbage reduction, and will be entrusted through tenders according to the Government Procurement Act.", "year": "2024", "month": "02", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/ac6e8a93-7acf-46c6-a53d-9fbac55004c8" }, { "no": "4384", "title": "Plastics Reduction Policies Rolled Out in Response to Global Trend", "preview": "The Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) of the MOENV points out that reducint use of plastic shopping bags is part of the plastics reduction policy. It is now specified that no free plastic shopping bag shall be provided and the scope is expanded from seven to 14 types of industry. The latest data has shown that the annual use of plastic shopping bags has dropped from approximately 20 billion before the control efforts to 9.17 billion today. A number of plastics reduction policies have been rolled out since 2002, with regulations mandating enterprises to lower use of plastic shopping bags, disposable utensils, single-use beverage cups, online shopping packaging and hotel supplies. Future control measures will continue to be enhanced.", "content": "The RECA stated that it is an international trend and part of Tiwan’s plastics reduction policies to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags. Evaluation is necessary, since this covers lots of areas. Regulations have been formulated, with meetings on the way for discussion. Also, if some local governments wish to start the per bag trash collection fee policy, the two-bag-in-one policy may be expanded to these cities and counties. The RECA will subsidize the trial programs to help the willing cities and counties to promote such policy. For traditional markets, food stands, breakfast places and restaurants, the focus is on quantity control based on pricing and to encourage self-supplying or circular service, as to help people develop the habits of “preparing your own, using repeatedly, and using less.”\nThe RECA explains that it is paying close attention to the progress of the international plastics conventions and will emphasize reducing the use of raw materials and improving resource use efficiency in the draft Resource Circulation Promotion Act (資源循環促進法). Measures include promoting at-source control, introduction of recycled materials in products with designs that allow easy dismantling, maintrnance and recycling, promoting repeated usa of containers, Others are minimal packaging, produce in the nude, and services of leasing, repair and buyback provided by producers and brand operators to prolong products’ lifespan. All these strategies and measures can help achieve effective use and circulation of vital resources. Future focuses are to minimize inconvenience to the public and environmental impacts, respect and consult public opinions, continue communication and discussion, and review control measures for plastic shopping bags. These actions will be gradually implemented in different phases and toward different targets, and the RECA will carefully evaluate and review the directions and schedules of Taiwan's at-source management and policies.", "year": "2024", "month": "02", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/16827146-55ba-4911-b8f4-38bd7a531519" }, { "no": "4383", "title": "MOENV Accepts Recommendations of Carbon Fee Rate Review Committee Members", "preview": "The MOENV was accepting public recommendations of the first-term members of the carbon fee rate review committee from 18 to 31 January 2024. The term will be two years.", "content": "The MOENV pointed out that the annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emission of carbon fee collection target is included in the pricing as of this year, and the fee will be collected in the next year. The Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法) Article 28 specifies that the carbon fee rate is reviewed by the carbon fee rate review committee and then approved and promulgated by by MOENV. \nThe Guidelines for Establishment of the Carbon Fee Rate Review Committee (碳費費率審議會設置要點) were promulgated on 1 December 2023, designating the MOENV Deputy Minister the committee convenor and the Director General of the Climate Change Administration (CCA) the deputy convenor. The committee are to have 19 to 23 members, who are representatives from government agencies and NGOs, as well as experts and scholars, all selected by the MOENV Minister. No less than 2\/3 of the members shall come from fields other than government agencies, and either gender shall be no less than 1\/3. Such effort aims to include representatives and opinions from all fields as much as possible and achieve gender equality. \nFor the selection of expert and scholars, the MOENV accepted recommendations until 31 January 2024 (using the attached recommendation form). The nominees will be categorized in four fields, including “environment,” “energy and resource,” “economy, finance and accounting” and “legal”. To allow the selection to proceed later, it is preferred that the nominee’s consent is obtained before the recommendation. \nThe MOENV mentioned that the carbon fee rate is a highly concerned topic for all sectors and thus requires participation and discussion of experts and scholars specialized and experienced in related fields. All are welcome to recommend professionals with outstanding achievements for the position of carbon fee rate committee member.", "year": "2024", "month": "02", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/e5d2d7f1-aea1-49a2-b3a7-ffd6a2706107" }, { "no": "4382", "title": "Campgrounds Not Properly Disposing Wastewater Subject to Penalties from March 2025", "preview": "The MOENV promulgated the amended Prohibition of Water-Polluting Practices (禁止足使水污染行為) on 16 January 2024. It requires campgrounds located within water pollution control areas to collect wastewater and install wastewater treatment facilities for treatment, as well as specifies that quality of treated wastewater shall meet the Effluent Standard (放流水標準). Considering the need for facility improvement, the regulatinos will take effective on 1 March 2025, granting campground enterprises a year of buffering period for proper response.", "content": "The MOENV promulgated the amended Prohibition of Water-Polluting Practices (禁止足使水污染行為) on 16 January 2024. It requires campgrounds located within water pollution control areas to collect wastewater and install wastewater treatment facilities for treatment, as well as specifies that quality of treated wastewater shall meet the Effluent Standard (放流水標準). Considering the need for facility improvement, the regulatinos will take effective on 1 March 2025, granting campground enterprises a year of buffering period for proper response.", "year": "2024", "month": "02", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/ceaf30bb-e6c7-4846-a794-609955a808b8" }, { "no": "4381", "title": "Regulations Amended for Water Pollution Control Measure Plans and Permits", "preview": "The MOENV promulgated the amended Management Regulations for Application and Examination of the Water Pollution Control Measure Plans and Permits (水污染防治措施計畫及許可申請審查管理辦法) on 11 January 2024. The amended articles are in effect as of the day of promulgation with the following key points", "content": "The MOENV promulgated the amended Management Regulations for Application and Examination of the Water Pollution Control Measure Plans and Permits (水污染防治措施計畫及許可申請審查管理辦法) on 11 January 2024. The amended articles are in effect as of the day of promulgation with the following key points", "year": "2024", "month": "02", "assortment": "Water Quality", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/bf3b3e7d-a687-432e-8753-7377b4864418" }, { "no": "4380", "title": "Street Light Color Temperature Limits Added to Tighten Light Pollution Control", "preview": "The MOENV promulgated the amended Light Pollution Management Guidelines (光污染管理指引) on 4 January 2024. Several requirements are newly added, in which the street lights’ color temperature should not be higher than 3000K in national parks, nature protection and concervation areas, and ecological conservation areas or 3500K for roads of all levels. Also for the flickers of large advertisement billboards, the flicker nuisance is recommended not to be lower than five in commercial areas from 6:00 to 11:00 pm, and switch to still displays or turning off the signs is recommended after 11:00 pm for protection of ecosystems and people’s living quality.", "content": "The recommended values for maximum luminance and maximum vertical light exposure are defined in the Light Pollution Management Guidelines promulgated on 19 March 2020, which were incorporated into respective regulations of government departments for better management. The recommended luminance and intensity have been adopted in the Application Form for Permits of Billboards and Erected Advertisements and the Traffic Gngineering Regulations and Construction Project Specifications by the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) and the MOTC, respectively, for at-source light pollution management. \nGovernment departments like the MOEA, the MOA and the Ministry of Education (MOE) have been included in this amendment of the Light Pollution Management Guidelines for expanded cross-departmental cooperation. To collect opinions from all sides, ecological, medical, public health, ergonomic, and environmental experts and environmental protection groups were invited in three consultation meetings, in addition to 4 workshops between the departments involved and local governments. The MOENV will have all relevant government departments and local governments to jointly promote light pollution management, implement at-source management effectively, and minimize the impacts of light pollution on people and the environment.", "year": "2024", "month": "02", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/459ff23a-4f50-4f42-afc6-a7d8e93be30f" }, { "no": "4379", "title": "9 Departments Jointly Put in NT$76.6 billion for Phase II Air Pollution Control Plan", "preview": "The MOENV rolled out the Phase II Air Pollution Control Plan (from 2024 to 2027) as the continued efforts for the Phase I Air Pollution Control Plan (from 2020 to 2023) in the previous 4 years. The plan was approved by the Executive Yuan on 21 December 2023. An estimated budget of NT$76.6 billion is to be used on 37 precise reduction actions in 8 aspects through accurate governance, combining net-zero transitions and pollution and emission reduction strategies and also integrating capacities of 9 government departments. The target is to by 2027 lower the average concentration of particulate matters (PM2.5) to 13 μg\/m3, and number of station-days with eight-hour ozone concentration reaching the red-alarm levels by 80% as opposed to that of 2019.", "content": "Unlike the Phase I plan where the focus was on improvement of end-of-pipe emissions from conventional stationery and mobile sources, such as stated-owned enterprises, boilers and old vehicles, the Phase II plan aims to combine net-zero emission and cross-departmental capacity for improvement of air quality from pollution sources. The MOENV is planning to put in NT$7.9 billion in several aspects, including stricter emission standards to reduce emissions of pollutants from factories and vehicles, and subsidies for electric buses, charging station installation and optimization of electric bus network for an electric vehicle-friendly environment. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) is working to appropriate NT$1.8 billion on industrial consultation and improvement, electric logistics vehicles and energy replenishing facilities for electric motorcycles. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) are expected to pour NT$1.9 billion in green transportation and improvement of riverbank airborne dusts. As a cross-departmental joint effort, state-owned and -invested enterprises, such as TaiPower, China Petroleum Corporation, China Steel Corportation and Chunghwa Post, are planning to put in a total of NT$65 billion on air pollution-reducing measures They include process improvement, optimization of efficiency of pollution control equipment and electrification of mail truck fleet. \nThe MOENV pointed out that the 2025 net-zero emission target is challenging. The Phase II plan will continue to enhance reduction technologies for all industries, strengthen vehicle and machinery management, promote pollution and carbon reduction strategies, and strengthen specific seasonal responses. Central and local government departments will be joining hand in lowering air pollution instead of individual departments working separately and independently. It is hoped that all government departments, industries, civil organizations, and the public work together to utiliza clean energy, develop green technologies, practice net-zero green lifestyle, promote green and low-carbon transportation, and deepen environmental education. This all-around and diversified approach will help build an environment of better air quality and in turn protect the public’s health.", "year": "2024", "month": "02", "assortment": "Atmospheric Environment", "url": "https:\/\/enews.moenv.gov.tw\/Page\/3B3C62C78849F32F\/577943b8-7351-4159-b4c1-13a5556512f2" }, { "no": "4378", "title": "Join Hands with United States Environmental Protection Agency and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand for Exchanges of Soil and Groundwater Technologies", "preview": "On 26 November 2023, Deputy Director General Liu Jui-Hsiang of the MOENV’s Environmental Management Administration (EMA)led a delegation of industrial, governmental, and academic representatives of Taiwan to attend a series of technical exchanges in Thailand. This 6-day visit was also accompanied by experts from the USEPA. The delegation made multiple major accomplishments during the stay, having attended a technological exchange forum among Taiwan, USA, and Thailand, taken part in onsite inspections to two pollution sites, and visited Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand. Delegates also witnessed the signing of a strategic alliance memorandum between industry organizations as well as an academic cooperation memorandum between two universities.", "content": "The 2023 Taiwan-US-Thailand Soil and Groundwater Environmental Technology Cooperation Forum was organized by the MOENV and USEPA to exchange on technological and legal aspects concerning soil and groundwater issues. With many officials from Thailand’s competent authorities were invited, there were more than 100 participants combined in online and physical presence, sharing experiences in site management, pollution investigation and remediation technologies concerning soil and groundwater pollution sites. All continued to tighten close partnership on the base of mutual benefits and common growth while exploring business opportunities for oversea market development. In his opening speech, Deputy Director General Liu spoke of the assistance provided on contaminated site management and technologies through face-to-face exchanges and onsite inspections. He hoped to deepen the cooperation between Thailand and Taiwan by understanding the status and needs of Thailand's pollution remediation and development of its environmental industry. Accompanied by officials from Ministry of Industrial Works, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand and residents, Taiwan’s delegation visited two contaminated sites. With Thailand’s Bureau of Groundwater Resource, they also used rapid test kits to obtain multiple groundwater quality parameters and performed landscape survey with drones to help determine any unusual changes. Having years of practical experiences, Taiwan’s delegates were able to make suggestions and propose future measures for individual stages in consideration of the sites’ current situation in the conclusion meeting. \nThe Taiwan Soil and Groundwater Protection Association and Thai-Taiwan Business Association signed a memorandum for strategic alliance under the EMA’s witness, which will help facilitate cooperation for environmental protection in Thailand and improve service for local Taiwan-based businesses. Apart from this industrial cooperation, the EMA also saw the memorandum signed by Collage of Engineering of Chung Yuan Christian University and Faculty of Engineering of Chulalongkorn University for future cooperation. Afterwards the EMA invited students of Chulalongkorn University to attend the soil and groundwater technology exchange forum as to nurture talents of environmental protection in countries with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).\nTaiwan continues to play a leading and important role in the field of soil and groundwater in Asian-Pacific region. Thanks to the joint efforts of industry, governmental and academic sectors, this forum has set a solid foundation for collaboration among Taiwan, USA and Thailand and facilitated multiple cooperation opportunities. This visit has established a brand-new milestone for the international cooperation and interactions for the science of soil and groundwater.", "year": "2024", "month": "01", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/www.moenv.gov.tw\/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=792D3BEFFEA0FF37&P=ef0d7e6a-220b-4257-b8a7-487a612bb8f12" }, { "no": "4377", "title": "MOENV Demonstrates Taiwan’s Determination to Combat Climate Change and Achieve Net Zero in COP28", "preview": "The two-week long 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) commenced in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 30 November 2023. Despite not being a UN member, Taiwan still registered for participation as an NGO observer as usual. Minister Shieu Fuh-Sheng of the MOENV led a delegation consisting of representatives from all government agencies to Dubai, showing Taiwan’s commitment to being part of the international community in the spirit of being professional, pragmatic, and contributive\". This action displayed Taiwan’s participation in climate convention activities as well as pledge of international climate actions. Minister Shieu also expresses to Taiwan’s friends in the world Taiwan’s determination to jointly pursue the goal of 1.5°C.", "content": "Participants from all sectors of Taiwan were present inside and outside the COP28 venue. The diverse exhibitions, presentations, workshops, dialogues, and speeches spoke to the world Taiwan’s advantages and strengths in the development of green technologies, which have been applied in disaster relief, disaster prevention, environmental protection, public health, green energy, and other related fields. This is the evidence to demonstrate how Taiwan fulfills the role of global citizen and is willing to share with the international community. \nIn 2023 FCCC conducted its first global stock take. Many countries have made net-zero emissions as their goal, but it is clearly stated in the Emissions Gap Report 2023, published by UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) in November 2023, that these joints efforts are still insufficient. The world needs to work harder to accelerate energy transition and fight against climate change. In recent years Taiwan has started taking climate-related actions in multiple aspects, such as laws, systems, and policies. Incorporating the goal of net-zero emissions by into laws, Taiwan has facilitated the carbon pricing system, formulated the 2050 Net-Zero Emission Pathway (2050淨零排放路徑藍圖) and the 12 Key Strategic Action Plans for net-zero transition” (淨零轉型12項關鍵戰略行動計畫). Other actions include establishment of National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan (國家氣候變遷調適行動計畫), which integrates central and local efforts, building up basic overall capacities responding to climate change challenges, and enhance public awareness on climate issues. During COP 28 Minister Shieu and delegation members interacted with international participants inside and outside the venue. The world was impressed and spoke highly about Taiwan’s efforts in net-zero transition in energy, industry, lifestyle, and social aspects and the vitality of Taiwan’s private and public sectors in climate actions. Minister Shieu said that, as the FCCC focuses on common but differentiated responsibilities, Taiwan, as a country ready for responsibility, should be included in climate conversations. Facing climate change, Taiwan, and the world all aim for net-zero emissions. Equipped with green technology and strong technological strengths and in constant search of practical opportunities to make contributions, Taiwan is a force for good and could be an important solution for the world against threats of climate change and in supply chain restructuring, as well as a reliable, safe and trustworthy partner. \nMinister Shieu said that, as the FCCC focuses on common but differentiated responsibilities, Taiwan, as a country ready for responsibility, should be included in climate conversations. Facing climate change, Taiwan, and the world all aim for net-zero emissions. Equipped with green technology and strong technological strengths and in constant search of practical opportunities to make contributions, Taiwan is a force for good and could be an important solution for the world against threats of climate change and in supply chain restructuring, as well as a reliable, safe and trustworthy partner.", "year": "2024", "month": "01", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/www.moenv.gov.tw\/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=792D3BEFFEA0FF37&P=ef0d7e6a-220b-4257-b8a7-487a612bb8f11" }, { "no": "4376", "title": "MOENV Officially Launches Environmental Education Discovery Center Online", "preview": "The Environmental Education Discovery Center (https:\/\/eeis.moenv.gov.tw\/front\/) is now officially launched online, showcasing all the MOENV’s achievements on environmental education and resources collected over the years. The website is designed to be visited in 3 ways and caters to different groups. The MOENV Minister Shieu Fuh-Sheng made a film to invite everyone to explore in the hope that citizens will help promote environmental education through visiting the website and become more active in environmental protection.", "content": "The Environmental Education Discovery Center has been set up to provide high-quality environmental education resource and diverse services. Integrating the MOENV’s major works and various environmental topics, the website compiles the MOENV’s fruitful achievements in the field of environmental education over the years, and incorporates the concept of electronic library and designs targeting different groups. People may explore the contents in three ways, which are environmental topics (atmospheric environment and monitoring, water and soil environment, climate change and environmental education), use scenarios (environmental lectures, self-learning, participation in activities and exchanges via competitions), and county and city maps. Different contents can also search based on visitor identities (categorized by ages or social groups) so as all visitors can obtain needed resources and widen their base of environmental knowledge and capabilities. \nWith environmental topics as an example, search results are displayed based on the age and social group selected by visitors; the information provided is easy to understand for the age of elementary school children and becomes more in-depth and professional for college students. For use scenarios, parents may choose podcasts and illustration books easy to learn for children and discover environmental education activities that they can enjoy with their children. There are ideas available on competitive activities that school teachers can participate with their students, as well as teaching materials or programs for classroom lectures. Moreover, the county and city maps on the website provides an intuitive way to allow visitors to click on a place and examine available local environmental education resources as well as relevant results. All people are welcomed to keep checking out the Environmental Education Discovery Center for updated information.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "01", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/www.moenv.gov.tw\/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=792D3BEFFEA0FF37&P=ef0d7e6a-220b-4257-b8a7-487a612bb8f10" }, { "no": "4375", "title": "Measures Intensified to Strengthen SRF Manufacturing and Use Management", "preview": "EU, Japan, and other advanced countries have started conversion of combustible wastes into solid recovered fuels (SRFs), following the international trend of lowering use of coals. Considering such trend, Taiwan has also set up SRF management systems and standards, with requirements in place for sourcing of SRF materials, manufacturing procedures, quality regulations, end-of-user equipment, and air pollution controls. The MOENV will keep improving the review and management system for SRF manufacturing and use, focusing on product quality and compliance with air pollution control standards, conducting audits and consultation, and strengthening overall operation management and flow tracking. Once evidence proves that an enterprise is producing pollutions under the disguise of SRFs, it will be prosecuted according to the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法) without mercy. All enterprises are warned not to take any chance and breach any law.", "content": "The MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) indicates that SRF is a fuel made of non-hazardous and combustible wastes using equipment complying with relevant regulations. It is a good replacement for coal with carbon reduction benefits. The Administration has been promoting the conversion of wastes into fuel since 2019. The Guidelines and Quality Standards for Solid Recovered Fuel Manufacturing Technology (固體再生燃料製造技術指引與品質規範), established in 2020, cover souring of wastes, necessary facilities in manufacturing plants, quality management, types of end-of-user facilities and pollution control facilities in addition to SRF quality standards. With this the environmental authorities can conduct reviews and approval procedures and future audits and management accordingly. Furthermore, the existing SRF-burning equipment, with good air pollution control equipment, can lower dioxin emissions by breaking down dioxins with extreme heat. \nGiven the existing SRF quality regulations and management, in 2023 the RECA thoroughly examined paper documents of all SRF factories in Taiwan and conducted 66 onsite visits with local environmental authorities. However, it was found that factories are equipped with different technological capacities, which the RECA will take actions to enhance qualities. There will be a 3-stage review for new factories (document evaluation, trial run and onsite inspection). The RECA Administration will establish a central-local joint review mechanism, in which a central technical team is assembled to help local governments with the review to improve review quality and verify new factories’ ability of SRF production. For existing factories, an audit and consultation program will be carried out to ensure manufacturing quality by examining whether material sourcing, manufacturing and end use comply with relevant regulations and requires implementation of SRF sampling and testing. Those found with any incompliance are required to improve by the given deadline, or have their waste disposal plans revoked or cancelled according to the Waste Disposal Act. \nThere are already emission control standards for SRF-using facilities at the moment. For instance, air pollution emissions of power facilities that generate electricity as their main purpose shall comply with the Air Pollutant Emissions Standards for Power Facilities (電力設施空氣污染物排放標準), and those of typical boilers the Air Pollutant Emissions Standards for Boilers (鍋爐空氣污染物排放標準). The regulations concerning dioxin and heavy metal emissions for incinerators are applicable to those using SRFs. The Department of Atmospheric Environment under the MOENV preannounced draft amendments of the Fuel Used in Stationary Pollution Sources to Comply with Co-firing Ratios and Component Standards (公私場所固定污染源應符合混燒比例及成分標準之燃料), the Co-firing Ratios and Component Standards for Fuel Used in Stationary Pollution Sources (公私場所固定污染源燃料混燒比例及成分標準) and the Air Pollutant Emissions Standards for Boilers in July 2023. In the revisions there are new specifications for the types and sizes of SRF-burning facilities and requirements of air pollution control equipment to be installed, as to strictly control air pollutant emissions.\nThe MOENV will deal practically with issues found in pushing SRF policies forward, incorporate opinions from all sides for future amendments, intensify management efforts, and implement audits and consultation to achieve the goal of converting wastes into energy.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "01", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/www.moenv.gov.tw\/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=792D3BEFFEA0FF37&P=ef0d7e6a-220b-4257-b8a7-487a612bb8f9" }, { "no": "4374", "title": "New Options Added to Offset Increased Air Pollutions from EIA Developers", "preview": "The MOENV announced the amended Principles for Reviewing Air Pollutant Emission Offsets of Development Activities (審查開發行為空氣污染物排放量增量抵換處理原則) on 12 December 2023. The purpose is to accelerate reduction of air pollution caused by old vehicles and motorcycles and burning joss paper as well as introduce private sources to offshore islands to aid in air pollution reduction. The revision has added three sources for offsets, namely installation of environment-friendly joss paper burners, assistance in air pollution reduction on offshore islands, and replacement of old motor vehicles of ten years or older. Development units are encouraged to flexibly offset increased air pollutions generated by their development activities with the above three sources and, therefore, mitigate impacts on the environment.", "content": "The offset sources under the existing offset principles mainly target stationary, mobile, and fugitive pollution sources, allowing developers undergoing EIAs to offset increased pollutions by working with private and public venues to implement an offset mechanism. Among the major industrial park development projects having been reviewed by the MOENV from 2021 to date, 4,365 tons of air pollution have been offset by offset measures planned out by developers, which is expected to lessen impacts on air quality brought by development activities under EIAs. More diverse options have been set in place for development units to offset increase of air pollution with the following factors taken into consideration. First, burning joss paper outdoors causes air pollution and is prone to public complaints, so installation of pollution control facilities for environment-friendly joss paper burners is included as an offset option. Another addition is that developers can offset air pollution caused by their activities in the main island by carrying out air pollution reduction measures in offshore islands may serve as a source to offset the development behaviors in Taiwan. Finally, previously replacement of 15-year-old or older vehicles was eligible for offset, and revisions have included more old vehicles by lowering replacement age to ten years and older and adjusted the previous basis calculating reduction benefits from old vehicle replacement. \nFurthermore, after this amendment developers that are legal persons or organizations are required to carry out offset measures before being approved by their EIA reviews. This is to create more flexibility for development units in their offset efforts. However, the obtained benefits of air pollution reductions must be offset within ten years, so the MOENV reminds all developers to get familiar with the new time limit under the revisions to avoid expiration of their offset efforts.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "01", "assortment": "Air Pollution\/ Control", "url": "https:\/\/www.moenv.gov.tw\/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=792D3BEFFEA0FF37&P=ef0d7e6a-220b-4257-b8a7-487a612bb8f8" }, { "no": "4373", "title": "Mobile Air Quality Lab Launched as A New Milestone for Environmental Testing Technology", "preview": "The National Environmental Research Academy (NERA) revealed a major technical breakthrough in 2023 with successful in-the-field performances of real-time online analysis on heavy metal components in airborne particulate matters, which previously could only be done in the laboratory. This advanced mobile laboratory is equipped with sophisticated instruments for testing, for example, mass concentration in fine particulate matters (PM2.5), organic\/element carbon, positive and negative ions, and metal elements. Particularly, the gas exchange device-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (GED-ICP-MS), which was used in laboratory, is now integrated in the mobile one. This advanced equipment introduces air samples directly into analysis instrument and analyzes in-situ trace heavy metals in PM2.5. This technology improves testing efficiency very effectively and hence has set a new milestone for environmental testing technology.", "content": "The MOENV expressed that the overall concentration of fine particulate matters has shown gradual decrease over the years in Taiwan, all thanks to the hard work of environmental protection units of all levels. In Douliu, Yunlin, the average PM2.5 concentration in 2022 was 18.9 μg\/m3, a significant improvement by almost 50% as opposed to 34 μg\/m3 in 2003, but still slightly higher than the average concentration of other counties and cities. To find out the cause of local PM2.5 pollution and devise a more precise air pollution control strategy, the NERA deployed the new mobile laboratory in Douliu, Yunlin, to conduct tests and studies of air pollutant in the field and provide scientific evidence for MOENV to formulate air pollution control strategy.\nThe MOENV emphasized that the successful application of this advanced technology demonstrates the NERA’s dedication and efforts in the field of environmental governance and provides a solid foundation of scientific research and data analysis for the government’s work in improving air quality and protecting people’s health. Looking at the future, the NERA is committed to environmental governance research and becoming the think tank for various environmental challenges, providing all a healthy and clean environment.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "01", "assortment": "Air Pollution\/ Control", "url": "https:\/\/www.moenv.gov.tw\/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=792D3BEFFEA0FF37&P=ef0d7e6a-220b-4257-b8a7-487a612bb8f7" }, { "no": "4372", "title": "Effluent Standards for Ammonia Nitrogen - Second Phase, Effective from January 1, 2024", "preview": "High-concentration ammonia-nitrogen wastewater, once discharged to water bodies, is toxic to living organisms and compromises quality of water bodies by consuming dissolved oxygen. The Effluent Standards (放流水標準) were amended on 25 December 2017, adding stricter standards in stages for industries like metal finishing, electroplating and tanning. The first phase came into force on 1 January 2021 and resulted in reducing emissions by approximately 73% and improving river basin water quality by 29%. The second phase is in effect on 1 January 2024 and it is estimated that 1,587 enterprises will be affected.", "content": "The MOENV stated that enterprises have started trying to divert discharge of wastewater containing high ammonia-nitrogen concentration ever since the addition of controls on ammonia-nitrogen in the Effluent Standards. Turning away from conventional wastewater treatment, they adopted resource circulation technology, transforming nitrogen-containing wastewater into valuable products. For example, enterprises have been reported to process their ammonia-nitrogen wastewater from metal finishing and electroplating via stripping, crystallization and purification, and the final product is solidified ammonium chloride that can be put back to the manufacturing end. Some domestic semiconductor manufacturers have their ammonia-nitrogen wastewater subject to membrane technology (deaeration membrane), absorption, crystallization and drying to produce crystalline ammonium sulfate or valuable aqueous ammonia for reuse. \nThe MOENV further indicated that these ammonia-nitrogen reduction achievements are shown in the test reports submitted by enterprises on wastewater discharge. Back in 2020 before the revised standards were in effect, emission of ammonia-nitrogen reached 13,279 tons in total, and it dropped to 3,600 tons as of 2023. The total reduction is 9,679 tons for a reduction rate of 73%. In terms of river water quality, Tahan Stream can be used as an example as this is where more enterprises affected by the revised Effluent Standards discharge their wastewaters. Its ammonia-nitrogen concentration was 1.78 mg\/L in average in 2020 and dropped to 1.27 mg\/L in 2023, a roughly 29% improvement of ammonia-nitrogen concentration within the water basin.\nThe MOENV conducted research after the Effluent Standards were revised to keep track on enterprises’ process of pollution reduction and improvement. The result shows that most of the enterprises had done the improvement work with the end of buffer period; still, a few failed to meet the stricter standards of the second phase in 2024. Once the incompliance is found by the local competent authority, there will be a fine between NT$60,000 and 2 million according to the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防治法) Article 40. With the upcoming trend of net-zero emissions, the MOENV suggests enterprises follow successful examples of their fellow colleagues, adopting wastewater resource circulation and recycling valuable resources are recycled before properly treating remaining wastewater to cut down pollutant emissions and ensure that the quality of effluence meets the regulatory standards.", "year": "2024", "month": "01", "assortment": "Water", "url": "https:\/\/www.moenv.gov.tw\/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=792D3BEFFEA0FF37&P=ef0d7e6a-220b-4257-b8a7-487a612bb8f6" }, { "no": "4371", "title": "2023 Monitoring Results Show Achievements of Air Pollution Controls", "preview": "The MOENV produced the air quality monitoring results for the last 8 years and found decreasing trends in the concentration of all pollutants. The percentage of days with poor air quality, with air quality index (AQI) above 100, dropped from 15.09% to 6.35%. The average annual concentration of fine particulate matters (PM2.5) decreased from 20 μg\/m3 in 2016 to 13.8 μg\/m3 in December 2023, an improvement of more than 30%.", "content": "Despite the decreasing trends for pollutants overall, the MOENV points out that the averagePM2.5 and ozone concentrations in 2023 increased by 1.4 μg\/m3 and 1.8ppb, respectively, as opposed to 2022. On the other hand, the numbers of station-days with red alerts, meaning the PM2.5 level at 54.5μg\/m3, have decreased. This is primarily attributed to low wind speed and low daily precipitation in central and southern Taiwan. The low wind speed and little rain make it difficult for particulate matters to disperse, resulting in regional accumulation of pollutants. When east wind comes and coincides with high temperature and stable meteorological conditions, ozone precursors start to accumulate in the west side of Taiwan, and the photochemical reactions fuels the generation of ozone.\nThe MOENV has been working with other government agencies to cut down pollutions. Comparing to 2016, the overall pollutant emission from factories and transportation has reduced by 38% and 30%, respectively, which is shown clearly in the air quality improvement. Multiple programs have been launched to cut down pollution since 2016. For example, the cooperation with Ministry of Economic Affairs to target state-owned enterprises, including Taichung Power Plant, Hsinda Power Plant, China Steel and China Ship Building Corp. (CSBC), has led to more than 50% drop in air pollutant emissions. Efforts to encourage replacement of commercial and industrial boilers with one burning natural gas has resulted in the decrease of coal- and heavy oil-burning boilers from 60% to below 20%. The program of replacing old motor vehicles has achieved in phasing out almost 50%, or 70,000, large diesel vehicles, and reducing old motorcycles from 6.98 million to 2.55 million, a decrease by 63%. and the continuous attempt to improve airborne dusts along Jhuoshui River has seen an improvement rate of over 90%, lowering exposed regions by 77% and number of days with airborne dust incidents from 59 in 2017 to 5 in 2023, an improvement rate of more than 90%.\nThe MOENV further pointed out that the cooperation between central and local governments has produced initial improvement for the air quality in Taiwan. However, there are still regional and seasonal issues of poor air quality, and the indicator pollutant, which was PM2.5, is now ozone. The second phase of the Air Pollution Control Program (2024 to 2027), therefore, will be focusing on precise controls with two new goals. One is, on a national scale, an 80% decrease from 2018 in the number of station-days with eight-hour average ozone concentration reaching the red-alert level, and another one is PM2.5 concentration at or below 15 μg\/m3 in central and southern Taiwan. The second phase will be further coupled with the national policy of net-zero emissions and carry out measures to cut down pollutions and emissions, continuing to improve Taiwan’s air quality and protecting citizens’ health.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "01", "assortment": "Air Pollution\/ Control", "url": "https:\/\/www.moenv.gov.tw\/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=792D3BEFFEA0FF37&P=ef0d7e6a-220b-4257-b8a7-487a612bb8f5" }, { "no": "4370", "title": "Subsidies Provided to Encourage Innovations of Resource Circulation Technologies", "preview": "The Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) under the MOENV has formulated the Subsidy Guidelines for Resource Circulation Innovations and Research and Development Projects (補助資源循環創新及研究發展計畫作業要點). Aiming to increase competitive edge of Taiwan’s resource circulation industry, improve the circulation network, and develop innovative technologies, the RECA hopes to accelerate development of resource circulation industry by encouraging innovative research and development as well as introduction of novice or improvement of existing technologies in the private sector.", "content": "The RECA stressed that diversified circulation models and effective improvement of resource utilization can only be achieved by subsidizing all stages of a product, namely from design, use, maintenance, recycling, reuse to disposal. Therefore, targets for subsidization are public and private universities and legal persons. Those eligible for subsidies also include the product manufacturing industry, responsible enterprises of recyclable wastes, and the recycling and disposal industry, public and private waste clearance and disposal enterprises, reuse facilities, product maintenance or circulation service enterprises, and factories, companies, or legal persons in relevant industries. NT$100 million has been appropriated for 2024 to subsidize innovative research and development efforts or introduction of the best feasible circulation technology system for more channels of sustainable resource utilization. \nThree types of programs are eligible for subsidies under the guidelines. Respectively, they include innovative research and development, focusing on introduction of development of innovative technologies; technical-improvement, aiming to enhance or advance existing technologies; and topic research, trying to solve specific issues. The RECA hopes to see proposals of technical innovations and improvement of existing technologies, and encourages cooperation between industrial and academic sectors to make technical breakthroughs, helping the government facilitate industrial upgrades and achieve the goal of resource circulation with zero waste. \nThe RECA plans to collect public opinions in 2024 and will late announce application information such as document formats and deadlines. All industrial, academic and research sectors are invited to join hands for the innovations of resource circulation!\n", "year": "2024", "month": "01", "assortment": "Resource Circulation", "url": "https:\/\/www.moenv.gov.tw\/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=792D3BEFFEA0FF37&P=ef0d7e6a-220b-4257-b8a7-487a612bb8f4" }, { "no": "4369", "title": "EIA Guidelines Announced to Ensure Proper Disposal of Wastes in Industrial Parks", "preview": "As an attempt to scrutinize the installation of waste treatment facilities in the environmental impact assessments of park development activities, the MOENV announced on 28 December 2023 the Review Guidelines for Establishment of Disposal Facilities for Wastes from Development Activities in Industrial Parks (環境部審查園區開發行為廢棄物處理設施設置處理原則). The aim is to properly evaluate, in environmental impact assessment (EIA) cases, installation of disposal facilities for wastes generated by development activities in industrial parks. The guidelines will serve as the basis for reviews of waste treatment facilities in EIAs as well as reference for members the of EIA review committee.", "content": "The newly promulgated guidelines are based on the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法) Article 32, which mandate the industry competent authority, development unit or management unit of an industrial park or science park to plan and install industrial waste disposal facilities within or outside of the park. The targets are parks and zones where business owners engage in production, manufacturing, technology services and other related businesses, as defined in Article 2 Paragraph 8 of the Standards for Determining Specific Items and Scope of Environmental Impact Assessments for Development Activities (環境影響評估細目及範圍認定標準). The guidelines are applied when industrial parks undergo constructions or expansions, modify contents of EIAs, submit analysis reports on the difference of environmental impact, or re-conduct EIAs.\nThe MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) indicates that the guidelines specify that the wastes generated in a park are to be disposed within the park in principle. Based on planning procedures, the development unit will analyze types of industry, type(s) of waste, and installation schedules before submitting analysis results along with EIA documents. Should the development unit find it difficult to install disposal facilities in the park and will have wastes disposed outside of the park, it is to provide assessment basis and justification documents for disposal facilities outside the park. However, a piece of land shall still be reserved for corresponding facility(s) in the park in proportion to the park size. \nThe guidelines have been announced as EIA evaluation basis and provided to agencies involved so that they will install waste treatment facilities in future park development projects, ensuring proper disposal of wastes generated in the parks.\n", "year": "2024", "month": "01", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "https:\/\/www.moenv.gov.tw\/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=792D3BEFFEA0FF37&P=ef0d7e6a-220b-4257-b8a7-487a612bb8f3" }, { "no": "4368", "title": "Revised Regulations Announced for Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Fees", "preview": "The Regulations Governing Collection of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Fees (土壤及地下水污染整治費收費辦法) were amended and announced by the MOENV. The purpose is to control soil and groundwater pollution by providing those filing remediation fees preferential rates and encouraging businesses to purchase environmental damage liability insurances as an effective measure against possible pollution risks.", "content": "The MOENV explained that the Basic Environment Act (環境基本法) specifies that polluters shall be responsible for the environmental harms or risks they create. With increasingly strict environmental protection regulations, pollution control equipment or construction projects have become necessities, and enterprises should shoulder their social responsibilities. Therefore, Article 10 of the fee collection regulations was amended to encourage fee payers to purchase liability insurance against environmental damages in exchange for a 5%-discount rate for quarterly remediation fees in the next year. The regulations about refunds for relevant construction projects and insurances with equivalent effect are, on the other hand, deleted.\nThe MOENV reminded that the amendment would become effective on 1 January 2025. The amendment allows a request for refund to be filed from 1 June to 31 July 2025 for remediation fee payers who will have actually paid for a liability insurance against environmental damages or others with equivalent effect, and invested in new facilities or construction projects that directly prevent soil and groundwater pollutions by 31 December 2024, the amendments allow a request for refund to be filed from 1 June to 31 July 2025. This is in consideration of some fee payers who have invested in pollution prevention and control projects that be completed next year, and to provide sufficient time for enterprises to plan and purchase the said liability insurances.\nTo simplify the filing procedure for fee payers, in the meantime, the filing procedure is omitted in the amendment for the quarterly remediation fees less than NT$200. The estimation of remediation fee is available at the Online Filing and Inquiry System for Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Fees (https:\/\/sgwb.moenv.gov.tw\/sgwfundo\/) if a fee payer is not sure about the amount.", "year": "2024", "month": "01", "assortment": "Water", "url": "https:\/\/www.moenv.gov.tw\/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=792D3BEFFEA0FF37&P=ef0d7e6a-220b-4257-b8a7-487a612bb8f2" }, { "no": "4367", "title": "Amendment and Announcement of Climate Change Response Act Enforcement Rules", "preview": "The MOENV amended the Enforcement Rules of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法施行細則) into the Enforcement Rules of the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法施行細則) on 29 December 2023. It was done in response to the change of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法) into the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法) on 15 February 2023.", "content": "The MOENV explained that 25 articles in total were amended and the amendment was promulgated on 29 December 2023. The key points of this amendment are as follows:(1)Addition and revision of central and local authorities’ responsibilities Responsibilities for the central competent authorities increased from 13 to 22. The added responsibilities included inspection of results for nationwide carbon reduction and climate change adaptation; review, approval, transfer, and trading of nationwide carbon reduction credits; collection of carbon fees from emission sources; Greenhouse Gas Management Fund (GHG Management Fund) management; and registration, evaluation, and management of carbon emissions from imported goods. Other additions were evaluation, verification, calculation, approval, audit, and inspection of products’ carbon footprints; control of greenhouse gases with high globalwarming potentials; and evaluation and management concerning the storage of captured carbon dioxide. The role of local governments was also strengthened as they now have 14 responsibilities instead of three originally. Revisions involved planning and implementation of respective climate change response offices under each municipalities and county and city governments; formulation, revision, planning and implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Programs (氣候變遷調適執行方案); and inspection and consultation that help emission sources within respective jurisdictions on operation and emission facilities and other relevant data. Other additions included climate change education and promotion in municipalities, counties, and cities; promotion for development of NGOs; and personnel training and seminars. Also, local governments now are responsible for investigation, consultation, research and development of climate change mitigation and carbon reduction within respective jurisdictions; exchanges among cities; audit and inspection of products’ carbon footprints; and participation in the of climate change response work of relevant central authorities. All amendments above are an effort to promote local climate change governance. (2)Specifications on what is mandatory for assessments and documentations for contents in climate change governance-related guidelines, goals, plans and solutions Goals are established for every five-year regulatory phase according to the Climate Change Response Act Article 10. It is clearly stipulated in the enforcement rules that relevant central authorities are to conduct emission trend estimation and scenario analysis, and the propose electricity carbon emission factors, reduction scenarios, contributions, and estimated costs for each department. With revisions, they are to also reference and adopt NGO’s suggestions collected during the preannouncement and accordingly propose growth of electricity demands and evaluate its possible impacts. The process for setting phased goals will be further strengthened by a technical consultation team consisting experts and scholars, which was established based on the Climate Change Response Act. Afterwards public hearings will be held to gather opinions. Reduction action plans for the six major sectors shall take into consideration elements required for national climate actions suggested by UN and international climate agreements. And on 15 August 2023 Premier Chen Chien-Jen instructed to “establish annual goals and evaluate and improve every year in the 35th meeting of the Executive Yuan’s National Council for Sustainable Development, Executive Yuan. As a result, “assessment indicators” and “evaluation “have been added to review and improve every year. In addition, in consideration of NGOs’ suggestions solicited during preannouncement, the amendments mandated sectorial action plans to include “possible impact assessments”. This is in response to the new regulations concerning a just transition under the Climate Change Response Act and aims to take necessary measures as soon as possible for the sustainable development of Taiwan’s environment, economy, and society. (3)Strengthening of regular controls and evaluations as well as reviews for improvement national reduction results In Taiwan, the release date of national GHG emissions inventory will be advanced from 31 December to 30 June every year to comply with international standards. Taiwan’s responsibility of GHG reduction is shared among six sectors, namely energy, manufacturing, transportation, commercial and residences, agriculture, and environment. Therefore, the action plans’ annual results and reviews for further improvements are particularly important for these sectors. It is specified in the enforcement rules that central industry competent authorities are to produce annual reports by 30 September every year and, if failing to meet periodical regulation goals or assessment indicators, improvement measures at the same time. The central competent authorities are required to report the implementation of periodical regulatory goals to the Executive Yuan by 30 November every year. Moreover, local competent authorities’ reduction results are to submit reduction results to climate change response office of respective municipalities, counties, and cities by 30 September every year through preparation of annual reduction reports. These reports will be published thereafter. (4)Inclusion of mitigation goal principles and items under action plans Based on the Legislative Yuan’s Additional Resolutions for the review of the Climate Change Response Act, the enforcement rules added mitigation purposes and basic principles to the act’s special chapter on mitigation. The addition states that climate mitigation is to be based on science and adapted according to local conditions with community engagement, strengthen vulnerable populations’ resistance against climate impacts, and take sufficient consideration of potential impacts on human rights. Furthermore, it is added that the mitigation programs shall include key elements, such as impacts from climate changes, scenario development, risk assessment, goals, strategies, schedules, budgeting, review, control, and evaluation. These will serve as the basis for the implementation of mitigation programs for governments of all levels. (5)Specification of information disclosure for public participation To encourage public participation, the enforcement rules require meetingrelated information to be made public by a given deadline. In addition to public hearings on central sectors’ action plans, whose relevant information are to be disclosed ten days before the hearings, procedures of organizing meetings on local reduction programs have been revised, with information made available for the public seven days before. It is also stipulated that climate changerelated documents and information of governments of all levels required to be made public under the enforcement rules shall be disclosed all together on website(s) designated by central competent authorities for public inquiries.", "year": "2024", "month": "01", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "https:\/\/www.moenv.gov.tw\/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=792D3BEFFEA0FF37&P=ef0d7e6a-220b-4257-b8a7-487a612bb8f1" }, { "no": "4356", "title": "Volunteers Recognized for Environmental Efforts", "preview": "On 29 October, the National Environmental Protection Volunteer Heroes Convention was held by the MOENV and Tainan City Government in Chia Nan University of Pharmacy & Science. Besides attending the event to cheer on the participants, Premier Chen Chian-jen, MOENV Minister Shieu Fuh-sheng, and Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che also presented awards to outstanding teams in various competitions as well as 38 excellent environmental education volunteers selected by each county and city.", "content": "This event brought together nearly 2,000 environmental volunteers from 22 counties and cities. Selected through preliminary contests in their respective regions, all participants dedicated their best efforts to compete for glory on behalf of their counties or cities. The competition this year featured four categories -- Environmental Mastermind, Recyclable Sorting Champion, Slam Dunk Recycler, and Environmental Defender -- combining elements of intellect, entertainment, and teamwork. The competition was designed to be both educational and entertaining.\nMOENV Minister Shieu mentioned that, in response to global climate change, on 22 August this year the former EPA went through restructuring and became the MOENV, which now has higher goals and shoulders great responsibilities. In light of this, he expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their continuous participation and oversight on government authorities’ initiatives related to environmental protection, education, and care. It is because of their dedicated efforts that various environmental tasks can be carried out smoothly and that Taiwan has become a more beautiful homestead. Minister Shieu also thanked the Tainan City Government for its full support in co- organizing this event, which served as a platform for volunteers from various counties and cities to exchange knowledge and enhance their environmental awareness.\nAt the closing ceremony, Premier Chen presented awards to 38 outstanding environmental education volunteers. In his speech, he emphasized the urgency of environmental protection on a global scale and Taiwan’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 through four major transitions: energy, industry, lifestyle, and society. Volunteers nationwide play a crucial role in promoting a green and sustainable lifestyle, and their active participation in environmental protection efforts is highly appreciated and respected.\nAt the end of the event, Premier Chen passed the convention flag to Deputy County Commissioner Yan Hsin-chang of Hualien County, which will host the event next year. Through this symbolic transferring of the environmental spirit, the organizers look forward to reuniting in Hualien County in 2024.", "year": "2023", "month": "11", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4355", "title": "Three Venues Certified as Environmental Education Facilities after Passing Review", "preview": "On 30 October, the MOENV held its first environmental education certification review meeting after its organizational restructuring. The meeting was convened by Ms. Shih Wen-chen, the MOENV’s first female deputy minister. Three environmental education facilities were certified during the review, including the Marine Life Propagation Station in Penghu County, the Neihu District Wastewater Treatment Plant in Taipei City, and the Kaohsiung City Seafront Water Resource Center. The MOENV stated that these certified environmental education facilities have a social responsibility to promote environmental protection, resource conservation, environmental social and corporate governance (ESG), providing the public with enjoyable environmental education experience in a safe and professional environment.", "content": "The Marine Life Propagation Station in Penghu County is the only facility in Taiwan that produces seaweed seedlings for aquaculture farmers. In recent years, it has been involved in coral reef restoration and facilitating cultivation of various marine organisms and resources. As part of these initiatives, it has developed related programs and courses promoting marine ecological restoration and conservation. The course on coral protection and restoration is the most distinctive one among these programs.\nThe next is the Neihu District Wastewater Treatment Plant in Taipei City, which primarily handles sewage from Neihu District and Dazhi neighborhood in Taipei City, as well as part of Xizhi District in New Taipei City. The plant employs a secondary biological treatment method, and after final disinfection with sodium hypochlorite, the treated wastewater is discharged into the Keelung River. With environmental education programs, the plant aims to help students understand the concept of household wastewater and its treatment process, as well as eventually raise their awareness about the importance of water resources by demonstrating production and utilization of both recycled and reclaimed water.\nFinally, the Kaohsiung City Seafront Water Resources Center is mainly responsible for transforming wastewater generated from people's daily lives into reclaimed water through the wastewater tertiary treatment. The final product is then supplied to corporations such as China Steel for use in their industrial manufacturing processes. Additionally, the center has developed innovative educational content using virtual reality technology, immersing the audience in a virtual journey of a small water droplet. The public is thus able to gain firsthand understanding of the importance of water resources.\nThe Environmental Education Certification Review Committee consists of 21 members. The MOENV’s first female deputy minister, Ms. Shih Wen-chen, and Acting Director Chang Shun-chin of the National Environmental Research Academy act as the lead and deputy conveners, respectively. The rest of the committee is composed of experts and scholars, 14 of whom representatives of non- governmental organizations and five of whom officials from various government agencies. Facilities seeking environmental education certification must first undergo preliminary review by a subcommittee formed by members of the Environmental Education Certification Review Committee, and only those that pass the preliminary review will enter final evaluation by the entire committee.", "year": "2023", "month": "11", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4354", "title": "Policies to Retire Old Motorcycles Improve Air Quality by 30%", "preview": "Aiming to address air pollution from mobile sources, relevant authorities are taking measures to increase usage of public transportation, retire old vehicles, and promote adoption of electric vehicles. Facing the public's urgent call for improved air quality, the MOENV has been carrying out policies urging replacement of old vehicles with new ones or switch to electric vehicles due to the fact that pollution from older vehicles has a significantly higher impact on the environment compared to new or electric ones. Such policies have led to a 30% improvement in air quality from 2017 to 2022, aligning with the expected outcomes.", "content": "The MOENV explains that improving air quality requires a multi-faceted approach. Whether the purpose is to enhance usage of public transportation or promote replacement of old vehicles with new or electric ones, different strategies need to be implemented based on various public transportation infrastructures. Specifically, efforts to combat motorcycle emissions, before 2019, focused on reducing air pollution and increasing public acceptance of electric motorcycles.\nConsequently, subsidies were provided to encourage purchase of new electric motorcycles. From 2020 to 2021, policies were shifted to replacing old motorcycles manufactured before 30 June 1997 so as to reduce emissions from highly polluting old motorcycles. Currently, aligning with the 2050 net-zero emissions policy, the MOENV offers subsidies for retiring old motorcycles, encouraging people to switch to public transportation. If individuals choose to purchase electric motorcycles, the MOENV will seek developers under environmental impact assessments (EIAs) that have matching needs to purchase benefits gained from such purchases, namely, carbon and air pollution reduction. According to data from national transportation air quality monitoring stations, the levels of\nPM2.5 and nitrogen oxides (NOx) have been on a declining trend in recent years. The PM2.5 level dropped from 20.1μg\/m3 in 2017 to 14.9μg\/m3 in 2022, and the NOx level from 46.27 ppb to 34.0 ppb, reflecting a nearly 30% improvement. These figures indicate that the aforementioned policies have achieved the goal of improving air quality.\nThe MOENV emphasizes that air quality improvement policies are to evolve along with time and focus on lowering air pollution, reducing private vehicles, encouraging the use of public transportation, and creating an environment friendly to electric vehicles without stressing one over another. These efforts are essential to collectively build a low-carbon, low-polluting transportation environment.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "11", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4353", "title": "Optimized Recycling Facilities in Kinmen Launched", "preview": "The MOENV has completed the optimization project of a resource recycling storage facility in Kinsha Township, Kinmen County. The facility was launched on 12 October. County Secretary- General Hsieh Shih-chieh, on behalf of County Commissioner Chen Fu-hai, attended and presided over the inauguration ceremony, accompanied by RECA Deputy Director-General Lin Chien-san, Director Yang Chien-li of the Kinmen County Environmental Protection Bureau, and Mayor Wu Yu-chia of Kinsha Township.", "content": "The resource recycling storage facility in Kinsha Township was repurposed from an old military camp. Due to increased tourism and the subsequent rise in recyclable materials, the outdated recycling facility could no longer handle storage and sorting of recyclables in the area. Therefore, in 2022 the MOENV approved a subsidy of NT$21.38 million for an optimization and improvement project of the facility. Other than optimizing the basic environmental facilities, the project installed two additional sorting and transporting machines so as to enhance the work environment, ensure the safety of personnel, and improve operational efficiency. It is estimated that the recycling capacity has been increased by more than 30 metric tons annually.\nDeputy Director-General Lin stated that the RECA strives to support personnel on the frontline and collaborate with local governments to promote recycling, following the Executive Yuan's program to improve environmental facilities of the cleaning squad. The overall program covers five major welfare aspects, including attire, transportation, access to washing facilities, housing, and safety, and the optimization and improvement project comes from the part emphasizing on housing and hence aims to enhance basic recycling facilities. Since 2020, 49 projects have been approved for subsidization, totaling over NT$990 million. Completion of all these projects will result in procuring 42 recycling machines for local governments, benefiting more than 4,180 cleaning squad members, increasing annual recycling volume by over 445,000 metric tons, generating an additional annual revenue of over NT$100,004,000 from sales, enhancing more than 214,000 square meters in total, and utilizing over 44,000 tons of recycled aggregates.\nMoreover, assistance has been provided to integrate regional recycling facilities. The completed Recycling and Circular Education Center in Wugu District, New Taipei City now handles recyclables from neighboring areas (Luzhou District, Sanchong District, and Wugu District), processing approximately 12,000 metric tons annually. The recycling and storage facility in South District of Taoyuan City, and the local area’s regional facility, still in construction, are expected to increase annual capacity by 1,000 metric tons of recyclables annually upon completion.\nLooking ahead, Deputy Director-General Lin emphasized the continuous implementation of optimization projects to improve environments of recycling and storage facilities, increase recycling capacity, and support frontline cleaning squad. Efforts will also be made to encourage local authorities to attract the private sector’s participation and investment in essential public recycling infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships, ensuring the ongoing and sustainable recycling initiatives.", "year": "2023", "month": "11", "assortment": "environmental management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4352", "title": "RECA Aims to Recycle 80,000 Phones via Promotion Event", "preview": "Mobile Phone Recycling Month was back! On 26 September, the MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) promoted the Mobile Phone Recycling Month, which ran throughout October. This year special incentives for corporate participation and more prize options were introduced in addition to doubling the collection points from last year. Moreover, focus was placed on promoting recycling and reuse of resources after collection as well as enhancing material utilization. Enterprises were urged to take part in establishing a seamless recycling process with regulatory measures, namely, from product design, repair, to reuse of secondhand phones. This will ultimately help lead the whole society to the end goal of sustainable development.", "content": "The promotion ran throughout the entire month of October, 2023. Not only did participants complete the recycling process at designated locations and register their information for a lucky draw for additional discounts at participating recycling channels, but they also stood a chance to win prizes worth a total of NT$300,000. For every three discarded mobile phones recycled, participants could earn an extra entry for the lucky draw!\nThe RECA was set up on 22 August 2023, aiming to promote sustainable consumption and production, enhance efficiency of resource use, and increase the value of waste management. It adopts three major strategies: green design and source management, circular recycling and utilization of energy and resource, and waste quantity balancing and management. The two driving forces in its policy framework are connecting top-, mid-, and low-end industries to create a smooth circular network, and developing innovative technologies and systems. All of these serve to promote recycling and reuse of waste resources, extend product lifespans, lower the use of raw materials, and create carbon reduction benefits.\nCorresponding with the RECA’s establishment, enterprises were invited to join the promotion of the mobile phone recycling month this year. Apart from expansion of recycling channels, efforts are underway to include enterprises’ recycling systems in relevant legislation. The initiative will involve integration of both phone recycling and repair in the design of a “circulation rate,” which, along with targets set for each year, will be used to push enterprises to incorporate circular and sustainable concepts at the beginning stage of product designs. In addition, the new legal framework will be designed to urge enterprises to extend the lifespan of mobile phones via refurbishment and sale of secondhand devices, thereby reducing resource consumption.\nThe Mobile Phone Recycling Month was initially launched in 2019 by the then-EPA with the result of collecting 23,000 devices. The initiative has steadily grown, reaching 72,000 devices collected in 2022, nearly tripling the initial figures. This growth also brought Taiwan’s total recycled mobile phones last year to 730,000 units. This year, the recycling channels have been expanded to include four more categories of enterprises, including retail stores, online shopping platforms, stores of communication services, and secondhand phone shops. With their participation, there are now approximately 13,500 collection points. The goal is to collect over 80,000 mobile phones in October alone, resulting in cutting down annual CO2 emissions by 11,200 metric tons, equivalent to the carbon absorption capacity of approximately 101 Daan Parks. Moreover, the event will promote recycling of metals, creating an annual production value of NT$30.38 million.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "11", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4351", "title": "Taiwanese and German Experts Discuss Transition Toward a Net-Zero Lifestyle", "preview": "In order to facilitate Taiwan's transition toward a zero-waste lifestyle and align with international standards, the MOENV and the German Institute Taipei jointly organized on 25 October the 2023 Taiwan-Germany International Seminar on Transition Toward a Zero-Waste Lifestyle. Experts and industry representatives from Taiwan and Germany were invited to share relevant ideas so as to enhance promotion and implementation of lifestyle changes. MOENV Deputy Minister Shih Wen- chen, Director of the German Institute Taipei Hubertus von Morr, and Mariana Nicolau, Senior Project Manager from the Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP) in Germany, launched and attended the seminar.", "content": "The MOENV stated that CSCP Senior Project Manager Ms. Nicolau was invited to share experiences in promoting lifestyle changes, aiming to raise public awareness of green living and facilitate discussions on the practical aspects of lifestyle transformation.\nMs. Nicolau pointed out that merely disseminating knowledge is not enough to change people's behaviors because of the numerous obstacles in transforming knowledge into actions. Therefore, it is necessary to employ effective communication, understand the needs of various groups, and identify motivations for behavioral change for implementation of suitable strategies, environmental infrastructures, and incentives. And sharing with friends and family can significantly facilitate changes in the public’s habits. Additionally, General Manager Yvonne Tsai of O’right, a cosmetic company in Taiwan, talked about how her company makes use of internal workplace design to help guide its employees to adopt changes. For instance, its efforts in promoting the use of electric vehicles among employees include reserving dedicated parking spaces specifically for electric vehicles and placing them in a close proximity to the clocking-in machine. Furthermore, foot- operated faucets are installed in the company’s restrooms, replacing sensor-activated ones that rely on continuous power and hence lowering energy consumption.\nOn issues related to a circular and sharing economy, Dr. Chen Hsien-ting from Merck KGaA shared his company’s use of smart liquid crystal windows to control indoor temperatures and lighting for energy efficiency. In terms of corporate governance, the corporation has introduced smart manufacturing and promoted science education, utilizing plastic waste to make stationery items. Furthermore, Dr. Tsou Wen-po from Taiwan Toy Library Association shared their approach that is similar to how a library operates. Unneeded toys are collected, arranged, and made available to children in disused spaces in schools, as well as brought to disadvantaged kids in remote areas by a van that also serves as a mobile toy shop. Moreover, Chang Yu-chin Taiwan branch manager of EPEA, a German design company that subscribes to the cradle-to-cradle idea, shared its design concept. He spoke about how to use good product design to achieve a circular economy, such as disassembling materials like plastic or glass for reuse in the manufacturing process, and extending producers’ responsibilities through a circular recycling system.\nAs for goals and strategies for transition toward a zero-waste lifestyle, Dr. Laura Spengler from Ökopol Institute in Hamburg, Germany, mentioned that the German Federal Environmental Agency (UBA) provides the public with a personal carbon emission calculator. The UBA also promotes carbon reduction actions through posters, graphics, and website information. Additionally, Engineer Sun Po-ling from the Industrial Technology Research Institute spoke of their efforts to develop a preliminary framework for calculating personal carbon emissions in Taiwan by studying indicators of individual carbon reduction currently used abroad. This framework includes case studies related to diet, travel, and lifestyle, serving as a reference for facilitation of lifestyle transformation policies. \nThis seminar facilitated discussions among representatives from NGOs and enterprises in both Germany and Taiwan on how to raise public awareness of green living and change of habits and also experiences in promoting a sharing economy among industries. All of this will provide valuable insights for refining future lifestyle transformation strategies.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "11", "assortment": "International Cooperation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4350", "title": "Emission Verifications Tightened for New Vehicles and Added with Road Tests ", "preview": "On 25 October 2023, the MOENV announced the amended Regulations Governing Issuance, Revocation, Cancellation of Compliance Certification for Gasoline and Alternative Clean Fuel Engine Vehicle Emissions Inspections (汽油及替代清潔燃料引擎) and the amended Test Methods and Procedures for Exhaust Emissions from Gasoline Vehicles (汽油汽車廢氣排放測試方法與程序 ). The revision highlight is an addition of provisions for Real Driving Emissions (RDE) in vehicle testing. In addition to laboratory testing, future new vehicle models undergoing exhaust emission inspections will be required to also undergo testing under simulated real driving conditions on the roads. This approach aims to make vehicle emissions testing closer to real-world driving situations, allowing emissions to be more realistically assessed and also for substantial reductions without tightening emission standards, thereby contributing to the improvement of air quality.", "content": "The MOENV explained that the introduction of RDE testing aligns with the current practices in the European Union and neighboring Asian countries. The implementation of a 1+1 regulatory approach means that vehicles need to comply with the existing laboratory exhaust emission standards as well as on-road vehicle pollution emission standards. As the testing method closely resembles real-world driving conditions, manufacturers are to further scrutinize and enhance vehicle pollution control technologies to pass these tests. This is expected to significantly reduce actual pollution emissions and hence lead to improvement in air quality. Moreover, the new regulations mandate that manufacturers will report only on-road vehicle pollution emissions starting from 2025, and that from 2027 onward, vehicles are to gradually comply with emission standards of respective phases year after year. This step-by-step approach aims to mitigate impact on the industry while further lowering vehicle pollution emissions.\nIn addition to RDE, the new regulations introduce measures related to automobile dealers, including third-party inspections, abolishment of the \"model year\" system, and encouragement of adopting the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).\nFor vehicle model exhaust testing compliance verification, introduction of third-party inspections refers to incorporate verification conducted by third-party inspection organizations into the current mechanism where certificates are issued based on results produced by a testing organization. Such practices result in establishing a fair and objective inspection process and strengthening the user- pays principle. While government budget is reduced, it provides a monitoring system with which quality of a vehicle’s pollution emission controls is ensured before it is off the lot.\nAbolishment of the \"model year\" system is based on the change that a vehicle’s model does not affect its exhaust, which means that there is no need to reapply for a new vehicle model exhaust testing compliance verification every year. This change is expected to cut down the number of current cases by over 50%, effectively reducing administrative burdens with simplified administrative convenience.\nLastly, regulations have been amended to include vehicles tested under WLTP so as to encourage automobile dealers to adopt it to control quality of in-use vehicle models during mass production. This initiative allows replacement of actual on-road testing with laboratory testing and therefore encourages automobile dealers to phase out outdated testing methods, ultimately preventing underestimation of vehicle emissions and encouraging production of cleaner vehicles.\nAlong with amendments of the two regulations, the MOENV will further grant reasonable transition periods and give incentive measures to automobile dealers for introducing differentiated management. Such measures help encourage automobile dealers to accelerate their transition toward net-zero emissions and simultaneously lower the emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, thereby creating a win-win situation for both the environment and the economy.", "year": "2023", "month": "11", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4349", "title": "Revised Regulations Announced to Enhance Emission Certification and Inspection Capacities", "preview": "Keeping track of carbon emissions and their sources is fundamental to greenhouse gas reduction. On 5 October, the MOENV announced the revised Management Regulations for Greenhouse Gas Certification and Inspection Organizations (溫室氣體認證機構及查驗機構管理辦法). This aims to enhance inspection capacity while ensuring inspection quality in response to the needs of inspections and verifications from diverse reduction mechanisms on carbon emissions.", "content": "The MOENV stated that the amended Article 38 of the regulations will come into effect starting on 5 October. They key points of this amendment are as follows:\n1.\tRevision of certification organizations’ qualifications and addition of certification management Taiwan's greenhouse gas certification and verification system has matured. With subsequent certification needs, the revisions require certification organizations to establish evaluation systems based on ISO\/IEC 17011 and get certified by or sign relevant agreements with international or regional organizations. Additionally, newly added regulations specify obligations to which the MOENV-commissioned certification organizations must adhere. This is to assist commissioned certification organizations in carrying out certification tasks and allow the MOENV to monitor the accreditation status of inspection organizations.\n2.\tIntroduction of diverse expertise to expand involvement in inspections\nWith a more diverse range of verification needs, the revisions have modified qualification criteria for inspection organizations. The restriction on foreign inspection organizations to establish local branches has been lifted, allowing interested professional organizations to engage in greenhouse gas verification activities based on market demand. Moreover, educational and professional backgrounds for inspection personnel have been expanded to include expertise in fields such as agricultural and livestock management, forest management, and other areas in order to enhance personnel’s verification capacity.\n3.\tEnhancement of qualifications and training regulations for inspection personnel\nTo ensure inspection personnel’s professional capabilities, under the amendments, inspection personnel are mandated to undergo and pass necessary basic training and on-the-job training. The basic training must consist of a minimum of 40 hours of courses related to standards, techniques, or specific inspection items concerning greenhouse gas inspections. In addition, amendments stipulate that inspection personnel are to possess work experience or verification records in various types and specific items of carbon verification, hence enhancing individual personnel’s capacities in specific professional fields.\n4.\tRevisions of requirements to be complied during inspection operations\nInspection organizations are to assess the impartiality of the operations and avoid conflicts of interest before undertaking verification tasks and assign approved personnel to carry out the tasks after undertaking them. The personnel must set up substantial thresholds and develop inspection plans that meet reasonable assurance levels. Detailed records of onsite verification processes must be maintained. Verification results are to first undergo an internal technical review before compiled into comprehensive summary reports, which by mandate must be co-signed by both the inspection and review personnel. It is prohibited for the same lead inspectors to conduct verification tasks continuously for six years, and inspection records must be retained for six years.\n5.\tAdjustment of permitted inspection items\nThe organizational inspection items have been reduced from 27 to 14 now after existing permitted inspection items were consolidated, updated, and expanded. Such adjustment is in accordance with Taiwan’s carbon emission patterns and emission situations from manufacturing processes of different industries and also takes into account new methods to cut down emissions or increase carbon sinks. Land transportation, water transportation, and aviation transportation have been merged into the category of transportation as they mainly emit through fuel consumption. Also, inspection items on the basis of special case have gone from 16 to 14. This will better facilitate corresponding management of inspections on regulated enterprises for their work of emission inventory and registration, as well as inspections on voluntary emission reduction projects undertaken by them.\nFurthermore, the revised regulations will come into effect upon its announcement. Inspection organizations having already obtained permits are reminded to submit applications to the MOENV to renew permits as well as revise inspection operation plans and lists of personnel within six months from the effective date to avoid penalties.", "year": "2023", "month": "11", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4348", "title": "Inter-agency Collaboration Strengthens Food Safety Controls ", "preview": "Food safety is a top priority in Taiwan’s governance efforts. For better food safety control, the central government has been implementing a food-safety policy with five features since June 2016. The five features are source control, reestablishment of production control, strengthening of inspection, increase of liability for unscrupulous food manufacturers, and public oversight of food safety. They serve as the guidelines to enhance food safety in Taiwan and, through inter- agency and cross-disciplinary collaboration, help bring together the government, industries, and the public to safeguard the safety of food from farms to dining tables.", "content": "Origin\nThe first aspect of the food safety policy is a collaborative effort among various government agencies. In 2013, the Executive Yuan convened relevant agencies to identify 57 chemical substances with food safety concerns that have been associated with food safety incidents in Taiwan and neighboring countries. These substances include three agro-pesticides regulated by\nthe Agro-pesticides Management Act (農藥管理法) and eight toxic chemicals regulated by the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法).\nStarting from 2016, the former EPA’s Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau, now the Chemical Administration (CA) under the MOENV, has been actively evaluating other substances. The CA listed 13 substances including rongalite as toxic in 2017, as well as seven substances including Sudan Red G (and a total of 14 items including other types of Sudan dyes) as toxic chemical substances in 2018. Subsequently, on 20 August 2021, hydrofluoric acid was announced as a hazardous chemical substance of concern after evaluation, followed by five substances including lead monoxide also announced as such on 12 January 2023.\nAs for other chemical substances posing potential food safety risks, those that are pre-industrial chemicals not to be used in food production, are regulated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA). Those under the same category as food additives and food- cleansers are managed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) according to the Standards for Specification, Scope,\nApplication and Limitation of Food Additives (食品添加物使用範圍及限量暨規格標準) and\nthe Sanitation Standards for Food Cleansers (食品用洗潔劑衛生標準). Both sets of standards are under the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation (食品安全衛生管理法). Nevertheless, the MOENV’s CA continues to monitor these substances.\n\nSource control: Over 3,000 visits a year to enterprises handling chemical ingredients\nTo enhance source control of chemical substances with potential food safety risks, since 2017 the CA, in collaboration with local governments, has conducted over 3,000 visits annually to enterprises handling chemical ingredients. These efforts are to ensure proper implementation of four major controls. The first is separated storage of chemical raw materials and food additives. The second is clear labeling, which chemical raw material packaging is to clearly indicate prohibition for use in food, drugs, feed, fertilizers, and other purposes. The next is detailed information on usage, which sellers are required to inquire about the purpose of purchase for 57 identified chemical substances with potential food safety risks and caution buyers against using them in food. The final aspect is records for flow tracking, keeping records including buyer information, transaction volumes, and inventory levels. These measures collectively serve to prevent chemical substances with potential food safety risks from entering into the food supply chain. The CA regularly convenes meetings with the MOEA, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), and the MOHW to assess and propose recommendations for adding new chemical substances with potential food safety risks. They would address the possibility of abuse or misuse of these substances in the food supply chain, which could pose a risk to human health. These discussions also explore reasons for tightening inter-agency controls outside the regulatory framework in order to better control such chemical substances.\n\nControls tightened for emerging psychoactive substances, explosive precursors, and those listed under international conventions\nIn addition to chemical substances with potential food safety risks, the CA has strengthened controls on emerging psychoactive substances, explosive precursors, and substances listed under international conventions. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas), prone to abuse by youths, and its ingredient ammonium nitrate was declared as chemical substances of concern in 2019 and 2020, enhancing control measures to prevent abuse. Hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid) was listed as a hazardous chemical substance of concern in 2021. And on 12 January, lead monoxide and four other chemical substances with food safety risks, two emerging psychoactive substances (1,4- butanediol and boldine dimethyl ether), as well as eight explosive precursors like ammonium nitrate and calcium ammonium nitrate were declared chemical substances of concern. To ensure food safety, protect public health, and maintain safety, the CA continues to assess and regulate substances in need of tightened controls.\nAssessing and regulating chemical substancs to strengthen control\nIn the future, the CA will continue to assess and regulate chemical substances based on their hazardous characteristics, domestic operational situations, and control needs. Currently, following instructions from the Executive Yuan, the CA is assessing the possibility of announcing 2- chloroethanol, a chemical substance with food safety risks and gamma- butyrolactone, as substances of concern for control. Moreover, to align with the trends outlined in the Stockholm Convention, on 11 July 2023 perfluorohexanesulfonic acid, its salts, as well as related compounds, were preannounced to be regulated as toxic chemical substances. Control efforts on chemical substances will be further strengthened in the future.\n\n", "year": "2023", "month": "11", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4347", "title": "Environmental Education Picture Book Carnival: Learning while Having Fun", "preview": "Every year, both adults and children eagerly anticipate the Environmental Education Picture Book Carnival organized by the MOENV. This year, the event took place on 14-15 October at Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei City. It featured environmental education picture books selected by the environmental agencies of 22 counties and cities nationwide for having local environmental characteristics and being suitable for children. The exhibition provided activities such as picture book reading, storytelling, theatrical performances, and parent-child do-it-yourself projects, allowing parents and teachers to lead children in enjoying the pleasures of reading together.", "content": "The 2023 Environmental Education Picture Book Carnival showcased 78 environmental education picture books that won awards from environmental agencies of counties and cities nationwide. These books cover environmental issues such as green living, climate change, food conservation, ocean conservation, resource circulation and recycling, and environmental degradation. The MOENV hoped that, guided by environmental education picture books with local characteristics, teachers and parents could discuss local environmental issues with children and share ideas about conservation, instilling in them environmental awareness from an early age. Children, while brainstorming solutions to environmental problems, could also reflect on how to put environmental protection into practice in their daily lives.\nThe event featured a \"Love to Read Picture Books Area,\" allowing children to understand the environmental crisis brought about by the pursuit of convenience through vivid illustrations. Children also learned how to protect the environment through daily actions. In addition, there was the \"Love the Earth Story Area\" on the first floor and the \"Protecting the Environment Story Area\" on the second floor, where lively storytelling and theatrical performances of picture book stories aimed to inspire children's environmental awareness and convey the importance of environmental protection.\nTo ensure children enjoy their reading experience, the exhibition included a \"Children Love Picture Book Reading Area,\" showcasing 235 environmental education picture books that won awards from the environmental agencies of counties and cities nationwide from 2019 to 2021. Additionally, 25 stories from the displayed picture books were recorded for the MOENV's \"Listen to Stories, Love the Environment\" podcast program. This unique exhibition of environmental education picture books provided parents, teachers, and children with the opportunity to learn and have fun together, igniting the love for the environment through reading.", "year": "2023", "month": "10", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4346", "title": "MOENV and EETO Co-organize Beach Cleanup for the Fifth Year ", "preview": "On 14 October, the MOENV, in collaboration with the European Economic and Trade Office (EETO), 14 EU member states offices in Taiwan, the New Taipei City Government, and various other agencies, organized a beach cleanup at Xinjinshan Beach in New Taipei City. The event was led by Minister without Portfolio Chang Tzi-chin of the Executive Yuan and Head of the EETO Filip Grzegorzewski and participated by a total of 150 people, including the staff from the EETO, EU member states offices in Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, the New Taipei City Government, and the MOENV. Together, they collected approximately 345 kg of general waste and 87 kg of recyclable materials.", "content": "Aimed at raising awareness of climate change and promoting healthy oceans, the event emphasized that environmental issues like these have no borders. This marked the fifth time the MOENV had collaborated with the EETO for beach cleanups, with regular events held every year since 2018. The initiative encourages their staff to invite their family and friends to join them in taking concrete actions to preserve the coastal environment.\nThe MOENV’s Climate Change Administration stated that the Executive Yuan had approved the Respect the Ocean—Coastal Cleanliness Maintenance Program. This program focuses on reducing waste at its source and established regular, immediate, and emergency cleaning mechanisms to ensure that every part of the coast remains clean and is looked after. Beach cleanups are an essential part of environmental education, allowing participants to experience the importance of waste reduction at its source and the protection of marine environments through practical actions.\nHead of the EETO Filip Grzegorzewski pointed out that environmental protection is a global issue that no single country or region can address it alone. Cooperation is essential and the EU needs partners and friends. He expressed gratitude for Taiwan's efforts in this regard and congratulated the MOENV on its establishment. He also noted that Taiwan is increasingly prioritizing climate and environmental actions.\nFollowing the cleanup, the collected waste was arranged to form the shape of \"zero,\" symbolizing net-zero emissions and calling on the public to pay more attention to climate change issues. The MOENV also implemented environment-friendly measures at the event, such as avoiding the setup of a large stage, providing reusable eco-friendly water cups instead of bottled water, and reusing event paraphernalia and beach cleaning tools. All of this helped reduce waste and carbon footprint. Participants were encouraged to engage in beach cleanup activities as well as practice source reduction in their daily lives. Simple changes in habits can contribute to the preservation of coastal environments and ecosystems, giving the Earth a cleaner ocean.", "year": "2023", "month": "10", "assortment": "Water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4345", "title": "Government Agencies Recognized for Excellent Performance in River Garbage Removal ", "preview": "On 4 October, the MOENV held the 2022 National River and Groundwater Garbage Removal Evaluation and Award Ceremony. The MOENV commended 24 outstanding government agencies for their performance in the evaluation, and recognized the collaborative efforts across government departments. It also encouraged the continued implementation of the “Respect the Ocean” (向海致敬) initiative, which promoted three key cleanliness maintenance measures: regular cleaning, immediate cleaning, and emergency cleaning. These measures help maintain the cleanliness of land and water bodies, safeguarding rivers and marine resources.", "content": "The results of the 2022 evaluation were impressive, with an overall improvement in the scores compared to previous years. Out of the 49 government agencies evaluated, 19 counties and agencies received the high distinction honors, while five agencies, including the New Taipei City Government, Yunlin County Government, Miaoli County Government, the Ninth River Management Branch of the Water Resources Agency, and the Nantou Management Office of the Irrigation Agency, received the excellence honors. Notably, six government agencies, including Taipei City, Tainan City, Hsinchu City, Hualien County, Taitung County, and the Third River Management Branch of the Water Resources Agency, received the high distinction honors for four consecutive years since the evaluation was launched in 2019. \nDuring 2022, the nationwide efforts included 11,266 garbage removal operations and 19,360 inspections, with a total of 6,876 metric tons of garbage removed. Among the removed garbage, 4.5% was human-made, with the majority comprising garbage packs (57%) and plastics (13%). The winning counties and cities this year implemented distinctive approaches to garbage removal in rivers, including Taipei City's use of mechanized garbage retrieval equipment and boats and seamless transfer of garbage by dedicated vehicles, Tainan City's installation of real-time monitoring at tourist spots, Hsinchu City's increased patrolling and reporting by patrol teams, Hualien County's utilization of drones for inland water body inspections, and Taitung County's addition of garbage removal points for enhanced cleaning.\nThe MOENV emphasized that protecting rivers is one of its vital missions. Preventing garbage from damaging river water quality requires the cooperation of the entire nation and ongoing maintenance efforts. Everyone is encouraged to maintain a clean living-environment and work together to achieve the sustainable vision of \" clean water allows fish to swim in and welcomes people.\" Besides participating in river and beach cleaning activities, members of the public are urged to reduce the use of single-use products in their daily lives, practice proper waste sorting and disposal, and refrain from littering, all of which contribute to maintaining a clean river environment and ecological balance.", "year": "2023", "month": "10", "assortment": "Water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4344", "title": "Workshop Held to Strengthen Cooperation between Prosecution, Police and Environmental Authorities", "preview": "The MOENV’s Environmental Management Administration (EMA), in collaboration with the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), organized the 2023 Workshop on Strengthening Investigation of Environmental Crime on 23 September, 2023. The event was attended by Executive Yuan Minister without Portfolio Chang Tzi-chin, MOJ Minister Tsai Ching-hsiang, MOENV Deputy Minister Shen Chih-hsiu, and Supreme Prosecutors Office Head Prosecutor Lu Wen-chung, as well as some 80 representatives from the MOJ, the Supreme Prosecutors Office, district prosecutors' offices, the National Police Agency, and county and city environmental bureaus. The purpose was to engage all participants in discussions about the Enforcement Plan for Investigating Environmental Crime and the Prosecution, Police and Environmental Authorities Coordination Platform to enhance efforts to combat environmental crime.", "content": "Lin Zuo-xiang, EMA Deputy Director-General, expressed that since the collaboration between environmental agencies, prosecutors, and the police began in 2011, a cooperative model had been developed. In response to evolving techniques used in environmental crimes, strategies were developed through cross-agency cooperation to utilize technology to enhance investigative efficiency. The authorities had successfully uncovered cases such as the nation’s first air pollution case related to exhaust gas bypass, major food sludge cases, heavy metal wastewater pollution in industrial areas, and cross-county waste acid disposal cases. The positive results speak louder than words. \nChang Tou-hui, Chief Prosecutor of the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office, pointed out that to implement the Executive Yuan's land conservation policy, the Judicial Investigation of Environmental Crime Cases Implementation Plan (檢察機關查緝環保犯罪案件執行方案) was developed in 2011. The purpose was to establish a mechanism for joint investigations by the prosecution, police and environmental authorities to handle environmental crime cases. The recent amendment to this plan focused on encouraging outstanding personnel. To promote source tracing and expand investigations of environmental crimes, district prosecutors' offices were encouraged to give preferential rewards to outstanding personnel. Moreover, the amendment placed emphasis on the restoration of polluted environment to their original state by unlawful businesses as a key area for performance evaluation. \nTo exchange on crime investigation experiences, Prosecutor Chen Hsiang-wei from the Taichung District Prosecutors Office shared with attendees the \"Waste Acid Washing Liquid Case,\" and Kuo Chen-hsiang, Technical Specialist at the EMA’s Northern Regional Environmental Management Center presented a case involving discharge bypass by a technology company. Representatives from the Taichung and Changhua district prosecutors' offices also gave special presentations on the “Development of the Prosecution, Police and Environmental Authorities Collaboration Platform\" and on \"How to Create the Greatest Risks for Environmental Crime Syndicates.\" Attendees found these presentations highly beneficial.\nIn his address, Minister without Portfolio Chang Tzi-chin shared his experience in inspections and emphasized how the collaboration between environmental agencies, prosecutors, and the police has been crucial in successfully solving major environmental crime cases. He expressed his gratitude to all the environmental, judicial, and police partners involved in protecting the environment. MOJ Minister Tsai Ching-hsiang remarked that the review video in the workshop provided a deeper understanding of the challenges involved in environmental law enforcement. He stressed the importance of environmental restoration and emphasized that, in the future, judiciary measures would be used to hold businesses accountable for environmental restoration. He also expressed his gratitude to the MOENV for organizing the Gold Environment Awards (金環獎), which greatly encourage his law enforcement colleagues.\nDeputy Minister Shen stated that on 22 August, 2023, the MOENV established four administrations and one academy. The original Bureau of Environmental Inspection was upgraded to become the EMA, which would focus on digital technological enforcement and pollution prevention in the future. Through the collaboration between environmental agencies, prosecutors and the police, more than 700 illegal waste dumping sites had been cleared. In the future, the MOENV would continue to promote the restoration of illegal waste dumping sites to protect our homeland.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "10", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4343", "title": "Addressing Waste Disposal through Diversified and Waste-to-Energy Means", "preview": "Waste management has become a significant environmental concern in recent years. To address waste disposal issues, the MOENV has been actively promoting various measures, including continuous efforts to reduce waste at the source, assistance to local governments in increasing waste processing capacity, and coordination with other government agencies to establish more facilities for industrial waste processing and to convert high-heat waste into fuel, addressing waste disposal issues through diversified and waste-to-energy means.", "content": "Taiwan's waste incineration facilities process 6.5 million metric tons a year, with household waste making up 4.7 million metric tons and industrial waste 1.8 million metric tons. However, the annual amount of household waste that needs to be processed is 4.9 million metric tons. Due to competition from industrial waste, there are 0.2 metric tons of household waste that cannot be incinerated each year and must be disposed of in landfills or compacted. While these are considered appropriate waste management methods, local authorities must properly handle landfill coverage and management.\nTo address the waste disposal problem, the MOENV is implementing various strategies, including promoting waste reduction at the source, assisting local governments in increasing waste processing capacity, and coordinating with other government agencies to establish more facilities for industrial waste processing and convert high-heat waste into fuels.\nRegarding waste reduction at the source, the MOENV has implemented measures such as regulating the use of plastic bags, disposable tableware, beverage cups, plastic trays, and packaging boxes, and encouraging the public to carry personal utensils. In recent years, it has also promoted waste reduction in lodging toiletries and online shopping packaging, and is continuing to promote control measures in various areas, including guiding changes in product design, incorporating container-circulating services, and material restrictions. \nAs for assisting local governments to increase waste processing capacity, the annual incineration capacity has been maintained at 6.5 million metric tons. This year, the Taitung Incineration Plant and the gasification furnace of Taiwan Cement in Hualien have begun operation, and the Hsinchu County Incineration Plant is expected to be completed by the end of next year. These developments will increase the annual processing capacity by 270,000 metric tons, gradually relieving the pressure on waste disposal. Additionally, with the future upgrade of the Tainan City Chengxi Incineration Plant, the total incineration capacity is estimated to increase by 500,000 metric tons per year starting from 2028, reaching an annual capacity of 7 million metric tons.\nTo address the issue of industrial waste competing with household waste for incineration processing, the MOENV has worked with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and other agencies to assess industrial waste capacity and propose processing capacity enhancement measures. Between 2022 and 2025, the MOENV plans to establish 12 additional industrial waste processing facilities, with an estimated increase in capacity of 485,000 metric tons per year. Furthermore, it has coordinated with the MOEA and the National Science and Technology Council to allocate 27.41 hectares of land zoned for environmental use to enhance capacity for industrial waste processing and gradually divert industrial waste away from incineration facilities.\nIn addition, for high-heat waste, mechanical sorting will be used to separate materials with high heat value from waste, and convert them into solid recovered fuel as an alternative fuel for boilers, cogeneration plants, coal-fired power plants, or cement kilns, relieving the burden on incineration facilities.\nThe MOENV stated that it had successfully secured approval from the Executive Yuan for the second phase of the diversified waste management plan. Over the six years from 2023 to 2028, the central government will allocate NT$9.8 billion to assist local authorities in addressing waste management issues through diversified means.", "year": "2023", "month": "10", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4342", "title": "RECA Assists Resource Circulation Industry in Conducting Carbon Inventories ", "preview": "This year, the MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) is promoting, with the core concepts of zero waste and circular economy, the low-carbon transition of the resource circulation industry. Starting with over 700 regulated recycling and disposal businesses that handle recyclable waste, the RECA will complete a two-year program to assist these businesses in conducting greenhouse gas inventory. This initiative includes analyzing greenhouse gas emission hotspots, promoting carbon reduction technologies within the industry, establishing a carbon management model and creating green assets for the industry. The ultimate goal is to help the industry achieve a net-zero transition toward material sustainability along with manufacturing industries.", "content": "The RECA indicated that while recycling and disposal businesses are not among the first and second batches of organizations subject to mandatory carbon inventories announced by the MOENV, it had proactively decided to assist these businesses in conducting greenhouse gas inventories. This year, the RECA had organized ten briefings on organizational carbon inventory and eight training sessions for inventory personnel. These events covered topics such as global carbon reduction trends, future buyers’ requirements, and how companies should conduct in-house carbon inventories and management. They accelerated the training of sustainable carbon management personnel within the industry and helped establish the industry's own carbon inventory and management capabilities.\nBased on the characteristics, processes, equipment, and raw materials (fuels) used in the waste recycling and disposal industry, the RECA has designed a customized carbon inventory tool called \"Carbon Detectives\" to help businesses complete reports quickly. The RECA has also collected information on relevant domestic and overseas carbon reduction technologies, categorized and compiled it into carbon reduction technology manuals based on industry characteristics. Additionally, it has created a series of \"Sustainable Carbon Management and Inventory Cheat Sheets\" to illustrate simple and easy-to-understand carbon management methods, promoting carbon reduction technologies across the entire industry and enhancing sustainable carbon management capabilities.\nThrough these efforts, the RECA has already provided assistance to 410 recycling and disposal businesses in conducting organizational carbon inventories, helping these businesses embark on the path to carbon reduction.", "year": "2023", "month": "10", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4341", "title": "Resource Circulation Technologies Exhibited at 2023 Taiwan Innotech Expo", "preview": "The 2023 Taiwan Innotech Expo opened on 12 October with a joint opening ceremony with the Sustainable Development Pavilion’s opening attended by MOENV Deputy Minister Shen Chih-hsiu. The development of innovative resource circulation technology was one of the key policies of the MOENV’s Resource Circulation Administration (RECA). The Circulation and Recycling Area in the expo’s Sustainable Development Pavilion, curated by the RECA, showcased impressive resource circulation technologies of domestic and overseas enterprises. These technologies included the latest in semiconductor waste recycling, non-toxic gold stripping technology for electronic products, the production of laundry detergent made from calcining golden clam shells, the production of environment-friendly tableware made from sugarcane fibers, as well as high-efficiency waste sorting and processing equipment displayed by overseas manufacturers.", "content": "Deputy Minister Shen stated that Taiwan announced the 2050 Net-Zero Emission Pathway (2050淨零排放路徑) last year, and one of the key strategies under the MOENV's responsibility was \"zero waste through resource circulation.\" The RECA was also established through government restructuring to take charge of the policy planning and management concerning resource circulation. To promote resource circulation technology and connect the resource circulation industry with waste sources, the MOENV invited eight enterprises specializing in innovative resource circulation technologies to participate in the annual Taiwan Innotech Expo, showcasing their innovations in the Circulation and Recycling Area of the Sustainable Development Pavilion.\nRECA Deputy Director-General Wang Yueh-bin also attended the opening ceremony and emphasized his administration's commitment to strengthening resource circulation. The administration's policy focuses on three major circulation strategies and two major driving pillars. The strategies are \"green design and source management,\" \"energy and resource circulation,\" and \"waste generation-disposal balance and management.\" The administration aims to establish a smooth circulation network connecting upstream, midstream, and downstream industries while developing innovative technologies and systems to support and drive resource circulation.\nKey exhibits in the Circulation and Recycling Area included: \n1) Semisils, a company that recycles silicon-containing waste generated in the semiconductor manufacturing process with nearly zero pollution technology, producing high-value silicon dioxide. The hydrogen generated during the recycling process is purified to 5N (99.999%) green hydrogen and used as green energy. \n2) UWin Nanotech, a company that employs a low-carbon, non-toxic “gold stripping technique\" to recover gold from electronic products with a purity of 4N (99.99%). \n3) ShiowLin Environmental Technology, a company that processes hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, and ammonia-containing mixed acid and converting them into resources. \n4) Transcene, a company that recycles waste semiconductor packaging adhesive into electronic-grade spherical silicon dioxide. \n5) Inm Bem Industrial, a company that recycles semiconductor packaging scraps and develops 100% recyclable green building materials that mimic real wood. \n6) Picupi International, a company that recycles and calcines golden clam shells for the production of laundry detergent. \n7) Renouvo, a company that developed biodegradable tableware from sugarcane fibers. 8) The Austrian company Komptech GmbH was invited to exhibit high-efficiency waste sorting and processing equipment.", "year": "2023", "month": "10", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4340", "title": "Overseas Pollutants Carried by Northeasterly Winds Affect Taiwan’s Air Quality ", "preview": "The MOENV, taking into account the latest meteorological, modeling, and air quality monitoring results, indicated that the overseas pollutants carried by the northeast monsoon from 15 to 17 October had affected Taiwan’s air quality. Western Taiwan and the outlying islands were mostly at an orange alert level, while other areas were at a moderate level. The public was advised to pay attention to changes in air quality and take appropriate precautions and to use public transportation to reduce pollution emissions.", "content": "Starting from the morning of 15 October, overseas ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) gradually started affecting the air quality in Northern Taiwan. At 6 a.m., the O3 concentration at the Cape Fuguei monitoring station was 80 ppb, and PM2.5 was 24 mg\/m3. In the afternoon, the effect gradually spread to Central and Southern Taiwan. According to the monitoring data gathered at 2 p.m., Western Taiwan had O3 levels ranging from 70 to 85 ppb, and PM2.5 levels were around 25 to 35 mg\/m3. On the 16th and 17th, the impact of foreign pollutants continued, and the air quality was mostly at the orange alert level. In Southern Taiwan where the wind speed was weaker, there were brief periods of red-level alerts. Starting on the 18th, the northeast monsoon weakened, and on the 19th, it shifted to easterly winds, reducing the influence from abroad. Air quality in Northern Taiwan and the Hsinchu-Miaoli area improved to a moderate level, while Central and Southern Taiwan remained at moderate to orange alert levels. It was estimated that from the 20th onwards, air quality gradually improved to a good to moderate level.\nThe MOENV had previously advised local governments to monitor changes in air quality and take appropriate actions, including strengthening emission reductions at large factories, controlling dust at construction sites and storage yards, and conducting inspections in the food industry and for open burning activities. The MOENV also coordinated with Taipower's Taichung and Hsinta thermal power plants to reduce air pollutant emissions in advance. Additionally, on 16 October, the MOENV convened its first contingency meeting in this year's air pollution season in Kaohsiung, which was attended by environmental bureau officials from counties and cities south of Yunlin County. They were reminded to collectively reduce emissions from local pollution sources so as to reduce the pollution burden in downwind areas.\nThe MOENV advised the public to be vigilant. Sensitive groups, the elderly and children, who have weaker immunity should avoid engaging in vigorous outdoor activities for extended periods, and people should use public transportation as much as possible to reduce pollution emissions. Air quality is greatly influenced by meteorological conditions, and short-term weather remains unpredictable. The public is advised to stay updated on the latest air quality information. The latest air quality changes can be found at the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network website (https:\/\/airtw.moenv.gov.tw) Different alert levels can be set through the Environmental Info Push App to enhance personal protection and stay informed about air quality information at all times.", "year": "2023", "month": "10", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4339", "title": "Power Generators and Large Manufacturers Targeted for Carbon Fee Collection for Now", "preview": "Recently, much attention has been focused on the progress of the carbon fee collection plan and the formulation of relevant subsidiary laws. The MOENV pointed out that the current plan targets the power generation industry and large-scale operators in the manufacturing industry with annual emissions exceeding 25,000 metric tons. Starting from 2024, the annual greenhouse gas emissions of these industries will be included in the pricing.", "content": "The carbon fee rates will be determined by the Rate Review Committee based on factors such as the current state of greenhouse gas reduction in Taiwan, types of emission sources, categories of greenhouse gas emissions, emission scale, voluntary reduction efforts and reduction effectiveness. International carbon pricing implementation and Taiwan's industrial competitiveness will also be considered. The rates will be discussed and decided by the committee in the first quarter of 2024.\nIn accordance with the Climate Change Response Act, enterprises may apply to conduct voluntary reduction plans and be approved of preferential rates by implementing tangible reduction measures, such as switching to low-carbon fuels, adopting negative emission technologies, improving energy efficiency, using renewable energy, or improving processes. However, only enterprises that are able to effectively reduce emissions and achieve specified reduction targets can apply for the approval of the preferential rates. If they fail to meet the targets in a given period, they will be required to make payments to cover the shortfall.\nThe MOENV emphasized the need for a diverse set of tools to promote greenhouse gas reduction. It has already promulgated many bylaws to strengthen the system of greenhouse gas inventory, inspection and registration and manage emissions effectively.\nThe MOENV stated that the planning for the carbon fee collection system is ongoing and the system will be implemented after extensive discussions with all stakeholders. For any questions about carbon fee collection or related issues, please contact the carbon reduction hotline at (02) 2322-2050 or email netzero@moenv.gov.tw.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "10", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4338", "title": "Important Regulations Announced to Ready Taiwan for Carbon Pricing Era", "preview": "The MOENV announced on 12 October the Management Regulations for Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reduction Projects (溫室氣體自願減量專案管理辦法) and the Management Regulations for Greenhouse Gas Emission Increase Offsets (溫室氣體排放量增量抵換管理辦法). These are important subsidiary laws aimed at promoting emission reduction. The regulations for the trading of voluntary reduction credits and other subsidiary laws pertinent to carbon fee collection are being developed, readying Taiwan for the era of carbon pricing in 2024.", "content": "The Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法) was promulgated and came into effect on 15 February this year. It includes a range of diverse tools to promote effective carbon reduction, such as greenhouse gas inventory, inspection, carbon fee collection, voluntary reduction, and emission increase offsets. Following the recent amendments and publication of the three related subsidiary laws on inventory and inspection, regulations related to emission reduction were also put into effect in early October.\nThe MOENV stated that, in order to achieve the \"net-zero carbon emissions by 2050\" goal, carbon fee collection is the most crucial measure, with voluntary reduction and emission increase offsetting being two important complementary measures. During the climate act amendment process, consensus was reached among all sectors that carbon fees should be collected from major emitters, and this should be accompanied by specific targets and voluntary reduction plans to enhance and expedite their emission reductions. Meanwhile, a voluntary reduction mechanism is being promoted to encourage enterprises and government agencies at all levels to propose voluntary reduction projects and implement them. Upon implementation, these enterprises and agencies can obtain \"reduction credits,\" commonly known as \"carbon credits,\" which can be used by enterprises to offset carbon fees or be traded with those in need.\nThe Management Regulations for Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reduction Projects (hereinafter referred to as Voluntary Reduction Regulations), is a regulatory framework that governs the application for domestic emission reduction credits. Its contents include how to establish voluntary emission reduction measures, verification methods and more, in accordance with the law. The formulation of this sub-law primarily referenced international trends in voluntary carbon market developments and adopted the \"three-plus-five principles\" (measurable, reportable, and verifiable; additional, conservative, permanent, avoiding environmental harm and avoiding double-counting situations). It also reviewed the past experiences of implementing the Management Regulations for Greenhouse Gas Increase Offsets in Taiwan to streamline procedures and enhance efficiency. The sub-law consists of a total of 23 articles.\nApplicants should plan and implement emission reduction measures based on the reduction methods approved and published by the MOENV. They can choose from various types of measures, such as \"removal\" (e.g., afforestation, forest carbon sinks, marine carbon sinks, etc.) or \"reduction or avoidance of emissions\" (e.g., energy efficiency improvements). The application process involves the registration and credits review stages, which require third-party confirmation and verification. For applications with reduction methods that are mature, involve easy and clear calculation, and have been implemented in Taiwan (e.g., replacement of lighting fixtures or water chillers), verification is exempt in the registration stage to reduce the burden on applicants. If there are no applicable reduction methods, new reduction methods can be applied for approval.\nDuring the time when the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法) was in effect, 93 emission offsetting projects had been approved, resulting in a total reduction of 24.37 million metric tons of carbon emissions via means such as energy efficiency enhancements, switches to low-carbon fuels, destruction and removal of fluorinated gases, green energy, waste recycling, and low-carbon transportation. Entities that have already applied for renewable energy certificates, and factories of enterprises that fall within the scope of carbon fee collection and have implemented emission reduction or prevention measures for over three years are not eligible to apply for voluntary reduction projects. This ensures compliance with the aforementioned \"three-plus-five principles.\" Applicants who originally applied for emission offset projects under the Management Regulations for Greenhouse Gas Offset Projects (溫室氣體抵換專案管理辦法) can still proceed with their approved offset plans and apply for reduction credit verification under that regulation, or they can apply to switch to voluntary reduction projects within two years.\nThe Management Regulations for Greenhouse Gas Emission Increase Offsets (hereinafter referred to as the Increase Offset Regulations) deal with the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from new development projects on climate change and aim to establish a consistent approach nationwide. In the past, central and local governments required developers of projects that required environmental impact assessments (EIAs), such as science parks, industrial parks, or high-rise buildings, to carry out offsets for a certain proportion of greenhouse gas emission increase caused by the projects. The Principles for Reviewing Greenhouse Gas Emission Offsets of Development Activities (行政院環境保護署審查開發行為溫室氣體排放量增量抵換處理原則) has also been formulated to include this requirement in EIAs.\nIn accordance with the Increase Offset Regulations, the entities required to implement increase offset are development activities that require EIAs and cause increases in greenhouse gas emissions. These include factories with annual emissions of over 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, the construction or expansion of industrial parks, the construction of thermal power plants, cogeneration plants or the addition of generators in them, and the development of high-rise buildings.\nThose required to carry out increase offsets must implement them at a rate of 10% per year for ten consecutive years, or they can choose to offset more than 10% each year and complete the offsets early. Violations of the related regulations will incur penalties. For development activities that had passed EIAs before the implementation of the Increase Offset Regulations, the Principles for Reviewing Greenhouse Gas Emission Offsets of Development Activities still apply. \nOffsets may come from the use of greenhouse gas reduction credits, replacing old vehicles with electric vehicles, replacing air conditioning, lighting, fishing vessel fish-attracting lights, old agricultural machinery, or oxygenation equipment with high-efficiency equipment, as well as the emission reduction benefits achieved beyond the specified targets through voluntary carbon reduction projects under the carbon fee collection system. Public carbon reducing actions such as vehicle replacement, agricultural and fishery machinery replacement with subsidies from the Ministry of Agriculture, or cooperation of businesses with schools, communities and other organizations in replacing air conditioning and lighting equipment are all included. Therefore, the Increase Offset Regulations enable the expansion of participation in carbon reduction for all sectors.\nBased on the offsetting needs of existing developers subject to EIAs, it is estimated that there will be a demand for offsets ranging from 0.1 to 1.8 million metric tons per year in the future. Currently, there are 3.18 million metric tons of reduction benefits available to allow offsets to be carried out. The MOENV encourages enterprises and the public to collaborate in carbon reduction and facilitate offsets through trading of reduction benefits.\nThe MOENV emphasized the need for a diverse set of tools to promote greenhouse gas reduction, and it has announced the Enterprise Emission Sources Subject to Inventory, Registration and Inspection of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (事業應盤查登錄及查驗溫室氣體排放量之排放源) as well as amended and promulgated the Management Regulations for the Inventory, Registration and Inspection of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (溫室氣體排放量盤查登錄及查驗管理辦法) and the Management Regulations for Greenhouse Gas Certification and Inspection Organizations (溫室氣體認證機構及查驗機構管理辦法) to strengthen the system of greenhouse gas inventory, inspection and registration and manage emissions effectively. Meanwhile, the completion of the two subsidiary laws will allow a wider participation by all sectors. \nGoal\nBy the end of this year, the MOENV will announce the drafts of enforcement rules and management regulations for the trading of reduction credits, regulations for voluntary emission reduction plans and other related regulations. It pointed out that carbon pricing is already an international trend and a key focus of Taiwan's efforts to reduce carbon emissions. By implementing the aforementioned subsidiary laws, Taiwan will gradually establish a carbon pricing system and make steady progress toward the goal of achieving a net-zero transition.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "10", "assortment": "climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4337", "title": "Businesses Visit Factories that Adopt Modified Liquid Crystal Glass as Adsorption Material", "preview": "On 20 September, the MOENV’s Southern Region Environmental Management Center of the Environmental Management Administration (EMA) invited businesses to visit electroplating factories in the Changhua Coastal Industrial Park that have successfully transitioned to use porous waste liquid crystal glass as an adsorption material for wastewater treatment. During the visit, the businesses learned about nanotechnologies that allow the conversion of discarded liquid crystal panel glass into a material with porous adsorption capabilities. They also experienced innovative technologies that save water and energy while reducing waste in the manufacturing process.", "content": "In the past, electroplating, metal surface treatment, and metal manufacturing industries often had to allocate a significant proportion of production costs for wastewater treatment. Inadequate wastewater treatment practices and insufficient use of treatment chemicals, driven by cost considerations, led to a high rate of non-compliance with effluent standards. In some cases, businesses resorted to risky practices such as illegal discharge through concealed pipes, resulting in pollution of nearby water bodies and consequent penalties, including operation suspension.\nThe Southern Region Environmental Management Center invited businesses to visit the Changhua Coastal Industrial Park on 20 September to help businesses in its jurisdiction enhance wastewater treatment technology. During the visit, they explored electroplating factories that have successfully transitioned to using porous waste liquid crystal glass developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) as an adsorption material for wastewater treatment. They also gained insights into nanotechnology-related experiences that enable the transformation of discarded liquid crystal panel glass into a material with porous adsorption capabilities. This innovative technology allowed visiting businesses to experience processes that saved water, conserved energy, and reduced the costs associated with wastewater treatment and waste disposal.\nIn certain areas of Southern Taiwan, particularly in river basins and areas such as the Erren River, Yanshui River basins, as well as at locations like Gangshan, Luzhu, and Hunei, there are industrial clusters of electroplating, metal surface treatment, and metal manufacturing businesses. These concentrated industrial clusters discharge wastewater, imposing a significant burden on the rivers in the region. To comprehensively improve the water quality of rivers in Southern Taiwan, the EMA has been working on integrating resources from relevant industrial, governmental, and academic sectors. Starting from visiting regulated businesses, it has horizontally connected various government agencies to provide multifaceted guidance, inspection and management for regulated businesses within river basins. This comprehensive effort encompasses both specific businesses and those of the broader context to enhance the water quality in Southern Taiwan. As part of the efforts, the EMA has specially invited business operators from Southern Taiwan to visit Central Taiwan, allowing them to experience in person the application of innovative technologies aimed at conserving water and reducing waste.\nThe Huang brothers, who took over their electroplating factory from their father, pointed out that the operational costs of the electroplating factory have significantly increased compared to the past. Wastewater effluent standards have become increasingly stringent. In the past, the approach to meet effluent standards involved the addition of various capture agents or chelating agents for wastewater treatment. However, the cost of these chemicals is a significant expense. The more chemicals added, the more waste sludge is generated, and the cost of sludge disposal has been increasing year by year. This vicious cycle has made it challenging to remain competitive and secure overseas orders. Now, witnessing the successful application of new technologies for wastewater treatment in other electroplating factories, they see a clear path for improvement in their own electroplating factory. Furthermore, they have the opportunity for constructive interactions and exchanges with government agencies and peers in the industry.\nMs. Lin, who is involved in the metal surface treatment industry, mentioned that in the past, visits to factories in similar industries were rare due to the competitive nature of the industry. However, this time, the EMA proactively invited businesses to visit their peers who have already successfully implemented new technologies. Witnessing the significant water savings achieved by using modified adsorption materials from waste liquid crystal, they noted a considerable reduction in the burden of wastewater treatment, which contributed to lowering the overall operational costs of the company.\nThe EMA emphasized that in the future, it will continue to organize similar initiatives for the promotion and exchanges in new pollution prevention and control technologies. The aim is to enhance the overall use of pollution reduction technologies in the industry and improve the quality of the living environment for the public.", "year": "2023", "month": "9", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4336", "title": "Venous Industry Assisted in Conducting Carbon Inventory to Raise Competitiveness ", "preview": "Given Taiwan's policy and goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) will select 20 enterprises from this year’s list of resource recirculation enterprises with green transition and carbon reduction potential and assist them in completing their greenhouse gas inventory reports (ISO 14064-1:2018). It is also training greenhouse gas inventory personnel to raise the competitiveness of Taiwan’s venous industry in the era of net-zero emissions and save enterprises significant costs related to carbon inventory and personnel training.", "content": "The aforementioned list of enterprises with green transition and carbon reduction potential consists of over 1,000 companies, collectively representing more than 80% of the total operational capacity within the resource recirculation industry. The RECA has conducted visits to and assessments of approximately 60 companies that showed high potential for carbon reduction benefits and were key targets for green transition. This was done to establish carbon emission hotspot and baseline data for the industry. Additionally, the RECA is selecting and providing guidance to 20 companies to conduct organizational carbon inventories and complete the reports. It is also assisting multiple organizations in adopting AIC (Automation, Intelligence, and Carbon Reduction) processes with the signing of MOUs. The aim is to encourage these organizations to adopt a leading role in the industry and assist smaller companies, and through the integration of industry supply chains, to develop methodologies for carbon reduction in the resource circulation industry. Furthermore, the RECA plans to formulate carbon reduction technical manuals and organize carbon reduction demonstration visits to build the carbon reduction capacity of the industry.\nIn addition, to assist the industry in facing future challenges related to international trade carbon tariffs (CBAM, CCA), the RECA commissioned the Office of Industrial Carbon Offset Promotions at National Chung Hsing University to conduct professional personnel training. This training has already equipped over 50 seed greenhouse gas inventory personnel, enabling them to engage in carbon reduction efforts within the industry and will contribute to the promotion of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) and CSR (corporate social responsibility) implementation throughout the entire industry chain in the future.", "year": "2023", "month": "9", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4335", "title": "Control Tightened to Enhance Transformation of Combustible Wastes into Fuels", "preview": "Taiwan has strived to facilitate conversion of combustible wastes into fuels by following the trends of advanced nations such as those in Europe and Japan. The MOENV has established relevant control systems and standards concerning solid recovered fuels (SRFs), designating both necessary facilities that are to be installed in SRF manufacturing plants and types of end-of-use facilities. Guidance will also be provided to help SRF plants enhance manufacturing techniques and quality. To prevent SRF-generated air pollution emissions, the MOENV preannounced amendments to the component standards for waste fuel as well as emission standards for boilers’ air pollutants in July 2023. These amendments include additional standards for source components, specifications for pollution-control equipment during manufacturing process, and end-of-pipe emission standards. The aim is to safeguard environmental air quality by cutting down pollution, emissions, as well as waste generation.", "content": "To promote utilization of combustible waste resources as fuels, the MOENV has formulated the Guidelines and Quality Standards for Solid Recovered Fuel Manufacturing Technology (固體再生燃料製造技術指引與品質規範). The regulations have outlined SRF management systems and standards, mandating SRF manufacturing factories to install necessary equipment, verify users’ needs and waste characteristics beforehand to ensure employment of appropriate equipment, conduct regular sampling and testing of finished products, and sell final products directly to SRF users who meet the specified requirements. And the evaluating authorities are to coordinate evaluation of both the manufacturers and users and conduct onsite inspections so as to ensure SRF quality and proper management of SRF utilization and that the evaluating authorities will be able to follow it accordingly.\nAfter undergoing sorting, crushing, mixing, and other processes, combustible wastes are transformed into SRFs which can substitute coal. This substitution is able to lower emissions as one metric ton of SRF can replace 0.86 metric tons of coal, resulting in reducing 0.77 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This approach aligns with Taiwan’s key strategy of achieving “Resource Recycling and Zero Waste\" in its transition toward net-zero emissions. From 2019 to 2022, Taiwan’s annual SRF production grew from approximately 50,000 metric tons to 200,000 metric tons, and the number of SRF manufacturers also rose from four to 28. Additionally, SRF usage increased from approximately 60,000 metric tons to 180,000 metric tons annually, and the number of SRF users went from four to 14.\nMoreover, to prevent air pollution caused by the use of waste-derived fuels, the MOENV preannounced the amendment of the fuels’ component standards in July 2023. The amendments strive to manage the end of SRF utilization via source fuel standards, mandatory facilities and pollution-control equipment for users, and regulations concerning end-of-use emissions. SRF users are required to specify the type, compositions, and quantity of fuel used in their operation permit of stationary pollution source. Users are to operate in accordance with the permit's specifications once they obtain the permit after being approved, and also adhere to relevant emission standards and regulations under the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法). In addition, they are required to regularly report to municipal, county, or city authorities the previous quarter's fuel usage, operational details related to pollution-control equipment, and test results of emitted air pollutants.\nThe MOENV stated that, for practices turning non-hazardous and combustible waste materials such as waste plastics, paper, and wood into SRFs that meets quality standards, there are currently stringent checks in place for the source, manufacture, quality, type of end-of-use facilities, and pollution-control equipment. SRFs can substitute coals and therefore are able to reduce the environmental impact from coal mining and utilization, ultimately leading to resource circulation, zero waste, and carbon reduction.", "year": "2023", "month": "9", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4334", "title": "Training Incorporates VR and Simulations to Enhance Response to Chemical Incidents ", "preview": "The MOENV's Chemical Administration (CA) has introduced a virtual reality integration of chemical disaster all-around training for the first time. In collaboration with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), they have developed a virtual reality (VR) training module and the extended reality simulation module. The two modules encompass a total of 20 response training scenarios and 30 instructional training courses. Installed on mobile vehicles, these modules can provide on-the-move, specialized training and testing for toxic chemical disasters and help enhance enterprises’ capabilities in responding to incidents involving hazardous chemical substances.", "content": "The CA Director General Hsieh Yein-rui pointed out that, with over 4,400 enterprises in Taiwan engaged in handling toxic substances and hazardous chemicals, effective disaster prevention and response requires collaboration between the public and private sectors. Currently, there are two consultation and monitoring centers as well as 10 technical teams specialized in toxic chemical disaster response across Taiwan. They are manned by 194 professionals who stand ready 24\/7 to provide consultations and dispatch specialists to the scene within one hour of a toxic chemical disaster. Furthermore, they engage in preliminary onsite response on the frontline by coordinating with firefighting units and enterprises’ response personnel, which has been crucial for the decrease of toxic chemical incidents over the past two years. As of July this year, there were 5,521 registered professional response personnel in various enterprises, as legally mandated. Currently, 12,771 individuals have completed the required training.\nThe CA and ITRI have utilized simulation training and VR technology to create a database of past toxic chemical disasters in Taiwan for training purposes. To enhance enterprises’ capability by learning from past response experiences in simulated scenarios, the simulation training modules replicate common industrial components such as valves and pipelines using 3D printing technology. These custom-made transparent pipelines and valves allow trainees to understand their operational mechanisms. Trainees can observe the flow of gases and liquids in real time, and also the dispersions of chemical gases or splashes of liquids in various scenarios that simulate pipeline leakage caused by different pressures.\nUtilizing the latest technologies such as mixed reality, augmented reality, and VR, both the VR training module and the extended reality simulation module began to be developed in 2020 and have been progressively deployed in public sector’s training since 2022. The VR training module features various accident settings in different venues, including high-tech factories, petrochemical plants, warehouses, and transportation premises. Simulated scenarios include fires, explosions, and pipeline leakage, all of which can also be combined to closely resemble real-life accidents.\nThe CA indicated that the toxic chemical disaster response training programs initially only targeted toxic substance-handling enterprises listed for control, government agencies, and professional technical teams. In response to the recent organizational restructuring, such programs have been further carried out in training for enterprises that handle hazardous chemical substances, such as high-tech factories, petrochemical plants, and warehouses. A minimum of 30 sessions, involving 2,000 participants in total, are conducted every year. The programs will be promoted during nationwide and regional toxic chemical disaster drills, on National Disaster Prevention Day, or at major events to enhance awareness. The CA will foster collaboration among the industries, the government, and academia so as to improve prevention of and response to toxic substance and hazardous chemical disasters while emphasizing proactive measures to always be at the ready. The goal is to continually enhance Taiwan’s training capacity for disaster response to safeguard people’s lives and properties.\nThese two modules include a total of 20 response training scenarios and 30 instructional training courses. Besides being available for training institutions, they are also designed to be mounted on vehicles and therefore allow for mobile deployment and providing enterprises with onsite training for toxic chemical disaster response. This way training sessions are no longer bound by physical locations and are strengthened in quality. Consultation visits and unannounced testing may be incorporated in the future to enhance response personnel’s capabilities.", "year": "2023", "month": "9", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4333", "title": "Taiwan and India Sign Memo to Promote Sustainable Water Environment ", "preview": "On 18 September 2023, the MOENV hosted the \"Promotion of Emerging Wastewater Treatment Technologies and Taiwan-India Sustainable Water Environment Forum\" at the Taipei International Convention Center, where the MOENV showcased achievements of its collaborative research and development efforts with various local universities to promote emerging wastewater treatment technologies. Also, the Water Association of Taiwan (WAOT) and the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (MSMECCII) signed a memorandum of cooperation, aiming to advance the wastewater industry into markets of countries under the New Southbound Policy and deepen collaboration between Taiwan and India through bilateral exchanges.", "content": "MOENV Deputy Minister Shih Wen-chen stated that in response to the global challenge of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Taiwan has been taking concrete actions through legislative amendments and announcements of reduction pathways while assisting enterprises in their net-zero transition. In the field of wastewater treatment, in recent years the MOENV has collaborated with local universities to promote R&D of emerging wastewater treatment technologies characterized by low pollution, low energy consumption, low cost, low space utilization, and resource circulation (4L+C). Significant progress has been made in related research and development initiatives.\n\"Previously regarded as pollution, wastewater is now considered a valuable resource,\" stated Deputy Minister Shih, who pointed out that current technologies significantly reduce the space requirements and processing costs while effectively guide resource recycling and reuse efforts. By integrating smart cloud monitoring technology, wastewater management efficiency can be enhanced simultaneously. She further emphasized that the MOENV's perspective and approach have shifted from past end-of-pipe control to management at the source. The future direction of wastewater treatment is maximizing resource reuse and minimizing environmental impact.\nAt the event, 10 companies specializing in wastewater treatment equipment and smart cloud monitoring were invited to demonstrate their innovations. Take, for example, the packaged treatment system for ammonia nitrogen wastewater, which integrates film capacitors in ammonia nitrogen treatment technology, as well as ammonia nitrogen gas extraction and recycling technology. This system significantly increases concentrations of ammonia nitrogen in wastewater, facilitating its subsequent conversion into liquid ammonia and ammonium salts for reuse as raw materials. This resource-oriented approach replaces traditional method that treats the substance as pollutant and holds significant potential. Already some semiconductor enterprises are showing keen interest in adopting such technology. Furthermore, the application of catalytic oxidation-reduction technology and bio-ball technology has yielded practical results. An enterprise in Hsinchu Science Park has already employed in its factory catalytic technology to treat the high-concentration organic nitrogen wastewater generated by detergents, reducing operational costs and occupied space by approximately one-third compared to the traditional chemical methods. Bio-ball technology has been applied in treating domestic wastewater in a technology park and also wastewater from stainless steel production in the Changhua Coastal Industrial Park. It has resulted in an 80% reduction in sludge volume compared to the traditional biological treatment with the addition benefits of reducing space and processing costs, demonstrating its commercial value.\nThe focus of this forum was the collaborative exchange on water quality protection between Taiwan and India. The MOENV invited experts from India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to deliver keynote speeches on opportunities in India's water, wastewater, and smart systems, as well as how Taiwan can assist it in achieving sustainable development goals. Additionally, among the forum invitees were three senior executives from Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), who were interested in the feasibility of applying Taiwan's technologies and equipment to improve wastewater treatment facilities in 15 industrial zones in the Delhi region.\nThe MOENV stated that Taiwan and India have begun to engage in exchanges in the field of wastewater treatment since 2017. Taiwan possesses highly mature wastewater treatment technologies, and local companies have been actively visiting India to share their experience and develop initiatives. This forum witnessed the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the WAOT and the MSMECCII, setting a solid foundation for mutual cooperation. Both organizations will jointly promote wastewater treatment technologies and work toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions.", "year": "2023", "month": "9", "assortment": "water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4332", "title": "Carbon Pricing System Ready to Launch with Diverse Tools to Promote Effective Carbon Reduction ", "preview": "The Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法) was announced and implemented on 15 February this year, with the carbon fee collection system as its primary focus. It encourages regulated enterprises to take the initiative to reduce emissions, and those who achieve the specified reduction targets are eligible for preferential rates. This initiative aims to intensify and accelerate emission reductions by enterprises, while also incorporating a mechanism of granting carbon offsets for voluntary emission reduction to extend incentives to a broader range of entities. Through a variety of tools, the system is aimed to promote effective carbon reduction across Taiwan.", "content": "In Taiwan, greenhouse gas emissions are primarily from the electricity generation and manufacturing industries. The enterprises regulated by the Climate Change Response Act that are required to inventory and register emissions include traditional industries affecting people's livelihoods, such as electricity, steel, cement, papermaking, petrochemicals, and refining, as well as the optoelectronic semiconductor industry. These industries collectively account for nearly 80% of Taiwan's total emissions.\nCarbon fee collection is implemented based on emissions to achieve the national emission reduction targets of different stages. The primary targets for the planned collection are the aforementioned electricity generation industry and large-scale manufacturing industries. According to the Climate Change Administration (CCA), starting from 2024, greenhouse gas emissions from entities subject to carbon fee collection will be accounted for carbon pricing. Preferential rates are available to enterprises that switch to low-carbon fuels, adopt negative emissions technologies, improve energy efficiency, use renewable energy, or improve manufacturing processes and are able to effectively lower emissions and meet specified reduction targets. And those who do not meet the targets in due time will be required to make payments to cover the shortfall.\nThe CCA stated that it aims to use a variety of mechanisms to guide enterprises to intensify and expedite emissions reductions. It is anticipated that related draft sub-laws will be proposed by the end of this year. The fee rates will be submitted for discussion to the review committee in the first quarter of next year, and they will be officially approved and announced by the MOENV.\nThe CCA emphasized that the carbon fee collection system is complemented by various tools, including using the inventory, audit and registration of greenhouse gas emissions to ascertain emissions, establishing emission benchmarks for enterprises to follow, and promoting voluntary emission reduction trading to extend incentives to a wider range of entities. At the current stage, draft sub-laws are being progressively preannounced, and consultation meetings are being held in preparation for the implementation of the system.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "9", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4331", "title": "Subsidies for Electric Buses to Be Based on the Number of Passengers to Encourage Services on High-Traffic Routes", "preview": "To achieve the goal of full electrification of public buses by 2030, the MOENV announced the Guidelines Governing the Subsidies for the Operation of Electric Buses (補助電動大客車營運作業要點) on 21 September 2023. Instead of directly subsidizing the purchase of electric buses, the guidelines have been revised to provide operational subsidies based on the actual mileage driven and the number of passengers carried by electric buses. The subsidy cap has also been increased from NT$1.5 million to NT$1.6 million to encourage operators to run their services on high-traffic routes, thereby raising the effectiveness of carbon reduction.", "content": "To achieve the goal of \"electrification and decarbonization of transportation,\" the Executive Yuan has approved the 2030 Passenger Vehicle Electrification Promotion Plan (2030年客運車輛電動化推動計畫) jointly proposed by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the MOENV. The MOENV is responsible for implementing operational subsidies for electric public buses to encourage operators to phase out diesel buses in favor of electric ones as early as possible and prioritize the deployment of the buses on high-traffic and high-mileage routes, so as to reduce private vehicle use while achieving both carbon reduction and pollution reduction benefits.\nBefore 2022, the MOENV provided a one-time subsidy of NT$1.5 million per bus for the purchase of electric buses. However, starting from 2023, the subsidy application process has been revised to be based on the actual mileage driven and the number of passengers carried by electric public buses. It is no longer a simple subsidy for bus replacement. In addition, the maximum subsidy per bus has been increased to NT$1.6 million. The subsidy is allocated over a four-year period and is intended for long-distance and urban public bus operators. Subsidies are granted based on the actual mileage driven and the number of passengers carried by each bus. To account for regional differences, this subsidy program also sets different subsidy rates for counties and cities outside of the six special municipalities, as well as for areas in Eastern Taiwan and outlying islands. This is done to enhance the incentives for operators in all regions to switch to electric buses.\nThe MOENV estimated that the replacement demand for urban public buses, along with some highway and national highway public buses, from 2024 to 2030, will be approximately 12,170 buses. It is anticipated that once fully electrified, these buses will produce zero carbon emissions during operation, resulting in a reduction of 307,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions and a reduction of 4,327 metric tons of air pollutants annually. The operational subsidies are expected to incentivize operators to prioritize the operation of electric buses on popular routes, further reducing emissions by an estimated 62,000 metric tons of CO2 and 1,450 metric tons of air pollutants annually.\nIn addition to the announced operational subsidies for electric public buses, the MOENV is also promoting a system for matching air pollution reduction benefits. Public bus operators who replace old diesel buses with electric ones can receive an additional subsidy of NT$30,000 per bus for air pollution reduction. They can also choose to use the Vehicle Replacement Offsets Matching Platform to match and sell their benefits to environmental impact assessment (EIA) developers in need and receive a higher amount of money. ", "year": "2023", "month": "9", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4330", "title": "Latest Air Pollution Inventory Shows 19% Reduction Compared to Last Edition", "preview": "On 15 September, the MOENV published on its official website (https:\/\/gov.tw\/oU4) the 2021 report in the Taiwan Emission Data System (TEDS), an inventory of air pollution emissions. It shows that the emissions of major air pollutants have decreased by nearly 19% compared to the previous report (reference year 2019). When comparing the monitoring data for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the annual average concentration has also decreased from 16.2 mg\/m3 in 2019 to 14.4 mg\/m3 in 2021. This indicates that the joint efforts of the central and local authorities in promoting air pollution control measures have been effective.", "content": "The latest emission inventory (TEDS 12) shows a continuous decrease in major air pollutants. Among them, PM2.5 emissions have decreased by 23.5%, sulfur oxides (SOx) by 19.6%, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 17.7%, and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) by 19.2%. Moreover, the emission inventory used to be updated every three years in line with the practice of advanced countries such as the United States. However, with improved operating methods, it can now be updated biennially.\nThe MOENV provided the reasons for the reduction in air pollution emissions in 2021. The main reasons include the continued implementation of air pollution control programs and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in some changes in economic activities. In the industrial sector (point sources), even though there was a 7% increase in energy consumption and a 9% increase in the number of regulated factories in 2021 compared to 2019 due to the increase of overseas business orders shifting to Taiwan, the major air pollution emissions still decreased by 8.5% from those of 2019. This reduction is attributed to cross-ministerial promotion of boiler improvements (2,502 units) and improvements in state enterprises, such as Taiwan Power Company, as well as stricter control measures.\nIn the transportation sector, in 2021, due to the increased demand for logistics and transportation during the Level 3 pandemic alert, the total mileage of diesel trucks increased by 5%. However, there was a 7% reduction in the mileage of private cars. In addition, the MOENV’s efforts to replace old diesel vehicles (24,000 vehicles) and old motorcycles (1,298,000 vehicles) have yielded significant reduction results, leading to a 26.5% decrease in major air pollution emissions.\nAs for other types of air pollution, in 2021, the total area of construction projects increased by 46% compared to 2019, leading to increased pollution. However, in 2021, the MOENV tightened the regulations in the Management Regulations for Construction Project Air Pollution Control Facilities (營建工程空氣污染防制設施管理辦法) and enforced stricter limits on the sulfur content of marine fuel. It also promoted the use of straw-degrading fungi, reduced burning of joss paper by 10%, and provided guidance for kitchen smoke improvement in the food industry, resulting in a reduction of 23% in major air pollution emissions.\nThe MOENV emphasized that while there has been a trend of reduced air pollution emissions in recent years, achieving further reductions is becoming increasingly challenging. In addition to the implementation of the first phase of Air Pollution Control Program (from 2020 to 2023), which has resulted in improved air quality after the pandemic, the ministry has formulated the second phase of the Air Pollution Control Program (from 2024 to 2027), which is currently under review at the Executive Yuan.", "year": "2023", "month": "9", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4329", "title": "Upgrading Environmental Management to Improve Taiwan’s Environment", "preview": "Established on 22 August 2023, the Environmental Management Administration (hereinafter referred to as EMA) will continue to uphold the spirit of environmental protection passed down by the former Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) with four visions for the future: “proper disposal of general waste,” “improvement of environmental hygiene and quality,” “technological law enforcement to protect the environment,” and “sustainable management of soil and groundwater.\"", "content": "The EMA oversees tasks related to environmental inspection and soil and groundwater remediation\nWith the upgrade of the EPA to the Ministry of Environment (MOENV), the EMB was formed by merging the Bureau of Environmental Inspection and the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Fund. It now oversees tasks related to general waste management, environmental hygiene, environmental law enforcement, and soil and groundwater pollution, among others.\n In the area of general waste disposal, the EMA will continue to assist local governments in establishing and optimizing environmental facilities. It is promoting the upgrade and maintenance of incineration plants to ensure a stable incineration capacity. Through the revitalization and overhaul of landfills, it aims to increase landfills’ capacity for multiple functions, including temporary storage, sorting, diversion and transportation of waste, recycled aggregate banks, mechanical sorting, green energy generation, and packaging and temporary storage. This will allow landfills to play a new role as a buffer and adjustment facility. These public environmental facilities can generate approximately 3.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which can provide electricity for approximately 920,000 households for a year and reduce 1.85 million metric tons of carbon emissions. A triple-win of proper waste disposal, resource circulation, and energy transformation can therefore be achieved. \nAs for the improvement of environmental hygiene and quality, the EMA is promoting a policy to optimize the working environment for cleaning personnel by ensuring their clothing is easy to wash and wear and that their working environment is safe. This includes updating their uniforms and replacing or upgrading garbage trucks. A platform for occupational safety promotion has also been established to comprehensively care for the more than 35,000 unsung heroes nationwide who maintain the cleanliness of our environment. Additionally, funding will be allocated for repairing or constructing public restrooms, incorporating smart management and the concept of green energy and carbon reduction. This will enhance existing restrooms and achieve the goal of making public restrooms clean, dry, and odor-free, ultimately improving the image of the nation’s restrooms and overall environmental hygiene while also promoting tourism.\nRegarding technological environmental law enforcement, the EMA will focus on pollution prevention and prioritize remote enforcement as an important policy. It will adopt a forward-thinking approach in planning strategies for comprehensive environmental improvement, including the development of “smart fence systems” for air, water, and waste pollution, as well as diversifying the methods for environmental impact assessment inspection to move forward with remote enforcement. In addition, the EMA will assist local governments in increasing inspection personnel. A multi-pronged approach of using digital technology for pollution prevention, enhancing inspection capacity, and enabling real-time response at pollution sites will be taken to prevent the spread of pollution.\nAs for sustainable management of soil and groundwater, the EMA will utilize the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Fund to integrate resources across domains. It aims to establish long-term and effective monitoring and warning procedures to protect soil and groundwater. The goal is to prevent contamination at the source and protect farmland. In addition to promoting comprehensive site pollution remediation, it is also addressing the challenges posed by climate change by promoting green, sustainable and resilient remediation concepts and techniques. Moreover, the EMA is promoting the allocated utilization of national (public) lands and inter-ministerial cooperation. It is assisting environmental authorities and site owners to implement risk management, improvement and utilization operations. This is aimed at increasing the proportion of land resources that can be reused, ultimately achieving sustainable land use.\n\nFuture outlook\nLooking ahead, the EMA will allocate NT$4.25 billion in 2024 for key tasks, including optimizing environmental facilities, transforming landfills, ensuring the cleanliness of forests and coastlines, caring for cleaning personnel, improving environmental hygiene, promoting high-quality public restrooms, applying technology to environmental law enforcement, sustainable management of soil and groundwater resources, and establishing an environmental management cloud to enhance the overall environmental quality nationwide.\nThe EMA stated that it would promote communication about the legislation of Environmental Quality Enhancement Act to create high-quality environments, enhance the effectiveness of general waste removal and disposal, and improve environmental hygiene and the quality of life for citizens. It will effectively utilize public construction projects, social development plans, and the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Fund to further upgrade environmental management, giving Taiwan a better environment.", "year": "2023", "month": "9", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4328", "title": "Keeping an Eye on Global Plastics Treaty to Update Plastic ", "preview": "The EPA has been promoting plastic restriction policies since 2002, enforcing regulations in stages to restrict the use of plastic bags for shopping, disposable tableware, single-use plastic beverage cups, and plastic straws. The United Nations is expected to introduce the progress and specific content for the Global Plastics Treaty in 2024. In the future, the Resource Circulation Administration will refer to this treaty for the promotion of its policies. In addition to plastic restriction and reduction, it will focus on low-carbon, zero-waste and reuse promotion, and communication and consultation with environmental organizations through the collaborative platform meetings to gradually advance these initiatives.", "content": "Since 2002, domestic efforts to reduce plastic use in Taiwan have been ongoing, targeting items such as plastic bags, beverage cups, plastic straws, and disposable tableware. These measures aim to guide manufacturers to use alternative materials, to assist retailers to restrict the use of single-use plastic products, and to encourage consumers to avoid disposable items or to carry their own reusable containers.\nIn recent years, Taiwan has stepped up its efforts to reduce plastic use in various areas. In 2022, regulations were introduced to require chain convenience stores and fast-food restaurants to have 5% of their outlets offer reusable cups and to offer NT$5 discounts to customers who bring their own beverage cups. In 2023, several regulations were promulgated, including the Targets and Implementation Methods for Restriction of Single-Use Lodging Supplies (一次用旅宿用品限制使用對象及實施方式), the Targets and Implementation Methods for Restriction of Internet Shopping Packaging (網際網路購物包裝限制使用對象及實施方式), and the Guidelines for Reducing Online Shopping Packaging 2.0 (網購包裝減量指引2.0), which stipulate that internet shopping packaging materials must not contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and must meet the criteria for the proportion of recycled paper or plastic material used. Additionally, plastic packaging trays and clamshell containers were designated as recyclable waste to strengthen plastic recycling. These diverse measures have been implemented through legal means, guiding enterprises to voluntarily reduce plastics at source, and through enhancing the recycling system to facilitate resource utilization.\nIn the future, the Ministry of Environment will continue to promote a variety of initiatives and measures. In conjunction with the enactment of the Resource Circulation Promotion Act, it will adopt measures such as pricing, material restrictions, encouraging self-supplying, promoting circular services, and restrictions on the use of certain materials. Additionally, it will plan comprehensive reduction strategies for different contexts. Combining this with corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations, the ministry will initially seek voluntary cooperation from businesses or promote measures through exemplary companies. This approach of gradual expansion of promotion aims to be pragmatic and systematic. In the past, the EPA has held collaborative platform meetings with environmental organizations to discuss measures and practices for promoting plastic reduction policies. In the future, the ministry will continue to strengthen these collaborative efforts, adhering to the principles of resource circulation and closely monitoring the progress and specific content of the Global Plastics Treaty as it reviews and adjusts plastic reduction policies.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "8", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4327", "title": "Amendment of Management Regulations of Environmental Education Facilities ", "preview": "More than ten years have passed since the promulgation of the Regulations Governing the Certification and Management of Environmental Education Facilities (環境教育設施場所認證及管理辦法) on 2 June 2011. To enable environmental education facilities to provide more comprehensive and professional services, information, and resources for environmental education, to adjust the certification and management procedures for these facilities to meet practical implementation needs, and to streamline administrative procedures, these regulations have been amended.", "content": "The key points of this amendment are as follows:\n1) Various articles and provisions have been consolidated, explicitly requiring environmental education curriculum plans to be linked to environmental protection. The grace period for environmental education personnel to obtain certification has been removed, and to ensure that environmental educators remain aligned with practical practices when performing duties, a new provision has been added stating that such personnel should provide evidence of having participated in relevant workshops within one year prior to their appointment.\n2) Amendments have been made to certification review regulations to align with practical operational requirements.\n3) A correction procedure has been defined, with a review timeframe not exceeding six months.\n 4) The involvement of relevant agencies, experts, and scholars in certification reviews has been expanded, and it is stipulated that review committees may be established and initial review meetings convened.\n 5) If the original certification has expired and a decision to approve an extension has not been made, those who have applied for an extension within the prescribed timeframe may continue their operations based on the original certification content. Those who have not applied for an extension should reapply for certification after the expiration date. Additionally, amendments have been made to the documentation requirements and review procedures for extensions.\n 6) It was added that training for environmental educators may be organized when necessary, and environmental education facilities must not obstruct their training.\n 7) Depending on the type of documents to be modified, it is specified that a pre-modification or post-modification procedure should be conducted.\n8) The requirement to submit annual achievement reports has been revised to quarterly reports of implementation results via online transmission.\n9) A review timeframe has been added. Specific conditions related to academic or professional evaluation organizations have been removed. In line with the streamlining of annual achievement reports, new regulations regarding the review of self-assessment reports have been introduced.\n10) A new provision stipulates that environmental education facilities no longer engaged in environmental education activities must apply for the revocation of their certification.", "year": "2023", "month": "8", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4326", "title": "Promoting Solid Recovered Fuel to Achieve Zero Waste through Resource Circulation", "preview": "On 2 August 2023, the EPA invited experts, scholars, local environmental bureaus and enterprises to exchange and share key aspects of the management, production and use of Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF). These include insights into local governments’ implementation and industry best practices. The discussion was aimed to engage with the stakeholders and focused on how to improve management. It was also to prepare for the future policy direction of converting combustible waste resources into energy. ", "content": "As part of the key strategy of \"Zero Waste through Resource Circulation\" for Taiwan's transition to net-zero emissions by 2050, the EPA has been promoting the conversion of combustible waste resource into fuel since 2019. As of the end of 2022, there were 28 companies engaged in the production of SRF and 14 companies engaged in its use. The annual consumption of SRF had been steadily increasing, reaching 180,000 metric tons in 2022, up from 60,000 metric tons in 2019. Moving forward, the EPA will continue to collaborate with local governments to enhance inspection and management efforts, and to ensure strict oversight of SRF manufacturing facilities, including their production technology, quality, and flow management, so as to maintain the smooth operation of industries involved in conversion of combustible waste resources into fuel. \nThe conference focused on strengthening the management and expanding the benefits of converting combustible waste resource into fuel. This included requiring SRF manufacturing facilities to install necessary equipment, confirming user needs in advance, and using appropriate equipment to receive and process waste materials. It also entails regular sampling and testing of the finished product. The finished product should be directly sold to SRF users who adhere to the standards, and the authorities should review the management of both fuel production and utilization in series and conduct on-site inspections. Additionally, practical examples of applying the methodology for calculating carbon reduction benefits through \"the substitution of coal with SRF in boilers and combustion devices to generate thermal energy\" were also discussed during the conference. \nIn 2020, the Guidelines and Quality Standards for Solid Recovered Fuel Manufacturing Technology (固體再生燃料製造技術指引與品質規範) was formulated to primarily create a management system and standards for SRF, providing guidelines for both industry operators and reviewing authorities to follow. To enhance this management system, the quality standards were further revised in January 2023, mandating that SRF manufacturing facilities should have essential equipment such as sorting, shredding, and mixing machinery. At the same time, the EPA continued to assist SRF manufacturing facilities to enhance their manufacturing technology and quality. \nIn response to the international trends of coal reduction and efforts toward net-zero carbon emissions, more and more domestic enterprises in Taiwan, including large boiler operators and the cement kiln industry, are planning to adopt SRF as an alternative to coal. This will place a stronger demand on the management of SRF. The EPA has formulated the Management Regulations for Solid Recovered Fuel (固體再生燃料相關管理方式), which integrates regulations pertaining to the application, reporting and management of the production, manufacturing, and use of SRF, as well as SRF’s ash residue treatment or recycling stages. In the future, the EPA will introduce additional management regulations regarding SRF quality verification, the responsibility of users for confirmation, regulatory agency inspections, and import and export procedures. These regulations are aimed at providing clear guidelines for enterprises to follow.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "8", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4325", "title": "Taiwan-US Environmental Cooperation: 30 Years of Partnership for Sustainability", "preview": "An agreement on Taiwan-US environmental technology cooperation was signed in 1993. To celebrate 30 years of bilateral cooperation, the EPA held a retrospective and forward-looking event on 21 August at Huashan 1914 Creative Park, and invited past and current partners to participate. The event highlighted the stages and changes in Taiwan-US exchange and cooperation, providing insights into the evolution of environmental challenges so that participants were able to discover the power of partnership and collaboration.", "content": "In her opening address, Taiwan EPA Deputy Minister Wang Ya-fen first expressed gratitude to Assistant Administrator Jane Nishida of the US EPA for her steadfast support of the Taiwan-US environmental cooperation. Deputy Minister Wang also extended her thanks to all the organizations and personnel who participated in this cooperation over the past 30 years, including government agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, the Ocean Conservation Administration, the Health Promotion Administration, as well as academic institutions and civil organizations that had jointly promoted cooperation within the framework of the agreement. In addition, she welcomed partner countries in attendance to join the international environmental partnership network and collectively dedicate efforts to address complex environmental issues.\nDeputy Minister Wang expressed that a lasting friendship, one that shoulders responsibilities together, requires goodwill, trust, and commitment. She believed that after the establishment of the Ministry of Environment, Taiwan-US environmental cooperation would continue to deepen and both sides would work hand-in-hand to make more breakthroughs and accomplishments in the fields of environmental technology, environmental governance, and sustainable development, as more milestones are created into the future.\nIn her speech, US EPA Assistant Administrator Jane Nishida shared the background and details of the 30-year cooperation. She expressed admiration for Taiwan's contributions, leadership, and the achievements of the collaborative partners. She emphasized that as 30 years of cooperation and the achievements of the International Environmental Partnership (IEP) Program are celebrated, what is even more important is the firm partnership between Taiwan and the United States. She believed that this partnership not only makes Taiwan's role in global environmental leadership more distinct but also enables the implementation of deeper collaboration in critical environmental sustainability issues such as climate change, climate resilience, environmental health, and youth engagement, as the two nations jointly work toward a better and more sustainable Earth.\nThrough videos and exhibits, the event looked back on 30 years of significant environmental exchanges between Taiwan and the United States. It showcased the growth trajectory of the Taiwan EPA, evolving from a beginner who learned environmental technology and management policies to a regional contributor. This journey included the implementation of the IEP Program in 2014, which led to various projects such as the Taiwan-US Eco-Schools, Global Environmental Education Partners (GEEP), International E-Waste Management Network (IEMN), and Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN). Officials and experts from various participating countries in these networks also expressed through video messages their gratitude for the Taiwan-US cooperation in creating regional environmental capacity.\nIn the future, more exchange and cooperation projects will continue to be promoted within the frameworks of the Taiwan-U.S. environmental technology cooperation and the IEP programs. International partners are welcomed to join hands, discover the power of collaboration, and together create more possibilities, moving towards a clean, zero-emission, and sustainable future.", "year": "2023", "month": "8", "assortment": "International Cooperation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4324", "title": "Enterprises Urged to Reduce Emissions Ahead of Carbon Fee Collection in 2024", "preview": "The Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法), which introduces a carbon fee collection mechanism, was promulgated on 15 February 2023. According to the Climate Change Administration (CCA) of the Ministry of Environment, the carbon tax-related subsidiary laws are currently being discussed with industries, with an expected preannouncement at the end of 2023. The actual carbon fee rates will be determined in the first half of next year. The initial carbon fee collection will be based on the 2024 emissions of the entities subject to carbon fee, with the carbon fee calculated and payable in 2025. The aim of this plan is to encourage businesses to reduce their emissions in advance so as to lessen the burden of carbon fees.", "content": "The CCA has been formulating subsidiary laws related to the Climate Change Response Act. These include the announcement made on 31 May regarding the Emission Sources Subject to Inventory, Registration and Inspection of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (應盤查登錄及查驗溫室氣體排放量之排放源). From June to August, the CCA successively preannounced draft regulations of the Management Regulations for the Inventory and Registration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (溫室氣體排放量盤查登錄管理辦法), the Management Regulations for Greenhouse Gas Increase Offsets (溫室氣體增量抵換管理辦法), the Management Regulations for Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reduction Projects (溫室氣體自願減量專案管理辦法), and the Management Regulations for Greenhouse Gas Certification and Inspection Organizations (溫室氣體認證機構及查驗機構管理辦法). Public hearings and consultations have also been conducted for these four draft subsidiary laws.\nThe carbon fee-related subsidiary laws include regulations for carbon fee collection, the announcement of carbon fee collection targets and rates, the regulations for the review of designated emission reduction objectives and voluntary emission reduction plans, and the guidelines for the establishment of the carbon fee rate review committee. The draft regulations for these subsidiary laws are expected to be proposed by the end of this year. In the initial stage, the entities subject to carbon fee collection are expected to be the manufacturing enterprises and the power generation enterprises with annual emissions exceeding 25,000 metric tons. The CCA has not only actively engaged in drafting the aforementioned subsidiary laws but has also planned discussions with various industries to minimize the impact on them. It emphasized that carbon fee collection will have significant implications and will be carefully evaluated and discussed extensively with stakeholders before its implementation.\nRegarding the timeline for carbon fee collection, the CCA stated that, as previously explained to the public, carbon fee collection will commence in 2024. The collection process is planned to base on the 2024 greenhouse gas emissions of the entities subject to carbon fee, with payment due in 2025. There are no delays anticipated in this timeline. The CCA emphasized that this timeline for carbon fee collection allows the entities subject to carbon fee to review their greenhouse gas emissions early and initiate carbon reduction efforts. Doing so, they would be able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 and thereby mitigate the impact of the fee.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "8", "assortment": "clmiate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4323", "title": "2023 GEEP Meeting Commences in Northern Ireland", "preview": "From 15 to 11 August, the 2023 Global Environmental Education Partnership Meeting was held in Belfast, Northern Ireland by the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) program, co-initiated by the EPA and the USEPA since 2014. Taiwan’s delegation was led by Deputy Director Hsu Shu-chih of the EPA Department of Comprehensive Planning. It also included three representatives from ecological schools as well as Professors Chang Tzu-chau and Pai Tzu-i, both experts in this field. The conference brought together approximately 30 environmental education experts and scholars from the public sector and NGOs in various countries for exchanges and discussions.", "content": "Continuing from the 2022 conference, this meeting was jointly organized by the EPA, the USEPA, and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). The main local facilitator is Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, a civil society organization that promotes environmental education in Northern Ireland. In addition to inviting experts to discuss the GEEP’s future strategic goals and implementation methods, the conference had participants sharing experiences and operational status of regional environmental education centers. The expert advisors in attendance came from various countries, including the UK, India, Canada, Botswana, Nepal, the US, and Taiwan.\nDeputy Director Hsu expressed during the conference that, with increasingly frequent exchanges and cooperation around the globe, Taiwan is committed to advancing environmental education by cultivating young international environmental talents and promoting ecological schools. It is hoped to create an environment where all living beings coexist and thrive through the influence of environmental education. She also expressed gratitude to the USEPA and international partners for their contributions. Since the initiation of the GEEP Program in 2014, the past decade has witnessed even more rapid climate change worldwide. Taiwan wishes to further promote environmental education with the GEEP to tackle challenges that may confront humanity in the future.\nIn order to strengthen regional cooperation networks, in 2019 the Asia-Pacific Regional Center (APRC) was established in Taiwan under the GEEP framework. Besides promoting regional environmental education, the APRC is responsible for building in the Asia-Pacific region an environmental education exchange network dedicated to integrating information platforms for environmental education. In the conference, Professor Chang Tzu-chau, the APRC’s project director, also talked about the center’s current operation status and promoted the 2023 GEEP APRC International Exchange Workshop, inviting experts from around the world to participate in the event’s live broadcast online.\nIn addition, the delegation took advantage of the trip to visit Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful (KNIB), an organization promoting environmental education in Northern Ireland, and, during the visit, shared achievements of Taiwan's ecological schools. The three delegates representing Taiwan’s ecological schools were Principal Hsu Ching-hung of Dashan Elementary School in Miaoli County, Director of Student Affairs Yen Hsiu-wen of Tzu Chi High School Elementary Department in Tainan City, and Director Ho Chia-hui of Sinpu Elementary School in Taoyuan City. The visit to KNIB allowed for mutual learning of international experiences and aimed to create future opportunities for more exchanges between ecological schools at home and abroad.", "year": "2023", "month": "8", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4322", "title": "Smart Governance via Environmental Sensing IoT Enhances Inspection Capacity", "preview": "The EPA has been implementing the program for development and deployment of environmental quality Internet of Things (IoT) and its application in law enforcement as well as the Smart IoT -- Intergenerational Environmental Management program since 2017. These two programs are under the Digital Construction sector of the Forward-Looking Infrastructure Development Program. With the programs, the EPA utilizes relevant technology to set up an environmental sensing IoT network, works with local environmental bureaus to deploy sensors for air pollution and water quality for smart environmental governance. As the environment sensing IoT real-time information is provided to environmental inspection personnel in understanding environmental trends and also applying AI-powered big data analysis to enhance inspection capabilities, great results in inspection tasks have been produced.", "content": "From 2017 to July 2023, a total of 1,190 businesses have been penalized for air pollution violations with the help of sensors and IoT, resulting in fines exceeding NT$230 million and recovery of approximately NT$280 million in unpaid air pollution fees. From 2019 to July 2023, the water quality IoT network has aided in detecting 48 incidents of illegal discharge by unscrupulous businesses, resulting in fines totaling over NT$36 million.\n10,000 air pollution sensors had been deployed by 2020. On the other hand, 839 fixed, mobile, and handheld water quality sensors in total have been produced as their deployment is contingent upon flow directions of water bodies and pollution hotspots. The development of the water quality IoT network represents the first time that the EPA integrated development systems that combine sensor components, data storage, wireless transmission devices, and data applications and displays, which had also been validated as a feasible technology through on-site testing beforehand. Another demand is to meet the daily monitoring requirements of local environmental bureaus and river patrol teams. Therefore, the EPA has further developed mobile and handheld water quality sensors, based on the capability of system integration and chip sensor technology already used in fixed sensors. This development helps monitor pollution sources and potential pollution hotspots more effectively while addressing environmental education needs.\nIn the future, the MOENV will continue to work with the Irrigation Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and 11 local environmental agencies, including those of Taoyuan City, Taichung City, and Yunlin County. The collaboration aims to monitor watersheds of water bodies with water quality sensors, optimize the water quality sensor database, and enhance spatiotemporal analysis and technologies identifying pollution hotspots. These efforts are geared toward maximizing the effectiveness of deployment and application of water quality sensors.", "year": "2023", "month": "8", "assortment": "Environmental Monitoring", "url": "" }, { "no": "4321", "title": "Taiwan’s Emissions Increase Slightly in 2021, Well Below 2007 Peak", "preview": "In 2021, Taiwan's total greenhouse gas emissions amounted to 297 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e), with net emissions of 275 MtCO2e. The overall trend indicates that Taiwan’s emissions peaked in 2007, with net emissions reaching 279.6 MtCO2e. Emissions decreased to 263.2 MtCO2e by 2020, but in 2021 increased by 4.56% compared to 2020, primarily driven by the energy and manufacturing industries. Following the post-pandemic economic recovery, there was a 4.4% rise in electricity demand, leading to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.", "content": "According to the International Energy Agency's report on carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion, as the COVID-19 pandemic abated and economic recovery took place, in 2021 global CO2 emissions from energy-related sources rebounded, growing by 6% compared to 2020. In comparison, Taiwan's emissions from fuel combustion in 2021 were relatively lower and increased by only 3.7%. Furthermore, Taiwan's economic growth rate in 2021 was 6.5% higher than that in 2020. In contrast, more advanced European countries and the US experienced lower economic growth rates than Taiwan during the same period, with an increase in emissions from fuel combustion exceeded that of Taiwan. Additionally, Taiwan's carbon emission intensity (i.e., carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP) has been on a downward trend year by year since 2003, indicating the effectiveness of Taiwan's recent efforts in transitioning toward a low-carbon economy.\nThe Bureau of Energy (EA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) recently announced that 2022’s electricity carbon emission factor has dropped to 0.495 kgCO2\/kwh. In August 2023, statistics and analysis of carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion in 2022 were released, providing an initial estimate of emissions from the energy sector's fuel combustion in 2022, amounting to 259.79 million metric tons of (Mt CO2e). Assuming that non-fuel combustion emissions remain at the 2021 level, the net emissions in 2022 dropped to 266.1 Mt CO2e, which represents a 3.3% reduction compared to 2021 and falling below the emissions level in the base year of 2005.\nThe MOENV emphasizes that Taiwan's second stage of carbon control aims to achieve a reduction of 10% by the target year of 2025 compared to the base year of 2005. Currently, all six major sectors and 22 local governments have had their reduction action plans approved, progressively facilitating initiatives such as energy transition, industrial low-carbon transformation, motor electrification of transportation, and subsidization for energy efficiency in residential and commercial sectors. More proactive climate actions are being carried out through 12 key strategies under Taiwan’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions.\nThese actions include the TPASS, a new monthly commuter pass introduced by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) that aims to encourage the public to change its habits in transportation. Moreover, the Climate Change Response Act, announced and enacted in February 2023, strengthens coordination across different action plans and evaluation mechanism while also mandates local governments to set up their own offices specifically for climate change response. The act is newly equipped with economic incentives such as carbon fees, aiming to push targets of fee collection to actively reduce emissions since they are able to apply for discounted fee rates after meeting designated reduction goals with their voluntary reduction plans. The emission trading mechanism helps urge large enterprises to lead smaller ones to engage in active reductions, hence encouraging more voluntary reduction efforts. And last but not least, the act works to lower emission increases via the offset mechanism for emission increases caused by newly set or modified emission sources. All the above practices are carried out progressively, bringing together the central and local governments, citizens, industries, and civic organizations to jointly cut down emissions under the common goal of carbon reduction.", "year": "2023", "month": "8", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4320", "title": "Categories and Emission Limits Revised for Air Pollutants from Stationary Sources", "preview": "To deter unscrupulous operators from emitting harmful air pollutants, on 3 August the EPA announced the revised categories and emission limits of hazardous air pollutants from stationary sources. This amendment adds 18 new categories of hazardous air pollutants and their respective emission limits and tightens emission limits for one existing pollutant, bringing the total number of regulated pollutants to 23 in the hope of better protection of the public’s health. Emission limits for hazardous air pollutants from illegal exhaust pipes have also been newly added to further penalize illegal discharges.", "content": "In 2018, the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) was amended with the addition of Article 53. It states, \"If public and private premises with stationary pollution sources that emit air pollutants through exhaust pipes violate the standards for air pollutant emission limits which are determined pursuant to Article 20 Paragraph 2 and thereby cause human death or harm to health, they shall be punished by a maximum of seven years of imprisonment and may be fined a sum of no less than NT$1 million and no more than NT$15 million.\" Therefore, \"standards for air pollutant emission limits\" serve as the basis for determining whether businesses may be penalized as stipulated in this article.\nThis amendment categorizes emission limits into two types: emissions through \"exhaust pipes\" and those through \"illegal exhaust pipes.\" This differentiation was made in response to recent inspections that revealed unscrupulous businesses resorting to alternative discharge activities, such as rerouting, to evade detection during inspections. Discharges through “illegal exhaust pipes” refer to exhausts from production processes, collected by gas-gathering equipment within facilities, that are released through facility ventilation holes, air vents, or unpermitted emission outlets instead of regular, approved exhaust pipes. The revision aims to impose strict penalties on such activities that deliberately pollute the air and pose a threat to the public’s health.\nThe emission limit of an air pollutant is set by calculating emission concentration in exhaust pipes using the environmental risk index as a basis, in combination with an air dispersion model. An air pollutant’s environmental risk after being emitted from exhaust pipes is quantified as 1×10-4 (0.0001 times) of the highest concentration of the pollutant on ground surfaces of peripheral boundary. This is the upper threshold that an individual is able to withstand under long-term exposure to any given air pollutant in the atmosphere throughout an individual’s whole life, and human health is at risk if the concentration is above such a threshold. Additionally, a pollutant’s emission limit through illegal exhaust pipes is set at 1% of that through legal exhaust pipes in consideration of the testing and sampling methods applicable to illegal exhaust pipes and the unavoidable dilution effects during the sampling process.\nTo provide businesses with an appropriate and reasonable timeframe for improvement, revised emission limits for certain air pollutants from exhaust pipes will not come into effect until 1 July 2024. These include 19 air pollutants, items 5 to 23 listed in the revision’s Table 2, such as trichloroethylene, mercury and its compounds, arsenic and its compounds, and nickel and its compounds. As for the remaining four air pollutants -- namely dioxin, vinyl chloride monomer, cadmium and its compounds, and lead and its compounds -- their emission limits, previously set and not adjusted in this revision, will become effective from the date of announcement. Furthermore, the amendment has newly added emission limits for discharges of 23 air pollutants, including dioxin, from exhaust pipes, and they will come into effect on the date of announcement. This is due to consideration that emission limits for illegal exhaust pipes are set to regulate unlawful emissions by unscrupulous businesses attempting to evade inspections and testing, and deter environmental crimes such as illegal discharges of hazardous air pollutants.", "year": "2023", "month": "8", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4319", "title": "EPA Reflects on Past Achievements on Its 36th Anniversary", "preview": "“Graduation is not the end, but a new beginning.” On 19 August the then-EPA celebrated its 36th anniversary in a “commencement” ahead of its transformation into the MOENV on 22 August. As the EPA approached the end of its long course, a special ceremony was held with the EPA’s first administrator, Eugene Chien, and the following heads, including Larry L.G. Chen, Chang Ju-en, Stephen Shu-Hung Shen, Wei Kuo-yen, and Tsai Hung-the, invited to commemorate this historic occasion. These former heads as well as many distinguished guests together witnessed and reflected upon the various milestones achieved by the EPA from its first to 36th year in the collective pursuit of protecting the environment.", "content": "All former heads served as valedictorians in the ceremony, starting with the first administrator Eugene Chien, who recalled that 36 years ago the sky over Taipei was not blue, the rivers had a dark color, and garbage was everywhere. The establishment of the EPA transformed Taiwan’s living environment, even though the outcomes of many actions carried out during his tenure were not immediately visible. Take the example of the Tamsui River, for which the EPA began remediation work in 1988, initially hoping to just eliminate foul odors. Today, the river runs clear and is suitable for dragon boat races. He also recalled that in the past it was challenging for him to represent Taiwan in the international community because of Taiwan’s low environmental quality, but now Taiwan is recognized as an outstanding performer in recycling on the global stage.\n“We have graduated and come to an end, and we are proud,\" said Minister Chang Tzu-chin as the last minister “graduating” from the EPA on the eve of its restructuring. He emphasized that while the establishment of the MOENV may have been due to the demands in the times, it would not have been possible without the support of the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics of the Executive Yuan and the unwavering dedication of the EPA staff. The cumulative achievements over the years have further demonstrated to the society the EPA's capability to step up and become the MOENV. Minister Chang expressed his hope that, with an excellent system and regulations, the future MOENV would be able to make a more significant contribution in the face of challenges such as climate change, resource recycling, environmental management, and controls of chemical substances.\n“From smog to blue skies, from warriors fighting garbage to geniuses in waste disposal -– these are all the fruits of everyone's incessant labor,” commented the Chief Secretary Yeh Chun-hung as he reflected with attendees on the EPA's journey of growth. Under the leadership of 16 ministers, the EPA undertook distinct missions in four stages of its history.\nThe EPA was established in 1987 in response to grassroots environmental initiatives like the Anti-DuPont protests in Lukang and the opposition to the Fifth Naphtha Cracker Project in Houjing. Administrators during the first phase led the EPA in tackling various challenges, including public nuisances, war on garbage, illegal waste disposal, air and river pollution. This period saw the formation of the Bureau of Environmental Inspection, the Recycling Fund Management Board, and the Environmental Police Force, along with legislation and enactment of the Public Nuisance Dispute Mediation Act (公害糾紛處理法), the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (環境影響評估法), the Environmental Agent Control Act (環境用藥管理法), and the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control Act (土壤及地下水污染整治法). Not only so, the establishment of the Air Pollution Control Fund and the Recycling Fund laid a solid foundation for the EPA.\nThe second phase, from 1990 to 2008, is marked with significant development with the establishment of the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Fund Management Board and the Carbon Reduction Management Office. The EPA also completed formulating the Marine Pollution Control Act (海洋污染防治法), the Resource Recycling Act (資源回收再利用法), and the Basic Environmental Law. As for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system, a legal dispute related to the EIA concerning Linne Incineration Plant resulted in a judicial recognition that EIA review conclusions were also administrative sanctions in their nature. This recognition has led to the subsequent increase in administrative remedies through litigation.\nIn the third phase, from 2008 to 2016, significant milestones were achieved with the enactment of the Environmental Education Act (環境教育法), the Indoor Air Quality Act (室內空氣品質管理法), and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法). In 2010, levying began for soil and groundwater pollution remediation fees, enabling the EPA to complete remediation for all farmland pollutions across Taiwan in 2022. Then the revision of the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防治法) raised the maximum fine to NT$20 million for discharges that failed to meet standards, introduced clauses on confiscation of illegal gains and also protection for whistleblowers. In addition, this amendment led the way in increasing penalties for exceeding the limits regarding substances detrimental to health.\nFrom 2016 to the present, several significant developments having taken place including the establishment of the Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau, the Climate Change Office, the Resource Cycling Office, and an preparatory office for establishment of the CCA under the MOENV. The formation of a clear and efficient EIA review system has yielded positive results, particularly in the offshore wind power sector and investments from Taiwanese businesses returning from abroad. Not only have there been record-breaking improvements in air quality, but there have also been notable achievements in promoting reduction of plastic usage at six major sources and facilitating better recycling. Even now, the MOENV continues its endeavors with the ongoing revisions of the Resource Recycling Promotion Act (資源循環促進法), aiming to maximize resource cycling and minimize waste disposal, as well as the transition toward net-zero emissions by 2050.", "year": "2023", "month": "8", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4318", "title": "Feature Article: Ministry of Environment Established, Marking Taiwan’s New Chapter toward Sustainable Development", "preview": "Following the third reading and passage of the Organization Act of the Ministry of Environment (環境部組織法) by the Legislative Yuan, and its official promulgation by President Tsai Ing-wen on 24 May, the Executive Yuan's Environmental Protection Administration (the EPA) was formally restructured to become the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) on 22 June. The inauguration ceremony included the official appointment of Minister Shieu Fuh-sheng. Under the witness of distinguished guests, Premier Chen Chien-jen presented the appointment order and official seal to Minister Shieu. President Tsai, Premier Chen, USEPA Assistant Administrator Jane Nishida, and other esteemed guests joined Minister Shieu for the unveiling of the ministry's plaque, marking the completion of the inauguration. On the same day, the heads of the departments under the MOENV were also officially appointed and sworn-in, leading Taiwan into a new epoch of environmental protection with a focus on sustainable development.", "content": "The establishment of the MOENV was in response to critical concerns such as net-zero emissions by 2050, air quality improvement, resource circulation, and chemical substance management. The official strategy for better environmental quality has shifted from controlling pollutions to preventive management, integrating responsibilities and expanding operations. Major efforts will be made toward systematically address five major issues: climate change, resource circulation, chemical substance management, environmental quality management, and strengthened research of environmental science.\nPresident Tsai: MOENV is tasked with three missions\nPresident Tsai said that Minister Shieu was a scientist with administrative competence that takes proactive initiatives. With a background in materials engineering, he has devoted his past efforts to researching energy-efficient and circular materials. During his eight-year tenure as president of National Chung Hsing University, he not only established Taiwan’s Academy of Circular Economy, but also set up a Sustainable Development Office and installed an energy-saving and carbon reduction system. He was the first to advocate for the vision of achieving net-zero emissions on campus by 2040.\nPresident Tsai emphasized that since taking office in 2016, her administration has been actively engaged in government organizational reform to enhance governance. The restructured MOENV will be tasked with three major objectives in the future. The first is coordination of climate change policies and establishment of a carbon pricing mechanism. The second one is to advance resource recycling management, achieving zero waste by shifting the focus from post-pollution controls to design and planning at the beginning. And finally, the capacity for technological research and development, with the MOENV working with the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to utilize technology as a cornerstone for addressing climate change and environmental governance.\nPremier Chen: A sustainable environment is essential for Taiwan’s future\n\"Only with a sustainable environment can we have a sustainable Taiwan,\" said Premier Chen. He pointed out that the restructuring of the EPA would consolidate responsibilities across various departments in response to global efforts toward net-zero emissions. Following President Tsai's pledge of \"net-zero emissions by 2050\" two years ago, not only will the MOENV finish amending the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法), but the recent establishment of Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange (TCX) has demonstrated the ongoing progress in the carbon tax mechanism. Moreover, the Executive Yuan has a budget in the tens of billions planned out to initiate projects related to net-zero technologies across multiple government agencies. Premier Chen emphasized that every agency will play a significant role in environmental matters in the future. Only through inter-agency cooperation would Taiwan achieve the best outcomes for sustainable development and that future generations live in a resilient and comfortable Taiwan.\n\nMinister Shieu: Full implementation of the transition pathway to ultimately achieve net-zero emissions by 2050\n\"Environmental sustainability is not only our mission, but also a severe global challenge we all face,\" stated MOENV Minister Shieu. The average monthly temperature in July this year marked the highest point in 100,000 years, as the world experienced extreme heat, heavy rainfalls, and incidents such as wildfires in Hawaii and drought in the Panama Canal. Extreme climate change phenomena are currently affecting every corner of the globe at an unprecedented speed. The transition from the EPA to the MOENV marked a significant milestone, and the MOENV will mobilize its entire staff and fully dedicate itself onward to mitigate these impacts.\nMinister Shieu said the ministry’s future endeavor and its ultimate goal will be net-zero emissions, as it steadfastly follows the pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050. The MOENV will continue to expand social dialogues and promote circular economy, zero emissions, as well as zero waste. This will enable Taiwan to undergo a successful transition in energy, industry, lifestyle, and society, and become resilient and sustainable.\nMinister Shieu pointed out that the shift of the MOENV’s mission from pollution control to proactive management presents a tremendous challenge. Nevertheless, research institutes across Taiwan boast abundant capabilities, so in the future the MOENV will collaborate closely with the academic community and the industrial sector. The establishment of the National Environmental Research Academy, a merger of the Environmental Analysis Laboratory and the Environmental Staff Training Institute, is part of the ministry’s plan to have it as a think tank that conducts forward-looking research and assists in proactive management.\nIn the restructuring, the Climate Change Administration (CCA) was set up to accelerate legislation and organization of tasks that respond to climate change, and the Resource Circulation Administration (RCA) to integrate management of industrial waste reuse as well as strengthen resource circulation. The Chemicals Administration (CA) was formed to expand and improve chemical substance management, while the Environmental Management Administration (EMA) is designed to enhance coordination of waste treatment facilities and environmental quality management. Finally, the National Environmental Research Academy (NERA) is established to bolster environmental research capabilities and elevate the expertise of its staff in the area of net-zero emissions. With the establishment of these agencies, the ministry aims to actively address global environmental issues and create opportunities in Taiwan’s transition.\nThe inception of the ministry reflects the government's increased effectiveness in promoting green economy and sustainable development policies. With continuous environmental education and campaigns, the ministry strives to raise public awareness of environmental issues and work toward the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 in order to leave a clean and healthy environment for future generations.\nMinister Shieu's first official document upon assuming office was the appointment letter for the entire MOENV staff. It was transmitted electronically to all workers in the ministry, formally announcing the formation of a new team. On the same day, various directors and heads of the MOENV divisions were also appointed and took their oaths of office. They included the CCA Director Tsai Ling-i, the RCA Director Lai Ying-ying, the CA Director Hsieh Yein-rui, the EMA Director Yen Hsu-ming, and Acting Director Chang Shun-chin of the NERA.", "year": "2023", "month": "8", "assortment": "General policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4317", "title": "Taiwan Aligns with International Conventions in Prohibiting ", "preview": "Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid and Its Salts and Related Compounds\nIn response to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (hereinafter referred to as the Stockholm Convention) adding perfluorohexane sulfonic acid and its salts and related compounds to its list of controlled substances, the EPA has amended the Regulated Toxic Chemical Substances and Their Operations and Management (列管毒性化學物質及其運作管理事項). Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid and its salts and related compounds have been classified as toxic chemical substances, and operation and management regulations have been established to strengthen the management of such substances in Taiwan.", "content": "Persistent organic pollutants possess characteristics such as being difficult to break down, having long-range transport capabilities, and bioaccumulation, which pose a health risk to living organisms. In response to this, the United Nations established the Stockholm Convention to eliminate, restrict, and reduce persistent organic pollutants, so as to safeguard human health and the environment. This preannouncement was in line with the addition of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid and its salts and related compounds to the Stockholm Convention, and took the directive list provided by the Stockholm Convention as reference. It added Annex 1 to Paragraph 1 of the announcement, which specifies the regulatory scope, encompassing 147 types of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid and its salts and related compounds, aligning with international control measures.\n\nPerfluorohexane sulfonic acid and its salts and related compounds were added to Annex A (elimination list) of the Stockholm Convention in 2022. Due to their environmental persistence and bioaccumulation characteristics, they fall under Category 1 toxic chemicals as defined by the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act . As a result, they have been classified as Category 1 toxic chemicals, with control concentration set at the full concentration. In accordance with the Convention's provisions, their use is comprehensively prohibited except for purposes such as research, testing, and education. Additionally, control concentrations for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, lithium perfluorooctane sulfonate, perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride, and perfluorooctanoic acid have been simultaneously adjusted from 0.01% to full concentration.\n\nThe EPA has investigated the usage of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid and its salts, as well as related compounds by domestic enterprises and found that these substances are primarily employed for research, experimentation, education, with no other complicated purposes. The impact of the amendment on Taiwan’s industry is quite limited.\n\nFor the handling of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid and its salts and related compounds involving requirements such as permit applications, labeling, transportation, detection and alarm equipment, professional technical management personnel, and the establishment of professional response personnel, businesses have been granted a phased implementation buffer period of six months to one and a half years.\nFurthermore, for the handling of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, lithium perfluorooctane sulfonate, perfluorooctanoyl fluoride, and perfluorooctanoic acid when their concentrations do not exceed 0.01%, involving requirements such as permit applications, hazard prevention, and response regulations, businesses have also been granted a phased implementation buffer period of six months to one and a half years.", "year": "2023", "month": "7", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4316", "title": "Smart Location Service Affords Owners of Scrap Motorcycles Greater Convenience", "preview": "To promote smart operation and convenience of vehicle scrapping, the EPA introduced the service of using smart location for scrap motorcycles so that owners need not be present for vehicle pickup. Trial operation would officially begin on 1 August 2023. Through this new service, motorcycle owners no longer need to be present to coordinate with recyclers for vehicle pickup, allowing recycling without physical presence, thereby saving time and raising overall efficiency. This intelligent service will bring revolutionary changes to the vehicle scrapping process, making the recycling process more convenient and efficient.", "content": "The vehicle scrapping process has gone through some growing pain. Vehicle owners were required to pre-arrange a time with a recycling company and then go to the designated location to complete the recycling process. This wait-for-each-other model could result in a waste of time, and problems such as the inability of recycling companies to contact the vehicle owner in a timely manner or inaccuracies in the location could also affect overall efficiency. In addition, many vehicle owners had to take time off or delay other important activities to facilitate the recycling, causing unnecessary inconvenience. The introduction of the service of using smart location for scrap motorcycles is precisely aimed at addressing these concerns and inconveniences, making the entire recycling process more convenient.\n\nThe One-Stop Vehicle Scrapping Platform (https:\/\/epamotor.epa.gov.tw\/people\/OneStepServiceIndex.aspx) was set up with the concepts of integration and data sharing in its services. Through collaboration across government agencies and the use of technologies, the platform is dedicated to creating an innovative and user-friendly vehicle scrapping service. In 2022, it received the Outstanding Award of the “2022 Selection and Promotion Program for Benchmark Learning Cases” in the central government category and the \"2022 Cloud IoT Innovation Award\" for outstanding application, demonstrating its outstanding achievements in innovative services.\n\nCurrently, thanks to the platform, members of the public can apply for cancelation of vehicle registration, pay for fuel consumption and license taxes, or take care of other errands, reducing the time spent on traveling to inspection and taxation agencies, as well as physically waiting in line. From its official launch in January 2022 to June 2023, the platform had recorded a total of 1,089,833 visits. This has saved the public approximately 4,360,000 hours of leave time for in-person transactions and reduced postage costs by approximately NT$54.5 million. It is estimated that this platform has saved the public indirect time costs of over NT$500 million for tasks such as canceling vehicle registrations and renewing license plates. It not only reduces operating costs and improves service efficiency but also provides tangible time savings and convenience for the public.\n\nDespite the aforementioned benefits, the public still needed to meet recyclers in person in order to scrap their vehicles. Therefore, the EPA further enhanced the One-Stop Vehicle Scrapping Platform by introducing the service of smart location for scrap motorcycles, which will make recycling of scrap vehicles even more convenient and efficient. The service application process consists of three simple steps:\n\nStep one: Enter the vehicle owner's ID number (or business registration number, or resident certificate number), select the vehicle type as \"motorcycle,\" input the license plate number, and click on the option of “Smart Location for Scrap Motorcycles.” \n\nStep two: Choose a recycling company and proceed with cellphone verification.\n\nStep three: Pinpoint the location where the scrap vehicle is parked, upload a photo of the vehicle, and provide a remote electronic signature.\n\nThe EPA urges users of the “Smart Location for Scrap Motorcycles” service be mindful of the following three prohibitions: \n1) No illegal parking: Please adhere to the regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Rules (道路交通安全規則) for motorcycle parking and avoid parking motorcycles in private parking lots or in places that violate traffic rules.\n\n2) Do not leave keys behind: Vehicle owners are advised not to leave keys behind to prevent vehicle theft. \n\n3) Do not move the vehicle: Once the vehicle’s location for pickup has been determined, please refrain from moving the motorcycle to ensure that the recycling company can locate it at the designated spot.", "year": "2023", "month": "7", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4315", "title": "Guidelines for Reducing Online Shopping Packaging 2.0 Launched", "preview": "On 1 August, the EPA officially launched the Guidelines for Reducing Online Shopping Packaging 2.0 (網購包裝減量指引 2.0) and announced a total of 22 businesses that had obtained the Reduced Online Shopping Packaging Logo. This initiative aimed to encourage consumers to choose platforms with the reduced packaging logo when making online purchases, promoting environmental conservation and love for the planet. Additionally, an online shopping packaging reduction forum was held to which experts, scholars, and businesses were invited to share international practices and measures for packaging reduction. Through these exchanges, the goal was to further expand the benefits of packaging reduction efforts.", "content": "Since 2019, the EPA has been promoting the Guidelines for Reducing Online Shopping Packaging (網購包裝減量指引), guiding businesses to join the Online Shopping Packaging Reduction Alliance. Many well-known large-scale online shopping businesses have actively participated in response. The shipping volume of the Online Shopping Packaging Reduction Alliance accounts for approximately 60% of the national B2C online shopping shipping volume.\n\nTo ensure continuous progress, the EPA announced the Targets and Implementation Methods for Restriction of Internet Shopping Packaging (網際網路購物包裝限制使用對象及實施方式), which was implemented in July. After the implementation, the EPA has been collaborating with local environmental bureaus to initiate random inspections to verify standard operating procedures of businesses and provide guidance to establish self-management practices. In this initial round of inspections, the focus was on the shipping packaging centers of large-scale online shopping businesses that primarily sold cosmetics and daily necessities, books and audiovisual publications, electronic communication equipment, health products, etc. All inspected businesses met the inspection criteria.\n\nThe EPA stated that after implementing the packaging reduction measures, the use of packaging material is expected to reduce by up to 90,000 metric tons by 2026, resulting in a reduction of 280,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. At this rate, by 2030, the goal of reducing packaging weight by nearly 50% will be achieved. Through the Online Shopping Packaging Reduction Forum, experts and scholars were able to share international cases and approaches for packaging reduction. Pioneering domestic businesses were also invited to share their measures and experiences in promoting packaging reduction. Through these exchanges, cooperation and connections among upstream, midstream, and downstream businesses were facilitated. Together, these businesses will demonstrate their successful examples to other online shopping businesses that have not yet participated in the packaging reduction initiative and allow them to emulate their effective practices, thus expanding the impact of the initiative.", "year": "2023", "month": "7", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4314", "title": "Smart Fence System to Be Established for Timely Pollution Monitoring and Environmental Enforcement ", "preview": "To ascertain the air, water, and waste pollution potential and to proactively prevent the spread of pollution, the EPA showcased the \"Smart Fence System\" on 19 July, and planned to seek funding from the Executive Yuan. The EPA aimed to gradually set up 4,000 smart fence device points to monitor air, water, and waste pollution over a span of six years. Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring equipment and AI analysis modules will be used to enable pollution prevention and timely enforcement actions.", "content": "The EPA indicated that society has entered the digital era, and environmental law enforcement shall also keep pace by evolving into \"remote enforcement.\" After the EPA is restructured as the Ministry of Environment, the Environmental Management Administration is established, making remote enforcement a crucial policy, and strategically planning with forward-thinking to devise comprehensive environmental improvement strategies. This will transform Taiwan's approach to environmental quality management from \"pollution control\" to \"prevention management.\" The most significant transformation will involve shifting from a passive to a proactive approach, systematically addressing environmental issues.\n\nThe EPA will utilize technology and employ the Smart Fence System for remote enforcement, enabling real-time handling of pollution incidents to prevent further spread of pollution. It plans to install remote monitoring devices at critical locations in pollution hotspots, creating a sweeping network to ascertain the air, water, and waste pollution potential.\n\nMonitoring equipment for illegal waste dumping, air pollution, and water pollution has been gradually established, and the Smart Fence Program will move towards more systematic planning. The EPA plans to set up 4,000 smart fence device points over a period of six years. The initial plan includes setting up 3,200 monitoring points at 120 air pollution hotspots, 200 monitoring points at 100 water pollution hotspots, and 600 monitoring points for illegal waste dumping hotspots, among which 400 points will be located near 200 highway exits (national and provincial highways) and 200 points will be located along roads in areas with high rates of waste dumping.\n\nThe system will be able to take information collected by on-site Internet of Things (IoT) devices and transmit it to an AI module. The AI module then analyzes the degree of risk posed by abnormal pollution patterns, automatically sends out alerts, and notifies the relevant inspection unit.\n\nThe Smart Fence System for air pollution hotspots will deploy graded air sensors based on different environments and specific air pollutant requirements to promptly detect pollution. For water pollution hotspots, the system will deploy water quality sensors at channel nodes near monitoring zones or upstream and downstream drainage points to constantly monitor watershed water quality. The system for illegal dumping will monitor waste clearance and transportation vehicles simultaneously. It will install license plate recognition systems at dumping hotspots and crucial road sections to quickly identify abnormal waste disposal activities.\n\nThe EPA emphasized that compared to the traditional method of investigating individual cases, where inspectors have to wait like cats trying to catch mice and rely on their experience to investigate after detecting abnormal pollution, the Smart Fence mechanism will cross-reference information in the system's database, such as processes and materials used by each factory in industrial parks, and the AI will compute a risk list, allowing inspectors to conduct enforcement with precision and efficiency.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "7", "assortment": "Environmental Monitoring", "url": "" }, { "no": "4313", "title": "Central and Local Governments Collaborate to Eliminate Dengue Sources", "preview": "", "content": "", "year": "2023", "month": "7", "assortment": "Environmental Sanitation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4312", "title": "Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network Expands Its Monitoring Scope", "preview": "On 12 July 2023, EPA Deputy Director Wang Yabin presided over the opening of the 12th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN). Jane Nishida, Assistant Administrator of the Office of International and Tribal Affairs (OITA) of the USEPA also delivered a speech via a pre-recorded video, acknowledging the efforts and contributions to the environment by the EPA and APMMN partner countries. This year's annual meeting was conducted both in-person and via video conferencing, with the participation of over 50 government officials and scholars from 17 countries. It aimed to deepen Taiwan's collaboration with Asian nations in mercury monitoring and enhance Taiwan's profile in the field of international environmental monitoring.\n ", "content": "The APMMN annual meeting this year featured various presentations and activities. Among the speakers, Professor David Gay from the US Atmospheric Deposition Program shared insights into mercury management actions in North America, and David Schmeltz from the USEPA spoke about the latest developments and future prospects of the APMMN. A representative from the EPA's Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau spoke about Taiwan's achievements and experiences in mercury management following the Minamata Convention, while Professor Hsu Guey-rung from National Central University presented the current status of APMMN implementation. Representatives from various countries were also able to share the current status of atmospheric mercury monitoring in their respective countries. \n\nFurthermore, the EPA organized training sessions on mercury wet deposition sampling and analysis techniques. Meeting attendees were invited to visit the EPA-established Center for Environmental Monitoring and Technology and the Mercury Analysis Laboratory, where they received some hands-on training on ultratrace mercury analysis and quality assurance and control (QA\/QC) procedures. Such training activities would enhance the technical capabilities and data quality of partner countries in mercury monitoring.\n \nThe EPA stated that as a member of the global community, Taiwan is committed to protecting human health and the environment from the impacts of anthropogenic emissions of mercury and its compounds. Since 2012, the EPA has collaborated with the USEPA to jointly operate the APMMN and conduct atmospheric mercury monitoring, exchanges on environmental monitoring technology, and data sharing among countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The network serves to assist partner countries in meeting the requirements of Article 19 of the Minamata Convention, thereby enhancing their capabilities in atmospheric mercury monitoring. Since its establishment, the APMMN has helped partner countries set up 13 mercury wet deposition samplers as well as analyze over 1,450 rainwater mercury samples. Through this annual meeting, the EPA hopes to foster close partnerships and collaboratively advance the goals of the Minamata Convention, ultimately contributing to a sustainable future for generations to come.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "7", "assortment": "Environmental Monitoring", "url": "" }, { "no": "4311", "title": "Opinions Collected on Draft Climate Adaptation Plans", "preview": "The EPA and various government agencies have collaborated on the developing of the draft for the third phase of the National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan (國家氣候變遷調適行動計畫). The purpose is to address the ongoing severe challenges posed by climate change. The draft focuses on eight key areas, including essential infrastructure, water resources, land use, coastal and marine environments, energy supply and industries, agricultural production and biodiversity, and health and capacity building. It encompasses 125 action plans aimed at enhancing adaptation capacity via scientific approaches and bases.", "content": "The World Meteorological Organization has reported that the global daily average temperature has broken records by 3°C since July, with an average temperature reaching 17.23°C. This is estimated to be the highest temperature seen on Earth in the past 100,000 years. Furthermore, on 16 July, the Xinjiang region of China recorded an astonishing temperature of 52.2°C.\n \nThe climate change issues in Taiwan that require close attention are high temperatures, drought, and extreme rainfall. The National Science Council has published a report with excerpts of scientific points from the International Panel on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report (IPCC WR16) and the updated analysis of climate change in Taiwan. According to the report, the annual average temperature in Taiwan has risen by approximately 1.6°C over the past century. In the last 60 years, there has been a noticeable increase in the occurrence of dry years, and both the intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall events have shown significant upward trends. Competent government authorities for the relevant fields have all proposed various strategies to mitigate potential future impacts. These strategies include enhancing environmental adaptation capabilities, strengthening resilience among vulnerable populations, introducing diverse mitigation strategies in urban and rural areas, and enhancing the water resource management system.\n \nIn 2022, the third phase of the National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan was drafted by the EPA in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and 15 other government agencies. The collaboration involved a review of past mitigation efforts and took into account the latest domestic and international scientific information on climate change. The plan incorporates provisions and concepts within the special chapter on adaptation under the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法), such as establishing regular national mitigation measures, baseline national adaptation scenarios, integration of climate risk factors into the mitigation framework, and building adaptation capacity. A platform covering different fields is to be set up to enhance coordination and integration across government agencies and sectors, and the plan also facilitates a nature-based approach to adaptation action plans.\n \nThe EPA conducted public hearings in Kaohsiung and Taichung on 14 and 17 July, respectively. These hearings served as a platform for gathering input from scholars, experts, civic organizations, and various other stakeholders. What was gathered during this process of information disclosure and communication will serve as references for the action plans future revisions. Additionally, proposals for various schemes under the draft action plan are available to the public online on the Taiwan Adaptation Platform (https:\/\/adapt.epa.gov.tw), which is actively collecting feedback and opinions.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "7", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4310", "title": "Measures Proposed to Clean up River Pollution in Hsinchu", "preview": "In order to comprehensively address pollution issues in Fengshan Creek of Hsinchu County, the EPA conducted an onsite investigation near the water intake point of the creek on 10 July 2023. Representatives from the Water Resources Agency (WRA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Second River Management Office, Taiwan Water Corporation, and the Hsinchu County Government have also been invited to participate in discussions regarding the removal of pollution sources and subsequent control measures.", "content": " \nMayor Chen Kuang-tsai of Guanxi Township and several local representatives from Guanxi attended the onsite inspection. They expressed that although the water intake point has been relocated upstream, the safety of drinking water is temporarily ensured. However, they hope that the government can assist on the lingering odor issue in Fengshan Creek, including the cleanup of residual pollutants in the riverbed between the Guanxi Water Treatment Plant's water intake point and the Duofentou Bridge downstream. The chairman of the Guanxi Environmental Protection Association, Lo Kung-chi, further stated that public concerns will always exist as long as there are factories within the area that affect the safety of drinking water. Therefore, there should be robust management mechanisms in place, and it is suggested water treatment plants increase placements of monitoring equipment.\n \nDirector Yan Hsu-ming Yan of the EPA's Department of Water Quality Protection has given clear instructions in response to the concerns of the local residents at the site. Addressing the pollution and odor issues that concern the public the most, the Hsinchu County Government was requested to promptly develop a plan for cleaning up river pollutants, complete an inventory of potential pollution sources around the water intake point upstream within two weeks, and strengthen enforcement efforts. Additionally, the local Environmental Protection Bureaus are to increase sampling and testing frequencies at water treatment plants and direct water supply points, as well as include testing for styrene compounds. All necessary funds for these measures can be provided as subsidies by the EPA. Moreover, Director Yan urged the Taiwan Water Corporation's Third District Management Office to expedite submission of supplementary materials for the draft plan to establish Fengshan Creek Water Quality and Quantity Protection Zone. The plan is to be promptly submitted the WRA for review in order to facilitate the establishment of a water quality protection zone for the water source of Fengshan Creek. ", "year": "2023", "month": "7", "assortment": "water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4309", "title": "Restrictions Announced to Reduce Single-Use Lodging Supplies", "preview": "On 17 July the EPA announced the Targets and Measures for Restrictions of Single-Use Lodging Supplies (一次用旅宿用品限制使用對象及實施方式). Lodging providers shall be prohibited from offering liquid toiletry and bodycare products in single-use packaging with a volume of less than 180 milliliters, and shall be required to provide large-bottle wall-mounted shower products instead. The EPA stated that enterprises will be given a buffer period to deplete their inventory and adjust, with inspections commencing from 1 January 2025.", "content": "The targets and measures have been formulated by the EPA in accordance with international practices and to align with the trend to reduce plastic waste. These regulations apply to various accommodation enterprises, including tourism hotels, regular hotels, bed-and-breakfast establishments, and lodging enterprises. Under these regulations, liquid toiletries and grooming products such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion are required to be provided in large bottles instead of small single-use containers. Personal hygiene items such as combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, shaving foam, and shower caps are not to be actively displayed. However, ancillary facilities like spas and swimming pools, services, and business facilities outside the guest rooms are not subject to these restrictions concerning personal hygiene items.\n \nThe use of small-packaged toiletry products commonly seen in the past had generated a significant amount of waste. The goal is to achieve source reduction and promote environmental protection among travelers by advocating for the use of larger-sized products over smaller ones and encouraging guests to bring their own items. The EPA also noted that even before the policy came into effect, many enterprises had already taken proactive measures, such as offering eco-friendly accommodation options and refraining from automatically providing disposable amenities. In addition, the public is urged to prioritize sustainable tourism and choose eco-friendly lodging establishments of this kind.\n \nOnce the restrictions are effective, it is estimated they will reduce use of such products by over 460 million small containers per year, of approximately 2,100 metric tons in weight. This reduction is equivalent to an annual emission reduction of 2,500 metric tons. By replacing small containers with larger ones, the overall plastic usage is expected to decrease by about 30%. The EPA emphasizes once again that there is still a transition period of over one year before the regulation officially takes effect, so enterprises are reminded to promptly adjust their service models and transition gradually.\n \nThe EPA stresses that the regulation does not entail a complete ban on toiletry products, but rather seeks to achieve sustainable tourism that meets the needs for both tourism and environmental protection through consumption and services. The reduction of disposable amenities need not compromise the quality of hotel services. Subsequently, the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) will collaborate to adjust the criteria for the Guidelines Concerning the Star-Rating System for Hotels. The EPA will also work in conjunction with the Tourism Bureau and representatives from relevant hotel industry associations to collectively enhance promotion of sustainable tourism for both domestic and international consumers. This effort is part of a broader initiative to encourage a green lifestyle and contribute to environmental protection.", "year": "2023", "month": "7", "assortment": "control and evaluation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4308", "title": "EPA Promotes Sustainable Lifestyle in SDGs Asia Exhibition", "preview": "The EPA participated in the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Asia from 21 to 23 July in Taipei, setting up a display focused on two key strategies, Net Zero Green Living and Resource Recycling and Zero Waste, and also including Low-Carbon and Sustainable Homes. The EPA showcased relevant policies and practices and, through interactive activities, helped members of the public learn how to build a future that achieves all three objectives focused on in the exhibit.", "content": "Organized by the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE), the 2023 SDGs Asia took place in Exhibition Building 1 at the Taipei World Trade Center under the theme \"Towards a Net Zero Future.\" The EPA created an interactive and educational environment by presenting clear and concise visual explanations, model displays, and audio-visual materials, enabling visitors to gain an understanding and virtual experience of the concepts and practices of sustainable development. The EPA engaged with visitors both in the 2023 SGDs Asia and from around the world to discuss future challenges and opportunities related to resource recycling, zero waste and a net-zero, sustainable lifestyle. Additionally, there were periodic interactive quiz activities with prizes at various booths within the exhibition venue, and attendees from all walks of life were welcomed to participate.\n \nThe introduction of “Taiwan's Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050\" and the 12 Key Strategies for this policy demonstrate Taiwan's commitment to addressing climate change, environmental protection, and development toward a sustainable future. Among these, both Net-Zero Green Living as well as Resource Recycling and Zero Waste are spearheaded by the EPA and have been implemented with full force.\n\nNet-Zero Green Living is a comprehensive lifestyle transformation aimed at encouraging individuals to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles and reduce their environmental footprints. The EPA is continually promoting, educating, and guiding the public through its policies. It published the Clean Zero Green Living Action Guide as a resource and guideline for taking daily environment-friendly actions, encompassing aspects such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, education, recreation, and purchase choices. Meanwhile, actual measures aim for reduced carbon emissions and plastic usage, low-carbon diets, and green transportation and consumption.\n \nResource Recycling and Zero Waste go hand in hand with the establishment of a circular economy. The EPA has been advancing five major strategies to achieve a transition towards net-zero emissions and the visions under Resource Recycling and Zero Waste. They include \"Waste Prevention by Green Design,\" \"Resource Circulation,\" \"Well-Functioning Circulation Networks,\" \"Innovative Technologies and Systems,\" and \"Value-added Waste Disposal.\" Coupled with the formulation of specialized legislation for resource circulation, these strategies aim to transform the thinking behind waste management, maximize resource circulation, and minimize waste disposal. \n\nBoth of the two exhibits specifically focused on resource recycling policies at 2023 SDGs Asia featured policy demonstrations, areas showcasing recycling practices, and interactive checkpoints. The EPA's resource circulation policies were clearly illustrated, and various recycled materials and products made of reutilized wastes were featured to encourage purchasing of products incorporating the concept of resource circulation. Through this exhibition, members of the public were able to gain a deeper understanding of resource circulation and further implement it in their daily lives, so they can cooperate together with government and industry to build a sustainable and circular future.", "year": "2023", "month": "7", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4307", "title": "Air Pollution Control Action Plan", "preview": "Air quality in Taiwan has been gradually improving due to all the outstanding results via various policies, from the introduction of the Air Pollution Control Action Plan (空氣污染防制行動方案) in December 2017 to the currently ongoing Air Pollution Control Action Plan (2020 to 2023). Thanks to efforts by government agencies and local authorities in implementing air pollution reduction measures, the annual average of PM2.5 concentration had gone from 16.2 μg\/m³ in 2016 down to 12.4 μg\/m³ in 2022. These improvements have allowed Taiwan to reach its interim air quality improvement goals ahead of schedule.", "content": "Continuing to improve air quality and protecting public health is the core of environmental protection efforts. Aside from annual improvement of air quality, pollution of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in specific seasons and different regions particularly poses a more serious challenge.\n\nAir quality improvement goals\nThe then EPA had proposed the Air Pollution Control Action Plan (2020 to 2023). It aims to reduce emissions of precursor pollutants that forms PM2.5 (such as primary particulate pollutants, sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds) to achieve a national annual average concentration at 15 μg\/m³ for PM2.5 by 2023. To further ensure the public breath good-quality air, the MOENV has introduced an additional goal, aiming to halve the number of days with high PM2.5 concentrations. Specifically, the annual ratio of days categorized with “good” and “moderate” air quality, meaning whose air quality index (AQI) is not above 100, is to increase by 1% year after year. \n\nGiven the variety and complicated nature of air pollution sources, a diverse set of air pollution control measures is required to effectively lower air pollutant emissions and hence improve air quality. The EPA-proposed has integrated various control practices and formulated the Air Pollution Control Action Plan (2020-2023) include strategies on the four aspects of stationary pollution sources, mobile sources, fugitive sources, and comprehensive problem. It also aims to improve problems of PM2.5 and ozone by cutting down precursor pollutants of both pollutants. The main features of the plan are as follows:\n\n\tIn accordance with amendments to the Air Pollution Control Act, efforts have been made to expand the scope and intensity of regulations. This includes stricter emission standards for specific industries, controls concerning fuel composition and ratios of mixed combustion, reduction of existing pollution sources, controls of harmful air pollutants, and regulations on paint coatings for buildings.\n\tControl of mobile pollution sources has been expanded to include vessel and aviation fuels with ongoing efforts to lower pollution from modes of transportation, such as gas and diesel vehicles and motorcycles. Initiatives to promote electrification of urban buses and harbor management aim to reduce the impact of pollution emissions on public health.\n\tContinued efforts are being made to enhance pollution control. This includes lowering emissions from boilers and air pollution from state-owned enterprises, reviewing control fees targeting air pollution from stationary sources, and effectively enhancing factory monitoring. Practices that cut down airborne dust on riverbanks and the establishment of green walls are among the control efforts as well.\n\tAir quality will continue to be monitored and pollution emission data updated while in-depth scientific research will serve as reference for future policies and program evaluations. Moreover, environmental education is to be carried out from a human-centric perspective under the program.\n\tEfforts to improve response measures during periods of poor air quality are included in the plan, as well as diversification of control strategies and wider participation of both the public and industries. The goal is to mitigate poor air quality during the autumn and winter seasons.\n\nMain achievements (as of the end 2023)\n\tLowering of PM2.5 concentration: The national annual average PM2.5 concentration had dropped from 20 μg\/m³ in 2016 to 12.4 μg\/m³ in 2022, a 38% reduction. The ratio of the number of days with PM2.5 concentration in “good” or “moderate” categories (AQI≦100) grew from 84.8% in 2016 to 97.3% in 2023.\n\tSubstantial enhancement of air quality in central and southern Taiwan during fall and winter: Actions include collaboration across different regions, strengthened control measures, and, specifically for power plants, practices that reduce the use of coal and increase that of natural gas, and also coordination of power generation facilities. All have led to a remarkable improvement in air quality, namely a 94% drop in red alerts for PM2.5 in Kaohsiung and Pingtung, from 338 times in 2016 to 19 times in 2022, as well as another 94% drop in Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan, from 261 times in 2016 to 16 times in 2022.\n\tReduction of air pollution from state-owned enterprises: Since 2016 the overall air pollution emissions from state-owned enterprises saw a 46% in 2023. Such results include a 60% drop of emissions at Taichung Power Plant and a 69% at Hsing-Da Power Plant.\n\tBoiler improvements and replacement: Approximately 98% of regulated industrial and commercial boilers have either undergone improvements or been replaced. The percentage of gas-fired boilers, which have higher pollution capacities, has grown from 24% to 73%, a threefold increase.\n\tLess airborne dust along Zhuoshui River: Central and local authorities have collaborated to control and reduce airborne dust along Zhuoshui River, resulting in a decrease by 98%, in which airborne dust incidents went from 59 in 2017 to 2 in 2022.\n\tDiversified measures for large diesel vehicles: By 2022, the number of large diesel vehicles had dropped by nearly 47%, with approximately 68,000 phased out. Additionally, subsidies were provided for maintenance and installation of pollution control equipment on 14,000 vehicles, further reducing pollution emissions.\n\tAccelerated replacement of old motorcycles: As of the end of 2022, the EPA had phased out a total of 1,733,000 motorcycles, lowering the number of old motorcycles by 37%.\n\tReduction of air pollution in commercial ports: Efforts implemented include urging vessels to reduce speed and use low-sulfur fuels. As a result, monitoring stations near international commercial ports in Taiwan have reported a decrease in sulfur dioxide (SO2) concentrations. The most significant achievement comes from the monitoring station in Siaogang Port in Kaohsiung, which recorded a drop of annual average SO2 concentration by 64% compared to 2016.\n\tElectrification of urban buses: By 2022, a total of 1,170 commercial electric buses (excluding tour buses) had been registered and put into service. This is a 4.7-fold increase compared to 2016, when there were just 205 electric buses in operation.\n\nConclusion\nAir pollution has multiple sources and complex causes, making it impossible for the government to rely solely on a single pollution control measures to achieve results. With an invisible adversary that is PM2.5, it is essential to take a comprehensive approach that entails regulating various sources of pollution, including industrial, transportation, and fugitive sources. It also involves extensive efforts in environmental monitoring and utilization of technology for law enforcement. Moreover, it is only through collaboration among the government, the private sector, and civil organizations can the overarching goal of enhancing air quality and ensure environmental sustainability be accomplished.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "7", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4306", "title": "Biodegradable Plastic Disposable Tableware Banned from 1 Aug 2023", "preview": "To avoid the impact of biodegradable plastics on the existing recycling system in Taiwan and to further reduce the usage of disposable tableware, the EPA announced the Targets and Implementation Methods for Restriction of Disposable Tableware on 29 June 2023. Starting from 1 August 2023, eight categories of entities are prohibited from providing disposable tableware made from biodegradable plastics.", "content": "", "year": "2023", "month": "6", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4305", "title": "Implementing Online Packaging Reduction Regulations to Reduce Waste and Save Costs from 1 July", "preview": "The EPA announced in the early part of 2023 the Targets and Measures for Restrictions on Internet Shopping Packaging (網際網路購物包裝限制使用對象及實施方式), which have been put into effect as of 1 July 2023. The aim is to reduce the usage of packaging materials in online shopping at the source, thereby lowering the overall amount of online shopping packaging waste.", "content": "According to the regulations, all internet retailers are prohibited from using packaging materials containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Paper packaging materials must contain at least 90% recycled paper, and plastic packaging materials must incorporate at least 25% recycled materials. Additionally, medium-sized businesses with a capital of NT$50 million or more, or with 300 or more self-owned pickup points, must also comply with product packaging weight regulations. Large businesses with a capital of NT$150 million or more, or with 500 or more self-owned pickup points, must further adhere to annual reduction targets and result reporting requirements.\nVarious e-commerce operators have responded to the regulations by making adjustments to their packaging materials and operational procedures, all working together to reduce waste. Taking the well-known company PChome as an example, it has optimized the system for matching products with suitable boxes during shipping, implemented additional weight checks for packaging, and uses smaller boxes instead of bigger ones. They have also optimized their shipping system to consolidate products from different warehouses into a single shipment, thus reducing space wastage. Moreover, they now use 100% recycled paper pulp to make their cardboard boxes, minimize printing, and avoid bleaching the boxes. PChome stated that increasing the usage ratio of the volume of boxes and reducing external packaging also enhances loading efficiency and reduces the cost of delivery trips, thereby achieving a reduction in carbon emissions.\nSome companies have also redesigned cardboard boxes and cushioning materials, as well as designed and adopted tape-free cardboard boxes. The EPA recently invited the environmental protection bureaus to discuss and establish inspection principles. They will initiate on-site inspections of shipments from centralized warehouses and prioritize large-scale enterprises as the initial targets for inspections before the end of the year.\nSince 2019, the EPA has been implementing the Online Shopping Packaging Reduction Guidelines (網購包裝減量指引). In comparison to 2019, where the average weight of packaging materials for each online purchase was 0.322 kg, by 2022, it had decreased to approximately 0.248 kg, representing a weight reduction of about 23%. This year, the EPA is introducing the Online Shopping Packaging Reduction Guidelines 2.0(網購包裝減量指引2.0) and it is expected that after its implementation until 2030, a target of nearly 50% reduction in packaging material weight will be achieved.\nThrough legislation, the EPA aims to enable businesses to provide consumers with convenient services while simultaneously improving standard packaging and shipping processes. Complying with the regulations will help businesses to reduce the costs of packaging material procurement and logistics, offering consumers a new model of online shopping services. The ultimate goal is to achieve the effect of reducing packaging waste in e-commerce, leading to \"less packaging for shipping, reduced packaging waste, and less environmental burden.\"", "year": "2023", "month": "6", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4304", "title": "Lulin Background Station Seen by International Community as Crucial in Monitoring Asian Air Quality", "preview": "The geographic location of the Lulin Atmospheric Background Station operated by the EPA is unique, as it enables the observation of cross-border transmission of pollutants. During autumn and winter, pollutants from China can impact Taiwan due to winds from the northeast, while in spring, high-level westerly winds carry pollutants from biomass burning in Southeast Asia, affecting Taiwan’s air quality. Lulin station has been continuously monitoring greenhouse gases and air pollutants for 16 years, since its establishment in 2006. It has also joined various international monitoring networks, accumulating valuable data and research results. This has greatly contributed to understanding international background air quality pollution trends and facilitating regional environmental monitoring cooperation. The station plays a crucial role as a significant site for observing changes in atmospheric composition and climate in the western Pacific region.", "content": "The Lulin Atmospheric Background Station has been invited to join the Carbon Cycle Greenhouse Gases (CCGG) network operated by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It is also the only high-altitude background station in East Asia among the eight stations in Asia. Additionally, the station is part of the Federated Aerosol Network (FAN), Solar Radiation Network (SolRad-Net), and AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) managed by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Moreover, it is involved in the Atmospheric Mercury Network (AMNet) under the US EPA and the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP). The station actively participates in multiple international large-scale experiments and collaborates on long-term observations with Germany and Japan.\nLulin station is located at the boundary of Chiayi and Nantou counties, inside Yushan National Park. Situated at an altitude of 2862 meters in the free troposphere, it conducts long-term monitoring of greenhouse gases, radiation flux, atmospheric mercury, aerosols, and other air pollutants. According to the CCGG network, the data from this station has been referenced and published in approximately 60 internationally renowned academic journals. Among them, ten publications have appeared in prestigious journals such as Environmental Science & Technology (ES&T), Science of the Total Environment (STOTEN), and Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP). This not only demonstrates the international status and importance of Taiwan's background monitoring but also establishes the station as a crucial international platform for related scientific research.\nBefore 2006, there was no background monitoring data on greenhouse gases and air pollutants in the East Asian region. The establishment of Lulin station allows for the assessment of the impact of cross-border pollution transmission in East Asia. Monitoring data from 2006 to 2022 revealed that the summer greenhouse gas background values at Lulin station are consistent with those at the Mauna Loa background station in Hawaii (MLO). However, due to Taiwan's particular geographical location, Lulin station is more susceptible to foreign pollution influence. During spring, biomass burning in Southeast Asia contributes approximately 3.4 ppm of CO2 concentration and around 29.5 ppb of methane (CH4) concentration measured at Lulin station. Long-term data indicates an accelerating growth trend in greenhouse gas concentrations in Asia, highlighting the crucial role of Taiwan's Lulin station as a long-term observer of regional greenhouse gases and air quality.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "6", "assortment": "Environmental Monitoring", "url": "" }, { "no": "4303", "title": "Public Urged to Eliminate Stagnant Water as Dengue Fever Spreads in Southern Taiwan", "preview": "As of 27 June, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced a total of 72 indigenous dengue fever cases. Notably, in addition to a sudden surge of 54 cases recorded in Tainan City during the week of 20-26 June, Kaohsiung City has reported its first domestic case of the year. The EPA urged the public to enhance the clearing of stagnant water containers both indoors and outdoors and to take self-protection measures to interrupt the transmission of dengue fever.", "content": "The EPA stated that based on statistics from the CDC, neighboring Southeast Asian and South Asian countries are still experiencing a peak in dengue fever cases. As Taiwan’s borders remain open for travel, indigenous dengue fever cases in Taiwan have also increased and surpassed the number of cases during the same period in previous years. Additionally, the recent high temperatures and afternoon showers in various regions have led to the accumulation of stagnant water in outdoor containers, creating favorable environments for the breeding of disease-carrying mosquitoes. This consequently elevated the risk of dengue fever transmission. The EPA urged the public to remain highly vigilant and not underestimate the situation.\nThe EPA has already held six meetings involving central government agencies to inspect breeding sources within their respective jurisdictions, as well as to review and coordinate dengue fever breeding site cleaning and spraying efforts by environmental protection agencies in 2023. The EPA urged all central government agencies to continue implementing environmental management and breeding source elimination within their jurisdictions, setting an example for the public. At the same time, the EPA has been supervising local environmental protection bureaus to strengthen public education and community mobilization for the implementation of the \"Patrol, Dump, Clean, and Brush\" measures. Additionally, relevant agencies will be encouraged to increase the frequency of inspections in their respective areas of jurisdiction, in order to ensure breeding source elimination, clean up littered environments, and prevent the proliferation of disease-carrying mosquitoes.\nTo enhance local resources and improve dengue fever prevention and control capabilities, the EPA has allocated a subsidy of NT$7,000,810 to the Tainan City Environmental Protection Bureau. This funding is for emergency procurement of epidemic prevention-related supplies, including medications, spraying equipment, lawn mowers, and hiring temporary personnel to carry out dengue fever breeding source elimination tasks. The EPA's Southern Region Environmental Management Center dispatched personnel on 28 June to assist the Tainan City and Kaohsiung City environmental protection bureaus in their dengue fever prevention and control efforts.\nThe EPA once again reminded the public to wear long-sleeve and light-colored clothing when going outdoors, use government-approved mosquito repellents, and properly use environmental agents. It is essential to reinforce efforts in eliminating stagnant water from containers such as buckets, tanks, jars, pots, tires, and flowerpots around homes. Working together to maintain environmental hygiene can effectively prevent further spread of dengue fever. ", "year": "2023", "month": "6", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4302", "title": "Industry, Government and Academia Share Ideas at the Forum on Resource Circulation Transition ", "preview": "On 30 June 2023, the EPA held a forum on resource circulation titled “Transforming Resources, Advancing towards Sustainability.\" The forum was presided over by former director and honorary professor at National Cheng Kung University, Chang Juu-en. In the forum, EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang engaged in dialogues with various enterprises while the Director of the Office of Resource Circulation, Lai Ying-Ying, presented the future vision, goals, strategies, and key projects of the Resource Circulation Administration. Leading companies from six major sectors also shared their experiences on how they transform waste into resources to promote resource circulation. They also exchanged and interacted with others on innovative ideas and directions for promoting resource circulation.", "content": "To enhance the understanding of enterprises and the public regarding resource circulation policies and promotion directions, and to foster exchanges that encourage enterprises to adopt resource circulation practices and transform their resource utilization methods, the EPA organized the forum on resource circulation titled “Transforming Resources, Advancing towards Sustainability.\" \nDirector Lai Ying-Ying pointed out that in order to promote \"zero waste through resource circulation,\" the Resource Circulation Administration has initiated the formulation of the Resource Circulation Promotion Act (資源循環促進法). Through legislative changes, the government aims to transform the concept of waste management, enhance resource recycling, and improve overall waste management. The waste management will involve five stages: waste reduction, reuse (without changing forms), recycling (changing forms), energy recovery (such as solid recovered fuel), and proper disposal. These stages are accompanied by five major promotion strategies: green design for waste reduction at source, resource reutilization through recycling, establishing smooth circulation networks, innovation in technology and systems, and value-added treatment of waste.\n\"We should not be freeloaders on the environment, and we must not burden our descendants with debt,\" said Mr. Ker-Fu Lu, Vice General Manager of Taiwan Cement. He shared \"Cement Industry Resource Recycling - A Case Study of Taiwan Cement\" and emphasized the company's goal to become a participant in the circular economy and a contributor to urban cleanliness. Taiwan Cement aims to achieve this through three core business areas: low-carbon cement and new construction materials, waste management, and sustainable development of new energy. \nMs. She-pin Hung, General Manager of Fwusow Industry, presented \"Establishing and Operating a Circular Agricultural System.\" She said the company has a mission to \"provide the public with safe and healthy food,\" and is committed to realizing the vision of \"developing a green enterprise.\"\n\"The business model of resource circulation is the industrial value of the circular economy,\" said Mr. Hui-ching Yeh, Head of the Carbontech & Management Group at YFY Inc. He shared the \"Resource Circulation Business Model.\" He presented how the company created a resource circulation and high-value circular economy industry chain based on agricultural, paper, energy, water, and carbon flows. By promoting effective resource circulation, the company is pioneering a high-value circular economy and YFY Inc.’s comprehensive circular system, achieving sustainable production.\nMr. Lai Huai-ren, Senior Division Manager at UMC, shared \"Waste Reduction and Resource Circulation in the Semiconductor Industry.\" Through measures such as process technology improvement and raw material reduction at the source, they are striving towards achieving the goal of zero waste. He also suggested that the government could leverage big data and AI technology to proactively recommend potential matches or collaborations, forming “the large leads the small” partnerships or industry chains to accelerate the pace of resource circulation.\nMr. Xie Ji-Ye, Chairman of Feng Yu United Engineering, shared \"Construction Circulation and Low-carbon Transformation.\" He emphasized the use of the 5R approach (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, and Remanufacture) to plan for circular construction and consider the entire lifecycle of buildings to achieve zero waste in construction. The company focuses on energy-efficient and precise structural design in buildings, the repeated use of temporary facilities and system templates to minimize waste, and the development of durable, recyclable, and renewable building materials to achieve waste reduction, resource minimization, and carbon reduction goals.\nEPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang expressed gratitude to the leading companies for their introduction of key practices and achievements in resource circulation and for their sharing of valuable experiences and suggestions with the participants. He emphasized that among the 12 strategies for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, \"Zero Waste through Resource Circulation\" is a crucial one. The goal is to maximize the utilization of resources and minimize waste, treating all reusable materials as resources that should be recycled or reused.\nMinister Chang stated that if recycled products cannot compete with raw materials, there is a possibility of them being discarded. In such cases, the government must intervene by implementing regulations, providing incentives, or offering technological guidance to facilitate their integration into the recycling loop. During the transition towards resource circulation, enacting specialized laws is a critical step, and establishing a dedicated Resource Circulation Administration under the Ministry of Environment would provide a greater driving force to realize these efforts.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "6", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4301", "title": "Environment-friendly Chicken Farms Contribute to Achieving Net-Zero Green Living", "preview": "Egg-laying chickens can also live in luxury coops. Unlike traditional chicken egg farms where odors and disease transmission are prevalent, modern chicken farms adopt spacious environments, comfortable surroundings, and advanced monitoring equipment. They also install eco-friendly equipment for air, waste, and wastewater treatment, ensuring both environmental protection and animal welfare and providing sustainable conditions for livestock and poultry. From pollution reduction at source to embracing circular economy practices, these farms strive to work with others to achieve the goal of net-zero green living.", "content": "Traditional chicken egg farms are characterized by open spaces where chicken manure is difficult to collect and process, leading to the generation of unpleasant odors. These farms face challenges such as outbreaks of diseases like avian influenza, unstable egg production rates, and are often considered as facilities to be avoided by neighboring communities. As a result, environmental authorities frequently receive complaints about the foul odors associated with these farms.\nMost modern chicken farms adopt controlled environments, effectively preventing the spread of diseases. Indoor temperature control helps avoid excessive water intake by chickens, reducing the water content and weight of chicken manure, which, in turn, reduces the generation of odors and indirectly decreases fuel consumption and carbon emissions during waste transportation. Additionally, the use of nesting boxes ensures that eggs remain uncontaminated by feces, facilitating a reduction in water usage during the cleaning and sorting stages. Chicken manure can be recycled as organic fertilizer, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, wastewater from egg washing is treated and either recycled or used for irrigation, promoting water conservation and resource circulation. Through environmental protection measures concerning waste, air, and wastewater, the unpleasant odors around the chicken coops are eliminated, and the overall environment becomes clean and comparable to that of modern technology industries, showcasing the effectiveness of environmental management.\nThe EPA calls on livestock and poultry farmers to embrace the concept of circular economy, minimizing resource wastage and maximizing resource reuse. They are encouraged to enhance the living conditions for the livestock, improve animal welfare, and actively contribute to environmental protection efforts to achieve sustainable development goals.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "6", "assortment": "Water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4300", "title": "Adjusted Air Pollution Fees Provide More Incentives to Lower Emissions ", "preview": "To further lower air pollutant emissions during periods of poor air quality, on 30 June 2023 the EPA announced the amended control fee rates for air pollution emissions from stationary sources, which took effect on 1 July 2023. The amendments include widening the gap in seasonal fee rates, revising the calculation method for flare stack fees, adjusting the fees for dioxins, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and initiating collection of new air pollution fees for three VOCs. The purpose is to increase benefits from reducing both conventional and harmful air pollutants through enhanced economic incentives, which are expected to cut approximately another 9,000 metric tons of air pollutants annually.", "content": "Focuses of amendments to the control fee rates for air pollution from stationary sources are as follows:\n1. Expanding seasonal fee rate differentiation and reducing incentives\nThe revisions have raised the first and fourth-quarter fees for periods of poor air quality as well as incentives for air pollution reduction efforts. This aims to reduce air pollutant emissions through economic incentives, encouraging enterprises and public and private premises to adjust production capacity or enhance proper operation of pollution control equipment during periods of poor air quality.\n2. Facilitating enterprises to voluntarily reduce use of flare stacks\nUnder the revisions, fee rates and calculation methods for flare stacks have been adjusted and further integrated into the control standards for VOC emissions. Air pollution control fees regarding flare stacks are now calculated based on factors such as the annual cumulative times of usage, operating hours, and exhaust gas flows, urging enterprises to actively cut use of flare stacks.\n3. Adjusting and adding rates for emissions of hazardous air pollutants\nBased on the concept of risk to health, the amendments have adjusted rates for dioxins, heavy metals, and harmful VOCs and introduced new air pollution fees for three harmful VOCs, namely vinyl chloride, 1,3-butadiene, and acrylonitrile. These measures aim to encourage enterprises to reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants. \nThe EPA stated that this fee revision primarily impacts industries involved in producing electricity, steel, petrochemicals, cement, panel manufacturing, and others. It is hoped that while pursuing economic development, these industries will take greater responsibility to reduce air pollution. Through economic incentives, the revisions strive to push enterprises to lower air pollution emissions and expenditures on air pollution control fees by using measures such as proactively adjusting production capacity, installing pollution control equipment and enhancing facility efficiency during periods of poor air quality.\nThe EPA further explained that, when announcing the draft revisions to the fee rates on 1 February 2023, it had initially planned to introduce new emission categories and rates for high-emission entities. The formulation process originally relied on emission data analysis from 2015 to 2019. However, the EPA later considered that proactive implementation of air pollution control measures in recent years had resulted in an approximate 30% drop in stationary-source pollution emissions in 2021 in comparison with those in 2016. This shows a disparity exists between the level of originally planned emission categories for high-emission entities and their actual emissions in recent years. This is due to accumulative, overall efforts to tighten and evaluate over 110 sets of regulations since the amended Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) was promulgated on 1 August 2018. Therefore, the EPA reanalyzed the threshold for categories of high-emission entities based on the latest data.\nThe EPA reminded enterprises that the regulations mentioned above will take effect as of October 2023, during which public and private premises declare their control fees for air pollutants from stationary sources for the third quarter of 2023 (July to September 2023). More detailed information concerning fee rates are available on the EPA website at (https:\/\/oaout.epa.gov.tw\/law\/index.aspx).\n", "year": "2023", "month": "6", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4299", "title": "Revisions Double Fines for Vehicle Noise at Night ", "preview": "To expand protection of a peaceful nighttime environment, the EPA has issued the revised penalty criteria for violations of the Noise Control Act (噪音管制法). Specifically, during nighttime hours and designated periods during the day, motor vehicle noise that impairs tranquility of the lives of others will be subject to increased penalties. The initial violation will incur a fine of NT$6,000, double the previous amount. Repeat offenders will face escalating penalties up to maximum of NT$30,000. Additionally, those found to exceed the noise control standards through inspections will be directly fined the statutory maximum amount of NT$3,600.", "content": "The EPA explained that currently over half of Taiwan’s county and city governments have made announcements in accordance with the Noise Control Act Article 8, designating specific time periods and places in which use of \"uncertified exhaust pipes\" on vehicles constitutes an activity that disturbs the peace and quiet of others. Moreover, five counties and cities have issued announcements declaring it a disruption of tranquility for vehicles to be driven on roads after having \"any modifications to exhaust pipes that were originally inspected and certified by the competent authority for noise inspections\". Violators of these regulations may be fined between NT$3,000 to NT$30,000 under the Noise Control Act Article 23. In addition, amendments have been made to increase fines for violations in order to further deter noisy motor vehicle activity during nighttime and in areas requiring special tranquility (including schools, libraries, and medical institutions). Also, those found to exceed the noise control standards through inspections will be directly fined the maximum amount specified under the Noise Control Act Article 26.\nFurthermore, the EPA also suggests that counties and cities can plan joint cross-county inspections and enforcement during the most active period of noisy vehicles in the summer. Other counties and cities without relevant announcements about disturbances to public peace are advised to refer to the practices of the aforementioned counties and cities and promptly list certain behaviors as disturbances of tranquility. Such behaviors include using uncertified exhaust pipes and driving vehicles on the roads with modifications to the exhaust pipes that were originally inspected and certified by the competent authority for noise. This comprehensive approach aims to effectively curb the generation of noise caused by vehicles with modified exhaust pipes.\nOther than the Noise Control Act, the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act (道路交通管理處罰條例) Article 43 also stipulates penalties for car drivers who remove mufflers or make noise by other means. Offenders may be fined between NT$6,000 to $36,000 and immediately prohibited from continuing to drive the vehicle. If they violate the regulation again within one year, their driver's license will be suspended for six months. It is recommended that county and city governments strengthen cooperation between environmental authorities and the police in enforcement of the law and carry out special inspections targeting periods and areas where noisy vehicles are frequently present, in accordance with the aforementioned laws.\nTo effectively control the modification of exhaust pipes at the source, in 2019 the EPA implemented a certification system to regulate noise generated from modified exhaust pipes. Exhaust pipes are assigned specific codes and registered under this system. Modification enterprises are encouraged to have their products undergo certification testing, and a qualification code is issued and stamped on the exhaust pipes once they pass the inspection. So far, 159 sets of certified exhaust pipes have been approved, and all information is made publicly available on the \"List of Vehicles Compliant with the Noise Control Standards (噪音管制標準)\" (https:\/\/www.artc.org.tw\/carmode). This allows vehicle owners to freely access and download the information.\nMoreover, the EPA is continuously reviewing and refining the certification system for exhaust pipes regarding aspects such as label designs, management of modification enterprises, registration of modifications, and clarity of identification. Also, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has been advised to look into regulations on road safety and require vehicles that switch to modified exhaust pipes to use certified ones and undergo registration to document the switch with the competent authorities for motor vehicles. Via a comprehensive approach that combines source management, end-of-pipe controls, and law enforcement with acoustic photography, the central and local authorities are able to collaborate and effectively control noisy vehicles, maintaining the tranquility of everyone’s living environments.", "year": "2023", "month": "6", "assortment": "noise control", "url": "" }, { "no": "4298", "title": "EIA Standards Set for Offshore Wind Power Development", "preview": "In response to renewable energy development goals pushed under Taiwan's energy policies, the EPA has established relevant administrative measures to enhance the efficiency of environmental impact assessments (EIA) in order to develop green energy while ensuring compliance with environmental protection requirements. In addressing concerns from various sectors about the efficiency of the EIA process, the EPA has set specific targets to complete EIAs within 6 months to 1 year. Additionally, measures have been initiated to improve relevant administrative procedures, such as progressively converging initial review opinions and limiting the initial review meetings to a maximum of three.", "content": "On EIAs for offshore wind power, in 2016 the EPA compiled an assessment report on the zonal development for offshore wind farms in order to solicit opinions. This report identified common environmental issues related to offshore wind farm development and proposed corresponding strategies to serve as a guiding principle for subsequent development planning and EIAs. As for the third EIA stage of offshore wind power development, the EPA drew from past review experiences to establish assessment criteria and guidelines for ecological investigations. These regulations serve as a reference for planning of offshore wind power development and help support the advancement of national policies on energy transition.\nThe EPA will keep actively conducting EIAs for renewable energy development projects. With an efficient process, the EPA aims to minimize environmental concerns, thoroughly achieve the goals of conducting EIAs, and effectively maximize results from EIA processes while facilitating green energy development.", "year": "2023", "month": "6", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "" }, { "no": "4297", "title": "Special Prize Added in Environmental Map Competition to Promote Net-Zero Transformation to Youngsters", "preview": "The EPA and the Ministry of Education (MOE) are jointly holding the fourth competition for creative environmental maps, in order to encourage elementary school students to create their own unique maps. Students from the second to sixth grades are welcomed to team up and have until 1 December to sign up for the competition. Not only will school-age children get to work with classmates, parents, and teachers to step out of their own homes and explore surrounding areas, but this year a special prize on transformation toward net-zero emissions has been added to the competition so as to align with the government’s recent policies. Two submitted works will be selected from each age group for this category. All maps centering on climate change or sustainable use of energy and resources have a chance to win the special prize.", "content": "The previous three competitions received good responses, leading up to a total of 538 submissions in the fourth competition this year. The submissions show the full range of issues in Taiwan from different perspectives and through the eyes and minds of children. The event welcomes pupils who will be in second to sixth grade this September to compete. There will be two age groups, middle classmen and upper classmen. Participants are allowed to team up with students from different schools so that children of different ages and schools can exchange ideas on environmental topics. With parents and teachers accompanying them to observe living environments, children will learn more about various environmental issues in their daily lives and use their enhanced understanding to make maps.\nSubmitted maps are to incorporate one of the five environmental education themes, which are environmental ethics, sustainable development, climate change, disaster prevention and rescue, and sustainable use of energy and resources. There are also manuals on how these maps are to be created to enable competitors to express their motives and messages behind making individual maps, as well as to express more reflections about caring for one’s own living environment.\nAll prizes in sum total up to NT$200,000. A total of 50 winners will be picked out, including the top three submissions, five for excellence, and two nomination teams out of the middle classmen group and the upper classmen group, with the top winner receiving gift vouchers worth NT$30,000. Moreover, two participants will be selected from each age group for the prize category, transformation toward net-zero emissions, newly added this year in accordance to recent relevant policies. Submitted maps whose themes are climate change or sustainable use of energy and resources have a chance to win the prize. The aim is to urge school-age children to align their daily living practices with environmental policies by learning about relevant policies and in the future even participate in policy making.\nTo help students, parents, and teachers better understand the making of environmental maps, from July to November this year a series of promotional events were held, including meetings, workshops, and an exhibition of the winning maps from last year´s competition. Attendees were able to learn about net-zero policies and the competition via fun games, talk with winning teams from the previous competitions, and tour the sites on which the previous winning maps were based. In addition, the exhibition helped more children, parents, and people learn about the map creators’ motives, choice of themes, and on-site investigations. The goal was to inspire potential participants and help them understand the basics of making environmental maps.\nMother Nature is the best teaching material in a child’s journey to grow and learn. Making environmental maps allows kids to visit their communities, explore new people and things, discover unexpected wonders, and naturally identify with and love their neighborhoods. The EPA sincerely invites parents and children to embark on environmental education and environment-friendly practices in their daily lives by signing up for the event, exploring, creating, and sharing. Detailed information on competition rules and relevant events can be found on the event website at https:\/\/www.environmentalmap.com.tw\/.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "6", "assortment": "environmental education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4296", "title": "Using Smart Technology to Safeguard Environmental Quality", "preview": "To safeguard environmental quality, the EPA actively promotes comprehensive smart governance. In addition to utilizing AI analysis of big data to identify potential pollution hotspots, the EPA extensively employs technological tools to systematically inspect and regulate these hotspots and manage affected areas. Moreover, regional governance is implemented in collaboration with county and city environmental bureaus and local district prosecutors’ offices under the Ministry of Justice. This allows mobilization of police and investigative authorities in joint inspections that target major environmental pollution sources and aim to crack down on environmental crimes.", "content": "Collaboration between law enforcement, prosecution, and the EPA exposes unscrupulous operators \nWith the rapid advancement of technology, the integration of intelligent tools into environmental law enforcement has greatly strengthened the ability to safeguard environmental quality with increased efficiency and effectiveness. From 2018 to April 2023, the Central Branch of the Bureau of Environmental Inspection (hereinafter referred to as the Central Branch) has sent a total of 34 legal entities and 454 individuals involved in violations of environmental laws in major crimes to criminal prosecution. Among them, 34 legal entities and 446 individuals have been formally charged. Comprehensive evidence gathering and law enforcement facilitated by the collaboration platform between law enforcement, prosecution and environmental protection authorities have resulted in a high conviction rate of these unscrupulous enterprises. Criminal proceeds were also confiscated, leading to a total fines of more than NT$2.08 billion as environmental justice was upheld by making offenders pay the price for polluting the environment.\nIn the early days, environmental pollution by unscrupulous enterprises included indiscriminate emissions of black smoke, wastewater discharge, and improper waste disposal without installing pollution prevention or control facilities. These violations were often detected and reported by members of the public, environmental groups, and volunteers before environmental authorities followed up with persistent and patient investigation. Usually pollution sources could be successfully identified. However, enterprises gradually developed sophisticated methods to evade detection and resorted to tactics invisible to the naked eye. Such practices include releasing wastewater and exhausts via underground pipes, clandestinely burying wastes in excavated pits, or using qualifications for waste clearance and recycling as a front to camouflage illegal waste disposal activities. These illicit practices greatly undermined the environmental authorities’ inspection efforts.\nInspections and law enforcement with smart technology and high-tech instruments\nTo cope with unscrupulous enterprises’ diversified and organized polluting activities and environmental crimes, the EPA has enhanced joint investigation techniques adopted by environmental and judicial investigative authorities. Additionally, analysis with smart technology and technology-enhanced law enforcement are employed to counter the increasingly sophisticated violations, effectively uncovering illicit behavior and gathering related evidence. Specifically, investigation staff utilizes big data and algorithms to analyze and identify high-risk enterprises, detect abnormal data, and target pollution hotspots. High-tech tools are then employed in inspections and law enforcement in order to better deter emissions of pollutants and improper waste disposal. Some the frequently used devices include water quality sensors, handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometers (XRF) with ion exchange resin, remote water quality monitoring facilities, resin time-lapse capsules, infrared thermographic cameras, gas imaging devices, and drones. Utilization of these devices is now common practice to investigate waste disposal sites and calculate disposal quantities. From 2018 to April 2023, the Central Branch used technological tools to reduce the burden on the environment brought by illicit activities, lowering volatile organic compounds (VOCs) annually by an amount equivalent to the emissions of 332,930 two-stroke motorcycles. Annual discharge of toxic wastewater into rivers has decreased by approximately the capacity of 16.8 standard swimming pools, and annual waste disposal by approximately the carrying capacity of 48,037 35-ton tractor-trailers.\nThe EPA emphasizes that due to Taiwan's well-connected transportation network, many remote locations in the central region, easily accessible via convenient transportation, have become popular sites for illegal disposal of wastes from Northern Taiwan. In light of this, the Central Branch utilizes big data environmental analysis, including vehicle trajectories and images, to track movements of suspicious vehicles. Once unlawful activities are detected, technology is employed regardless of day or night, rural or urban areas, to gather evidence for environmental law enforcement and promptly halt illegal dumping of waste. Moreover, if any unscrupulous enterprise attempts to secretly discharge wastewater or exhausts during the early morning or nighttime to avoid detection, it is bound to fail. Now as evidence is collected through technology, no illicit trace can escape the watchful eye of the law. If any illegal behavior is discovered, offenders may face criminal charges and hefty fines with confiscation of their ill-gotten gains. Enterprises are urged to refrain from challenging the law.\nCollaboration with civic organizations for resource integration and stronger regional prevention of illegal activities\nFor future environmental law enforcement, the Northern, Central, and Southern Branches of the Bureau of Environmental Inspection will together continue towards regional governance using smart technology, AI analysis with big data, and other technology to crack down on unlawful activities. The EPA calls upon enterprises to strengthen self-regulation and become proactive partners in safeguarding the environment. Another focus is to enhance cooperation and collaboration with county and city environmental bureaus, as well as prosecutors, police, and investigative authorities. In addition, the EPA will further keep harnessing the forces of civic organizations to integrate resources and strengthen the regional joint prevention system so as to effectively prevent any unlawful pollution activities and safeguard environmental quality.", "year": "2023", "month": "6", "assortment": "environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4295", "title": "Green Chemistry Joint Awards Ceremony and Results Presentation", "preview": "To attract all walks of life to move towards green chemistry and expand the benefits of promoting green chemistry, the EPA and the Ministry of Education (MOE) jointly held the Green Chemistry Joint Awards Ceremony and Results Presentation on 26 May 2023. The event incorporated activities focusing on the concept of sustainable development and ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) issues, aiming to encourage all sectors to move towards sustainable development and promote green chemistry in industry, government, academia, and research sectors.", "content": "The Third Green Chemistry Application and Innovation Awards were presented to encourage enterprises while the Third College Green Chemistry Innovation Competition and the 2022 Senior High School Green Chemistry Innovation Competition were held to encourage college and high school students to follow the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry. A total of 69 individuals and teams were recognized. The ceremony was addressed by Premier Chen Chien-jen, convener of the National Chemical Substance Management Board of the Executive Yuan, who expressed sincere appreciation and respect for the outstanding contributions of the green chemistry award recipients. In addition, one of the founders of the field of green chemistry, John C. Warner of the United States, was invited to congratulate the recipients via a video message and to encourage all fields to promote green chemistry at source while emphasizing the importance of disseminating the concept of environmental sustainability on campuses. \nThe Third Green Chemistry Application and Innovation Awards, organized by the EPA, received a total of 69 nominees. After a rigorous selection process, 14 outstanding organizations and 10 individuals were chosen as winners. In the group category, the awarded organizations came from industry, government, academia, and research sectors and have contributed to creating a sustainable environment through green chemistry by making significant contributions in promoting safe alternatives, promoting non-toxic processes, developing environment-friendly approaches to enhance economic benefits, and promoting toxic disaster prevention and response. In the individual category, the winners had not only devoted themselves to long-term research in green chemistry but also promoted the concept of sustainable environmental development. Some of the awardees have excelled in green chemistry education and have led their students to numerous awards, demonstrating their outstanding contributions to the field of green chemistry. These awarded organizations and individuals are all crucial driving forces behind Taiwan's green chemistry promotion, serving as role models for all sectors.\nIn addition, the EPA and the MOE jointly organized the Third College Green Chemistry Innovation Competition and the 2022 Senior High School Green Chemistry Innovation Competition. Both had received strong support from many teachers and students. The former attracted 70 team entries and ultimately selected 20 winning teams, while the latter received 144 team entries and ultimately selected 20 winning teams along with five school awards. The awarded projects in both competitions showcased the boundless creativity of the students.\nThe EPA stated that protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development require interdisciplinary cooperation and collaboration. To deepen the exchange between different fields, besides hosting the award ceremony, the EPA also organized various activities in the afternoon, including the Enterprise Sustainable Governance (ESG) Event, the College Innovation Competition Results Presentation, and the High School Innovation Competition Results Presentation. These events involved discussions on topics related to corporate integrity, green chemistry, and ESG sustainable development. Through two-way communication and sharing of experiences, the EPA sought to foster consensus and establish trustworthy partnerships between the public and private sectors in implementing environmental protection efforts. \nFor more information on the awards, please visit the EPA’s Green Chemistry Application and Innovation Awards website (https:\/\/topic.epa.gov.tw\/gcai\/mp-9.html), the College Green Chemistry Innovation Competition website (https:\/\/topic.epa.gov.tw\/gcic\/mp-13.html), and the MOE’s 2022 Senior High School Green Chemistry Innovation Competition website (https:\/\/chem.moe.edu.tw\/green\/AwardsDetail\/f6f62fbc-9de4-4fcd-a177-24ca3cdabdfd). \n", "year": "2023", "month": "5", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4294", "title": "Repairability Index to be Piloted by Electronics Manufacturers ", "preview": "After referring to France's “Repairability Index” system, the EPA provided guidance to mobile phone and laptop computer enterprises to pilot the implementation of a \"Repairability Index.\" This initiative aims to enable consumers to identify the repairability of products when making purchases, allowing them to exercise their right to repair, thus reducing electronic waste.", "content": "The current Repairability Index in France has a maximum score of 10, indicating the greatest ease of repair. It comprises five scoring criteria: availability of information; disassembly steps; tools and fastening features; availability of spare parts, and; prices and specific standards of spare parts. Manufacturers must determine the index for their products before they are launched. Both physical and online stores are required to display the Repairability Index near the item price in a textual and graphical format easily visible to consumers to assist their purchasing decisions. The European Union has also introduced a draft of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which will also incorporate repairability scores that are to be disclosed in conjunction with the Digital Product Passport system.\nThe EPA explained that in the digital technology era, electronic products are constantly evolving, leading to an ever-increasing production volume, and the problem of difficulty in repair after damage often results in waste generation. Since sustainable consumption patterns are becoming an international trend, and in order to enable domestic manufacturers to adapt to the international market, the EPA has formulated the Guidelines for Promoting the Repairability Index of Electronic Products (電子產品維修度指數推動指引). These guidelines provide guidance on criteria score calculation and information disclosure methods. Manufacturers are invited to discuss and pilot the guidelines and propose localized scoring standards. The goal is to guide manufacturers in designing and providing products and services that are more repair-friendly, thus extending the lifespan of products.\nDuring the guidelines briefing held on 26 May, manufacturers were recommended to not only incorporate repairability into product design but also consider offering warranty repair services. Nearly 20 laptop and mobile phone brands such as ASUS and ACER, as well as the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association, participated in the briefing. Currently, most manufacturers are happy to see the promotion of the repairability index and are cooperating with the policy. They are also considering the warranty service design. It is hoped that the establishment and promotion of a repairability index system will contribute to the advocacy of the Right to Repair, allowing consumers to reclaim their repair rights, promoting the development of the local repair industry, and maximizing the value of resources.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "5", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4293", "title": "Lithium Battery Cells Over 1 Kilogram to Be Regulated", "preview": "Under the Net-Zero Transition policy, the development of electric vehicles and energy storage systems is rapidly accelerating. In response to the use of secondary lithium batteries with single cells weighing over 1 kilogram as an energy source, considering their nature is no different from the currently regulated and recycled secondary lithium batteries, the EPA preannounced an amendment to Table 1 of the Scopes for the Articles and the Packaging and Containers Thereof and the Enterprises Responsible for Recycling, Clearance and Disposal (物品或其包裝容器及其應負回收清除處理責任之業者範圍) to expand the scope of regulated secondary lithium batteries for the inclusion of these batteries in the resource recycling system.", "content": "The batteries used in electric vehicles are mostly secondary lithium batteries assembled from single cells weighing less than 1 kilogram, which fall under the scope of waste dry batteries that the EPA has announced should be recycled. The EPA has established a complete recycling and processing system with subsidy mechanisms for these batteries. After the recycling companies properly process waste batteries and pass audit and certification, they can receive subsidies. Currently, there are six waste dry battery processing organizations that receive subsidies.\nRegarding the issue of net-zero transition, various sectors are highly involved and committed to developing new energy sources. Some developing electric vehicles and energy storage systems rely on secondary lithium batteries with single cells weighing over 1 kilogram as an energy source. To plan for the inclusion of these batteries in the high-value circular systems promoted by the \"Zero Waste through Resource Circulation” strategy, the EPA intends to announce secondary lithium batteries with single cells weighing over 1 kilogram as items that should be recycled. After the announcement of the amendment, manufacturers or importers of secondary lithium batteries with single cells weighing over 1 kilogram or those who install them in items such as electric vehicles should register as responsible enterprises, and report and pay the recycling, clearance and disposal fees. This will help to jointly operate and develop the domestic battery recycling industry chain, and contribute to a better environment and Taiwan’s net-zero transition by 2050.", "year": "2023", "month": "5", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4292", "title": "Governments Utilize Technology to Curb Illegal Dumping along Lanyu Coast", "preview": "The central and local governments are taking joint actions to reduce waste dumping on coasts, starting with demonstration projects in small areas such as offshore islands. Recently, the EPA, the Coast Guard Administration, the Lanyu Township Office and the Environmental Protection Bureau and Police Bureau of Taitung County conducted an investigation into marine waste issues in Lanyu Township and jointly carried out coastal environmental inspections. These actions demonstrated the determination to utilize the latest technology to enhance environmental law enforcement capabilities, and to engage in collaborative investigations.", "content": "Coastal environmental hygiene is closely tied to marine ecology, and indiscriminate dumping of waste along the coast can cause severe damage to marine habitats. If such dumping practices are not immediately deterred and regulated, they may lead to further cases of dumping. The central government is working together with local governments, starting with the Lanyu Township Office, to strengthen education and awareness among local residents and tourists regarding proper waste sorting and clearance. Beach cleaning activities are also being organized to enhance public environmental awareness.\nTo curb illegal dumping activities, the EPA, together with personnel from the Environmental Protection Bureau and Police Bureau of Taitung County and the Coast Guard Administration, have conducted joint coastal environmental inspections along the Dongqing coast of Lanyu Township. The inspection sites have been progressively cleared, with no perpetrators or new waste found. The EPA stated that it will encourage the use of technology, such as infrared cameras, and assist the Taitung County Environmental Protection Bureau and the Lanyu Township Office in establishing monitoring facilities. By integrating AI (Artificial Intelligence) and cloud technology, remote-controlled cameras can be used to continuously monitor dumping hotspots and promptly track the perpetrators, thereby achieving the goal of environmental protection.\nThe EPA reiterated its call for compliance with Article 27 and Article 50 of the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法). Those who illegally dump waste may be subject to fines ranging from at least NT$1,200 to a maximum of NT$6,000. If the required improvements are not completed within the specified period, daily penalties may be imposed continuously. The EPA hopes that everyone will jointly enhance their responsibility for environmental protection.", "year": "2023", "month": "5", "assortment": "environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4291", "title": "Forum on Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reduction Hears Expert Suggestions ", "preview": "The EPA held the Expert Forum on Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reduction Promotion Strategy on 18 May 2023. The forum was chaired by Deputy Minister Shen Chih-Hsiu and attended by four domestic experts and scholars specializing in voluntary greenhouse gas reduction. In-depth discussions were held on international mechanisms for voluntary emission reduction, the current promotion of voluntary reduction in Taiwan, and future revisions and directions. The EPA is currently formulating subsidiary laws of the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法), and suggestions from participants will be considered for incorporation into the legal version.", "content": "The Climate Change Response Act (hereinafter referred to as the Climate Act) has officially come into effect, incorporating the 2050 net-zero emission target into law, and strengthening Taiwan's management mechanisms for greenhouse gas reduction. The act sets out the levying and collection of carbon fees for dedicated funds. It also requires enterprises that establish new emission sources, or enterprises that make changes to existing sources that cause them to reach a certain scale, to engage in emission offsetting. It also encourages enterprises and all levels of government to independently or jointly propose voluntary reduction projects, apply for and obtain reduction credits, and transfer, trade, or auction the credits to interested parties.\nThe credits generated from voluntary reduction are known internationally as \"carbon credits.\" Recently, public concern has risen regarding the operational mechanisms of voluntary reduction, the review of reduction credits, and the trading of credits. The EPA organized this forum to promote understanding of the operational mechanisms and latest trends in domestic and international voluntary reduction systems, as well as to gather opinions from different sectors.\nLiou Je-Liang, Director of the Energy and Environment Research Center at the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research, pointed out that the voluntary reduction mechanism serves as a complementary measure to carbon pricing mechanisms. The generation of credits should adhere to criteria such as additionality, permanence, leakage deduction, and avoidance of double counting.\nThe EPA presented a special report on the current promotion of voluntary reduction and offset projects and proposed revisions in Taiwan. The presentation emphasized that the review of credits will be based on five major principles used internationally for issuing reduction credits so as to ensure genuine emission reductions. There are also plans to simplify relevant procedures to enhance the efficiency of credit reviews. At this stage, enterprises are advised to prioritize the understanding of their own emissions and plan reduction measures. If necessary, they can utilize the voluntary reduction credit trading mechanism to assist in achieving their reduction goals.\nProfessor Liu Chung-En from the Department of Sociology at National Taiwan University proposed that the implementation of voluntary reduction and carbon offset measures in Taiwan should be supported by a robust carbon pricing mechanism as the market foundation. It is important to ensure genuine emission reductions and exercise strict scrutiny in the credit review process. This is necessary to avoid the issuance of invalid credits that could impede other net-zero policies and hinder the achievement of the net-zero target.\nProfessor Liou Ming-Lone, a visiting scholar at the London School of Economics and Political Science, mentioned that enterprises should prioritize internal emission reductions, and the utilization of reduction credits should be considered as a last resort. Moreover, the credits should meet quality standards and undergo verification of additionality to ensure genuine carbon reduction benefits. He also cautioned that the use of early-stage greenhouse gas project credits issued prior to the implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法) and overseas credits should be approached with caution to avoid delaying Taiwan's progress in achieving reduction targets.\nSenior Researcher Chen Honda from the Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance pointed out that international society is scrutinizing voluntary reduction mechanisms again. The European Union (EU) no longer accepts carbon credits issued under the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism, and it is expected that the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will also not recognize them. He also cautioned that carbon credit trading may become limited in the future and urged enterprises to prioritize internal emission reduction efforts.\nProfessor Yuh-Ming Lee, a distinguished professor at the Institute of Natural Resources Management at National Taipei University, provided an overview of carbon pricing and voluntary reduction mechanisms in Taiwan. He emphasized the need for cautious quantification of emissions and highlighted that the issuance of credits should primarily focus on additionality to ensure genuine emission reductions.\nAt the end of the forum, the moderator, Deputy Minister Shen Chih-Hsiu, also mentioned that voluntary greenhouse gas reduction, as designed in the Climate Act, serves as a complementary measure to carbon pricing to enhance cost-effectiveness. The EPA is currently developing relevant subsidiary laws, and the suggestions provided by the experts, scholars and attendees will be taken into account. In the future, the EPA will rigorously establish regulations based on international principles to review credits. Additionally, it is hoped that voluntary reduction mechanisms can incentivize domestic emission reduction efforts to ensure the acceleration of overall national reduction and achieve the net-zero target.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "5", "assortment": "clmiate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4290", "title": "Matching Platform Provides Options for More Cash to Replace Old Vehicles ", "preview": "EPA Deputy Minister Shen Chih-Hsiu, Hsinchu Science Park Bureau (HSPB) Director Chen Li-Chu, and the Deputy Director-general of the Hsinchu County Government Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) Hsiao Hung-chieh jointly signed the contract for the old vehicle replacement matching service on 25 May 2023. They announced that starting from 1 June, the \"One-Stop Scrap Vehicle Recycling\" website will provide new matching options. The public will be able to receive more cash when replacing old vehicles and contribute to carbon and air pollution reduction at the same time.", "content": "The EPA launched the \"Old Vehicle Replacement 2.0\" program in January this year, and there have been new developments since then, with the HSPB enhancing its acquisition of carbon reduction and air pollution reduction benefits. Starting from 1 June, citizens who scrap their old vehicles can see more favorable replacement plans on the \"One-Stop Scrap Vehicle Recycling\" website. The subsidy for replacing old gasoline-powered cars with electric ones, which was originally provided by the EPA at NT$15,000 per vehicle, was increased to NT$16,000 after the HSPB became involved. For cars registered in Hsinchu County, Hsinchu City and Miaoli County, the amount has been further increased to NT$19,100. In addition, the Hsinchu County EPB will continue to acquire the carbon reduction benefits from replacing old motorcycles with electric ones, providing a subsidy of NT$2,000 per vehicle, following the same scheme as last year.\nDeputy Minister Shen Chih-Hsiu stated that accelerating the electrification of vehicles is an important strategy to achieve the \"2050 Net-zero Transition.\" In Taiwan, the transportation sector accounts for 13% of greenhouse gas emissions. Through the expansion of matching the vehicle type with carbon emission and air pollution reduction benefits on this matching service platform, developers (enterprises) can fulfill the carbon reduction commitments stated in their environmental impact assessments. In addition to participating in environmental protection efforts to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, individuals can also save money, creating a win-win situation.\nOn 25 May, the EPA signed matching service contracts with both the HSPB and the Hsinchu County EPB. The HSPB proposed a plan to acquire \"greenhouse gas\" offsets, with an estimated acquisition of offsets from the replacement of 26,400 gasoline-powered small passenger cars and trucks within two years, representing a carbon reduction benefit of approximately 420,000 metric tons. Additionally, in the Hsinchu-Miaoli air quality zone, the HSPB proposed a plan to acquire \"air pollutant\" offsets, with an estimated acquisition of offsets from the replacement of 19,578 gasoline-powered motorcycles, small passenger cars and trucks, buses and heavy trucks within three years. The reduction benefits for air pollutants are estimated to be 34 metric tons\/year of volatile organic compounds and approximately 75 metric tons\/year of nitrogen oxides. \nThe offsets that the HSPB planned to purchase this time were mainly to meet the needs of the Baoshan Phase 1 and Phase 2 developments. In the future, if there are new development plans in other park areas, it will continue to make purchases. The HSPB stated that the development of the park not only considers the needs of enterprises but also takes into account local features and environmental sustainability in its planning. This includes efforts in conserving and reusing resources such as water and electricity, as well as total amount control of greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions. Participating in offset mechanisms is not only about offsetting development activities but also providing economic incentives to the public. The Hsinchu County EPB pointed out that the Hsinchu County Government is actively participating in policy actions, allocating budgets and encouraging early participation of enterprises with needs, aiming for a win-win situation among the government, enterprises, and the public.\nTo accelerate the replacement of old vehicles, the EPA began subsidizing vehicle owners at the beginning of 2023 to replace vehicles that are over ten years old with electric or low-emission vehicles. Depending on the carbon reduction and air pollution reduction benefits and the type of new vehicle being purchased, different amounts of subsidies or incentives are provided. As of 20 May, a total of 796 old small passenger cars and trucks were replaced with new ones under the subsidy program. Additionally, since the launch of the matching platform on 10 June 2022, the HSPB and the Hsinchu County EPB have proposed the acquisition of carbon reduction benefits from the replacement of old motorcycles. As of 20 May 2023, the HSPB had 24,200 matches for motorcycle replacement, while as of the end of 2022, the Hsinchu County EPB had 279 matches. Together, they have obtained a carbon reduction benefit of approximately 56,000 metric tons.", "year": "2023", "month": "5", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4289", "title": "Drainage Water Purification Park Resolves Odor Issues at Chiayi County Fishing Port", "preview": "The EPA subsidized the Chiayi County Government to carry out the Budai Township- Yanguan Drainage Water Purification Project, which can treat up to 460 metric tons of wastewater per day. Located near the Budai Fishing Port, which is downstream of Jianlong Borough and the Yanguan Drainage System, the project was completed on 16 May, effectively resolving a long-standing issue of odor and poor water quality caused by wastewater from pickling vegetables. ", "content": "The Yanguan Drainage System in Chiayi County collects mainly household wastewater from Jianlong Borough in Budai Township, which is an area with a high concentration of dried daikon producers and the most significant pickled daikon production area in Taiwan. The pickling process generates a large amount of wastewater, and during the winter season when daikon is harvested, a significant amount of pickling wastewater flows through the Yanguan Drainage System, causing water quality deterioration and foul odors that have been troubling residents for many years. To improve the quality of the residential living environment, ameliorate the wastewater pollution and ensure the water quality of the downstream Budai Fishing Port, the EPA subsidized the Chiayi County Government to carry out the water purification project in 2020. The total budget exceeded NT$88.09 million, with the EPA subsidizing over NT$70.47 million and the Chiayi County Government bearing over NT$17.61 million.\nConsidering the difficulty of treating high-salinity wastewater, this project adopts a diversion method to mix and dilute household wastewater. It utilizes a two-stage contact aeration oxidation process for treatment, with a daily processing capacity of 460 metric tons. After a 3-month trial operation, the average removal rates of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), suspended solids, and ammonia nitrogen reached 96%, 89%, and 83% respectively. The results have been excellent, successfully resolving the long-standing issue of pickled daikon wastewater pollution. The foul odor has disappeared, the unique agricultural culture of Chiayi preserved, and the residential quality of life improved. The purified water is returned to the Yanguan Drainage System, enhancing the overall water environment of the downstream Budai Fishing Port. Additionally, solar photovoltaic panels were installed on the roofs of the treatment facilities and sludge drying beds, providing a portion of the electricity needed through green energy, increasing land utilization efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions.\nIn addition to achieving the goals of higher water quality and sustainable green energy generation, the treatment facility also successfully showcases a win-win situation for both industry and environmental protection, while revitalizing the waterfront scenery at Budai Fishing Port. \n", "year": "2023", "month": "5", "assortment": "Water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4288", "title": "Emission Standards Revised for Semiconductor Industry", "preview": "The revised Air Pollution Control and Emission Standards for the Semiconductor Industry (半導體製造業空氣污染管制及排放標準) were released by the EPA on 4 May 2023. Striving for practical, independent, and precise management, the amendments included addition of new process emission standards, changing control of a factory’s total emissions to control of concentrations of individual emission channels, strengthening independent monitoring, simplifying periodic inspections, and addressing current regulatory issues. The aim is to encourage newly built factories or new manufacturing processes to select facilities that have lower pollution emissions or are better at pollution controls, enhance the incentive for voluntary management by enterprises, and implement precise management of air pollution emissions.", "content": "The EPA stated that as a crucial industry in Taiwan, the semiconductor industry is not only experiencing a robust development but also undergoing rapid changes. Therefore, the attention given to its associated environmental protection issues is of great importance. Previously, the standard had a fixed limit of 0.6 kilograms\/hour for a factory’s total emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), regardless of a factory’s scale. To reduce air pollutant emissions and make it more convenient for enterprises’ operations of voluntary management, the revised standards adopted a more practical and stricter approach, where emissions from individual emission channels are not to exceed 14 ppm for VOCs and 0.5 ppm for acid gases (nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and sulfuric acid). Meanwhile, new emission standards have been introduced for new manufacturing processes, mandating that concentrations should not exceed 10 ppm for VOCs and 0.3 ppm for acid gases. This will help push new factories or manufacturing processes to choose facilities that are environmentally friendly or more effective at pollution control. The revised emission standards are expected to lead to a reduction of emissions of VOCs and acid gases by approximately 286 metric tons and 12 metric tons, respectively. The reduced emissions are equivalent to four months of emissions from an oil refinery.\nIn addition, revisions of the standard have simplified and integrated provisions relevant to inspections and testing under the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) so as to align with the announcement on 6 June 2022 regarding the stationary pollution sources in public and private venues that are required for regular testing and registration. Furthermore, emission sources with high emission concentrations and higher risks of pollution are now mandated to install relevant emission monitoring equipment in order to enhance voluntary management and effectively lower pollutant leakage and emission.", "year": "2023", "month": "5", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4287", "title": "World Environment Day Event Pushes for Reduction of Plastics and Food Waste", "preview": "The theme of the 2023 World Environment Day is \"Beat Plastic Pollution.\" The EPA collaborated with local environmental agencies to address the issues of \"green diet\" and \"plastic reduction.\" The event, \"2023 World Environment Day: Beat Plastic Pollution for Sustainable Dining,” was held on the afternoon of 3 June at the Ministry of Culture's Cultural Heritage Park in Taichung City. The aim was to educate the public on how to reduce plastic waste and practice food conservation in daily diets, ultimately achieving the goal of zero waste by 2050 through zero-waste actions and a green lifestyle.", "content": "In addition to exacerbating the crisis of water scarcity, global climate change impacts the ecosystems of flora and fauna, which in turn affect the sources of human food and dietary structure. The event titled \"Beat Plastic Pollution with Sustainable Dining\" centered on plastic reduction and green diet and was suitable for participation by individuals of all ages. It began with an entertaining performance by a percussion band to kick off the activities. It was followed by a stage play, performed by a children's theater group, which aimed to raise awareness among both adults and children about the daily habits that contribute to the production of disposable tableware, kitchen wastes, and other forms of wastes due to convenience or lack of consideration. Lastly, the audience was informed about practical steps they could take to minimize the use of disposable plastic products, thereby alleviating the burden on the environment, and encouraged to embrace plastic-free dining and practice not throwing food away.\nA street bazaar on plastic reduction and off-grade produce opened in the afternoon of the event day, with the EPA promoting food conservation and showcasing the achievements of sustainable food initiatives in schools nationwide. Moreover, 16 local environmental agencies together promoted reduction of plastics and uneaten food through games, food made with off-grade produce, and local experts who shared tips on cooking off-grade produce. To encourage people to visit the booths in the bazaar, the EPA even designed a stamp collection activity, in which collecting four stamps entitled participants to one chance to bring home seasonal produce they could grab using their own reusable bags.\nAt 6:00 p.m. the event screened the documentary “Theater of Life,” which depicts the life of renowned culinary social activist Massimo Bottura, also known as the “poet chef,” and his establishment Refettorio Ambrosiano. The film shows how he led a dining revolution of leaving no food waste and transforming leftovers into delicious meals, presenting one of the most innovative culinary concepts. Last but not least, local environmental agencies from the nation’s 22 counties and cities organized World Environment Day-related activities starting from June 5th. The public is encouraged to venture outdoors and experience the beauty of the environment, fostering a connection with nature.", "year": "2023", "month": "5", "assortment": "General policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4286", "title": "European and Asian Experts Discuss Future of Resource Circulation in International Conference", "preview": "On 29 May 2023, the EPA and the EU once again jointly organized the 2023 Resource Circulation International Conference at the Taipei International Convention Center, alongside the many events of the EU Innovation Week. With the objective to deepen the long-term cooperation between Taiwan and the EU, this is yet another collaboration between the EPA and the EU after the first one in 2018. Through the conference, both sides hoped to promote the alignment of Taiwan's resource circulation policies with international standards, match enterprises in the resource recycling industry that are in need of assistance, and learn about the latest international trends and technologies. The conference took place after the opening ceremony of the EU Innovation Week, which was attended by Premier Chien-Jen Chen, Deputy Director-General Maive Rute from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Internet Market Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (GROW), Minister Mei-Hua Wang from the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), and the EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang.", "content": "Maive Rute: Ensuring the circular economy for global sustainable economic development is crucial\nDuring the opening ceremony, Deputy Director-General Maive Rute emphasized that, after not being held for several years, this year’s EU Innovation Week saw the participation of numerous European businesses, industry organizations, and research institutions, all ready to collaborate with the world. As there would be many discussions and network sessions, she hoped to \"encounter the right partners\" and explore innovative opportunities together, and further emphasized that ¨industry dialogues¨ via face-to-face communication would be the most important form of exchange, enabling substantive cooperation. Moreover, Maive Rute highlighted the importance of seeking new ways to ensure global sustainable economic development through circular economy practices and expressed the EU's eagerness to engage in discussions on relevant topics.\nPremier Chien-Jen Chen pointed out that the total trade volume between Taiwan and the EU in 2022 reached a historic high. The EU is Taiwan's fourth-largest trading partner and the largest source of investment, with cooperating industries spanning across sectors such as semiconductors, automobiles, information and communication technology, and machinery. The premier especially thanked European companies for their investments in Taiwan’s offshore wind power and other industries. As Taiwan continues to carry out its Forward-Looking Infrastructure Development Program, the premier hoped that both Taiwan and the EU could establish a more robust supply chain under the common goal of facilitating net-zero emissions and digital transformation through its six core industries of the Program.\n\nMinister Chang: Regulations and technologies can solve low competitiveness in the recycled material market \nMinister Tzi-Chin Chang stated that Taiwan's waste recycling system has been in place since 1987, and its recycling rate ranks among the highest in the world. However, it is necessary to address the challenges of innovation hindered by subsidy standards. The EPA has already started encouraging high-value reuse through fee adjustments. In the future, there will be laws specifically governing resource recycling that will change people’s views on waste, mandating producers to maximize utilization of resources before resorting to waste disposal. This will require significant innovation and mutual learning with the EU on regulations and technologies to address the issue of insufficient competitiveness in the market of recycled materials. The ultimate goal is to enable substantial resource circulation.\nThe conference featured a keynote speech by Deputy Director-General Maive Rute on \"Connecting Regulations and Commercial Applications for Sustainable Circularity in Europe.\" Invitees such as government representatives from Germany, Italy, Singapore, experts from a British national think tank and the Asian Development Bank, and representatives from outstanding industries in Taiwan also shared strategies and technologies related to resource circulation in hopes of creating a new future for resource circulation via observation and exchanges.\n\nResource Recycling Administration to promote zero waste and formulate resource circulation-specific laws\nIn 2022, Taiwan announced its 2050 net-zero transition, covering 12 key strategies. Strategy 8 “Waste Recycling and Zero Waste,” for which the EPA was assigned the responsibility, encompasses plans such as green design for waste reduction, reuse of resource and energy, efficient circulation networks, and innovative technologies and systems. Therefore, measures and actionable practices are to be formulated to minimize the use of primary raw materials and transform waste into materials, fuels, and fertilizers. To promote resource circulation and utilization, the EPA has also initiated legislative efforts to formulate laws specifically for resource circulation by combining the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法) and the Resource Recycling Act (資源回收再利用法). Instead of focusing on waste management like in the past, the new law will emphasize material lifecycle management and create an environment favoring resource circulation through expanding resource utilization, source management, and producer responsibility.\nIn recent years, the EU and various countries and regions have introduced action plans and initiatives relevant to resource circulation. The EPA will be upgraded to become the Ministry of Environment and, at the same time, establish the Resource Recycling Administration. This organizational restructuring will facilitate the achievement of the goals of resource circulation and carbon reduction via integrating the strategy of Resource Recycling and Zero Waste, the legislation of laws governing resource circulation, and other policy efforts. Through this international conference, Taiwan aimed to share its remarkable achievements in promoting resource circulation and join hands with other nations in advancing toward resource sustainability.\nThe international symposium this year centered around topics such as “Resource Circulation Policies,” “Plastic Resource Circulation,” “Ecological Design and Business Models for Sustainable Products,” and “Waste-to-Energy Technologies.” Among the international speakers, Singapore shared its experiences in creating a resource-efficient sustainable nation, Italy discussed chemical recycling of plastics, and the UK presented business models delinked from consumption of raw materials. Germany shared insights on digital passports for products, and the Asian Development Bank elaborated on waste-to-energy technologies. As for the Taiwan side, Chairman Yu-Cheng Huang of Circulate Taiwan Foundation began with an introduction of resource circulation policies, followed by Far Eastern New Century Corporation, which shared insights on sustainable materials and circular economy, and SmallRig presented the vision of a zero-waste future. Later, Taiwan Design Research Institute discussed design of our green future, Dell Technologies shared its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy, Taisun Green Energy talked about transition to low-carbon through bioenergy, and finally, the Biomass Energy Technology Association of Taiwan presented Taiwan's waste-to-energy technologies and achievements.\nThrough the inspiring speeches and discussions by local and foreign speakers, the conference provided participants whether from industries, the government, academia or research communities with insights into innovative thinking and specific practices in resource circulation from various countries. It also fostered consensus between Taiwan and the international community on promoting resource circulation, further enhancing cooperation in this field. The EPA stated that, as achieving net-zero emissions and promoting resource circulation are international trends, it hoped that businesses and the public would actively participate and collaborate in innovative ways to establish a fully circular future that maximizes resource utilization and minimizes waste.", "year": "2023", "month": "5", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4285", "title": "Regulation Revisions Preannounced for Certification and Management of Environmental Education Personnel", "preview": "The Regulations Governing the Certification and Management of Environmental Education Personnel (環境教育人員認證及管理辦法) were first announced 12 years ago. In order to enhance operational efficiency and adapt to current circumstances, the EPA has preannounced amendments of certain articles. Besides streamlining the certification review process, the revisions change the required accumulated hours of extended environmental education training to a minimum of 15 hours, including at least three hours of training on relevant laws and policies.", "content": "First announced on 22 June 2021, the Regulations Governing the Certification and Management of Environmental Education Personnel were later revised on 17 October 2013 and 14 April 2022. The current revisions have been drafted by the EPA to encourage continuous public participation in environmental education and also to simplify administrative procedures for personnel certification and management.\nThe EPA welcomes comments and suggestions from all fields. Below are the key points of the revisions:\n1. Amendment to Article 13: Simplifies the certification review process and expedites verification procedures\n2. Amendment to Article 15: Amends the accumulated hours for extended training on environmental education to be at least 15 hours, including a minimum of 3 hours of training on relevant laws or policies\n3. Amendment to Article 15-1 and Article 17: Adds and revises requirements concerning environmental education personnel assigned to environmental education institutes and facilities in accordance with the law, as well as designated personnel in schools under Article 18, paragraph 1 of the Environmental Education Act (環境教育法); Adds and revises reasons for the cessation of certification for those who have neither attended training nor applied to postpone training", "year": "2023", "month": "4", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4284", "title": "Seminar Held on Soil and Water Sustainability and Climate Adaptation", "preview": "In view of escalating climate change and global warming, which are connected to the quality of soil and groundwater, on 26 April 2023 the EPA held the second Sustainable Soil and Water Resources and Climate Adaptation Partnership Seminar at the National Taiwan University Convention Center. With 16 experts invited, the seminar allowed those working in environmental protection to share and gain knowledge regarding climate adaptation, which in turn has enhanced communication channels and future collaboration across different fields. Over 100 participants signed up for the event, indicating increased attention regarding soil and water issues.", "content": "In his speech, EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang stated that, since President Tsai Ing-wen’s announcement of the goals to transition toward net-zero emissions by 2050, the EPA has actively completed revisions of regulations and established related systems. Other efforts include promoting carbon reduction and adaptation actions through Taiwan’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050 and the 12 Key Strategies. In terms of soil and water resource management, improvement of contaminated sites is to be accelerated. From the perspective of at-source prevention of soil and water pollution, the focus will further extend to more active post-remediation protection of soil and groundwater, following continuous research on and discussion of impacts of climate change and adaptation measures.\nTo deliver interdisciplinary keynote speeches and lead discussions at the seminar, the EPA especially invited experts in environmental engineering, agriculture, assessment of climate change-related disasters, soil science, and soil and groundwater pollution remediation. The goals were to better implement current practices in soil and water source remediation, facilitate climate adaptation and achieve the goal of net-zero emissions. A variety of topics were on the agenda, ranging from international trends in climate change issues, to searching for solutions in actual practices. Topics included: climate adaptation; disaster risk management at contaminated sites; remediation and restoration towards net-zero emissions, and; solutions of net-zero emissions in soil carbon sinks. The discussions received enthusiastic responses from participants.\nThe EPA emphasizes that, by first analyzing the substantive disaster risks posed by climate change to Taiwan's overall environment, integrated management strategies for soil and groundwater pollution sites can be proactively deployed to adapt to climate change. This approach aims to reduce remediation risks and prevent the secondary spread of pollution. Furthermore, as the world moves towards the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions, the soil and water pollution remediation industry needs to further collaborate with the government to establish carbon inventories, carbon sequestration technologies, and carbon sink management capabilities. Together, they can pave the way for the future transformation of the soil and water pollution remediation industry.\nCommunication and collaboration through interdisciplinary governance are essential in the process of climate adaptation and net-zero transition. Through the guidance of experts and scholars and exchanges of ideas in discussions, the seminar enabled experts in different fields to develop future soil resource management and remediation techniques. Various stakeholders were able to form a tight-knit partnership, thus opening up a new phase of Taiwan’s environmental governance of soil and water in response to climate change.", "year": "2023", "month": "4", "assortment": "Soil and Groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4283", "title": "Discounted Recycling Fees Available for Electronics Containing Recycled Plastics Starting July 2023", "preview": "From 1 July 2023 the EPA will grant a discount of 15% on recycling fees for certain products, in order to encourage enterprises responsible for manufacturing electronics and electronic products to incorporate material recycling and reuse into their product designs. These products include televisions, air conditioners, heaters, washing machines, refrigerators and electric fans, as well as electronics such as portable computers, desktop computers, monitors, printers and keyboards. Under this policy, responsible enterprises that incorporate at least 25% recycled plastic materials in their products, as verified through a review process by the EPA, will be eligible for a 15% discount on the recycling fee.", "content": "In response to the key strategic action plan Resource Circulation with Zero Waste, which is part of the transition toward net-zero emissions, the EPA has set its initial plan targeting plastic recycling. Enterprises whose electronic and electric products contain 25% or more recycled plastics will enjoy the discounted green rate of recycling and disposal fees. This initiative aims to encourage manufacture or importation of electronic products with recycled materials, promote resource circulation and ensure the benefits of a secondary material economy. After implementing the policy for two years, the EPA will assess its progress and propose subsequent measures accordingly. Furthermore, existing products certified with the Green Mark will continue to enjoy a 5% discount on the recycling fees.\nThe EPA reminds responsible enterprises that, starting from 1 July 2023, they are eligible to report and pay the discounted recycling, clearance, and disposal fees for manufacture and importation of electronic and electric appliances and other articles of responsibility that meet the above-mentioned qualifications. Should there be any inquiries or issues regarding fee declaration and payment, it is advised to visit the Resource Recycling website (http:\/\/recycle.epa.gov.tw).\n", "year": "2023", "month": "4", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4282", "title": "Meetings Held to Urge Enterprises to Practice Voluntary Pollution Prevention and Control", "preview": "To effectively prevent environmental crimes and illegal activities, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) of Taiwan continuously improves its environmental law enforcement strategies and methods. Through cross-sector collaboration among environmental, police, prosecution, investigation, and taxation agencies, the EPA has successfully uncovered multiple cases of organized environmental crimes spanning across different counties and cities. In recent years, the EPA has been actively promoting industry self-management, guiding businesses to proactively comply with the law and instilling the concept that pollution prevention is also profitable. This concerted effort aims to enhance the overall environmental quality.", "content": "The EPA stated that based on past enforcement experience, violations by businesses can be divided into two categories: those who knowingly break the law but hope to escape punishment, and those who unintentionally violate environmental regulations due to a lack of familiarity with them. In order to guide businesses in self-examination and emphasize the importance of compliance, in October of 2022 the EPA invited organic solvent processing industry operators from Central Taiwan to participate in the \"Industry Self-Management and Pollution Prevention Promotion Seminar.\" During the event, to reinforce the understanding of business operators the EPA discussed common illegal practices discovered during inspections in recent years and the corresponding penalties.\nThe EPA also invited businesses that had previously received significant penalties for violations, but have successfully made improvements, to share their experiences in enhancing air pollution prevention measures and transforming mindsets. These businesses have stated that they have reduced the volatile organic compound content in their raw materials at source and upgraded their air pollution prevention equipment. As a result, they have significantly reduced air pollutant emissions, saving over 90% of their annual air pollution fees. Through active pollution improvement measures, these businesses have gained customer confidence, enhanced their reputations, achieved tangible benefits, and received unanimous recognition from industry representatives present at the event.\nTo promote the ongoing importance of pollution prevention and self-management, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) of Taiwan expanded its invitations in March of this year to waste generators in industries such as plastics, solvents, wood, and sludge. Four regulatory awareness seminars were conducted in the northern, central, and southern regions. The seminar topics included common patterns of illegal industrial waste disposal, the reasons for such occurrences, and relevant regulations in recent years. Also invited were representatives from leading domestic semiconductor companies and publicly listed waste transportation and treatment companies to share their management experiences in tracking the flow of waste as it is transported and treated. The goal was to encourage more businesses to implement self-management at source and reduce instances of illegal waste disposal.\nEnhancing corporate social responsibility is currently a societal trend, and the EPA urges businesses to change their mindset and dispel the misconception that investing in pollution prevention equipment is a loss-making endeavor. Instead, businesses should focus on implementing self-management, improving pollution prevention equipment, and enhancing awareness and compliance. Once the concept of voluntary improvements regarding environmental pollution takes root in industries, frequent inspections by environmental authorities should no longer be necessary. Businesses will be able to operate with peace of mind, and environmental quality will see a significant improvement. The EPA hopes that companies will integrate pollution prevention into their corporate governance systems and work together for environmental protection and sustainable development in Taiwan.", "year": "2023", "month": "4", "assortment": "Environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4281", "title": "Earth Day Fair Offers Green Points for Participants Learning about Net-zero Green Living", "preview": "The theme of this year's Earth Day continued from 2022's \"Invest in Our Planet,\" emphasizing the urgent need for “protecting the earth” as not only everyone's responsibility but also a pressing matter. The EPA invited the public to participate in winning “green points” at the Taipei Zoo on 22 April, calling on individuals to invest in the environment through lifestyle changes and collectively practice \"net-zero green living.\"", "content": "To promote collective practice of net-zero green living among the public, on Earth Day, 22 April, the EPA conducted face-to-face interactions with people at the \"World Earth Day Fair\" held at the Taipei Zoo. Starting from the question of \"Why?\" the EPA staff guided individuals on how to practice net-zero green living. They focused on various aspects of life, such as \"a zero-waste low-carbon diet,\" to guide the public to implement net-zero green living and carbon reduction concepts in simple ways.\nThe EPA further enhanced the festivities at the fair by offering limited-time \"green points\" as a bonus. Anyone who visited the EPA's “Net-zero Green Living” booth and participated in the interactive quizzes on net-zero green living actions was eligible to receive an additional 10,000 green points (equivalent to NT$100 in eco-shopping credits) as an on-the-spot reward. Many people chose to take various forms of low-carbon transportation such as the metro or buses to reach the event venue.\nThe \"green points\" have diverse and extensive uses. They can be exchanged or used as discounts for eco-friendly products that bear the Green Mark, carbon footprint labels, and various environment-friendly certifications. They can also be used for discounts on services provided by green industries such as eco-friendly hotels, eco-travel agencies, ecological recreational and environmental education facilities, and green restaurants. By collecting green points, people found it easy to practice net-zero green living. For more information on the use of green points, visit the Green Point website at https:\/\/lihi1.com\/rRYz7\/epa.", "year": "2023", "month": "4", "assortment": "ecolabeling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4280", "title": "Net-Zero Green Living Action Guide Released", "preview": "In order to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and to echo the theme of World Earth Day, the EPA has released Net-Zero Green Living Action Guide (淨零綠生活行動指引). This guide provides the public with practices for leading a net-zero green lifestyle, encouraging investment in our planet and collective action. Through changes in the daily life, small actions can accumulate into significant changes, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions and the transformation of industries.", "content": "Currently, there are various international guides promoting green living, including the United Nations' The Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving the World, the United States’ Green Living Handbook, and Japan's Zero Carbon Action 30. These guides list actions individuals can take in different contexts and situations to reduce carbon emissions. The EPA has studied international practices as reference and collaborated with various agencies to develop the Net-Zero Green Living Action Guide. This guide offers the public simple and easy to understand practices that enable them to embrace net-zero green living and reduce carbon emissions in their daily lives.\nIn response to the theme of this year's Earth Day, which was \"Invest In Our Planet,\" Earth Day Network proposed action guidelines in six areas: climate literacy, ending plastic pollution, reforestation and tree planting, voting Earth, global cleanups, and sustainable fashion. To align with the theme and action guidelines, the EPA responded with “net-zero green living promotion,” the release of Net-Zero Green Living Action Guide, and “public environmental literacy enhancement,” aiming to invest in the planet with the public.\n\"Net-zero Green Living” is one of the 12 key strategies promoted by Taiwan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Net-Zero Green Living Action Guide released this time focuses on six areas of life: \"Zero Waste Low Carbon Diet (Food),\" \"Environmentally Friendly Green Fashion (Clothing),\" \"Improved Living Quality (Housing),\" \"Low Carbon Transportation Network (Transportation),\" \"Sustainable Tourism and Leisure (Recreation),\" and \"Use Instead of Own (Purchasing).\" Under each area of life, specific practices are presented. For example, \"Zero Waste Low Carbon Diet (Food)\" includes practices such as \"eat local, eat seasonal, low carbon cooking,\" \"zero waste of food materials,\" \"bring your own eco-friendly tableware,\" \"reduce food waste,\" and \"choose green restaurants.\" For each theme, the guide provides concrete explanations for \"Why?\" \"What to do?\" \"What materials and tools are needed?\" and \"What resources are saved?\" to help people live green and reduce carbon.\nIn response to the theme of this year's Earth Day, the EPA held a press conference at the The Red House in Ximending titled \"Investing in the Earth, Practicing Net-zero Green Living Together.\" The purpose of the event was to promote public awareness and encourage individuals to make changes related to food, clothing, housing, transportation, recreation, and purchasing in their daily lives, driving transformation in industries.\nThree sessions of Net Zero Green Living Dialogue Forums were held. Experts, scholars, representatives from businesses, communities, and environmental protection bureaus were invited to share and exchange ideas on the six major aspects mentioned earlier. Through direct dialogue, the content of Net-Zero Green Living Action Guide was explained, enabling the public to gain a better understanding of the spirit and content of net-zero green living.\nNet-Zero Green Living Action Guide can be downloaded at https:\/\/greenlife.epa.gov.tw\/about.\nThe website of the 2023 World Earth Day: https:\/\/www.earthday.org\/earth-day-2023\/\n", "year": "2023", "month": "4", "assortment": "Ecolabeling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4279", "title": "Climate Change Response Act Briefings Reap Feedback on GHG Inventory and Verification Enhancement ", "preview": "In response to the amendment to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法), which has passed its third reading, and renamed as the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法) and promulgated by President Tsai Ing-wen, the EPA has organized three sessions of the \"Climate Change Response Act and Enhanced Industrial Greenhouse Gas Inventory Management Approach\" briefing, with the first session held on 26 April. In addition to explaining the follow-up implementation plans, the session also provided updates on the progress of inventory verification operations for the current year. Feedback from various sectors was gathered to gain an understanding on practical implementation challenges and to assess potential adjustments for future legislative amendments.", "content": "The EPA stated that a tiered management approach is taken in the Climate Change Response Act (hereinafter referred to as the Climate Act) for inventory and verification of emissions from emission sources. Since the implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (hereinafter referred to as the GHG Act), inventory and verification adjustments and enhancements are needed. Therefore, the EPA will undertake the revision of the Management Regulations Governing Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories and Registration (溫室氣體排放量盤查登錄管理辦法). The key points of the revision are as follows:\n1)\tThe inventory and verification of greenhouse gas emissions are to be completed in stages to ensure appropriate allocation of verification capacity.\nCurrent regulations require enterprises to complete the inventory and registration of greenhouse gas emissions for the previous year by 31 August each year. They are required to upload the greenhouse gas emissions inventory, inventory report, verification statement, and verification summary report to the designated information platform. The greenhouse gas emissions inventory and inventory report are submitted by the enterprises after completing the inventory, while the verification statement and verification summary report need to be submitted by verification organizations after conducting the verification. Currently, verification operations concentrate in the first half of the year, and as a result, enterprises cannot upload their emissions inventories and inventory reports if the verification processes are not yet completed. In response to the tiered management approach for inventory and verification under the Climate Act, the completion timeframe for inventory and verification operations will be adjusted to provide sufficient time for industries to comply.\n2)\tThe greenhouse gas emissions information platform is to be enhanced by adding a digital generation function for inventory reports, improving the efficiency of enterprises in conducting inventories.\nThe content of the inventory report mainly includes the purpose of the inventory, an introduction to the enterprise, inventory boundary setting, emission source identification, emission quantification, and data quality management. The completion of inventory reports by enterprises is not only required by the inventory registration and management regulations, the reports can also be provided to customers upon request. In the future, a feature to digitally generate inventory reports will be developed based on the required content of the report, to assist enterprises in completing the inventory report more efficiently.\n3)\tA different version of Global Warming Potential (GWP) is to be adopted and the emissions calculated with different versions of GWP will be presented in a reference table according to the needed greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chains provided by enterprises. \nWhen the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) requested countries to submit their national inventories, it mandated the adoption of IPCC AR5 GWP by 31 December 2024. Therefore, this amendment requires enterprises to adopt the IPCC AR5 version of GWP in calculating their greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the convention's mandate. However, enterprises conducting greenhouse gas inventories may also adopt the IPCC AR6 version of GWP in accordance with the requirements of other international organizations. As a result, there are plans to provide a reference table showing greenhouse gas emissions calculated using different versions of GWP to flexibly assist industries in adapting to these variations.", "year": "2023", "month": "4", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4278", "title": "Preparatory Office of Climate Change Administration Established on Earth Day", "preview": "The unveiling ceremony for the Preparatory Office of Climate Change Administration (POCCA) was held at 10:00 a.m., 22 April, Earth Day. Distinguished guests including Premier Chen Chien-jen, Secretary-General Li Meng-yen, and Minister without Portfolio Lo Ping-cheng were present to witness this significant milestone that marked the initiation of Taiwan's efforts in addressing climate change.", "content": "The EPA Minister Chang Tzi-Chin stated that due to the rapid growth of tasks following the promulgation of the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法) on 15 February 2023, a one-step approach was taken to establish the POCCA. This was done to promptly address the manpower needs for urgent tasks and align with the preparations for the establishment of the Climate Change Administration.\nPremier Chen Chien-jen stated that the establishment of the POCCA is crucial for Taiwan's climate change action. It not only signifies the nation’s determination to achieve net-zero emissions but also represents a milestone in industrial transformation and national sustainable development. Premier Chen cited the example of proactive government measures taken previously that had mitigated the impact of drought in central and southern Taiwan, highlighting “the heaven helps those that help themselves” and the importance of early adaptation and preparedness. The work of the POCCA will enhance Taiwan's resilience in responding to climate change.\nIn his speech, Minister Chang expressed his gratitude to Premier Chen for his guidance, as well as the assistance of Secretary-General Li Meng-yen and Minister without Portfolio Lo Ping-cheng of the Executive Yuan. He also acknowledged the coordination and communication efforts of relevant agencies such as the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration and the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, which facilitated the establishment of the POCCA.\nMinister Chang emphasized that climate change is a stringent global challenge faced by all. In 2021, President Tsai declared unequivocally that Taiwan is aligned with the global community in aiming for net-zero transition by 2050. Over the past two years, Taiwan has drawn a roadmap for achieving net-zero emissions and has formulated the Climate Change Response Act. This act not only provides the legal foundation for the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, but also offers clear directives for climate governance, climate change adaptation, carbon pricing promotion strategies, and promoting public participation.\nRegarding the concern of various sectors about when details such as follow-up inventories and carbon pricing mechanisms will be finalized, Minister Chang mentioned that the global response to climate change is moving rapidly. For example, the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is set to be implemented in October this year, and there is an increasing demand for decarbonization in supply chains. Therefore, prior to the establishment of the Ministry of Environment, it was necessary to establish the POCCA to increase manpower and ensure the timely implementation of various subsidiary laws under the Climate Change Response Act, as well as tasks such as carbon inventory, carbon pricing, and climate change adaptation.\n\"Carbon pricing is an economic instrument rather than a fiscal tool,\" explained Minister Chang. As people are most concerned about the issue of carbon pricing, he said that the purpose of its implementation is to promote substantial emission reduction rather than focusing on the carbon tax collected or causing cost shifting. The EPA is currently planning the carbon emission inventory and collection mechanism, and the draft proposal is expected to be released for public discussion in the second half of this year. The specific amounts of carbon taxes will be discussed by the review committee in the first half of next year, with collection scheduled to begin in the second half of the year. This timeline will align with the schedule of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).\nTo facilitate the preparation and transition of the \"Climate Change Administration\" under the Ministry of Environment, the Preparatory Office has established four divisions with a total of 15 sections: Comprehensive Planning Division, Emissions Management Division, Emissions Reduction Promotion Division, and Adaptation and Resilience Division. In addition to the existing 48 personnel from the Office of Climate Change of the EPA, the manpower will continue to be increased to a total of 84 personnel.", "year": "2023", "month": "4", "assortment": "Clmiate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4277", "title": "Revised VOC Standards for Polyurethane Coating Industry Promulgated", "preview": "On 25 April 2023, the EPA promulgated the amendment to the Volatile Organic Compound Air Pollution Controls and Emission Standards for the Polyurethane Coating Industry (聚氨基甲酸酯塗布業揮發性有機物空氣污染管制及排放標準), (hereinafter referred to as the \"Standards\"). The amendment added emission pipeline volatile organic compound (VOC) standards, emission reduction rates, and installation requirements for gas collection facilities, and granted existing operators a two-year grace period to make improvements.", "content": "VOCs are precursors to ozone and fine particulate matter, as well as one of the main causes of odor pollution. Some VOCs are also hazardous air pollutants that can have long-term health effects on humans. To encourage the polyurethane coating industry to adopt water-based processes and strengthen overall VOC control, relevant revisions have been made in this amendment. It is estimated that the improvements following the promulgation will reduce annual VOC emissions by 775 metric tons, an equivalent of 90% of the average VOC emissions of an oil refinery (821 metric tons).\nThe amendment to the Standards focuses on four key points: promoting source reduction, effective exhaust gas collection, stricter emission standards, and enhanced odor control. The details are as follows:\n1. Promoting source reduction: Operators are encouraged to develop water-based processes, and polyurethane coating processes are regulated. However, operators using water-based or solvent-free processes (and not using dimethylformamide) can be excluded from the regulation if they submit supporting documents that are approved by local competent authorities.\n2. Effective exhaust gas collection: Installation specifications for gas collection equipment were added, requiring the installation of enclosed gas collection equipment and enclosing hoods to enhance the collection of exhaust gases and channel the gases to pollution-control equipment for treatment to reduce the emission of pollutants.\n3. Strengthening emission standards: Emission standards for VOCs from exhaust pipes and the treatment efficiency of pollution control equipment were added, aiming to improve end-of-pipe treatment and strengthen the control of VOCs.\n4. Strengthening Odor Control: Control measures were enhanced to reduce odor complaints from nearby residents; the control limits for odor-causing pollutant emissions from exhaust pipes were added; and regulation was enhanced for newly established businesses.\nDue to the multitude and complexity of air pollution sources, the EPA has been actively promoting air pollution prevention programs in recent years (from 2020 to 2023). Through multiple measures, efforts to improve air quality have shown positive results, with the annual average concentration of PM2.5 gradually decreasing nationwide, meeting the targets. In response to the next control phase, which will focus on controlling O3 (ozone), this amendment aims to strengthen the reduction of ozone precursors, particularly VOCs, to continue improving air quality.\nThe EPA emphasizes that this amendment not only specifies the regulated targets and directly exempts water-based and solvent-free processes from the regulation, but also provides appropriate grace period for operators to make improvements in the existing processes so as to respond to stricter gas collection equipment and emission standards. The aim is to strengthen the control of VOCs and achieve a balance and mutually beneficial situation between the environment and the development of the industry.", "year": "2023", "month": "4", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4276", "title": "Regulations to Be Revised as Responsibility of Managing Automobile Exhaust Inspections Returns to EPA ", "preview": "The EPA preannounced revisions to six regulations: the Air Emission Standards for Mobile Sources (移動污染源空氣污染物放標準), the Inspection and Handling Measures for Motor Vehicle Emissions (交通工具排放空氣污染物檢驗及處理辦法), the Identification and Inspection Implementation Method for In-Use Automobiles (使用中汽車之認定及檢驗實施方式), the Regulations for Setting Up and Managing Inspection Stations for Emissions of Gasoline and Alternative Clean Fuel Vehicles (汽油及其替代清潔燃料引擎汽車排放空氣污染物檢驗站設置及管理辦法), the Targets, Regions, Frequencies, and Deadlines for Regular Inspection of Emissions of Gasoline and Alternative Clean Fuel Vehicles (汽車實施排放空氣污染物定期檢驗之對象、區域、頻率及期限) and the Targets, Regions, Frequencies, and Deadlines for Regular Inspection of Emissions of Diesel and Alternative Clean Fuel Vehicles (柴油及其替代清潔燃料引擎汽車實施排放空氣污染物定期檢驗之對象、區域、頻率及期限).", "content": "The preannounced revisions to the six regulations and announcements regarding automobile exhaust inspections will require gasoline-fueled automobiles to undergo an exhaust inspection every two years beginning from the time when a vehicle is eight years old. If a vehicle fails an inspection, it must undergo yearly inspections for two consecutive years. Only when the vehicle passes all inspections during this two-year period can the vehicle return to a biennial inspection cycle. If a diesel-fueled automobile failed an inspection during regular inspections, non-periodic inspections or any inspections competent authorities notify the vehicle owners to undergo, in addition to addressing the issue of non-compliance, the vehicle must undergo regular yearly inspections for two consecutive years starting from the following year. If the vehicle passes the emissions inspections for two years in a row, it will be exempt from regular yearly inspections starting from the third year.\nTo be in line with the plan of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to remove the requirement to undergo exhaust testing during car license applications and regular inspections in the Road Traffic Safety Rules (道路交通安全規則) and to return the responsibility for managing automotive emission inspections to the EPA, the Targets, Regions, Frequencies, and Deadlines for Regular Inspection of Emissions of Gasoline and Alternative Clean Fuel Vehicles, the Targets, Regions, Frequencies, and Deadlines for Regular Inspection of Emissions of Diesel and Alternative Clean Fuel Vehicles and the Regulations for Setting Up and Managing Inspection Stations for Emissions of Gasoline and Alternative Clean Fuel Vehicles are to be formulated. In addition, corresponding amendments will be made to the Air Emission Standards for Mobile Sources, the Inspection and Handling Measures for Motor Vehicle Emissions, and the Identification and Inspection Implementation Method for In-Use Automobiles. \nTo facilitate vehicle inspections for the public, the EPA plans to commission highway supervisory authorities and authorized vehicle inspection stations to carry out the inspections for gasoline-powered automobiles. Diesel-powered vehicles, on the other hand, will be inspected at diesel vehicle chassis dynamometer smoke testing stations. The inspection locations and methods for gasoline and diesel vehicles remain the same as the current ones with the hope that the inspection procedures can be adjusted without altering the public's existing habits.", "year": "2023", "month": "4", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4275", "title": "EPA to Become Ministry of Environment with Passage of Organic Act", "preview": "Taiwan’s environmental authority reached a new milestone on 9 May 2023 as the Legislative Yuan passed the third reading of various legislations regarding the organization of the Ministry of Environment and its third-level agencies (institutes). The regulations were promulgated by President Tsai Ing-wen on 24 May. Now the EPA is to transform into the Ministry of Environment in conjunction with the establishment of four third-level agencies, the Climate Change Administration, Resource Circulation Administration, Environmental Management Administration, and Chemicals Administration. The National Environmental Research Academy will be established as well. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Caucus has also raised a resolution, proposing to establish a Natural Resources Integrated Governance Task Force under the jurisdiction of the Executive Yuan in the future.", "content": "EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang: Striving to launch operation of the Ministry of Environment by the end of the year \nIn 2022, the Executive Yuan made the decision to change the EPA into the Ministry of Environment, aiming to achieve the policy goals such as net-zero emissions by 2050, resource circulation, and toxic waste controls. On 9 May, the Legislative Yuan passed the third reading of the Ministry of Environment Organic Act (環境部組織法) as well as the draft legislation concerning the organization of four administrations and one institute. The regulations were promulgated by President Tsai on 24 May. \nMinister Tzi-Chin Chang expressed his excitement about witnessing the establishment of the Ministry of Environment and is determined to officially launch the ministry and its four administrations and one institute by the end of this year. He further explained that when the EPA was first founded in 1987, he was transferred from Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau to the EPA, and for him the formation the Ministry of Environment is a moment of great excitement. Due to the restructuring of existing units to form the Ministry of Environment, it is essential that all ongoing programs continue onward seamlessly. Therefore, efforts will be made to officially launch operations of the Ministry of Environment and its four administrations and one institute before the end of this year.\nIn response to future increase in workload and personnel, the most urgent task at hand is to expand the office space. As for the personnel increase, the EPA currently has 743 official staff members and will be adding another 264 after the establishment of the ministry, bringing the total to 1,007. Among them, the official staff of the Climate Change Administration will go from 26 to 98.\nFive third-level agencies will be set up under the ministry. The Climate Change Administration will be responsible for greenhouse gas reduction and climate change adaptation. The Resource Circulation Administration will handle at-source waste reduction, recycling, clearance, and disposal. The Chemicals Administration will be in charge of prevention and response to toxic and chemical substance disasters, as well as chemical substance control. The Environmental Management Administration will focus on environmental law enforcement and remediation of soil and groundwater pollution. The National Environmental Research Academy will oversee environmental research, testing, and management and personnel training regarding certification organizations.\nAfter the establishment of the ministry, the existing Environmental Analysis Laboratory and Environmental Professionals Training Institute will be combined to become the National Environmental Research Academy. In the initial stage, it will join forces with other research institutions such as the Academia Sinica, the Central Weather Bureau, the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction, and various universities and institutes according to their respective expertise in different fields. This collaboration aims to expand the research scopes and ensure that their research reports align with national regulatory reports.\nFive prospects of the Ministry of Environment\nFacing the international trend of net-zero emissions and global environmental changes, the government has shifted its focus from “natural resources management to \"actively responding to the global environmental situation and creating transformation opportunities for Taiwan.\" The efforts mainly concern integrating responsibilities and authorities, expanding its operations, and systematically addressing the five major environmental issues of climate change, resource circulation, chemical substances control, environmental quality management, and strengthening of environmental research. In the future, the Ministry of Environment envisions achieving the goals listed below.\n1. The Ministry of Environment will actively respond to climate change by: strengthening the formulation, promotion, and implementation of national policies; implementing the supervision and evaluation of phased control targets; responding to international carbon border taxes and the decarbonization trend of supply chains; accelerating carbon pricing, strengthening the carbon inventory system and seeking decarbonization technologies and strategies, and; mitigating international pressure by assisting domestic industrial transformation.\n2. The Ministry of Environment will implement circular economy policies, waste reduction, and reuse by coordinating management powers and responsibilities of all ministries, levying funds for resource circulation, recovering energy from waste, and inventorying and analyzing resources in waste. It will promote new measures such as circular procurement, sustainable consumption, and environment-friendly design of products to achieve the reduced use of primary raw materials and improve resource use efficiencies so as to reduce environmental loading and gradually advance towards the goals of sustainable resource circulation and zero waste.\n3. The Ministry of Environment will expand the scope of chemical substance management to cover all chemical substances handled in Taiwan to achieve the goals of “extending source management to borders and reducing breakpoints to deter violations,” “integrating disaster prevention resources and strengthening responses to reduce disaster losses,” “fully convey hazard information to reduce exposure to health risks,” and “transform to sustainable and non-toxic use of resources to align management with international conventions.”\n4. The Ministry of Environment will strengthen environmental law enforcement using digital technologies; use smart technologies and the internet to handle general waste in diverse ways, and; improve environmental cleanliness and sanitation management. It will sustainably manage soil and groundwater resources through improving the certification system for surveying and remediation technologies and increase soil and groundwater regeneration and carbon sink capacities. It will strengthen pollution source control to build low-risk living environments and develop healthy and sustainable communities.\n5. The Ministry of Environment will promote research on climate change and resource circulation, improve environmental risk assessment and management technologies, facilitate net zero transformation and cultivate professional talent, and work with research resources nationwide to establish an environmental think tank to provide long-term and stable support for overall national environmental policies.\nNatural Resource Integration and Governance Task Force to be set up under the Executive Yuan\nWhile the Organic Act of the Ministry of Environment (環境部組織法) was passed on its third reading, the DPP Caucus proposed the establishment of a Natural Resource Integration and Governance Task Force under the Executive Yuan to address controversies surrounding natural resource management raised by civic organizations and the public. The task force will include relevant competent authorities to formulate overarching governance directions. Ministers without Portfolio will be assigned to run the task force and convene meetings, and appropriate staff units will assist in planning and implementation. The task force will hold regular meetings to strengthen interdepartmental coordination, facilitating the integrated and sustainable management of natural resources.\nThe EPA stated that after its restructuring into the Ministry of Environment, it will be able to align with international carbon reduction efforts, coordinate responsibilities of various ministries for resource recycling, and establish disposal facilities for industrial waste. Policies related to green economy and sustainable development will be carried out more effectively. Also, through continuous environmental education and advocacy, the EPA aims to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental protection, so that all of society can jointly work towards net-zero emissions by 2050 and preserve beautiful living environments for future generations.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "4", "assortment": "General policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4274", "title": "Transformation of Recycling Army Program into Recycler Care Program Gives More Help to Disadvantaged Recyclers", "preview": "The EPA has been promoting the Recycler Care Program (資收關懷計畫) for over three years, aimed at caring for individual recyclers with low to medium incomes. Measures such as guaranteed-price acquisition, home collection and transportation, and micro-insurance have been adopted. The entire funding from the original Recycling Army Program (資收大軍計畫) has been transformed and used to promote the Recycler Care Program, with a focus on providing better care for disadvantaged recyclers and subsidizing local promotion efforts.", "content": "In 2017, the EPA launched the Recycling Army Program. The original plan employed low-income individual recyclers commonly seen on the streets to assist cleaning squads and communities in waste sorting to improve recycling quality. The maximum working hours per month were twenty-five, with a maximum payment of around NT$4,200. After two years of implementation, in order to care for the disadvantaged recyclers more directly, the EPA consolidated various suggestions from the public and incorporated a new recycler care program into the original plan, with subsidies higher than market prices to encourage recyclers to recover recyclables and mitigate the impact of market price fluctuations. In addition, the program later included supplementary measures such as home collection and transportation services, environmental improvement counseling, and micro-insurance services.\nThe Recycler Care Program currently provides five major measures: 1) A guaranteed-price acquisition subsidy, offering 2-3 times the market price to purchase recyclables, with a monthly limit of NT$5,000; 2) Home collection and transportation services, providing clearance and transportation services for recyclables at recyclers’ homes by appointment if necessary; 3) Supplemental epidemic prevention equipment, purchasing epidemic prevention materials such as masks and face shields, and providing them to recyclers; 4) Micro-insurance, helping recyclers to purchase micro-insurance; 5) Environmental improvement services, conducting site cleaning and disinfection in the storage areas of recyclers.\nThe Recycler Care Program has been fruitful. The recycling volume reached 9,215 metric tons in 2020 and increased to 13,510 metric tons in 2022, a growth of almost 1.5 times. The program targeted low-to-middle-income recyclers and offered a higher purchase price based on their actual recyclable collection volume, unlike the Recycling Army Program, part of which did not target individual recyclers of low-to-middle income. Therefore, the EPA notified environmental protection bureaus three years ago to gradually reduce the scale of the Recycling Army Program and transform it into the Recycler Care Program. Currently, there are still funds available for local environmental protection bureaus to apply for the expansion of the program. In the future, the EPA will review the implementation of the Recycler Care Program that has taken over as the new program and continue to adjust the implementation on a rolling basis. Considering that the Recycler Care Program can provide more substantive assistance to individual recyclers with higher purchase prices and help the growth of their actual recyclable collection volume, the focus of promotion has gradually shifted from the Recycling Army Program to the Recycler Care Program.", "year": "2023", "month": "3", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4273", "title": "Arrests Concerning Waste Acid Dumping Businesses Ends Atrocious Pollution ", "preview": "In October 2022, the Environmental Protection Bureau of the Taichung City Government discovered evidence of unscrupulous businesses illegally dumping hazardous industrial waste into the soil in Qingshui District, Taichung City. After investigations, the Taichung District Prosecutors Office concluded the case on 31 March 2023, with estimated illegal gains exceeding NT$83.35 million. Eleven offenders, including the head of the main offending company, were charged with violating the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法), and will be held responsible for environmental restoration. ", "content": "In 2022, evidence was reported to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office, which then commanded the Taichung Field Division of the Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Justice, the Seventh Special Police Corps, and the National Taxation Bureau of the Northern Area to investigate the case. A task force was formed with the EPA and the environmental protection bureaus of Taoyuan City, Taichung City, and Miaoli County to expand the investigation. The investigation traced and uncovered a case of environmental crime in which a Taoyuan-based waste acid recycling company illegally disposed of waste acid received from factories without undergoing proper recycling processes.\nThe company in question is a recycling organization that primarily collects waste pickling acids from factories. In order to save costs, the company did not add chemicals to treat the waste acids during the recycling process in accordance to regulations. They commissioned unscrupulous businesses to transport the used strong acids without having gone through the proper recycling process, and illegally disposed of them in various locations spanning four counties\/cities: Xinwu in Taoyuan, Sanwan in Miaoli, Qingshui and Dali in Taichung, and Dacheng Township in Changhua County. At the same time, they fabricated false reports on the amount of raw materials used, monthly sales reports, shipping invoices, product weighing records, and seals, with the intention of evading detection by environmental protection personnel.\nThrough the joint efforts of the special task force composed by the Taichung District Prosecutors Office and various agencies, including the EPA and the environmental protection bureaus of relevant counties and cities, the source of the waste acid and the related criminal networks and methods were traced and clarified. Key evidence was obtained to put an end to the illegal activities of unscrupulous businesses that harm the land and pollute the environment.\nThe task force spent nearly half a year comparing relevant financial flows, big data, and conducting verification work such as excavating disposal sites, inspecting waste and soil samples component by component, and unraveling the criminal methods of the dishonest operators. These methods included dumping waste pickling acids of strong acidity into holes, directly pouring them on the ground, hiding them in bamboo forests and camping sites, or disposing of them on remote cemetery land. Suspected disposal sites were excavated and sampling and testing were carried out to confirm the extent of pollution and strengthen the evidence of the illegal acts of the operators who criminally harmed the land. The soil pollution conditions at the relevant disposal sites have been evaluated by the county\/city environmental protection bureaus, and emergency response measures have been taken to prevent the spread of pollution.\nAnother notable point is that during the process of verifying one of the illegal dumping sites, EPA personnel inspected the downstream riverbed of Zhonggang River in Sanwan Township, Miaoli County. Despite the dangerous and steep terrain and sharp rocks, they hiked three kilometers upstream along the river and finally found the illegal dumping site. It was this relentless spirit that enabled the authorities to uncover the unlawful acts of the businesses.\nThe EPA would like to extend its special thanks to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office and the agencies and members that formed the special task force for the investigation of this case. Through the cross-agency collaborations, the mechanisms and effectiveness of environmental regional governance have been fully demonstrated. The EPA will continue to rely on the collaboration platforms set up between the prosecutors’ offices, police and environmental protection bureaus for cracking down on environmental crimes and uphold the policy of regional governance to bring environmental criminals to justice and jointly maintain environmental quality with the citizenry.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "3", "assortment": "Environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4272", "title": "Net Zero City Expo Showcases Ways to Realize Green Living and Zero-Waste Future", "preview": "The Net Zero City Expo, demonstrating the sustainable development practices and policies promoted by the EPA, held its grand opening on 28 March 2023. The EPA showcased key exhibition areas with the themes of \"Zero Waste through Resource Circulation\" and \"Net-zero Green Living,\" which correspond respectively with Strategy 8 and Strategy 10 of Taiwan's 2050 Net-Zero Emissions Pathway and Strategy. Through interactive experiences and practical demonstrations, the event showcased ways to achieve net-zero green living and create a zero-waste future through resource circulation. On opening day, EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang was interviewed by the media, and Vice President William Lai and Secretary-General to the President, Chia-lung Lin, also visited the exhibition areas of the EPA and gave high praise.", "content": "The Net Zero City Expo was organized by the National Development Council and the Taipei Computer Association, with the aim of promoting Taiwan's policy towards 2050 Zero Emissions Pathway (2050 淨零排放路徑). The EPA participated in the exhibition with a focus on the themes of \"Zero Waste through Resource Circulation\" and \"Net-zero Green Living.\"\nMinister Chang mentioned that since President Tsai Ing-wen declared the goal of “Net-Zero Transition by 2050” on Earth Day (22 April) 2021, multiple net zero related plans have been announced. The Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法), which after three readings was passed by the Legislative Yuan in January 2023, also includes several important policies. About half of the 12 Key Strategic Action Plans (12項關鍵戰略行動計畫) are related to energy policies. The EPA's promotion of \"Zero Waste through Resource Circulation\" and \"Net-zero Green Living\" aims to work with the whole nation to reduce carbon emissions generated by daily activities such as eating, clothing, housing, transportation, education and entertainment. For example, locally sourced food should be chosen for meals and public transportation, or electric vehicles should be chosen for transportation.\nMinister Chang explained that the EPA’s actions are not only aimed at raising public awareness of the Net Zero by 2050 goal but also at encouraging people to take action in their daily lives. For example, the \"10 Great Food-saving Actions\" campaign encourages people to adopt green habits and engages the public in making full use of resources. For example, in the textile industry academia and industry have developed precise fiber sorting and recycling technologies, providing more options for processing old clothing, including use as secondhand clothing, downgrading for other uses, or using technology to make raw materials for textiles, fuel for energy, etc.,\nDuring his visit to the Sustainable Living Pavilion of the exhibition, Vice President Lai exchanged views on the achievements of resource circulation with Deputy Minister Ya-Fen Wang. The Vice President was particularly curious about the first carbon-neutral shoes produced by domestic manufacturers and asked about the details of the technology and materials used. Deputy Minister Wang pointed out that through innovative technology and business models, the implementation of a circular economy by the entire citizenry can be realized, existing resources can be reused, and cities can become urban mines. Secretary-General to the President Chia-lung Lin also stopped to learn about the environmental technology achievements of \"boiler fuel transformation\" and \"acoustic cameras\".", "year": "2023", "month": "3", "assortment": "clmiate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4271", "title": "Aiming for a 30% Usage Rate of Recycled Plastic in Packaging Materials", "preview": "To promote domestic plastic recycling and waste reduction, the EPA encourages industries to mix recycled plastic materials into packaging materials, aiming to achieve a 25% usage rate of recycled materials by 2025 and a 30% usage rate by 2030. On 30 April a press conference was held to promote recycled plastic products for green circularity, inviting companies such as Kao Corporation and Nice Group to participate. It is hoped that collaboration with the industry will reduce consumption of virgin materials and move towards resource circulation and zero waste.", "content": "Internationally, efforts have been made to promote net-zero emissions and sustainable development in response to plastic pollution. The European Union (EU) has been a pioneer in this regard, with the European Plastics Pact introduced in 2020, which aims for an average of at least 30% recycled plastics in products and packaging by 2025. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France, have also set similar goals. As Taiwan heavily relies on imported petrochemical resources for plastic production, the EPA is promoting increased use of recycled plastic materials in industries to more efficiently utilize such resources and maximize their value, and thus align with international environmental trends. It is expected that, via such promotion, by 2025 the usage rate of recycled plastic materials in packaging can reach 25%, the use of recycled plastics can increase by roughly 75,000 metric tons, and carbon emissions be reduced by around 150,000 metric tons.\nTo encourage voluntary use of recycled plastic materials in industries, on 3 November 2022 the EPA set the Operation Guidelines for Promoting Recycled Plastic Products for Non-Food Packaging (非填充食品之塑膠再生商品推動作業要點) with a priority focus on non-food plastic containers. For plastic containers for cosmetics, animal cleaning and care products, cleaning agents, lubricants, etc., an evaluation mechanism has been established to confirm sources of recycled materials, their quality, and proportions within mixtures, thus providing a regulatory framework for enterprises to follow. Several companies have already begun using recycled materials and have voluntarily participated in the process of evaluating content of recycled materials. In the future, consumers will be able to find on the EPA's website information on products that have passed the evaluation for recycled plastic containers (https:\/\/www.epa.gov.tw\/Page\/E98E2B0A22D482BB).\n", "year": "2023", "month": "3", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4270", "title": "Amended Draft on Prohibition of Water-Polluting Behaviors Preannounced", "preview": "On 22 March 2023, the EPA preannounced the revised draft of the Prohibition of Water-Polluting Practices (禁止足使水污染行為). For campgrounds, the draft includes requirements for proper collection and treatment of wastewater generated from flush toilets and domestic use, as well as installation of adequate wastewater treatment facilities. The law will come into effect on 1 July 2024 in consideration of the preparations and adjustments needed before implementation.", "content": "In recent years, there has been an increase in camping activities and campground use. Out of all existing campgrounds in Taiwan, currently over a thousand in total, only about two hundred are legal, with the majority not listed for control under the Water Pollution Control Act. Based on the Executive Yuan’s \" Respect the Mountains\" policy and the Campground Management Guidelines (露營場管理要點), established by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in July 2022, small campgrounds less than one hectare located on land designated for agricultural, livestock and forestry use may apply for legal certification under certain conditions. Subsequently, in December 2022 the Tourism Bureau publicized the draft application forms and plans for issuing permits for use of land as campgrounds, which will serve as references for campground enterprises as they apply for legal certification. \nAiming to regulate installation of sewage treatment facilities in campgrounds, the EPA has targeted specific acts in campgrounds located inside water pollution control areas, such as installing wastewater disposal facilities with insufficient capacity or not properly operating or maintaining facilities. Another target is the improper channeling of wastewater from flush toilets and domestic uses, due to the campgrounds not being connected to sewage systems or centralized disposal facilities, or because they have not commissioned disposal enterprises to deal with the wastewater. The draft is preannounced based on the Water Pollution Control Act Article 30, paragraph 1, item 5, listing such behaviors as water-polluting acts that are to be prohibited. The goal is to jointly safeguard environmental quality.\nIn addition, on 7 March 2023 the EPA issued the Guidelines for Application and Evaluation of Campground Environmental Protection Affairs (露營場環境保護事項申請及審查指引) as a reference for competent authorities managing campgrounds, local environmental bureaus, and campground enterprises, and to facilitate the legal certification process for campgrounds.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "3", "assortment": "Water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4269", "title": "Livestock Manure Reutilization Program Expanded to Six Counties and Cities", "preview": "The EPA and the Council of Agriculture (COA) jointly promote utilization of livestock manure digestate as fertilizers for farms. A pilot program was conducted in 2022, in which farmers were invited to use manure digestate to fertilize and irrigate crops such as red bean. After positive trial results, this year the program will be expanded to six counties and cities: Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County.", "content": "In 2023, to encourage farmers to participate in demonstration fertilization projects the EPA has offered an incentive, equivalent to 10% of the proceeds from the harvests. The aim is to lower river pollution, improve air quality in rural areas, and facilitate a circular economy via policies to recycle and repurpose livestock manure as nitrogen fertilizers. Local environmental bureaus and agriculture offices have prepared planting handbooks for various crops, are available to provide guidance and assist in matching farmlands needing fertilizers with livestock farmers. The cost of transporting digestate will be subsidized by the central government.\nFor this year’s program, the EPA will emphasize the use of manure digestate from the second-crop of rice cultivation. Based on previous trial results, rice crops fertilized with manure digestate have shown benefits such as reduced pest problems and disease, plumper rice grains, and greater strength in general. Soil monitoring is continually carried out to ensure quality control and deal with concerns about heavy metal content, often a question in the past.\nThe program not only improves river water quality by reducing discharges of livestock wastewater into water bodies, but food safety for consumers is also enhanced with less use of agrochemicals and chemical fertilizers on crops. Meanwhile, farmers will benefit from less spent for chemical fertilizers, increased yields, and incentives from the EPA. Farmers participating in the demonstration program have seen an average increase in crop yields of 30%, which along with the additional 10% incentive provided by the EPA is approximately equal to a 40% increase in income. \nGiving a thumb’s up, program participant Mrs. Li, who grows red beans in Xinyuan, Pingtung County, said, \"The EPA promotes the wisdom of our ancestors, which helps to save on use of fertilizers and water.\" For her, using manure digestate for fertilization has led to halving the amount of chemical fertilizers, crops less prone to disease, and an abundant harvest, 30% more than that of neighboring red bean farms. Upon seeing the results, other nearby farmers of red beans, bananas, and other crops have been inquiring about fertilization with manure digestate.\nThe program’s achievements showcase the perfect combination of traditional farming methods and modern technology, as well as the charm and potential benefits of returning organic matter to farmland. Utilization of livestock manure resources is part of a sustainable agricultural model, benefiting the land and the environment by transforming manure digestate into useful fertilizers while cutting reliance on chemical fertilizers and agrochemicals.\nDuring the past five years the EPA has actively promoted manure digestate reutilization by providing assistance, subsidies and various other resources. Over 600 seminars were held in collaboration with local governments to match livestock farms with crop farmers for use of manure digestate for fertilization, with 11 townships selected as demonstration sites nationwide. As of the end of December 2022, the three methods of utilizing manure digestate have helped reduce biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) by 66,165 metric tons per year. Another result is that total digestate used for fertilization contain 1,565 metric tons of nitrogen per year, equivalent to 241,556 bags per year of Taiwan Fertilizer Co.’s No. 5 Fertilizer, thus saving NT$99.04 million per year in fertilizer costs. \nHowever, such result excludes nitrogen content of 2,309 metric tons\/year in matters recycled for plant irrigation based on the Effluent Standards (放流水標準) as plants irrigated according to the standards require no fertilizers. \nResource recycling such as re-use of livestock manure and better wastewater disposal can make significant contributions towards net-zero emissions. The EPA explained that the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防治法) has been amended with targets set for reuse of livestock wastewater. As of March 2023, the target of 5% reuse rate for farms with 2,000 heads of livestock or more by 2023 has been achieved. The next challenge is for small and medium-sized farms with 20 to 1,999 heads to reach a 5% reuse rate by 2025, and for farms with 2,000 heads or more to reach a 10% reuse rate by 2027. This requires the joint efforts and cooperation of the livestock industry, agricultural authorities, and environmental protection authorities to implement resource utilization and improve water quality.", "year": "2023", "month": "3", "assortment": "Water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4268", "title": "EPA and NFA Provide Three Tips for Eco-Friendly Tomb Sweeping", "preview": "During Tomb Sweeping Day, if people are careless with fire or burn joss paper in open areas, uncontrolled fires may occur and further harm air quality. In 2022, 72% of fire incidents on the holiday were caused by tomb sweeping or burning of weeds. The EPA and the National Fire Agency (NFA) of the Ministry of the Interior, publicized the following three tips to make tomb cleaning more eco-friendly. First, overgrowth can be cut and disposed of at designated locations without open-air burning, second, joss paper can be placed at designated locations for centralized transport and burning, and third, joss paper can be replaced with donations for charities. Moreover, people are encouraged to practice fire-free tomb sweeping practices while taking advantage of the joss paper collection service at designated spots in public cemeteries, to make the tradition friendlier to the environment.", "content": "Tomb Sweeping Day is a peak period for ancestral worship in Taiwan, during which many people burn joss paper and weed grave sites. Director Mengyu Tsai of the EPA’s Department of Air Quality Protection and Noise Control pointed out that on the Peace Memorial Day on 28 February this year, the EPA used miniature sensors to monitor air quality during from burning weeds at public cemeteries in Tongluo, Miaoli County. It was found that PM2.5 concentration in the air increased from 20 μg\/m3 to 300 μg\/m3, significantly higher than the \"red alert\" level of 54.5 μg\/m3, which indicates an extremely high health risk. \nIn response, the EPA and the NFA have joined forces for the first time, inviting the Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau and the Keelung City Environmental Protection Bureau as representatives of local governments to promote centralized joss paper disposal, eco-friendly ancestral worship, and a fire-free Tomb Sweeping Day. Weeds can be gathered together at the same place before being bundled after gravesite clean-ups, while littering cigarette butts should be avoided. Moreover, local governments provide joss paper collection and transportation services, with 22,000 metric tons of joss paper collected in 2022. This year there will be more collection spots in cemeteries nationwide, with at least 300 collection spots available. People with a need to burn joss paper can hand it over to the local government for centralized disposal.\nOpen-air burning during tomb sweeping can easily cause fires. According to the NFA’s statistics in 2021 and 2022, as much as 52% of fire incidents were caused by residual embers and burning of weeds related to ancestral worship and tomb sweeping. A staggering 72% of fire incidents were caused by burning of joss paper and weeds during Tomb Sweeping Day in 2022, hence the urging of necessary caution.", "year": "2023", "month": "3", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4267", "title": "Outstanding Adopters of Air Quality Zones Awarded for Purification Efforts", "preview": "To enhance air quality, the EPA has been urging the public to take part in improving the living environments around them. The rate of air quality purification zones “adopted” by entities such as businesses or communities has grown from 32% in 2014 to 51% in 2022. On 22 March 2023, a ceremony was held in Hualien to acknowledge excellent adopting entities, all of which received awards from the EPA Deputy Minister and were thanked for their hard work and efforts to maintain good air quality for all to enjoy.", "content": "Since 1995, the EPA has been promoting Air Quality Purification Zones to improve urban air quality, with a total of 1,315 zones designated to date. To encourage participation of private enterprises, communities, and other non-governmental organizations in the adoption and maintenance of Air Quality Purification Zones, after initial local screening, 73 adopted sites were recommended for the award, which then underwent onsite evaluations by the EPA to ultimately select 31 outstanding adopters located at 26 sites.\nThe EPA pointed out that the adopters recognized by these awards have not only kept their adopted zones clean, but also developed local characteristics by integrating unique geographical features, creating additional value.\nFor example, Chiayu Biking Trail in Chiayi City is maintained by local environmental volunteers based in Hong-ua and Shihtze Neighborhoods, where numerous trees and shrubs have been planted, to sequester a sum of nearly 105 metric tons of carbon per year. Such an accomplishment is particularly important for pollution and emission reduction. \nAnother example is the Keelung Maritime Cultural and Educational Foundation, which has adopted the Affiliated Keelung Maritime Senior High School of National Taiwan Ocean University as its Air Quality Purification Zone. The adopters have taken advantage of the site being based around a school, promoting environmental education by collaborating with foreign and local students as well as the Ministry of Education’s K-12 Education Administration. \nLast but not least, Tongoil Blossom Park in Tucheng District, New Taipei City, has been adopted by the Tucheng Natural Landscape Conservation Association. Besides going to clean-up events, its volunteers also receive training to become certified ecological guides, providing guided tours and even participating in environmental education activities in schools. The diversification of their volunteer services has thus earned them the honor of unique contribution award.\nThe Air Quality Purification Zones function by planting trees and vegetation on public lands, such as enclosed landfills, exposed lands, or waste disposal sites, through subsidization. By purifying air, lowering dust and particulate matter, and regulating humidity and temperature, these plants and vegetation help improve air quality as well as conserve water, soil resources and ecosystems. With the current global endeavor to achieve zero-emissions, which aims for not only carbon reduction but also carbon removal, the carbon-sequestering ability of trees can remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, contributing to sustainable resource utilization.\nThe award recipients were chosen by a panel of scholars and experts, who evaluated the results of all Air Quality Purification Zones in 2022. There were three categories: Excellence Awards, Unique Contribution Awards, and Service Model Awards. The Excellence Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of adopters, the Unique Contribution Award is given to those who have adopted zones in ways that can serve as significant models for others, while the Service Model Award acknowledges adopters that have made continuous efforts to protect the environment for years. In addition, seven county and city governments were recognized for their active facilitation of the adoption program for Air Quality Purification Zones.\nThe program’s outcomes indicate the public's increasing awareness and participation in environmental protection. In the future, the EPA will align the program with Taiwan's 2050 Net-Zero Emission Pathway, combine urban greening with natural carbon sinks, and encourage businesses, communities, and schools to join the adoption program, together creating a sustainable environment with net-zero emissions.", "year": "2023", "month": "3", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4266", "title": "Revisions Announced for EIA-Related Regulations and Tables", "preview": "On 22 March 2023, the EPA announced the amended Standards for Determining Specific Items and Scope for Environmental Impact Assessments of Development Activities (開發行為應實施環境影響評估細目及範圍認定標準). The revisions, including those to Article 46, table 6, were made in order to achieve better implementation in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, after considering suggestions provided by various agencies and following a review of ambiguities in actual practices. ", "content": "The standards have undergone 13 amendments since they were first announced in 1995. This amendment was made in accordance with relevant laws and regulations after considering suggestions provided by various agencies and following a review of ambiguities in actual practices. Revisions include: amending certain contents in the standards; Article 46, table 6; Article 12, table 1 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Enforcement Rules (環境影響評估法施行細則). Amendments were also made to item 1, table 1 and table 2, mandating environmental impact assessments (EIAs) on lands owned by Taiwan Sugar Corporation (TSC), where building of factories, or establishment or expansion of industrial zones, may have adverse environmental impacts.\n\tEIAs are exempted for maintenance dredging for the purpose of safe vessel passage and regular port and harbor operations.\n\tSeawater desalination facilities are considered for emergency use in times of drought and are to be shut down for future use after the drought relief is no longer needed. Construction of seawater desalination plants or expansion of treatment capacity, deemed measures for immediate drought relief, are exempted from EIAs after approval from the industrial competent authority.\n\tFor wind turbines, there are concerns that noise, flicker effects, and other impacts may exist for nearby residents even if the straight-line distance between the center of the wind turbine base and the nearest building boundary is more than 250 meters. In regard to this and with references from overseas research, EIAs are now mandated if the straight-line distance between the center of any wind turbine base and the nearest building boundary is under 500 meters.\n\tFor mixed industrial\/commercial districts, large shopping centers, and exhibition, fair, or trade show venues, EIA determination standards shall depend on the size of the overall development area. An EIA is required if the aforementioned developments are located in reservoir watersheds.\n\tEIA regulations concerning cable cars have undergone revisions, taking into consideration that development of cable cars creates smaller environmental impacts in comparison to construction of other transportation infrastructure.\n\tNew categories of development activities have been added. For establishing national launch sites under the Space Development Act (太空發展法), EIAs are mandated if the size or cumulative size of the developments stated in the application is ten hectares or more.\n\tNew categories of development activities have been added in response to the “determination standards” mentioned above. Regarding establishment of national launch sites under the Space Development Act, the EPA is added as the agency in charge of EIAs as well as supervision of competent authorities based on the Environmental Impact Assessment Enforcement Rules, Article 12, table 1.\nAdditionally, the revisions to item 1, table 1 and table 2 under the announcement pertaining to installation of factories, or construction or expansion of industrial zones on TSC-owned lands, EIAs are mandated if there are potential adverse environmental impacts. TSC has reexamined registration numbers of all properties listed in the announcement’s tables 1 and 2 and found that some lots are categorized as urban land or Type-D construction land, which also have been set for railway use. In addition, all current properties within TSC factories, factories that have been shut down, headquarters of all divisions, industrial zones, residential areas, commercial areas, or areas specified for storage and transshipment, are not designated for agricultural use. The Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan has further confirmed that all properties provided by TSC are not to be used for agriculture. The announcement has thus undergone revisions, with one piece of property removed from table 1 and 152 properties removed from table 2.\n", "year": "2023", "month": "3", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "" }, { "no": "4265", "title": "Legislative Process Continues for Environmental Testing and Analysis Act ", "preview": "In January this year the EPA’s draft of the Environmental Testing and Analysis Act (環境檢驗測定法) was submitted to the Executive Yuan for review. Handled alongside it was formulation of important sub-laws and related legal regulations. The bill aims to improve the environmental testing and analysis system, strengthen management of organizations, personnel and equipment in the environmental testing and analysis industry, and enhance quality of testing and analysis data. After it takes effect, the Act will be able to enable integration and improvements to the management of environmental testing, making it more comprehensive.", "content": "Background\nEnvironmental testing and analysis is an important part of environmental protection. Accurate testing and analysis data are required to establish a basis for various types of work such as formulation of environmental laws and regulations, environmental impact assessment (EIA) investigations, environmental quality monitoring, pollution prevention and controls, and inspection and control of public nuisances.\n\nFollowing the Executive Yuan’s policy direction, the EPA’s Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL), has developed an implementation plan in accordance with a medium-term implementation plan and an approved budget. The plan also took into account current social conditions and the EAL’s future development. The four current objectives are as follows:\n1. Development of standard environmental testing methods\n2. Strengthening management of environmental testing and analysis organizations\n3. Conducting sampling and testing for environmental quality and pollution sources\n4. Promoting quality control and management to improve the level of environmental testing technology\n\nThe first objective is to develop standard environmental testing methods. The EPA aims to formulate and refine environmental testing standards, improve the quality of environmental data, and facilitate development of the environmental testing Industry. Other goals include improving the mechanism for issuing penalties at different levels based on severity of violations. It is therefore necessary to change legislation to enable the new management measures, hence the drafting of the Environmental Testing and Analysis Act.\n\nLegislative process for the Environmental Testing and Analysis Act\n1. The purpose of drafting the bill is to improve the environmental inspection and analysis system, strengthen the management of organizations, personnel, and equipment related to environmental inspection and analysis operations, and enhance data quality.\n\n2. The current management for the environmental inspection and analysis industry follows the Environmental Analysis Organization Management Regulations (環境檢驗測定機構管理辦法). Enterprises in the industry are required to go through rigorous evaluation procedures when applying for permits, and comply with announced testing methods and related quality assurance and management measures as they conduct their environmental testing work. Although the management system is becoming more sound, most environmental tests are commissioned by enterprises for testing organizations to conduct, which may raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest.\nIn addition, the Environmental Analysis Organization Management Regulations originally were formulated under authorization of nine different environmental laws, and penalties for false or misleading testing have been limited by the scopes of authority under each law. Therefore, it is hoped that the system for managing environmental inspection and analysis can be integrated and enhanced through a new, comprehensive Environmental Testing and Analysis Act.\n\n3. Legislative process: The draft was first preannounced on 25 January 2021 and a second time on 29 December of the same year. A total of 22 meetings were held to solicit opinions from all sectors. On 12 January 2023 the draft was submitted to the Executive Yuan for review along with changes to important sub-laws and related legal matters. \n\n4. Stringency of management and methods mapped out under the draft have been adjusted after considering feedback from all sides. The Act focuses on the four major categories below:\n(1) A gradient of management requirements for the environmental testing industry: The testing industry is divided into different levels based on factors such as human resources, facilities and capabilities, with each level being allowed to conduct different tests and subject to different management requirements. Enterprises that consistently achieve outstanding performance in conducting tests will be treated as higher-level, while those with poor performance can be graded down. A testing entity’s deemed level will affect what tests it can perform and at what scale (e.g., higher-level organizations can undertake tests at larger market scales). In order to promote positive competition in the market, there is also a gradient for the stringency of management requirements, such as permit expiration\/extension rules and frequency of inspection.\n(2) Certification of environmental testing personnel: With appropriate training, different types of personnel (e.g., laboratory directors, quality control personnel, field sampling and laboratory analysis personnel, etc.) are to be certified for various specialized qualifications to ensure high professional standards.\n(3) Inspection of testing facilities: Key facilities used for environmental testing are subject to inspections as required by the competent authority, and will undergo regular and random inspections to ensure they are properly maintained and in good condition.\n(4) Testing fee collection and payment: The method of commissioning tests is to be changed. The environmental tests conducted in accordance with environmental laws will be announced with designated testing items (such as regular testing stipulated in the Air Pollution Control Law (空氣污染防制法) or the Water Pollution Control Law (水污染防治法). Entities announced as obligated to conduct designated tests are to commission testing organizations to sign standardized contracts and carry out said designated tests. Competent authorities are responsible for collecting testing fees from commissioning parties first and paying them to testing organizations, as well as completing audits and testing reports, so as to better ensure that commissioning parties do not influence test results.\n\n5. Multiple meetings held to discuss issues and responses with industry representatives.\n(1) On 28 November 2022 the EPA held talks with the Taiwan Environmental Certified LAB Commercial Association, and also solicited opinions from the Chinese National Federation of Industries and the Central Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China. However, opinions still differed regarding the graded management system, which may affect business volumes and the rights of businesses. It may also affect fee collection and payment via delegated third-parties, increasing the burden on industries and testing enterprises.\n(2) The EPA will continue to communicate with industry representatives and hold meetings to consult with industries, experts, and scholars when drafting key policies and sub-laws. There will be more precise policies and supplementary measures to alleviate industry concerns and incorporate feedback from all sectors to develop comprehensive control measures.\n(3) For important policies, the EPA will first plan feasible measures, such as strengthening cooperation with the Taiwan Environmental Certified LAB Commercial Association on personnel certification and graded management. Assistance will be provided to help enterprises with voluntary testing of personnel on topics such as safety of testing and analysis environments, basic testing and analysis principles, practical training, and the graded management of the testing industry.\n\n6. Continuous enhancement of environmental testing and analysis management before the Environmental Testing and Analysis Act is enacted\n(1) Additional future measures to enhance management include increasing frequency of unannounced inspections and evaluating the technical capabilities of testing organizations.\n(2) In 2022, the EPA started to employ big data analysis to systematically identify abnormal test result patterns, such as discrepancies among reported itineraries, the number of samples, and the number of personnel. Inspection frequency and severity of penalties have also been raised in cases of the aforementioned violations, with the number of inspections planned in 2023 being at least twice that in 2022.\n(3) To strengthen management of the testing industry, the blind sampling and testing method will be improved with distribution of double-blind samples, blind sampling and testing with additional verification, or designation of specific targets for blind testing.", "year": "2023", "month": "3", "assortment": "Environmental Analysis", "url": "" }, { "no": "4264", "title": "Revisions Preannounced for Regulations Regarding Environmental Agent Professional Technicians", "preview": "", "content": "", "year": "2023", "month": "2", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4263", "title": "Stricter Restrictions on Organotin Use to Stop Fake Agrochemicals", "preview": "The EPA has revised the Regulated Toxic Chemical Substances and Matters Concerning Their Handling and Management (列管毒性化學物質及其運作管理事項) in order to tighten handling and management of organotin compounds. It is part of the joint efforts between the EPA and the Council of Agriculture (COA) to stop fake agrochemicals. The revisions were done to prohibit the use of organotin in the manufacture of biocides, anti-fouling paints, or anti-fouling system, following the global trend of controlling it. With the new toxicity classification of organotin compounds tightened, existing enterprises will be given a buffer implementation period of six months to a year and a half in phases so as to comply with the regulations related to accident prevention and emergency response.", "content": "n 2022, an underground agrochemical factory was discovered in Yunlin, where the owner used triphenyltin chloride, a toxic chemical substance, to make a fake agrochemical known as “White Paste.” Yunlin County Environmental Bureau found out that between 2019 and 2021 the owner had brought into the country 33.5 metric tons of triphenyltin chloride and did not report its operating records in accordance with the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法). Besides issuing fines and voiding its approval documents for operating toxic chemical substances, the environmental bureau handed the owner over to the prosecutor’s office for further investigation on the grounds of false registration and possible falsification documents.\nAs part of the joint efforts to prevent harmful use and abuse of organotin compounds, the EPA has studied international control efforts, looked into its domestic handling, and consulted experts and scholars. Limits concerning ten organotin compounds, such as tributyltin oxide bis(tributyltin) oxide and triphenyltin chloride, are further adjusted. To strengthen controls of organotin, their use is now banned in the manufacturing of biocides, anti-fouling paints, or anti-fouling systems. Moreover, the EPA has updated information on these substances by adding the Chemical Abstracts Service Number (CAS No.) of triphenyl-α-naphthyltin, tripropyltin fluoride, tritolyltin bromide and tritriphenylstannyl-methane, and adjusted the toxicity classifications of organotin compounds like tributyltin oxide bis(tributyltin) oxide and triphenyltin hydroxide.. \nMeetings were held in October 2022 since the announcement of the amendments, and enterprisers are given a buffer implementation period of six months to a year and a half in phases. This is done as adjustment of toxicity classification of organotin compounds affects regulations on transportation of these substances, detection and alarm equipment, and placement of professional response technicians, and changes of licenses. Not only so, in line with a full asbestos ban in Taiwan, registrations and approval documents for all uses of organotin compounds, except for research, experiment and education, have all expired in their validities, hence relevant regulations were revised as well.", "year": "2023", "month": "2", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4262", "title": "Announcement of Guidelines for Certification of Soil and Groundwater Remediation Technology", "preview": "To promote and develop soil and groundwater pollution remediation technologies in Taiwan, enhance technical capabilities and quality and facilitate the cultivation and spreading of Taiwan’s outstanding remediation technologies at home and abroad, the EPA has formulated the Guidelines for the Application, Review and Management of Certificates of Effectiveness for Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Technologies. The guidelines will enable applicants to certify the effectiveness of soil and groundwater pollution remediation technologies. They aim to encourage the adoption, at home and abroad, of researched and verifiable environment-friendly technologies that can effectively reduce the concentration or toxicity of pollutants. ", "content": "The purpose of the guidelines is to enhance the technical capabilities of soil and groundwater pollution remediation in Taiwan. Referencing ISO 14021, the guidelines adopted the model of self-declaring the effectiveness of technologies for soil and groundwater pollution remediation. The guidelines delineate how evaluation will be done on the functions, characteristics and scope of application of existing soil and groundwater technologies, including methods, equipment, agents and materials. Applicants can self-declare the effectiveness and performance of their technologies during the remediation process. Once the declarations are reviewed and approved by a review team established by the EPA, certificates of effectiveness will be issued. Obtaining official certification will benefit the business of applicants greatly. As the certifications demonstrate the effectiveness of applicants’ remediation technologies and enhance their market advantage, the use of these technologies will also accelerate land restoration. \nThe contents of the guidelines are as follows:\n1. Purpose (Guideline 1)\n2. Definitions (Guideline 2)\n3. Qualification of applicants and application documents (Guideline 3, 4)\n4. Review process (Guideline 5)\n5. Confidentiality agreement (Guideline 6)\n6. Items written on certificates of effectiveness (Guideline 7)\n7. Expiration dates and extension of certificates of effectiveness (Guideline 8)\n8. Reissuance and renewal of certificates of effectiveness (Guideline 9)\n9. Review for the modifications of technical specifications on certificates of effectiveness (Guideline 10, 11)\n10. Requirements when applicants pause or suspend businesses (Guideline 12)\n11. Tracking and inspection processes (Guideline 13)\n12. Disclosure of information on violation cases (Guideline 14)\n13. Revocation and annulment of certificates of effectiveness (Guideline 15, 16)", "year": "2023", "month": "2", "assortment": "Soil & Groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4261", "title": "Regulations to Be Amended to Restrict Biodegradable Plastic Tableware", "preview": "To avoid the impact of biodegradable plastics on the existing recycling system and to further reduce the usage of disposable tableware, the EPA preannounced the draft revision of the second item of the Targets and Implementation Methods of the Disposable Utensil Ban (免洗餐具限制使用對象及實施方式), which will limit the use of biodegradable plastic disposable tableware. The regulation is expected to take effect on 1 August 2023.", "content": "Since July 2002, the EPA has stipulated that eight types of entities -- including government agencies, public and private schools, department stores, shopping centers, wholesale stores, supermarkets, chain convenience stores, chain fast food restaurants, and storefront catering industries -- are not allowed to provide plastic disposable tableware. The regulation has been amended twice in 2016 and 2019 to expand the restriction to cover the use of all types of disposable tableware in government agencies, school cafeterias, department stores, shopping centers, and chain fast food restaurants.\nOn 30 Nov 2022, the European Union proposed a policy framework for bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics, and suggested that biodegradable plastics be used for specific purposes where reduction, reuse, and recycling are not feasible. The EPA realized that many enterprises in Taiwan have been using biodegradable plastics as an alternative material after plastic restrictions were put in place, and such materials can only be rapidly broken down under specific environmental conditions. Considering that there is no appropriate recycling method or composting facility for such materials in Taiwan, which affects the existing recycling system and leads to related environmental issues, and to further reduce the use of disposable tableware, the EPA preannounced that the definition of non-plastic disposable tableware will be adjusted, and biodegradable plastic disposable tableware will be included in the scope of the items that shall not be provided by the enterprises in the regulation. ", "year": "2023", "month": "2", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4260", "title": "Making Night Markets Greener", "preview": "The temporary halt to garbage collection during long holidays often result in litter and unsanitary environment in night markets. To avoid such occurrence, the EPA has called on local environmental authorities to target market nights, particularly where and when crowds gather, and coordinate managing units to collect garbage and maintain environmental quality. Other than integration of resources to help make night markets better, the Green Night Market Promotion Guidebook was published on 26 December 2022, with all local environmental bureaus to continue their efforts to improve night markets.", "content": "The EPA further noted that during the past three years, local environmental bureaus had been subsidized to assist enterprises to phase out disposable utensils by switching to reusable utensils for indoor dining, offering discounts to those bringing their own containers, and providing rental service for reusable containers. Other measures include installing garbage bins for waste separation, enhancing recycling, helping stalls that sell fried foods install oil and smoke control facilities as well as waste oil and wastewater interceptors, as well as keeping public restrooms clean. The environmental bureaus then nominated night markets with outstanding performance in adopting the five major measures mentioned above. Via a public voting as well as rating done by anonymous shoppers, last year Kenting Night Market in Pingtung, Fu-Hwa Night Market in Tainan, Dong-Da-Min Night Market in Hualien, and Luotung Night Market in Yilan were chosen as the most environmentally friendly. Having spent three years carrying out the task of night market improvement, the EPA then on 26 December 2022 published the Green Night Market Promotion Guidebook, which compiles all the methods and measures carried out to achieve such results. The guidebook is provided to competent authorities, environmental bureaus, and night markets’ administrative organizations as a reference.", "year": "2023", "month": "2", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4259", "title": "Environmental Quality in Industrial Zones Improved via Water, Land and Air Monitoring", "preview": "Of all the public complaints, odors caused by air pollution are one of the major nuisances. A special project has been carried out by the EPA since 2021 to target public complaints about odors from Dayuan Industrial Park. It has resulted in major improvement of the local air quality and a significant drop in complaints filed by residents through two years of monitoring, screening, evidence collection, and verification.", "content": "The EPA has always taken seriously the responses of residents around the industrial zones toward air pollution odors. Since 2021, a project has been carried out specifically to respond to complaints about odors in Dayuan Industrial Park. Measures adopted include screening pollution hotspots with Internet of Things (IoT) connected to a network of air quality sensors and far-end water monitoring, collecting evidence concerning pollution sources with technologies, and having inspectors conduct onsite visits.\nDayuan Industrial Park, along with its second-phase zone, has been in operation for over 40 years and sits right next to neighboring residential areas with no buffer zones in between. On December 2020, the local borough chief mentioned multiple times the burning and acidic-smelling odors and those of chemical solvents wafting out of the industrial park, so in January 2021 a special project was launched by the EPA to tackle this problem along with a chat group that was set up to allow residents to stay in contact with the chief in order to get a full grasp of the pollution.\nBased on previous investigations, the EPA staff suspected that potential odor sources included air pollutants, and that contamination of water quality could probably have caused the acidic smells. The IoT, consisting of air quality sensors installed around the industrial zone was used to investigate air pollution, and possible pollution sources were detected near the borough chief’s residence, which is located between the industrial park’s first- and second-phase zones. Later the investigators pinpointed the potential pollution sources by using big data to analyze meteorological conditions, wind directions, wind speeds as well as studying changes in the air quality data obtained by sensors over 24 hours and during the week. In the meantime, air pollution was monitored with drones outfitted with equipment such as infrared thermal-imaging cameras, infrared gas sensors, 3D light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and vintage-point security cameras. At the same time, investigation on water pollution began with installing far-end water monitors in areas where enterprises discharge their wastewater, allowing inspectors to conduct integrating onsite inspections on both air pollution and wastewater at the time the borough chief reported that odors were found.\nA total of 13 violations on air and water pollution were reported during the two years that the special project was conducted. The offenses included improper operation and maintenance of pollution prevention and control facilities as enterprises lacked necessary relevant expertise, inconsistency between permits and circumstances for facility operations, inconsistency between registered records and actual circumstances. More serious ones included discharging wastewater that had concentrations far exceeding the relevant standards. An enterprise was even found by the EPA during a joint investigation with Taoyuan City Environmental Bureau to have illegally dumped heavy metal-containing waste solvents at nighttime, which is now under further investigation by the Prosecutors’ Office.\nBesides full utilization of technological tools, the EPA particularly thanked the local borough chief for providing necessary information as well as the locations to set up monitors. Collaboration with environmental bureaus and local residents will continue as will the monitoring of pollution. Enterprises are urged to do better in abiding by the proper operation, management, and regular maintenance for pollution prevention and control equipment and also be more responsible themselves in protecting the environment.", "year": "2023", "month": "2", "assortment": "environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4258", "title": "Enterprises Set Examples of Green Office Transformation", "preview": "In response to \"net-zero green living,\" a key strategy for achieving net-zero transition, the EPA is promoting green offices. A total of 6,821 enterprises have participated in the initiative, reducing approximately 300,000 metric tons of carbon emission in 2022 alone, equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of 775 Daan Forest Parks. Recently, 33 more exemplary enterprises have also declared their commitment to promoting green offices, leading the trend of green office transformation.", "content": "At the EPA’s invitation, on 2 February, enterprises that have responded to the call for the green office initiative, enterprises and groups that have won the National Enterprise Environmental Protection Awards, and enterprises that met the RE100 standard got together. A total of 33 enterprises, including Nanhua University and CTCI Corporation, as well as city and county environmental protection bureaus, attended the event to declare their commitment to implementing green offices and expressing their determination to strive for net-zero transition by 2050.\nEPA Deputy Minister Chih-Hsiu Shen stated that the green office initiative is an important milestone in promoting net-zero green living. Initially, 35 green office measures under five indicators, namely, \"saving energy and resources,\" \"source reduction,\" \"green procurement,\" \"environmental beautification,\" and \"advocacy and promotion\" were to be implemented by participants that voluntarily responded to the call. Subsequently, a green office reference manual will be developed, compiling demonstration cases as reference for all sectors. In the future, green label standards for office spaces will be established, and related verification standards for a green office will be completed, which will be aligned with international standards, to guide domestic offices to change their past office behaviors and create a green and friendly office environment.\nWith actions such as using air-conditioning units with eco-labels, replacing more than half of light fixtures with LED lights, using water-saving devices and equipment in the office area, and conducting video conferences, the participating enterprises saved 330 million kilowatt-hours of electricity (equivalent to the annual power consumption of 78,000 households), 153,000 metric tons of water (equivalent to the daily water consumption of 540,000 people), and 34,000 metric tons of gasoline, reducing approximately 300,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2022.\n\"It's actually quite easy to go green in the office,\" said Deputy Minister Shen as he encouraged enterprises to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as purchasing energy-saving and water-saving equipment that carry eco-labels, leasing instead of buying, cutting down on the provision of single-use tableware and cups, and showing colleagues how to develop environmentally friendly habits. He also shared the experience of the EPA's cooperation with private citizen power plants. The EPA building is able to generate 148,000 kWh of electricity annually, which is 14% of its total electricity consumption in a year after solar panels were installed on its rooftop. As long as an office has a roof area of over 40 ping and receives at least two hours of sunlight a day, it can participate, and the EPA has set up a platform to assist with matchmaking.", "year": "2023", "month": "2", "assortment": "Ecolabeling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4257", "title": "Completion of Improvement Project will Significantly Raise Water Quality ", "preview": "To protect the water quality in Shihmen Reservoir and the environment of its water supply protection zone, the Shihmen Reservoir Upper Catchment Area–Baling Area Water Improvement Project, which was subsidized by the EPA, has been completed and started operating on 10 Nov 2022. The project used integrated biofilters for effective phosphorus and nitrogen removal, thereby reducing the discharge of household into the catchment area located the reservoir.", "content": "Shangbaling is located in Fuxing District of Taoyuan City with many popular tourist attractions. The household generated by the crowds of tourists affects the quality of the local living environment and the water quality of the upper catchment area of Shihmen Reservoir. Considering that Shangbaling is an area with average altitude of 1,000 meters, scattered small settlements, high and low terrains and cutting streams, a “settlement-style” sewage system has been installed. The project adopted a biofilter technology called BioNET (biological New Environmental Technology), which was developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute, in lieu of traditional septic tanks and constructed new sewers, pumping wells and purification tanks. The project was completed on 3 Nov 2022 with 56 households connected to the system and a wastewater treatment facility capable of treating 50 metric tons of domestic wastewater a day. The system is expected to be capable of reducing 6 kg\/day of biological oxygen demand (BOD), 6 kg\/day of suspended solid (SS), 0.75 kg\/day of total nitrogen (TN) and 0.43 kg\/day of total phosphorus (TP).\nDue to the steep terrain and the narrow and winding roads in the Baling area, construction was not easy. However, with the efforts of the Taoyuan City Government, the problem of household wastewater in the rural area has been resolved, leading to the improvement of the reservoir’s quality and the creation of a high-quality water environment. ", "year": "2023", "month": "2", "assortment": "Water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4256", "title": "Draft Revisions of Air Pollution Control Regulations for Semiconductor Industry Preannounced ", "preview": "", "content": "", "year": "2023", "month": "2", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4255", "title": "Award Ceremony Held for the Third Environmental Map Competition", "preview": "The EPA and the Ministry of Education co-organized the third “Environmental Map Creation\" competition. On 17 February, awards were presented in the Sunshine Hall of Taipei’s Daan Park MRT Station to commend a total of 70 works submitted by middle-grade and upper-grade elementary students. The top prizes for middle-grade and upper-grade groups were awarded to the Affiliated Experimental Elementary School of National Chiayi University for \"Exploring with the Purple Butterfly -- A Fantastic Journey of Taiwan Purple Crow Butterflies\" and Lihu Elementary School in Taipei City for \"Getting Close to Neihu’s Waters, Enjoying Living Green.\"", "content": "To encourage parents, children, teachers, and students to break away from 3C (computers, cellphones, and video games), go outdoors, observe and express something about the surrounding environment, appreciate its beauty, and become environmental explorers who protect the environment, since 2020 the EPA and the Ministry of Education have held the yearly Environmental Map Creation competition. The third edition of the competition has just ended. Unlike previous years, the winning teams of this year's competition not only showcased daily environmental protection actions but also used delicate and creative artistic works to portray changes in the environment. \nThe top prize-winning work of the middle-grade group, \"Exploring with the Purple Butterfly -- A Fantastic Journey of Taiwan Purple Crow Butterflies,\" used the concept of a foldable book to create an interesting interactive experience for viewers by allowing them to move the purple butterfly icon and understand the seasonal migration pattern. The work is excellent in terms of ecological information and aesthetic presentation. The top prize-winning work for the upper-grade group, \"Getting Close to Neihu’s Waters, Enjoying Living Green,\" expressed a sense of connection to the past, current and future of the environment around one's own home, and combines delicate map drawing with the concept of water resource protection, exploring the environmental stories of the region. Among many works, it stood out and demonstrated outstanding insight and an environmental protection perspective.\n\"Each work represents the voice of a child,\" said Ya-Fen Wang, Deputy Minister of the EPA. These works showcase the beauty of different regions in Taiwan while also documenting environmental changes. We would like to thank all the teachers who have led their students to participate in the competition. After carefully observing the people and things around them, the students linked these elements together to create environmental maps. Through the creative process, they have gained a better understanding of the environment and become more aware of the need to protect it.\nThe award-winning works of the environmental map competitions over the years can be found on the official website https:\/\/www.environmentalmap.com.tw. ", "year": "2023", "month": "2", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4254", "title": "Industrial Waste Control Aligns with Global Trend", "preview": "Industrial waste is an important target of the overall waste control under the policies aiming for a circular economy as well as recycling and zero waste. On 1 March, during its report at the Legislative Yuan, the EPA emphasized that future revisions will focus on an overall change that is centered on resource recycling, while keeping abreast of the latest international recycling trends. Through amending the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法), the EPA will redefine what constitutes “wastes” in order to maximize resource utilization and minimize waste generation.", "content": "The principles of the current industrial waste control policies are as follows:\n1. Enhance management of industrial waste reuse\nBased on Article 31 of the Waste Disposal Act, the EPA will incorporate the reuse checklist as part of the industrial waste disposal plan for evaluation, along with qualifications for receiving wastes, manufacturing production and facilities, and product quality. Reuse is not permitted until after the EPA’s evaluation and approval. A set of evaluation guidelines has also been formulated for waste reuse and serves as a reference that clearly quantifies evaluation items mentioned above.\n2. Carrying out quality and flow controls of reuse products\nTo strengthen quality control on reuse products and better track their flows, on 15 December 2022, the EPA announced the revised Management Regulations for Reuse of Industrial Wastes (事業廢棄物再利用管理辦法). In the revised version, public and private waste clearance and disposal enterprises are mandated to use approved vehicles for operation when commissioned to clean up reused industrial wastes, and comply with newly added regulations on usage locations, quality standards, inspection frequencies concerning reuse products. Revisions also specify sales targets, vehicles and machinery for clearance and transport, reports, and manifest submissions, and mandated improvements within a period of time or the enforcement of a temporary halt to accept wastes when certain reuse products do not meet the qualifications. There are other new regulations concerning reuse operations, sales, transportation of reuse products to usage locations, etc. All of the above aim to better track and manage where reuse products finally end up, which is also consistent with how public and private waste clearance and disposal enterprises manage their operations.\n3. Flow reports and controls\nTaiwan’s system for controlling industrial wastes uses technological tools to keep track of where wastes are generated and headed while being disposed of. Not only are clearance and transporting vehicles and machinery outfitted with GPS for tracking and monitoring during their operation, but their operations are verified with data reported by industry enterprises as well as industrial waste clearance, treatment, and disposal organizations. Each local environmental bureau is in charge of inspections, reports any violations, and assists in the EPA’s secondary audits in order to better manage industrial wastes and track their flows.\nAnnouncements have been made according to the Waste Disposal Act that enterprises reaching a certain scale are to submit their industrial waste disposal plans and report waste generation, clearance and transportation, disposal and other related operations online. So far over 43,000 waste-generating enterprises have been listed for control, and as of early December 2022, a total of 17,285 clearance and transporting vehicles had been outfitted with GPS. Moreover, enterprises listed for control are provided with the following four tools in order to encourage paper-free registration and manifest submission:\n(1) An electronic manifest app. The real-time transmission makes management easier for enterprises. \n(2) A batch manifest submission service that resolves the trouble for enterprises needing to report manifests individually.\n(3) Interface programs were developed to integrate the industrial waste reporting system with the industries’ own systems. Enterprises can use the interface program to report if they have established their own waste management systems. \n(4) Reporting modules formed by using historical templates or templates created by enterprises that were well rated when they were launched.\nSince September 2019, enterprises that use the app have reported more than 110,000 manifests through electronic manifests, and 70 enterprises have opted for the batch reporting service. Previously, enterprises not part of those listed for control (small-scale clinics, for instance) were required to fill out a paper delivery manifest in sextuplicates. After the EPA announced the revised Methods and Facilities Standards for the Storage, Clearance and Disposal of Industrial Waste (事業廢棄物貯存清除處理方法及設施標準) on 16 February 2022 and completed developing a relevant system at the same time, enterprises can now design their own apps to integrate the industrial waste reporting system with their own. The goal is to achieve paper-free reports of hazardous wastes, and to date 120,000 reports have been submitted, resulting in saving 720,000 paper manifests in total. Currently, there are four enterprises working on developing their integrating systems.\n4. Facilitating waste reduction and recycling networks for waste-generating industries\n(1) Promoting recycling and waste reduction in waste-generating industries with industrial waste disposal plans \nOn 9 May 2022, the EPA announced the Reference Guidelines for Evaluating Industrial Waste Disposal Plans (事業廢棄物清理計畫書審查作業參考指引). To respond to the demand for industries to add recycling and reuse for better waste reduction, the Guidelines have added three more recycling models on top of the original seven models, with which enterprises listed for control are able to utilize after evaluating authorities approve their disposal plans. This has led to facilitation of reuse of wastes or the recyclables within the factories or even across different ones, which in turn creates bigger recycling benefits. There is already one case of successful operation of a newly added recycling model after its industrial waste disposal plan was approved.\n(2) Facilitating voluntary management within the recycling network\nIn 2022, the Guidelines for Evaluating Waste Disposal Plans Using Recycling Networks (資源循環網絡廢棄物清理計畫審查作業要點) were announced to achieve resource recycling and zero waste. Under the linear model of waste generation, clearance, and disposal (reuse), waste utilization and circulation within a recycling network has now been added and is able to connect the manufacturing process of two or more enterprises. With factors from raw materials to the overall lifespan of wastes taken into account, this model integrates the upper, middle, and lower parts of an industry, including supply of raw materials, product use, waste disposal (reuse), and seeks solutions to enhance production processes or better recycling or reuse of wastes. In this model, the waste-generating industries will adopt voluntary management and utilize the diverse waste registration mechanism in place. Applicants must be publicly listed companies and will be solely responsible for operating and managing the overall waste clearance network. Meanwhile, other enterprises within this network are to commit to collaborating with the applicants in supervision, management and assisting to establish a “virtual resource recycling network” together. This is a brand-new option for industries in their transition toward zero waste.\nFuture amendment prospects\nThe old mindset of waste management mostly focused on end-of-pipe controls. After a thorough review on unclear accountability on management as well as systematic changes, the EPA has now aligned with the global recycling trend by centering on resource recycling and circulation in order to enhance waste recycling and reuse. In addition, further amendments have been launched on the Waste Disposal Act so as to redefine what constitutes wastes, ultimately maximizing resource utilization and minimizing waste generation.", "year": "2023", "month": "2", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4253", "title": "Preannouncement of Restrictions on Single-Use Lodging Supplies", "preview": "Following international trends to reduce plastic waste, the EPA preannounced the draft of the Targets and Measures for Restrictions of Single-Use Lodging Supplies (一次用旅宿用品限制使用對象及實施方式), which impose restrictions on single-use lodging supplies provided by hotels and other lodging enterprises. The contents of the preannouncement will be implemented in two phases starting from 1 July 2023. “No providing unless requested” will be implemented in the first phase while “discounts for people who bring their own supplies or the option to buy” in the second. Local environmental bureaus shall submit the second phase implementation dates for approval.", "content": "The Targets and Measures for Restrictions of Single-Use Lodging Supplies was formulated by the EPA based on Article 21 of the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法). The regulations stipulate that hotel enterprises (including tourist hotels, hotels and guesthouses) and other lodging enterprises (such as campgrounds and RV camps) shall not provide, unless requested, free single-use lodging supplies to consumers inside or outside of the rooms of the lodging during the first phase (starting from 1 July 2023). During the second phase, the enterprises shall provide consumers a discount of at least 5% for rooms that do not provide single-use lodging supplies, or enterprises shall display the prices of all single-use lodging supplies in operating sites or lodging rooms for consumers to purchase. Implementation dates shall be submitted by local governments to the EPA for approval and promulgation. \nRestricted single-use lodging supplies include three types of items: liquid cleaning and maintenance products less than 180 ml and in single-use packaging, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion; personal hygiene products such as combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, shaving foam and shower caps; and disposable slippers.\nSingle-use lodging supplies, including main items, containers or packaging, are often made of plastic materials. Disposing of them after just one use leads to a rapid waste of resources. To reduce plastic pollution, in the fifth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5), 154 countries pledged to formulate a legally binding global plastics treaty by 2024 to greatly reduce the use of single-use plastic products. In addition, plastic pollution and waste generated during travel is prone to enter oceans or land waters causing environmental and ecological harm. Hence, to solve the problem and reduce waste, the United Nations Environment Programme and World Tourism Organization launched the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative in 2020, inviting tourism industry chain enterprises, associations and NGOs to join and pledge to use environment-friendly products instead of single-use plastics for lodging supplies. \nThe EPA reminded the public again to cultivate the concept of “bring your own, use repeatedly, and use less” to put environmental protection actions such as plastics reduction and waste reduction into practice. It emphasized that self-supplying lodging supplies when traveling is both hygienic and environment friendly. ", "year": "2023", "month": "1", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4252", "title": "Public Encouraged to Use Centers for Pre-owned Goods", "preview": "The EPA invited the public to visit the website of the National Treasure Map of Unused Goods (https:\/\/recycle.epa.gov.tw\/utmap\/MapQry) in order to practice a green lifestyle by donating second-hand articles that are no longer needed at suitable sites, for potential new owners. Doing so helps individuals unburden themselves of clutter at home, and propagates the spirit of environmental protection into the future.", "content": "Many people in Taiwan still follow the tradition of doing a major house cleaning before Chinese New Year. It is a way to get rid of all unused or unneeded articles as well as the bad luck of the past year, and to welcome the arrival of a new year. However, people are often hesitant to dispose of articles they no longer need but are still in good condition. The EPA reminded the public that besides properly recycling or disposing of these articles in accordance to regulations, they can also donate them to others that may need them. Providing detailed information such as address, phone number, and type of articles, the EPA’s National Treasure Map of Unused Goods site (https:\/\/recycle.epa.gov.tw\/utmap\/MapQry) can help the public to find relevant second-hand sites nearby. \nThe National Treasure Map of Unused Goods collects data from more than 3,000 stores and 6,000 clothing recycling sites for public reference. After cleaning up unneeded goods at home, people can simply enter their address, township or district on the National Treasure Map of Unused Goods to find nearby sites where they can donate. Sharing unneeded goods prolongs the useful life of goods, prevents waste generation and helps people in need. It may also bring good luck in the new year.", "year": "2023", "month": "1", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4251", "title": "Taiwan and Denmark Jointly Launch Environmental Education Partnership and Design Competition", "preview": "", "content": "", "year": "2023", "month": "1", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4250", "title": "Regulations Revised for Green Mark Certification", "preview": "The Green Mark evaluation mechanism will undergo changes to improve the certification and management of green products by clarifying responsibilities and operations in evaluating applications for the right to use the Green Mark. Besides assigning professional institutes to conduct third-party certification via an open selection process, the EPA will carefully review the application and evaluation process for green products and also undertake partial revisions on current regulations. For instance, green product certification and issuance of approval documents for the right to use the Green Mark will afterwards be conducted by the assigned certification institutes and the EPA.", "content": "Before applying for the right to use the Green Mark on their products and to obtain certificates, enterprises are required to obtain certification reports issued by the EPA-assigned certification institutes. Afterwards, the EPA will then approve the applications and issue the right to use the Green Mark.\nCurrently, enterprises’ Green Mark applications are all done online on the Green Living website (https:\/\/greenliving.epa.gov.tw\/GreenLife\/Anonymous\/LoginById.aspx). The revisions will simplify and expedite the process by adjusting the online application, certification, and document approvals. In the future, application documents are to be filed and submitted online all at once for certification institutes to evaluate whether they comply with standards and other regulations. Once certification institutes issue reports proving the documents are in order, the EPA will be notified electronically by the certification system and then initiate evaluation for the right to use the Green Mark with no further needs for enterprises to submit more application documents to the EPA.\nThe EPA explained that relevant meetings will be held to assist enterprises to obtain rights to Green Mark usage and needed certificates as well as encourage them to provide more environment-friendly products, ultimately promoting green consumption and production of recyclable, low-polluting, and resource-conserving products.", "year": "2023", "month": "1", "assortment": "Ecolabeling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4249", "title": "Policies with Prevention and Controls Carried Out Across Ministries to Ensure Food Safety", "preview": "Several food safety incidents over the past years caught the public’s attention. With the government’s subsequent legislative and precautionary measures, which were listing chemical substances with food-safety risks under control and tightening enterprises’ voluntary management on chemical substances, incidents in which chemical substances with food-safety risks systematically enter the food chain have not occurred in recent years. What’s more, the EPA is joined by other agencies to keep an eye on chemicals substances at the source of food production as well as the environments where food is planted and grown.", "content": "Humans cannot live without food, so food safety is of upmost importance. To properly ensure food safety from the source, the EPA’s Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau (TSCB) has been collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) and the Council of Agriculture (COA) since its establishment in December 2016. The approach is to achieve food safety by tracking the flow of chemical substances that may affect food safety and implement at-source controls on them.\nSince 2016, the EPA has actively evaluated the 57 chemical substances with potential risks to food safety, screened out by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and other agencies, to intensify controls so as to enhance responsibilities of enterprises handling these substances and prevent them from systematically entering into the food production chain. In 2017 and 2018, 20 types (with a total of 27 chemical substances) have been listed as Class 4 toxic chemical substances, including rhodamine B, an additive found in glutinous rice balls, and Sudan Red G, another one found in salted egg yolks. Then five chemical substances with potential food-safety risks, which are lead monoxide, lead (II, IV) oxide, sodium sulfide, sodium thiocyanate, and β-naphtholrongalite, were listed as concerned chemical substances on 12 January 2023. Now handlers of these five substances are mandated to obtain approval for use, label, document relevant activities online, and file monthly registration, while banned from trading them online and operating without licenses. Activities like manufacture, import, sale, use and storage are all subject to controls with the aim to ensure proper at-source management and prevent abuses in the supply chains of food products.\nMoreover, every year the EPA has been continuously conducting over 3,000 visits to enterprises manufacturing or selling chemical substances between 2017 and 2022, assisting them in their voluntary management and working with them as partners to stop industrial-use chemical substances from being used in food production or processing. There are collaborations with other ministries and agencies to conduct joint inspections during traditional holidays. In 2019, the sanitation authorities found two food stalls using rangalite and rhodamine B that they had kept before these substances were listed as toxic substances. But otherwise no incidents of chemical substances being used in the food production process was found regarding enterprises on the EPA’s control list.\nIn collaboration across different government agencies, deputy ministers of the EPA, the COA, and the MOEA regularly convene and preside over quarterly meetings on environmental protection and food safety, addressing the latest relevant information and keeping monitoring high-risk regions. Should risks of contamination be detected within the food production process, a response mechanism will be immediately activated to conduct joint monitoring, take samples to trace contamination sources, or carry out emergency response measures. The agencies work together and make sure that all steps in the food production process are closely connected and kept under close watch so as to ensure food safety and protect public health.", "year": "2023", "month": "1", "assortment": "Chemiccals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4248", "title": "ASEAN Forum on Sustainable Soil and Groundwater Creates Collaboration among Industry, Government and Academia", "preview": "On 6 January 2023, the EPA held the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Forum on Sustainable Soil and Groundwater with talks on Taiwan and ASEAN nations’ environmental policies concerning soil and groundwater as well as experiences of environmental governance in order to generate innovative ideas. Foreign invitees included officials from the Ministry of Environment, Pollution Control and Environmental Degradation in East Java Province, Indonesia, as well as Indonesian and Vietnamese scholars. Attendees from Taiwan included representatives from local environmental authorities, soil and groundwater industries, and academia, as well as foreign and local graduate students studying in Taiwan. Furthermore, the Forum served as an award ceremony, honoring those who have successfully conducted research on sustainable and innovative soil and groundwater remediation.", "content": "In his opening speech, the then EPA Deputy Minister Hung-Te Tsai noted that Taiwan’s well-rounded Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act (土壤及地下水汙染整治法) has allowed itself to collect pollution remediation fund, just like how the Superfund was founded and is operated in the US, in order to effectively carry out remediation and prevention work for soil and groundwater pollutions. With climate and environments similar to those in Southeast Asian countries, Taiwan has under its belt 20 years of experiences in investigations, remediation technologies, and experiences on soil and groundwater pollutions, which can be shared with ASEAN countries. Every year there are continuous efforts to keep up with the latest global trends, exchange experiences, and enhance technological capacities through seminars and forums to interact with experts in relevant fields from the USEPA and Asian-Pacific nations. It not only helps lessen pollutions’ impacts and enhance environmental quality but also lays a solid foundation to expand Taiwan-led bilateral or multilateral collaborations.\nThe forum mainly discussed soil and groundwater issues in Indonesia and Vietnam. Taiwan’s legislation of the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act, management strategies, technological development, and aligning with the world have all helped tremendously in its understanding of the ASEAN partners. And the industries, government, and academia have joined forces to assist Taiwan’s relevant industries to expand their foothold in ASEAN nations. Furthermore, a competition for research on sustainable and innovative soil and groundwater remediation was organized, with ASEAN students studying in Taiwan, to foster ASEAN talents in this field. Among the 22 competing teams, a total of ten passed the preliminary and secondary evaluation, and at the end five of them came out winning and were awarded NT$90,000. The goal to stimulate new ideas via competition so that these students can tackle environmental issues in their home countries with action will eventually lead to sustainable soil and groundwater development.\nAt the end, the EPA emphasized that, as sustainable soil and groundwater is a global environmental concern, it hopes to establish a partnership of soil and groundwater protection with ASEAN nations to jointly improve the environments and living quality for all people.", "year": "2023", "month": "1", "assortment": "Soil & groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4247", "title": "Revisions Preannounced to Enhance Management on Control Facilities for Particulate Matter", "preview": "Fugitive dust air pollutants account for 63% of total suspended particles (TSPs) in Taiwan. On 3 January, the EPA preannounced the draft revision of Management Regulations for Facilities to Control Fugitive Dust Air Pollution from Stationary Pollution Sources (固定污染源逸散性粒狀污染物空氣污染防制設施管理辦法). It aims to cut down emissions of particulate matter from stationary sources in both private and public premises and, after taking effect, is expected to slash emissions by 1,471 metric tons.", "content": "Focuses of the revisions include increasing control ratio for exposed regions and storage sites in Level-3 control zones, as well as requiring the steel smelting and asphalt mixing industries to enhance efficiency of exhaust gas collection and disposal during production processes. Public and private venues with larger particulate matter emissions are not only subject to tightened regulations on automatic car-washing facilities and newly added ones for adopting and voluntarily cleaning adjacent streets, but also are mandated to install surveillance camera systems in areas that store materials, entrances, and exits. Large-scale storage sites with a storage amount reaching a certain level are newly listed as control targets. Meanwhile, road regulatory authorities are to have in place facilities that prevent overflowing of wastewater from dividing islands and sidewalks so as to lower road pollution and traffic-generated airborne dusts. All the measures above are expected to further cut down emissions of fugitive air pollutants from public and private premises by 11.5% (approximately 1,471 metric tons).\nThe EPA expressed that the TSPs emitted from private and public venues amount to roughly 20,424 metric tons\/year. Sixty-three percent (12,812 metric tons\/year) are fugitive particulate pollutants from non-piped sources, and approximately 70% of emissions occur in Level-3 control zones. Fugitive pollutants mainly come from material storage sites, exposed regions, vehicle transportation, and open productions. Material storage sites are the largest source of fugitive pollutant emissions among them.\nAs a result, the revisions have particularly targeted public and private venues within Level 3 control zones, requiring them to raising the percentage of control equipment, such as sprinklers or covers, within their material storage sites from 80% to 90%. Percentage for controls for exposed regions within all control zones are to increase from 80% to 100%, which together with the previous mandate is expected to slash emissions of fugitive particulate pollutants by 1,266 metric tons\/year. Additionally, large emitters like steel smelting and asphalt mixing industries as well as odor sources within major productions are mandated to improve collection efficiency of their air pollution control facilities so that efficiency can reach at least 60% for collecting production-generated fugitive exhaust gases. This will certainly lead to lower emissions of particulate pollutants as well as the public’s complaints about odors, all expected to cut down fugitive particulate pollutants by 205 metric tons\/year.\nThe revisions have assigned public and private venues responsibilities to monitor operations of control facilities so as to improve abnormal emissions of fugitive particulate pollutants due to poor operations of control facilities on these premises. Large pollution sources are to install video surveillance systems at entrances, exits, and material storage sites within public and private premises to ensure proper handling and operations of air pollution control facilities.\nMoreover, the revisions have in particular strengthened regulations regarding cleaning facilities for large pollution sources’ transporting vehicles in order to lower airborne road dusts. Besides replacing all basin-type car wash stations to bump-type ones, major sources are to take up responsibilities to voluntarily clean up adjacent roads within public and private venues to better clean up their vehicles and also enhance quality of surrounding roads. As for dividing islands and sidewalks on public roads, road regulatory authorities are to prevent overflowing of wastewater by examining the depth of soil covering or planting vegetation. Last but not least, adjustments have been made regarding control targets within port areas according to the Commercial Port Law (商港法). If properly carried out, all the measures above are expected to effectively reduce emissions of fugitive particulate pollutants, improve the quality of roads around public and private venues, and even enhance corporate images by providing better work environments for staff and operators.\nRegulations are scheduled to take effect in a year per the amendments. A period of three years will be provided for items that need", "year": "2023", "month": "1", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4246", "title": "Ozone Pollution: Standards Amended to Strengthen VOC Control ", "preview": "On 17 January, the EPA preannounced the draft revision of Volatile Organic Air Pollutants Control and Emission Standards (揮發性有機物空氣污染管制及排放標準) in an attempt to cut down the petrochemical industry’s emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful air pollutants. It includes regulations for lowering emissions from the petrochemical industry’s exhaust gas combustion towers, strengthening controls on regular maintenance for production processes, and tightening controls for storage tanks, transporting facilities, tanker truck loading, and spare parts for relevant equipment. The aim is to safeguard public health by cutting down the daily maximum eight-hour ozone concentration.", "content": "VOCs are ozone precursors, so it is necessary to enhance controls on the petrochemical industry, a major VOC emitter, in order to continue improving Taiwan’s daily maximum eight-hour ozone concentration. The EPA noted that it has since 2021 begun banning emissions of exhaust gas from combustion towers, a common practice during petrochemical production. Also, exhaust gas can be utilized as fuels after being recycled, contributing to emission reduction. So far emissions of exhaust gas from combustion towers have been lowered by 85%.\nThe EPA pointed out that currently the petrochemical industry uses combustion towers only when necessary, such as during the occurrence of abnormal incidents concerning industrial safety, regular maintenance, car parking, etc. However, a large amount of exhaust gas, when piped to combustion towers for disposal within a very short period of time, often ends up being released directly into the atmosphere because of insufficient disposal time. And it frequently leads to poor air quality with too much ozone during the high-ozone season, thus presenting the need to reduce combustion towers’ emissions in time of regular maintenance.\nNot only so, there are still certain petrochemical enterprises that utilize combustion towers long-term. The amount of exhaust gas emissions accumulated annually is too much to be overlooked despite the smaller emissions on a daily basis. The EPA hopes to enhance controls on combustion towers via the amendment, mandating enterprises to cut down time of usage during regular maintenance by adjusting or optimizing operations as well as improving the operation that causes emissions of small amount of exhaust gas over a long period. Enterprises are also asked to voluntarily make public announcements on usage of combustion towers so that the public can know when they are utilized in real time.\nAnother goal is to tighten controls on pollutions during the regular maintenance of petrochemical production in order to prevent air pollutants from entering and contaminating the environments in time of petrochemical factories’ regular maintenance or when equipment is being fixed. Therefore, the revisions state that leakage-proof installation is to be opened only after concentration of air pollutants inside lowers. During the times when air quality deterioration is forecast to reach medium or serious levels, operators are not to open leakage-proof installations or storage tanks even during cleaning. In addition, information of regular maintenance has to be made public ahead of time.\nIt is worth noting that the revision has included the EPA’s continual efforts on reduction of health risks within the petrochemical industrial parks, evaluating the industry’s current development of the latest control technologies and their feasibilities. The other focus is to tighten controls on major petrochemical productions with the potential to emit harmful air pollutants, such as storage tanks, transporting facilities, tanker truck loading, spare parts for equipment, and other pollution sources.", "year": "2023", "month": "1", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4245", "title": "Diverse Measures to Offset Increased Emissions", "preview": "On 19 January 2023, the EPA announced the revised Offset Principles for the Increased Greenhouse Gas Emission Caused by Development Activities (審查開發行為溫室氣體排放量增量抵換處理原則). The amendment has added more options of emission sources so that agricultural and transportation sectors with these sources can qualify for offsets, extending emission sources available for offsets and therefore encouraging more enterprises to engage in carbon reduction. It is to provide developers more diverse offset measures and better lower emissions generated by developing activities.", "content": "The Offset Principles were first announced by the EPA on 27 March 2020 to strengthen controls on increased emissions from newly installed emission sources. During environmental impact assessments (EIAs), developers with certain developing activities are mandated to offset their increased emissions for ten consecutive years with a minimum of 10% annual offset rate. Criteria of these developing activities include development of an area of 50 acres or more, establishment of factories, fossil-fuel power plants burning non-liquid natural gas (LNG) energy, and cogeneration plants.\nSo far, there are ten EIA-qualified projects in total in which the developers have promised to conduct offsets: They are the second expansion project of Hsinchu Scientific Park (Paoshan Branch); Ciaotou Branch and the third phase of Tainan Branch of Southern Taiwan Science Park; as well as industrial parks in Jhongpu, Shueisheng, and Sinshih, and Chiayi. All are expected to create an annual demand to offset as high as 820,000 Mt CO2e.\nArticle 4 of the revised Offset Principles has newly added sources of increased emissions qualified for offset. For the agricultural sector, it includes replacement of coal- or oil-burning equipment with biomass energy as fuels, replacement of antiquated fishing lamps with LED lamps on fishing vessels, replacement of old farming machineries with electric ones, and replacement of existing oxygen-adding equipment with high-efficiency, energy-conserving types. For the transportation sector, it includes using electric or hybrid vehicles in place of old ones. Once a developing activity is approved by the EIA, its developer has to submit to the EPA an offset proposal, which has to be evaluated and approved first before being implemented accordingly.\nIf a developer carries out reduction measures via its affiliated company that is not part of the development sector, the EPA noted that it will be qualified to offset 1.2-time the amount of reduction actually resulted from these measures. Besides motivating different companies to join force in reduction, this is also to encourage developers to put in the capital or technologies to cut down emissions from sources other than their own developing activities.\nMoreover, the Scrap Vehicle Platform website launched last year serves as a platform to generate offset credits by purchasing electric motorcycles to replace old ones. It has so far matched over 24,000 offset requests. This year the mechanism has been expanded to incorporate other vehicle types like cars and pickup trucks. As a result, it encourages major developers to invest more in order to purchase more offset credits generated by the general public, thus creating joint reduction efforts between corporations and citizens, and at the same time lessens the government’s financial burden.", "year": "2023", "month": "1", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4244", "title": "Toward Net Zero: Climate Change Response Act Passed After 3 Readings ", "preview": "On 10 January 2023, the EPA-formulated draft revision of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法) was passed by the Legislative Yuan after three readings under the new name the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法). The EPA particularly thanked the entire Legislative Yuan, including President Si-Kun You, the Social Welfare and Environmental Committee, and members from all parties for their support. While the Act itself serves as a basis for more resilient climate legislation, its passage clearly demonstrates Taiwan’s resolve in the pursuit of net-zero emissions.", "content": "Legislation of net-zero emission by 2050 with clearly defined responsibilities and responsible authorities \nIn this amendment, net-zero emission by 2050 has been included in Article 4 as the national reduction goal clearly defined with laws and regulations. This is a reflection of the government’s resolve, compared with the simple declaration in the past. Based on the current practices adopted globally, phased control targets will be set on a five-year basis to gradually achieve carbon reduction.\nIn light of the fact that reduction and climate change mitigation tasks involve numerous agencies, in Article 8 it clearly states that the Executive Yuan’s National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) is in charge of coordinating, delegating, or integrating the national guidelines on climate change mitigation, as well as decision making regarding cross-departmental tasks. Moreover, the revision has listed all responsibilities and designated various agencies to be responsible for various coordination tasks.\nAddition of a just transformation to include all involving parties\nMany communities may be affected during implementation of reduction policies or measures. As a result, the revision has deed that all central competent industry authorities are to, regarding respective responsibilities, consult communities affected by the transformation toward net-zero under the principles of respecting human rights and labor forces. All involving ministries are to properly collect opinions via a civil participation mechanism and formulate action plans that aim for a just transformation. Additionally, new additions state that rights of indigenous peoples are to be upheld and incorporated as part of climate change mitigation policies and measures in a comprehensive and community-based manner.\nAlso, the revision has strengthened information disclosure and civil participation mechanism. For instance, while formulating phased reduction targets, ministries or agencies in charge of organizing public hearings are to announce information such as dates, locations, and methods on the internet, the Government Gazette, newspapers, or other appropriate media outlets 30 days before the hearings are held. And the annual reports on results of greenhouse gas reduction or climate change mitigation projects, compiled and edited by central competent industry authorities, municipalities, city and county governments, are all to be published for public disclosure.\nSpecific uses for carbon fees with diverse incentives in place\nCarbon pricing is a significant reduction strategy, so the amendment has included collection of carbon fees from emission sources. These fees will go to specified uses, such as implementation of reduction projects, development of low-carbon and carbon-negative technologies and industries, subsidies and incentives for investment on reduction technologies in order to facilitate reduction and develop a low-carbon economy.\nIf achieving assigned reduction goals via measures like switching to low-carbon fuels, adopting carbon-negative emission technologies, increasing energy efficiency, using renewable energies, or improving production processes, targets for carbon fee collection are qualified to propose their own voluntary reduction programs for discounted fee rates. Meanwhile, enterprises are urged to adopt voluntary reduction measures so as to obtain reduction quotas that can be transferred, traded, or auctioned. The combination of diverse economic incentives and collection of carbon fees is certainly able to encourage enterprises to expedite their reduction speeds.\nIncrease of Taiwan’s resilience via climate mitigation\nUnder the revision there is now a specific chapter on mitigation, focusing on enhancing Taiwan’s overall capacity of mitigation by building capacities and infrastructure, keeping up with the latest scientific research, and designing implementation framework. In particular, policy making is to align with scientific research. Therefore, the central competent authorities and central technological competent authorities are now in charge of research and development of climate change-related science and impact-mitigating technologies as well as regularly publish relevant reports as references for government offices of all levels to plan out early warning mechanisms and conduct systemic monitoring. Another focus is to establish the framework for mitigation efforts. The central competent industry authorities are to formulate the action plans on mitigation responsibilities for different sectors, the central competent authorities the National Climate Change Mitigation Action Plans (國家氣候變遷調適行動計畫), and the local governments the Climate Change Mitigation Implementation Program (氣候變遷調適執行方案). The purpose is to strengthen and adjust mitigation strategies according to varying circumstances, and annual reports on mitigation results are to be compiled and published to ensure information disclosure and public participation.\nWith climate change as a common challenge for all nations, on Earth Day 2022 (April 22) President Tsai Ing-wen declared that transformation to net-zero emission by 2050 is a goal not just for the entire world, but Taiwan as well. Following that statement, Premier Su Tseng-chang has also appointed the EPA to proceed with needed revisions on the same day as well as during the NCSD’s 33rd meeting on 30 August 2022. Passage of the revision is a clear display of the EPA’s resolve on carbon reduction and answer to the international community’s call for concrete and expedited reduction actions.\nFuture prospects\nNow that the amendment has been passed, in the next six months relevant sub-laws will be proposed, such as amended operations for inventory and registration, management for audit and certification institutes, collection and rates of carbon fees, voluntary reduction programs, and trade mechanisms for voluntary reduction efforts. The EPA will soon discuss with all sectors and collect opinions and ideas based on the principle of public participation upheld during this revision. Before any sub-laws are formulated, meetings will be organized for industries to fully understand what has been revised as well as plans for future operations and projects, further facilitating sustainable development as Taiwan embarks on the path toward net-zero emissions.", "year": "2023", "month": "1", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4243", "title": "Marine Air Quality Monitoring Cooperation between EPA and OAC", "preview": "In 2022, the EPA cooperated with the Ocean Affairs Council to monitor the air quality over the ocean, extending the scope of Taiwan’s air quality monitoring from land to sea. The primary monitoring results show that the low-sulfur vessel fuel policy implemented since 2020 has yielded good results. Sulfur dioxide concentration has been significantly reduced. It was also discovered that vessels that reduced speed when entering or leaving ports also led to reduced pollution emission. Relevant results will be gradually applied in the drafting and promotion of marine air pollution prevention policies. ", "content": "Currently, standard air quality monitoring equipment has been installed on Coast Guard ships stationed at Tamsui in New Taipei, Taichung and Tainan and has been monitoring PM2.5, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide since October 2022. Taking the Tamsui flotilla as an example, the average sulfur dioxide concentration measured onboard was 0.68 ppb, better than the 1.37 ppb measured at the nearby land-based Tamsui monitoring station. This shows that the better diffusion conditions at sea made air quality over the ocean better than that in land areas. \nIn addition, looking at the changes in sulfur dioxide concentration at four coastal land-based monitoring stations in Tamsui, Keelung, Mailiao and Xiaogang, the average was 1.93 ppb in 2021 and 1.52 ppb in 2022, which are better than the 3.5 ppb recorded in 2021 of neighboring Busan port in South Korea. In addition, they were also better than 3.51 ppb, the average concentration measured at the four stations in 2018, a 60% drop. The reason is likely due to measures implemented in Taiwan since 2019, including the promotion of “use of low-sulfur fuel only by vessels on international routes between international commercial ports” and the “tightening of restrictions on the composition of fuels used by mobile and stationary pollution sources.” These measures comprehensively reduced the sulfur content of the fuels used by both vehicles on land and vessels at sea from 3.5% to 0.5%, resulting in significant environmental improvement after their implementation. \nThe general traveling speed of vessels is about 20 knots. But according to studies, the energy consumption and air pollution emission are at the lowest if the average speed of vessels is reduced to 12 knots. Hence, the EPA has been cooperating with port authorities in recent years to promote the reduction of vessel speeds when entering or leaving ports. However, according to data, vessels only reduced speed by 56% and 43% when entering or leaving ports, respectively, showing that there is still room for improvement. In addition, according to the monitoring results of this project, the concentration of nitrogen dioxide measured in October by the Tamsui flotilla at the port exit was 15.32 ppb, higher than the average 9.55 ppb measured five nautical miles off the shore. One of the reasons was that vessels did not reduce speed when entering or leaving the port. All these information will serve as reference for the EPA when formulating incentive or prevention measures to promote the reduction of vessel speeds when entering or leaving ports. \nTaiwan is a maritime country with living environments prone to both land-based and marine pollution sources. Understanding the air quality in marine areas will help policy makers form more effective prevention strategies targeted at various pollution sources. It is hoped that the cross-field cooperation will continue, leading to an improvement in environmental quality. ", "year": "2022", "month": "12", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4242", "title": "The Management Regulations for Reuse of Industrial Wastes was announced on 19 January 2012 and was later revised once. This amendment was implemented with the aim of properly managing reuse products and tracing their final destinations.\nFocusing on operation and management of reuse products, the amendments specifically target reuse products as base- or bottom-grade aggregate materials, pavement materials, aggregates for road constructions, bricks, cement products, mixed concrete cement, controlled low strength materials (CLSMs), and asphalt concrete. Use of these products are prohibited in environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) and must comply with leaching standards concerning the usage of recycled aggregates in the environment, as well as undergoing inspections with mandated frequencies. Other details include limiting sales targets, mandating to equip all clearance and transport machinery with GPSs, tracking clearance and transport with manifests, and registering the last usage locations.", "preview": "The EPA organized the 2022 Environmental Technology Forum and Achievement Presentation on 5 December 2022. Diverse issues related to environmental protection tasks were discussed, including the seasonal air pollution hazards and health protection issues of public concern. With more than 250 people attending the event, experts and scholars shared the achievements of their environmental technology research. In his speech, EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang stated that the EPA had proposed a plan for net-zero emission technology development for 2023 to 2026, with relevant funding already approved by the Executive Yuan. ", "content": "The 2022 Environmental Technology Forum and Achievement Presentation covered a wide range of issues, including noise prevention, green products, chemical safety, monitoring of environmental agents, emerging pollutants in drinking water, recycling of consumer electronic wastes, and treatment of soil and groundwater pollution. The discussions not only demonstrated the close link between the technology research and development and the EPA policy guidelines, but also showed the practical application of the technologies in people’s lives. Members of the government, industry, academia and the public were able to participate together in the exchanges as forward-looking and innovative technologies obtained through technology development plans were shared. At the end of the forum, prizes were given to outstanding exhibits in the event. \nIn his speech, Minister Chang pointed out that in response to the global trend of pursuing net-zero emission, the pressure of reducing carbon in supply chains and the negative impact of extreme weather, the National Development Council announced on 30 March 2022 Taiwan's Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050. In addition to policy promotion, the development of net-zero technologies is also a must for Taiwan in order to reach the 2050 goal. The development of net-zero technologies should be goal-oriented and linked closely with the entire net-zero emission pathway and scheduled with suitable quantitative indicators. It is hoped that through net-zero emission technology plans, technologies relevant to net-zero benefit analysis and evaluation, resource circulation and carbon reduction and net-zero green living transformation can be developed to realize the long-term vision of transitioning to net-zero emissions. The EPA had proposed the net-zero emission technology development plan for 2023 to 2026, which encompasses the integrative evaluation of the reduction benefits of the net-zero pathway, resource circulation and carbon reduction technology projects, and demonstration and promotion projects of technologies relevant to net-zero green living transition. Relevant funds had been approved by the Executive Yuan. \nMinister Chang further stated that in response to the diverse aspects of challenges requiring the application of environmental technologies, and to ascertain the existing gaps in the development strategies of environmental technologies in Taiwan in order to set the medium and long-term overall technological development strategies and guidelines, the EPA is planning the mid-term technology promotion strategies and governance goals. It will draft the Environmental Sustainability Technology White Paper based on the six major environmental fields of the National Environmental Protection Plan, namely resource circulation, net-zero emission, governance of atmospheric environments, watersheds and soil, chemical substance management, and environmental resource investigation and monitoring, as core subjects for the overall strategy planning. It will also propose annual technology development plans for each subsequent year. ", "year": "2022", "month": "12", "assortment": "control and evaluation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4241", "title": "Improved Management Thoroughly Tracks Reuse Products", "preview": "The EPA has amended the Management Regulations for Reuse of Industrial Wastes (事業廢棄物再利用管理辦法) specifically for eight reuse products including pavement materials. Revisions include regulations and limitations on usage sites, quality standards (Table 1), and inspection frequencies. Flows of these wastes and reuse products are to be thoroughly track in order to ensure proper reuse.", "content": "The Management Regulations for Reuse of Industrial Wastes was announced on 19 January 2012 and was later revised once. This amendment was implemented with the aim of properly managing reuse products and tracing their final destinations.\nFocusing on operation and management of reuse products, the amendments specifically target reuse products as base- or bottom-grade aggregate materials, pavement materials, aggregates for road constructions, bricks, cement products, mixed concrete cement, controlled low strength materials (CLSMs), and asphalt concrete. Use of these products are prohibited in environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) and must comply with leaching standards concerning the usage of recycled aggregates in the environment, as well as undergoing inspections with mandated frequencies. Other details include limiting sales targets, mandating to equip all clearance and transport machinery with GPSs, tracking clearance and transport with manifests, and registering the last usage locations.", "year": "2022", "month": "12", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4240", "title": "Circular Procurement Promoted Via Rental Services for Sustainable Consumption", "preview": "Circular Procurement Promoted Via Rental Services for Sustainable Consumption", "content": "Past consumption and production followed the models of a linear economy, leading to resource depletion and carbon emission that has put the Earth under the heightened threat of climate change. Data released by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2022 shows that in 2021 global carbon emission reached 36.3 billion metric tons, setting a new historic high. Moreover, the UN’s statistics demonstrate that global resource use has tripled since 1970 with a prediction that by 2060 it will be 1.5 times the present use. The world is now heading toward a shortage of natural resources.\nThe EPA has been advocating the idea of using instead of owning, and now there are available rental services provided by various enterprises. They range from utensils, clothing, electronic products, motorcycles and vehicles, to furniture, and adopt business models aiming for a circular economy. The circular procurement policy, stipulated this year, includes providing procurement guidelines and formulating mutual supply contracts. Public sectors like government offices and schools will take the lead to implement relevant measures and be the first to put in practice the business model that promote using instead of owning, renting instead of buying. This way a supply chain for circular services can be gradually established with enforcement on environmental education to promote green consumption. With forces on the consumption end joining together, enterprises would be motivated to put modulization, easy disassembly, and easy maintenance into consideration at the stage of product design and also develop services like extended warranty and maintenance. It will extend products’ service life and cut down resource assumption.\n“My awareness and understanding of environmental protection began here in Taiwan,” said Rifat, who was greatly impressed by garbage sorting here as Taiwanese participate in environmental protection, starting in their own homes. Also, he shared experiences on maintenance and rental of camera equipment, with which he has had the most personal connection on environmental protection. Friends often told him to purchase new equipment when old ones broke down, yet he preferred maintenance as he thought what he has owned is sufficient and would not want to have more and then leave them used as well. With many rental platforms emerging in recent years, it is convenient and with less burden to rent equipment to satisfy his occasional needs for more advanced gear.\nEmphasizing the importance of individual actions, Rifat stated that Taiwan has limited land space and limited resources compared to the enormous amount of garbage generated on a daily basis. He encouraged everyone to strive for a better and more sustainable future and would work on spreading the awareness of sustainable procurement.\nFurthermore, invitees at the press conference were many enterprises under the three major categories providing rental options besides purchase, which are food and beverages, home appliances, and technology and electronics. Their rental services cover reusable food containers, beddings, household appliances, home furniture, electronic products, and lighting, etc. The EPA hoped to attract more product and service provides as well as consumers to participate in the promotion of sustainable consumption and production.", "year": "2022", "month": "12", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4239", "title": "Plastic Blister Packaging to Be Announced as Mandatory Recyclables", "preview": "To increase the recycling efficiency of flat plastic packaging materials and reduce the impact of plastic waste on the environment, the EPA announced the draft amendment of Item 8, Item 12 and Table 1 of Item 1 of the Scopes for the Articles and the Packaging and Containers Thereof and the Enterprises Responsible for Recycling, Clearance and Disposal (物品或其包裝容器及其應負回收清除處理責任之業者範圍), which will list inner plastic trays and blister packaging as mandatory recyclables.", "content": "More and more packaging materials and methods are being invented and used in the market. Common ones include inner plastic trays used inside a commodity package and blister or clamshell packaging that covers and displays merchandise, such as blister packaging sealed to paper backer boards commonly used for toothbrushes and toys, and plastic trays commonly used to separate food inside food gift boxes. They are all of non-biodegradable nature. Classified as W type plastics, they differ greatly in material and category and must be sorted and processed at a higher cost. As they have not been announced as mandatory recyclables, recycling and processing enterprises are unwilling to recycle them, resulting in most of them being processed or disposed of as mixed garbage. \nTo gradually reduce the amount of domestic plastic waste and improve the recycling efficiency and quality of plastic packaging, inner plastic trays and blister packaging are expected to be announced as mandatory recyclables and will be referred to as “flat packaging material” along with flat plastic containers that have been previously announced as mandatory recyclables. Following the announcement of the amendments, presumably after May 2024, enterprises that manufacture or import flat plastic packaging materials or import articles that contain flat plastic packaging materials shall be registered as responsible enterprises according to the regulations. They shall report the operating or importing volume and pay the recycling, clearance and processing fees on their own initiative.", "year": "2022", "month": "12", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4238", "title": "Cup Rental Logo Selected with Service Ready for Launch", "preview": "The EPA has stipulated that chain convenience stores and fast food restaurants are to provide rental service of reusable cups, starting 1 January 2023. Along with this initiative, an event was held in November 2022 for the public to vote for the best design of reusable cup logo, and the winning one would be used starting 1 January 2023. In the future, stores following all the guidelines and regulations will be able to receive this logo, indicating an excellent reusable cup rental service is available. With this logo, consumers can easily take advantage of this service. ", "content": "As the reusable cup rental is ready for launch, the design of its own logo has also been selected and determined and will be included in the Guidelines of the Excellent Reusable Cup Service as part of the labeling system. People now can easily locate and utilize this service by identifying the logo with zero worries on cleaning!\nThe EPA thanked the participating enterprises and all local environmental bureaus for their support of the reusable cup policy. Prior to the service being kick-started in 2023, 20 local environmental bureaus had already run trial services in advance, and a total of 833 stores and premises in 16 counties and cities have installed rental stations and are already operating. Among these enterprises, 7-11, MOS Burger, McDonald’s, and Kentucky Fried Chicken had already been approved for the use of the logo back in December 2022. Now that the service to rent reusable cups is available, people have another option besides bringing their own beverage cups.\nPlastic and waste reduction is the mutual goal and trend of all nations. To achieve it, in Germany restaurants and dining venues offering take-out service are required to offer rental service of reusable containers starting 2023, while there are private rental service of reusable cups in other countries as well. From 1 January 2023, chain convenience stores and fast-food restaurants in Taiwan are mandated to provide rental service of reusable cups in at least 5% of their stores. The percentage will be increased to 10% in 2024 and 30% in 2025, allowing more convenient and available access to this service.\nThe EPA-formulated Guidelines of the Excellent Reusable Cup Service cover six areas concerning the service, such as materials and labeling, borrowing and return, cleaning, inspection, awareness communication, and excellent service logo, all of which aim to ensure the sanitation and quality of the service system.\nOnce again, the EPA stressed that only through joint efforts of the government, enterprises, and the public to reduce garbage with changes of lifestyle and consumption behaviors can environmental improved become actualized. With the continuous push for bringing beverage cups, consumers now can choose to rent reusable cups and help protect the environment even when they forget to bring their own cups.", "year": "2022", "month": "12", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4237", "title": "Public and Private Organizations Awarded for Green Procurement and Consumption to Achieve Net-Zero Emissions", "preview": "On 26 December 2022 an award ceremony was held by the EPA to acknowledge support and endeavors of government offices and private organizations in green procurement. It was also the first time that government agencies and private organizations with excellent performances were jointly honored. Awardees included 36 government agencies and 213 private corporations that had outstanding performance in green procurement in 2021, green shops with continuous excellent performances up till 2021, organizations that have obtained the Green Mark for 20 years consecutively, and enterprises in the service industry certified with the Green Mark in 2021.", "content": "The EPA began promulgating the Green Mark system in 1992, implementing green procurement in the public sector in 2002, and extending its efforts to private enterprises in 2007. Years of promotion and endeavors have resulted in NT$11.1 billion of green procurement in the public sector in 2021, a NT$800-million increase from 2020. Green procurement and consumption have reached NT$50.3 billion for private enterprises and organizations as well as NT$58.7 billion for the general public. Combining the results in the public sector, the total expense on green procurement amounted to NT$120.2 billion in 2021, an increase of 4% compared to the amount in 2020.\nGreen procurement in 2021 resulted in conserving 25.7 million KWH of electricity, equivalent to 500,000 households’ power usage for a month; cutting down 104,346 metric tons of carbon emissions, same as the amount of carbon absorbed by trees in 282 Daan Forest Parks during a year; and lowered use of virgin pulp by 11.68 million kilograms, equivalent to sparing 233,405 trees. All have contributed to protecting the environments.\nAmong the awardees this year, there were 121 private companies and organizations whose expenses on green procurement exceeded NT$50 million each, a record high. For example, combined amount registered of Chong Hwa Pulp Corporation and another ten companies reaches over NT$1 billion. And 20 enterprises, including Taisyou International Business Co., were honored for increasing options of environment-friendly products and expanding their scope of green procurement with their continuous applications and support of the Green Mark and manufacturing of quality green products. Not only so, a total of 18 green stores, including E-Life Mall, received the award for their long-term efforts in promoting green products under categories of electronics, retails, construction materials, and bathroom equipment, which has greatly helped the public to put green consumption into practice.\nMoreover, the EPA has been actively promoting green service, so the ceremony honored enterprises in the service industry that became certified with the Green Mark within the past year, 54 in total, to generate more exposure and raise public awareness of the Green Mark in the service industry. Statistics show that there are 124 enterprises in the service industry with Green Mark certifications to date, and 101 of them are hotels. Such is the evidence of local consumers’ strong acknowledgement and support for environment-friendly service, which will help expand the market of green consumption.", "year": "2022", "month": "12", "assortment": "Ecolabeling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4236", "title": "2022 Shows Best Air Quality Monitoring Results ", "preview": "The 2022 air quality monitoring data compiled by the EPA shows a downward trend of concentrations of all air pollutants for the fifth consecutive year. The average number of days with Air Quality Index (AQI) of 100 or less, meaning in the categories of Good and Moderate AQI, exceeded 93.9% in 2022 (see chart), the best recorded so far. At the same time, the number of days with AQI above 100 (Unhealthy categories) continued to drop.", "content": "Other than continual drop of the average ozone concentration, the number of station-days with unhealthy AQI has been lowering year after year. In 2022, station days with unhealthy AOI mostly occurred in September mainly because of transboundary ozone from outside of Taiwan. And from January to November 2022, the national PM2.5 concentration was 12.5 μg\/m3 on average. It is estimated that the average annual concentration will be lower than 13 μg\/m3 for the first time, and it will also be the third consecutive year for it to reach the ultimate goal of an average annual concentration of 15 μg\/m3, as set by the Executive Yuan-approved Air Pollution Control Plan (2020 to 2023).\nThe EPA pointed out that 2022 had the best result of air quality improvement in recent years due to having had more rainy days than previous years, as rainwater is effective at pollutant removal. Not only so, both the central and local governments’ active implementation of the Air Pollution Control Plan (2020 to 2023) has also led to reduced concentrations of transboundary pollutants. Since 2016, air pollution has dropped by 30%, in which state-run enterprises have slashed 46% of their own air pollution, the percentage of gas-burning boilers has increased from 24% to 73% thanks to promotion for highly polluting boilers to switch to natural gas, and the efforts to phase out old vehicles. In 2022, more than 9,000 large, old diesel vehicles had been phased out, resulting in 40% of such vehicles phased out since 2017. Moreover, starting 2020, a total of 1.685 million old motorcycles have been phased out, accounting for 35% reduction of old motorcycles from the road.\nRegarding sources of fugitive pollution, airborne dust in Zhuoshui River has been reduced by over 90%, with dust incidents occurring only twice in 2022. Additionally, the EPA has enhanced overall controls and reviewed 111 sets of regulations since the announcement of the revised Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) on 1 August 2018. In 2022, efforts continued in legislative amendments to strengthen response measures targeting seasonal air pollution, tighten emission standards for tape, cement, and other industries, and adjust the system of regular inspections. The EPA’s other means to lower emissions of air pollution include providing access for developers to trade and offset emission credits, extending the period of subsidization, and applying high technology to law enforcement. All this is carried out in hopes of creating a win-win situation for both the economy and the environment, safeguarding air quality, and protecting public health.", "year": "2022", "month": "12", "assortment": "Environmental Monitoring", "url": "" }, { "no": "4235", "title": "Implementation of Net-Zero Emission Pathway Enhances the NDC’s 2030 Goals", "preview": "The National Development Council (NDC), in coordination with the EPA and other ministries, held a press conference on 28 December 2022 to announce phased target and key strategies concerning transition toward net-zero emission. The NDC explained that the 2030 goal has been modified from the originally proposed 20% reduction compared to the baseline year (2005) to a 24 ± 1% reduction. Taiwan’s carbon reduction goals have all been set following the principles of the United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Protocol, which delegate mutual responsibilities with different weights for each country based on respective individual capacities. Factors considered in the formulation of reduction goals include references on international circumstances, domestic policies, Taiwan’s historic trends of carbon emission, trends of Taiwanese corporations returning with investments here, overall economic growth and increases in electricity consumption.", "content": "The government has continued to formulate relevant policies ever since President Tsai Ing-Wen announced Taiwan’s goal of net-zero emission by 2050 on Earth Day 2022 (April 22). Taiwan’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions and Strategies in 2050, announced on 30 March, covers transformation in four areas, which are energy, industry, lifestyle, and social transformations, as well as two governing foundations, which are technological development and climate legislation. \nThe 12 key strategies include wind and solar energy; hydrogen energy; forward-looking energy; electricity system and energy storage; energy conservation; carbon capture, utilization, and storage; electrification and de-carbonization of vehicles; resource circulation and zero-waste; natural carbon sinks; green lifestyle; green finance, and just transformation. Through collaboration across ministries and public and private sectors, all of the above are being implemented by various ministries according to the directions specified in the Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions. Approximately 50 meetings were also held to discuss and exchange opinions with different fields. On 28 December 2022, the NDC announced the Action Plan of the 12 Key Strategies in Transformation Toward Net-Zero Emissions along with relevant ministries, signifying that Taiwan’s journey of transformation is well underway. Moreover, the Action Plan will also serve as the government’s foundation for initiating ongoing communication throughout society, continuously seeking better ways and putting them into practice.", "year": "2022", "month": "12", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4234", "title": "First School Awarded Highest Honor After 10 Years of Taiwan-US Eco-School Initiative", "preview": "On 21 December 2022, the EPA held the Taiwan-US Eco-School Awards Ceremony in Yilan, showcasing mutual achievements at the same time. During the ceremony, those receiving awards as Eco-Schools included eight schools certified with a Green Flag, 23 with a silver medal, and 67 with a bronze metal. Among the awardees, Hushan Experimental Elementary School in Tainan became the first to be certified with a Permanent Green Flag, the highest honor in this initiative, as the result of eight years of continued hard work from both students and faculty.", "content": "Background\nThe Taiwan EPA and the USEPA have since 2014 jointly launched the Taiwan-US Eco-School Partnership Program. In 2021 the Ministry of Education (MOE) began to participate as a collaborator, actively promoting this environmental education project in all schools and campuses across Taiwan and aiming toward sustainable development.\nThe ceremony was presided by an EPA’s Director General Tsung-Yung Liu who awarded respective schools with the Green flags, silver metals, and bronze metals. The highest honor of the three, the Green Flag has a two-year validity and hence requires application for recertification every two years in order to retain such honor. Once a school receives its fourth Green Flag, it is deemed a permanent Green Flag holder as acknowledgement for its long-lasting efforts to consistently put sustainability into action.\nAccomplishments\nHushan Experimental Elementary School obtained its fourth Green Flag this year and thus became the first Permanent Green Flag holder in Taiwan. With the idea of letting children take initiatives in learning at its core, the school works on fostering civic literacy and providing opportunities for kids to take charge to look after their living environment as well as conduct relevant initiatives and independent researches. And over the years its efforts in establishing an eco-campus have influenced its faculty, students, their families, and surrounding communities, showing that it truly deserves such honor.\nOther awardees included Dashan Elementary School in Miaoli and Chaocuo Waldorf Education Experimental Elementary School in Yunlin, both recognized with their first Green Flag. Students in Dashan Elementary School built special beehives to observe the relationship between the ecosystems of different specifies and their environments. They even promoted such action in the local communities, urging residents to practice environment-friendly organic farming. As for ChaocuoWaldorf Education Experimental Elementary School, students have effectively solved the problem of discarded rain boots at the end of every semester by organizing a marketplace for secondhand rain boots. Moreover, via collaboration with technology firms, they have incorporated technical farming into their own curriculum and also conducted long-term projects to monitor groundwater and land subsidence, both of which are issues of high concern in Yunlin.\nMicang Elementary School in Bali, New Taipei City, received its second Green Flag for its consistent work on maintaining species’ habitats on campus, promoting sustainable diets and consumption, and improving waste disposal. The school also promoted conservation of red-clawed crabs, a local species, by seeking out its habitat within the local community on the Bali left bank and subsequently creating a habitat map. Another two-time Green-Flag recipient is Daan Elementary School in Taoyuan, which tackles issues like habitat protection and water resource, improving environments and equipment of its eco-pond by joining forces with a local carp conservation group to solve the problem of fish and aquatic plants often dying in the pond. Students even went on to work with the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau (SWCB) of the Council of Agriculture to establish the campus as one of the SWCB’s outposts, providing an excellent venue for environmental education for students, faculty and community residents.\nThree schools were awarded a Green Flag for the first time. They are Xinshi Elementary School in New Taipei City, Tainan Tzu-Chi Senior High School Elementary Department, and Evergreen Lily Elementary School in Pingtung County.\nThe kids in Xinshi Elementary School have composted food waste, turned branches left by tree thinning into award metals, and used different plant seeds collected on campus to design games as class materials. In Tainan, students at the Elementary Department of Tzu-Chi Senior High School are encouraged to protect the environment via various programs like Energy Conservation Monday, Water Conservation with One Chopstick, and Clean Plate Initiative. Last but not least, students of Evergreen Lily Elementary School are especially passionate about climate change issues as they were once victims of Typhoon Morakot. As a result, they strive to preserve the traditional wisdom and culture, which is deeply in tune with nature and ecosystems, to advocate respect for the environment, biodiversity conservation, and peaceful coexistence with the world as the key for sustainable development.\nThe award ceremony began with a performance by the first-time Green-Flag recipient Evergreen Lily Elementary School as students, dressed in traditional indigenous attire, sang from the soul. With stalls and corresponding posters set up at the venue, the awarded schools demonstrated their respective achievements and special features. Then in the afternoon representatives from schools certified with the Green Flag for the first-time shared details of their journeys to becoming eco schools, which served as a great opportunity to exchange and learn among schools. There was also a musical seminar, where the healing power of music helped participants to appreciate the environment, bringing a beautiful end to the event.\nDirector General Liu noted that Taiwan has been actively promoting eco-schools, a global environmental education initiative. Now there are a total of 590 schools in Taiwan participating in the eco -school initiative. Some 400 of them have become certified, including 16 Green Flags, 148 silver metals, and 242 bronze metals. This fully showcases how environmental education has been deeply incorporated on all campuses and even extended further into families and communities.\nFuture prospects\nThe EPA will continue to keep Taiwan’s eco-schools aligned with the global trend while urging groups of diverse backgrounds to participate and integrating various resources so that more schools can join the eco-school program. Besides linking up the classroom with environmental measures, future efforts will aim to bring the concept of eco-schools beyond the campus and into different areas of society and encourage all to work toward building a sustainable future.", "year": "2022", "month": "12", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4233", "title": "Taiwanese Delegation Participates in 2022 Global Environmental Education Partnership Meeting", "preview": "The Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), jointly launched by the Taiwan EPA and the US EPA, held the 2022 Global Environmental Education Partnership Meeting in Tucson, Arizona, USA on 10 October. Thirty-four government officials, environmental education experts and scholars of non-government organizations from eleven countries gathered to exchange ideas and share their valuable wisdom, toward strengthening environmental education cooperation networks. ", "content": "Taiwanese Delegation Participates in 2022 Global Environmental Education Partnership Meeting\nThe Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), jointly launched by the Taiwan EPA and the US EPA, held the 2022 Global Environmental Education Partnership Meeting in Tucson, Arizona, USA on 10 October. Thirty-four government officials, environmental education experts and scholars of non-government organizations from eleven countries gathered to exchange ideas and share their valuable wisdom, toward strengthening environmental education cooperation networks. \n\nJointly organized by the Taiwan and US EPAs and the North American Association for Environmental Education, the gathering was the first physical GEEP meeting held since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out three years ago. Besides those from Taiwan, participants included government representatives, experts and scholars from American Samoa, Australia, Botswana, Cameroon, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Palau, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. During the meeting, experts and consultants examined and discussed the future strategies, goals and implementation methods of the GEEP, and participants shared their experiences in developing and running regional environmental education centers. \nIn addition to promoting global environmental education and establishing global partnerships, the GEEP also attaches great importance to improving the abilities of regions to respond to environmental changes and to strengthening of cooperation networks. Thus, in 2019 Taiwan established the Asia-Pacific Regional Center (APRC) under the GEEP structure. The APRC is in charge of promoting environmental education and establishing exchange networks in the Asia-Pacific region so that partners can learn and share with each other, and work towards a sustainable future. The Taiwanese delegation to the meeting was led by Hsuan-wu Chang, Director of the Department of Comprehensive Planning of the Taiwan EPA, accompanied by APRC representatives Professor Tzu-chau Chang and Professor Hurng-Jyuhn Wang, along with four young environmental leaders from Taiwan. \nIn the meeting, Director Hsuan-wu Chang said that Taiwan is in line with the world and plays a unique role in issues such as trade, health care and the environment. As to the issue of global climate change, Taiwan is also advancing with the world toward net zero emissions, and places emphasis at the same time on the power of cooperation and the importance of enhancing environmental education. Thus it is important for countries, while playing their own role, to also establish partnership relations with others. From the experience of organizing the 2021 Asia-Pacific Environmental Education Forum, Taiwan has learned how partnerships facilitate more dialogue and help to disseminate valuable knowledge. Exchanges and cooperation between partners will continue to strengthen further through the GEEPs APRC. \nProfessor Tzu-chau Chang, Project Director of the APRC, made a presentation on APRC achievements to consultants from other countries. His presentation was of assistance to the continual strengthening of environmental education efforts in the Asia-Pacific and African regions, including the future development and operation of the GEEP Africa Hub, thus strengthening a global environmental education network in which all countries can learn from each other. \nSelected and awarded by the Taiwan EPA, the four young environmental leaders were subsidized to be a part of Taiwan’s delegation to the forum. They have experiences in leading and implementing environmental actions with respect to climate change, plastic reduction in daily life, net-zero carbon emissions and the marine environment. They took part in group discussions with experts and consultants to stimulate more ideas and interest in environmental education. \n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "11", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4232", "title": "Exhibition of Circular Economy Innovation Well Received ", "preview": "To enhance the publics experience of how the concept of circular economy applies in real-life situations, on 12-16 October 2022, the EPA organized the 2030 Circular Economy Innovation Exhibition, which featured themes such as circulation and sharing, green and circular technologies, circular products and products combining cultural and innovative designs. Displayed in the form of a simulated environment, the exhibition attracted many people, enterprises and schools to visit. ", "content": "Exhibition of Circular Economy Innovation Well Received \nTo enhance the publics experience of how the concept of circular economy applies in real-life situations, on 12-16 October 2022, the EPA organized the 2030 Circular Economy Innovation Exhibition, which featured themes such as circulation and sharing, green and circular technologies, circular products and products combining cultural and innovative designs. Displayed in the form of a simulated environment, the exhibition attracted many people, enterprises and schools to visit. \n\nFocused on resource circulation, the exhibition promoted products with environment-friendly designs and models of sustainable consumption and production. It included about 60 products\/technologies\/services whose designs were based on the concept of a circular economy. There were also products designed based on the concept of resource circulation, combining cultural and innovative designs. \nThere were many distinctive exhibitors on site. For example, in the resource circulation and sharing area, there was homeapp123.com, the first home appliance rental and sharing platform nationwide. The company provides a platform for people who can rent out, via the internet, electric appliances they are not using to those who need them. BYTE International Co., an exhibitor in the area of green and circular technologies, specializes in extending the lifespans of IT\/3C products with its repairing expertise and provides warranties for the repairs so that consumers can buy without worries. In the area of circular design products, Guantian Black Gold is a company that successfully carbonizes water chestnut shells to make biochar that complies with European Biochar Certification (EBC) and International Biochar Initiative (IBI) Biochar Standards. In the area of cultural and innovative design, ReWood uses discarded trees, pruning debris and other discarded materials from fruit farmers to make pleasant home accessories such as charcoal potted plants. The public was welcome to explore the exhibits. \nIn addition to the rich and diverse theme exhibit area, there were different types of circular economy experiences and activities held on site, including cloth face mask printing, art using marine waste, and turning marine plastic waste into pots for plants or holders for scented candles. The exhibition also invited fashion designers to call on professionals from different fields to think and design with circularity in mind. The public could also bring their used clothes from home to revamp on site. Moreover, there were also many \"zero-waste\" installation artworks in the exhibition, urging people to cherish resources more. \nThe exhibition was creative and diverse in merging the concept of resource circulation with daily life. It was fun, relaxing, educational, and amenable to children. All were sincerely welcome to echo this sustainable consumption activity. For more information, go to https:\/\/circular-cross.com\/.", "year": "2022", "month": "11", "assortment": "Waste Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4231", "title": "Summit of Circular Economy Enterprises Held to Promote Resource Circulation", "preview": "The 2022 Taiwan Circular Economy Outstanding Enterprise Summit was held by the EPA on 28 Oct. 2022 to encourage enterprises to increase the use of recycled materials and establish innovative reuse service models, so as to demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to develop a circular economy and to promote inter-industry connections and cross-field matchmaking and exchanges. Speeches on issues such as the application of renewable energies like solid recovered fuel (SRF) by enterprises, green finance, and new green transformation were given. A special exhibition on resource circulation industries in Taoyuan City was held, and a visit to Tayuan Mill of Cheng Loong Corporation was arranged. ", "content": "Summit of Circular Economy Enterprises Held to Promote Resource Circulation\nThe 2022 Taiwan Circular Economy Outstanding Enterprise Summit was held by the EPA on 28 Oct. 2022 to encourage enterprises to increase the use of recycled materials and establish innovative reuse service models, so as to demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to develop a circular economy and to promote inter-industry connections and cross-field matchmaking and exchanges. Speeches on issues such as the application of renewable energies like solid recovered fuel (SRF) by enterprises, green finance, and new green transformation were given. A special exhibition on resource circulation industries in Taoyuan City was held, and a visit to Tayuan Mill of Cheng Loong Corporation was arranged. \n\nThe summit opened with the Special Exhibition on Resource Circulation Industries in the morning, which was held in cooperation with locally unique reuse and waste processors in Taoyuan. The integration of the Taoyuan region as a resource circulation industrial settlement is a good example of industrial symbiosis and cooperation to build a local resource circulation industrial chain. The exhibition focused on local resource circulation industries in Taoyuan and divided the scope of waste processing into seven areas, namely, electronic and electric appliances, building materials, basic industries, daily life, cultural creativity, waste-to-energy and agriculture. In each area, finished products made of waste were displayed to show the process through which wastes are reused and transformed. Introductions on how resource circulation was accomplished by waste processing and reuse enterprises with upstream and downstream industries in the chain and how their communication and exchanges facilitated the local development of circular economy industries in Taoyuan were also given. After the exhibitions successful end in the morning, exhibits were kept in Taoyuan Sustainable Resource Center as permanent exhibits. In the future, groups and government agencies can make an appointment on the center’s official website or by phone before visiting. \nIn the afternoon session of the summit, presentations on cases of enterprises applying SRF, green finance and opportunities and challenges in the face of new green transformation and a visit to Cheng Loong Corporation were organized. Representatives from the Xinwu Plant of YFY Packaging Company and Cheng Loong Corporation were invited to share cases of enterprises applying SRF to encourage industries to follow suit. The Shanghai Commercial and Savings Bank was invited to speak about how it promoted green energy financing solutions to create ample business opportunities for green energy financing, thereby providing new solutions for corporate transformation and promoting the development of sustainable energy. \nPwC Corporate Sustainability Service Company was invited to share the key problems being faced by Taiwanese industries and the opportunities and challenges for green transformation. The summit concluded successfully after all participants learned about real-life waste-to-energy cases on site by visiting the Tayuan Mill of Cheng Loong Company and seeing the SRF manufacturing and utilization plant and its biogas power generation system up close. \nPromoting resource circulation and increasing resource utilization efficiency are international trends. To reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the government of Taiwan will continue to lead with policies by clearly formulating twelve key strategies and providing projections and action pathways towards net zero in 2050, so as to promote economic growth, drive private investment, create green jobs, achieve energy independence and enhance social well-being. ", "year": "2022", "month": "11", "assortment": "Waste Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4230", "title": "Preannouncement of Amendment of VOCs Control Standards for Polyurethane Coating Industry", "preview": "To enhance the control for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and encourage the polyurethane coating industry to adopt water-based manufacturing processes, the EPA has amended relevant emission standards. In addition to directly exempting water-based-solvent and solvent-free manufacturing processes from the regulation, the amendment also gave existing manufacturing processes a grace period of two years to respond to the stricter exhaust-collection equipment regulations and emission standards. Not only will the control on VOCs be strengthened, a balance between industrial development and environmental protection will be reached. ", "content": "Preannouncement of Amendment of VOCs Control Standards for Polyurethane Coating Industry\nTo enhance the control for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and encourage the polyurethane coating industry to adopt water-based manufacturing processes, the EPA has amended relevant emission standards. In addition to directly exempting water-based-solvent and solvent-free manufacturing processes from the regulation, the amendment also gave existing manufacturing processes a grace period of two years to respond to the stricter exhaust-collection equipment regulations and emission standards. Not only will the control on VOCs be strengthened, a balance between industrial development and environmental protection will be reached. \nVOCs are one of the main causes of odor pollution. Some VOCs are also hazardous air pollutants which can impact health after long-term exposure. To encourage polyurethane coating enterprises to adopt water-based manufacturing processes and enhance overall control of VOCs, the EPA has announced the amendment draft of the Volatile Organic Compound Air Pollution Controls and Emission Standards for the Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Industry, which has been renamed the Volatile Organic Compound Air Pollution Controls and Emission Standards for the Polyurethane Coating Industry (hereinafter referred to as the Standards). The amendment added exhaust pipe VOCs standards, emission reduction rates and installation requirements for exhaust-collection equipment, and gave existing operators a grace period of two years to make improvements. After the improvements, the annual VOCs emission is expected to be reduced by 775 metric tons, equivalent to reducing 90% of the average VOCs emission of an oil refinery. \nThe four focuses of the Standards are: clearly defining regulated targets, regulating VOCs, enhancing odor regulations, and effectively collecting exhaust. Details are as follows:\nA. Promoting source reduction and encouraging enterprises to develop water-based manufacturing processes: Polyurethane coating processes are to be regulated. However, water-based-solvent or solvent-free processes are exempt. Once local competent authorities approve the supporting documents submitted by enterprises, exemption will be granted. \nB. Increasing end-of-pipe treatment efficiencies and enhancing VOCs controls: Standards for exhaust-pipe VOCs emissions and the treatment efficiency of pollution-control equipment were added. \nC. Regulating odors to reduce complaints of neighbors: Standards for exhaust-pipe odor pollutants were added, and controls on newly established operators were enhanced. \nD. Enhancing exhaust collection and reducing pollutant emissions: Regulations on exhaust-collection equipment were added. Closed exhaust-collection equipment and enclosing hood should be installed to enhance exhaust collection and the exhaust should be channeled to pollution-control equipment for treatment. \nIn addition to directly exempting water-based-solvent and solvent-free manufacturing processes from the regulation, the amendment also gave a grace period of two years to existing processes to respond to the stricter exhaust-collection equipment regulations and emission standards. The control on VOCs is expected to be enhanced and a balance between industrial development and environment protection reached. ", "year": "2022", "month": "11", "assortment": "air quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4229", "title": "Amendment of Offset Principles Provides Diverse Offsetting Options for Air Pollution Emitters", "preview": "To provide more options for development projects to offset their air pollution and effectively cut down emissions from developmental activities, on 2 Nov. 2022, the EPA amended and announced relevant offset principles for emissions produced by developmental activities. The amendment added offset sources categorized as stationary, mobile and fugitive and provided a mechanism for developers to cooperate with other public or private premises or government agencies. The amendment is expected to help accelerate the implementation of air pollution control strategies and allow developers to obtain offsets for the emissions they produce, thus reaching a win-win for economic development and environmental protection. \n ", "content": "Amendment of Offset Principles Provides Diverse Offsetting Options for Air Pollution Emitters\nTo provide more options for development projects to offset their air pollution and effectively cut down emissions from developmental activities, on 2 Nov. 2022, the EPA amended and announced relevant offset principles for emissions produced by developmental activities. The amendment added offset sources categorized as stationary, mobile and fugitive and provided a mechanism for developers to cooperate with other public or private premises or government agencies. The amendment is expected to help accelerate the implementation of air pollution control strategies and allow developers to obtain offsets for the emissions they produce, thus reaching a win-win for economic development and environmental protection. \n \nThe amended Offset Principles for Air Pollutant Emissions Produced from Developmental Activities will provide clearer basis for calculating offsets. Offset sources include the improvement of pollution-control equipment and manufacturing processes at factories, replacement of old vehicles with electric ones, vessels in port areas using shore power, installation of pollution-control equipment by food and beverage enterprises, using bacteria to degrade agricultural residues, and so on. After passing environmental impact assessment reviews, developers should submit plans to obtain offsets for the air pollution emission they produce to the EPA for approval. Only after the approval can they implement the offset measures. This is to ensure that the planned measures are implementable in reality, and to clarify the follow-up supervision and inspection mechanism. If developers commission government agencies to find offset sources, they do not need to submit the aforementioned plans for obtaining offsets. Government agencies will issue them relevant supporting documents directly. \nIn addition, the amendment added a mechanism for developers to reach cooperation agreements with other public or private premises or government agencies, so as to provide developers with more channels to implement the pollution offsetting measures. Take for example the replacement of old vehicles with electric ones, the government matchmaking platform can assist developers to fund and obtain the air pollution reduction benefits of the public’s replacement of old vehicles as offsets, thereby achieving the triple-win situation in which enterprises provide funds, the government provides a matchmaking service, and the environment is improved. \nMoreover, based on the simulation of localized air quality models, the amendment revised the offsetting means and ratios between secondary air pollutants (fine particular matter and ozone) and primary air pollutants (nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and non-methane hydrocarbons) to make the means and ratios of offsetting more in line with the air pollution improvement benefits obtained through offsets.\nRecently, many large international manufacturers have been placing orders with Taiwanese companies while overseas Taiwanese companies continue to return to Taiwan to expand production capacity. This has led to accelerated development of domestic industrial parks and a great increase of pollutant emissions. After the amendment, the offset principles will help improve the air quality by requiring development projects located in areas of poor air quality to obtain offsets that account for 1.2 times the emission produced when they implement offsetting in the future. As a result, not only will the development projects not exacerbate the air quality of the area with additional emissions, but they will help generate more air pollution reduction benefits. \n", "year": "2022", "month": "11", "assortment": "air quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4228", "title": "Incinerators Sustain Garbage Disposal Capacity during Annual Maintenance for Carbon Reduction", "preview": "For all 24 large-scale incinerators across Taiwan to be able to maintain their operation capacity -- 6.5 million metric tons a year in total -- during an annual maintenance is an accomplishment jointly reached by their operators and local governments. Besides assisting in equipment updates and unit improvements, the EPA will help enhance the quality of wastes entering the incinerators, reuse and control of ash, which is part of the incinerator’s outputs, take inventory of greenhouse gases, and assess carbon reduction technologies.", "content": "Incinerators Sustain Garbage Disposal Capacity during Annual Maintenance for Carbon Reduction\nFor all 24 large-scale incinerators across Taiwan to be able to maintain their operation capacity -- 6.5 million metric tons a year in total -- during an annual maintenance is an accomplishment jointly reached by their operators and local governments. Besides assisting in equipment updates and unit improvements, the EPA will help enhance the quality of wastes entering the incinerators, reuse and control of ash, which is part of the incinerator’s outputs, take inventory of greenhouse gases, and assess carbon reduction technologies.\n\nFollowing the EPAs strategy to stabilize domestic incineration capacity, incinerators have incorporated equipment updates during their annual maintenance. To acknowledge local governments that have performed well in incinerator operations and mutually benefitting collaboration, the EPA held an award ceremony based on incinerators audit and evaluation results on Oct. 12. The EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang presented awards to these outstanding units and also expressed his gratitude to the staff who diligently carried out their duties during the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic.\nLi-Tse Incinerator in Yilan County, Miaoli County Incinerator, and Wai-Tien Incinerator in Keelung City received the top honor. Their accomplishments included generating electricity with high efficiency and keeping pollution low in their emissions (far below the average emission of all 24 incinerators). Additionally, they have actively developed performance management systems and smart management technology with AI and even helped dispose of other counties and cities household garbage under the central governments coordination.\nSix incinerators, including one in Lu-Cao, Chiayi, received the excellence award for enhancing inspections on incoming garbage with high-definition monitoring equipment, maintaining smooth operation for extended periods, actively assisting in cross-regional coordination, and reducing incineration ash. Not only so, special awards were given to another six incinerators, including Taoyuan City Incinerator, because of their utilization of innovative technologies, active reuse of fly ash, and promotion of energy conservation and carbon reduction.\nFurthermore, the EPA awarded local environmental bureaus that showed high performance in supervising incinerators. Environmental bureaus of Kaohsiung City, Yilan County, and Keelung City were given excellence awards for helping with disposing of wastes from other counties and cities as well as their active and insightful planning of waste disposal. Five environmental bureaus, including one of Miaoli County, received special awards for their tremendous contributions toward overall waste controls through incinerator maintenance, mutually benefitting collaboration, and measures that audit waste sources.\nThe EPA stressed that the central government has since 2017 been actively assisting local governments in incinerator maintenance in order to extend their lives. The outstanding result is that the average operation percentage of all of Taiwan’s 24 incinerators reached 87.5% in 2021, which is record high. Power generation per metric ton of garbage had already achieved more than 530 kwh. Not only so, each incinerator has been actively carrying out measures as to align with the global trend in net-zero carbon emissions. These measures include switching to variable-frequency motors and changing fan blades materials to lower electricity usage, and also installing chillers, maintaining power generators, and improving production procedures, which have increased energy efficiency. In total, all incinerators in Taiwan have cut down carbon emissions by 59,000 metric tons over the past three years.\nDespite having been in operation for 20 years on average, all incinerators will still play an important role in future garbage disposal. Other than continual assistance for county and city governments in updating incinerators facilities and improving units, the central government will help incinerators enhance the quality of incoming garbage, better reuse ash, take inventory of greenhouse gases, and assess carbon reduction technologies. The aim is to create a circular economy and achieve carbon reduction goals.", "year": "2022", "month": "11", "assortment": "Envirnmental Inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4227", "title": "MOU of Scientific Research and Application Signed with National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction", "preview": "", "content": "MOU of Scientific Research and Application Signed with National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction\nThe EPAs Bureau of Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau (TCSB) and the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 13 Oct. 2022, represented by the TCSB Director Yen-Ju Hsieh and the NCDR Director Hung-Yu Chen, respectively. From now on, both sides will have more engagements, jointly integrating information of prevention and rescues for disasters relating to toxic and concerned chemical substances. Other tasks include sharing information on disaster response and selecting specific issues for further coordination in technological research, development, and applications.\n\nThe EPA noted that the NCDR has a team consisting of Taiwan’s top professionals with technological research and development knowhow in disaster prevention and rescues. Its MOUs with relevant central agencies have equipped it with technological resources and platforms related to disaster warnings, image data, and researches. Under the principles of collaboration, mutual benefits, and resource sharing, the MOU aims to enhance Taiwan’s capacities in prevention, responses, and rescues for disasters relating to toxic and concerned chemical substances. Both will join hands in promoting research, development, and application of relevant technologies.\nThe MOU is divided into five areas: promotion and professional consultation on technological research, development, and applications; establishment of an information and image database; events on research, development, and applications; establishment and maintenance of disaster information modules; and technological research and development on specific issues. The collaboration is expected to better safeguard human lives by improving Taiwan’s technologies on disaster prevention and rescues, integrating response information, and reducing domestic disaster risks.", "year": "2022", "month": "11", "assortment": "chemiclas", "url": "" }, { "no": "4226", "title": "Chemical Substance Labeling Required to Follow Global Standards from 31 October 2023", "preview": "To safely handle toxic and concerned chemical substances, the Regulations for the Labeling and Materials Safety Data Sheets for Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances were revised, adding required minimum sizes for labels on containers and packaging. Another focus is to adjust specifications for the Ministry of Labors (MOL) chemical substance labels, which include disclosure methods for harmful ingredients in toxic and chemical substances, and revise the specific items to be disclosed if certain chemicals do not fall under any risk classifications. The purpose is to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHG), following its regulations on contents required to be put on labels as well as labelling requirements for individual toxic and concerned chemical substances.", "content": "Chemical Substance Labeling Required to Follow Global Standards from 31 October 2023\nTo safely handle toxic and concerned chemical substances, the Regulations for the Labeling and Materials Safety Data Sheets for Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances were revised, adding required minimum sizes for labels on containers and packaging. Another focus is to adjust specifications for the Ministry of Labors (MOL) chemical substance labels, which include disclosure methods for harmful ingredients in toxic and chemical substances, and revise the specific items to be disclosed if certain chemicals do not fall under any risk classifications. The purpose is to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHG), following its regulations on contents required to be put on labels as well as labelling requirements for individual toxic and concerned chemical substances.\n\nHaving studied EU and other international regulations, the EPA has revised the specifications for labels on containers and packaging. There are four levels based on volume sizes. Minimum label size is A5 for the top level (the biggest volume) and halved for the next level, and so on. Manufacturers or importers of toxic and concerned chemical substances are to ensure that labels on containers and packaging cannot be smaller than the required size, and should provide clear information concerning risks and dangers for the benefit of users. For specific size-related or other reasons, labels should be presented in a folded form, as hanging tags or displayed on the outer packaging.\nBased on the Chinese National Standard (CNS) 15030, a toxic and concerned chemical substance needs to be assigned a risk category, and related information about its risks is to be disclosed on the labels accordingly. If the concentration of such a substance in a product reaches a level required for control, additional information of dangerous ingredients on container and packaging labels as well as bulletin boards are to be disclosed, such as their English name, Chemical Abstract Service number, and the contents weight and concentration. Not only so, either Toxic Chemical Substance or Concerned Chemical Substance is to be shown on the labels. If a toxic and concerned chemical substance is determined as not under any risk category, the revisions state that it is only necessary to put the name, harmful ingredients, warning, other additional information, as well as the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the manufacturer, importer, or supplier.\nMoreover, warnings or other supplementary information should be put on labels of toxic and concerned chemical substances according to regulations concerning individual substances. And the EPA will announce what written information or images are to be included on labels based on a substance’s characteristics and management purposes. For example, laughing gas is listed as a concerned chemical substance due to its abuse, so words like for industrial use only; no consumption are to appear on the labels as a warning.\nA meeting concerning this revision was held in Aug. 2022. For the entire supply chains of toxic and concerned chemical substances, existing regulations on contents and specifications concerning contents and sizes of container and packaging labels have been revised, and such amendments will take effect on 31 Oct. 2023. A year of grace period will be given to enterprises.", "year": "2022", "month": "11", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4225", "title": "18 Countries Jointly Promote Atmospheric Mercury Monitoring at the 11th APMMN Annual Meeting", "preview": "On 2 Nov. 2022, the Eleventh annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN) was jointly hosted by the EPA Deputy Minister Chih-Hsiu Shen and the USEPA Acting Assistant Administrator Jane Nishida. Attendees were made up of over 50 government officials and scholars from 26 institutes in 18 partner countries, such as the US, Japan, Australia, and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). During the event, Environment and Climate Change Canada presented the worlds latest equipment that passively samples atmospheric mercury. The Center for Environmental Monitoring and Technology of National Central University reported on the APMMNs current implementation, while experts from the US National Atmospheric Deposition Program explained calculation of national mercury deposition as well as the status of atmospheric mercury monitoring in partner countries.", "content": "18 Countries Jointly Promote Atmospheric Mercury Monitoring at the 11th APMMN Annual Meeting\nOn 2 Nov. 2022, the Eleventh annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN) was jointly hosted by the EPA Deputy Minister Chih-Hsiu Shen and the USEPA Acting Assistant Administrator Jane Nishida. Attendees were made up of over 50 government officials and scholars from 26 institutes in 18 partner countries, such as the US, Japan, Australia, and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). During the event, Environment and Climate Change Canada presented the worlds latest equipment that passively samples atmospheric mercury. The Center for Environmental Monitoring and Technology of National Central University reported on the APMMNs current implementation, while experts from the US National Atmospheric Deposition Program explained calculation of national mercury deposition as well as the status of atmospheric mercury monitoring in partner countries.\n\nTo protect human health and the environment from the anthropogenic emission of mercury and its compounds, the UNs Minamata Convention on Mercury entered into force in 2017. Considering that atmospheric mercury monitoring is one of the essential tasks of the Minamata Convention, the Taiwan EPA and the USEPA jointly launched the APMMN in 2012 to respond to the Minamata Convention. The efforts to assist partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region to build capacities related to atmospheric mercury monitoring began in 2016, and so far the APMMN has analyzed 1,220 samples of rainwater. Results show that the mercury concentration in rainwater in the APMMNs Indo-Pacific partner countries has gradually dropped in the past three years, which is evidence of the partner countries implementation of the convention.\nAs environmental monitoring is a long-term and significant mission, Deputy Minister Shen particularly praised and thanked all the partner countries for their outstanding contributions toward long-term atmospheric mercury monitoring over the past 11 years. In August this year, the Center of Oceans and Atmosphere of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia became an official partner. It completed the first sample on 28 Oct., an important step toward enhancing the southern hemispheres capacity in atmospheric mercury monitoring. Through the APMMN, the Taiwan EPA hopes to improve regional atmospheric mercury monitoring with the USEPA and the Indo-Pacific partners and together carry out the Convention, building a sustainable world for future generations.", "year": "2022", "month": "11", "assortment": "environmental Monitoring ", "url": "" }, { "no": "4224", "title": "Moving toward Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 as Green Mark Turns 30", "preview": "In 2022, Taiwan Green Mark entered the thirtieth year of its implementation. As Taiwan strove toward net-zero emissions by 2050, a celebration themed Before 30\/After 30 was organized by the EPA to demonstrate the fruitful results of the past three decades. Invited to a retrospective on the outstanding accomplishments were those with important roles in the promotion of the Green Mark, such as enterprises that had applied for the Green Mark consecutively for 20 years and members of the review committee. A commitment was made as Taiwan looked forward to the next 30 years and to build a future of net-zero emissions by 2050.", "content": "Moving toward Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 as Green Mark Turns 30\nIn 2022, Taiwan Green Mark entered the thirtieth year of its implementation. As Taiwan strove toward net-zero emissions by 2050, a celebration themed Before 30\/After 30 was organized by the EPA to demonstrate the fruitful results of the past three decades. Invited to a retrospective on the outstanding accomplishments were those with important roles in the promotion of the Green Mark, such as enterprises that had applied for the Green Mark consecutively for 20 years and members of the review committee. A commitment was made as Taiwan looked forward to the next 30 years and to build a future of net-zero emissions by 2050.\n\nThe origin\nLaunched in 1992, the Green Mark centered around the principles of recycling, low pollution, and resource conservation. Since then, enterprises have been designing and making products with the ideas of lowering environmental pollution and resource consumption in mind, consequently providing the option of environment-friendly products for consumers while shopping. According to the EPAs statistics, 80% of the public has purchased Green Mark-certified products, which shows that, for enterprises, the Green Mark not only creates business opportunities but also contributes to carbon reduction.\nEPA Deputy Minister Chih-Hsiu Shen noted that net-zero emissions by 2050 is a common goal for the whole world, including Taiwan, and that individuals can create a future of green living just by making small lifestyle changes. This actually aligns with the Green Marks principles, allowing the government and citizens to search for environment-friendly lifestyles together.\nAs the nation faced the challenges of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Deputy Minister Shen pointed out that the government has proposed transformation in four areas: industries, energy, lifestyle, and society. Transformation in the area of lifestyle is closely tied to peoples daily life involving food, clothing, housing, transportation, education, entertainment, and shopping. And it is necessary to combine the implementation of the Green Mark in order to practice a truly green lifestyle.\n\nAnnual reduction of 100,000 metric tons of carbon thanks to Green Mark\nStatistics on the Green Marks environmental benefits in 2021 show that 28.48 million kWhs were saved annually, sufficient to provide electricity of 510,000 households for a month. Use of virgin pulp was lowered by 11.877 kilograms, equivalent to sparing 237,342 trees, which is eight times of the number of trees in Daan Forest Park.\nThere have been over 20,000 products certified with the Green Mark over the years, according to the EPAs statistics. At the anniversary celebration, invited guests include representatives from four enterprises that have applied for the Green Mark for more than 20 years. One of them was the household cleaning products brand, See Mild Biotech. The company said that, since it obtained the Green Mark, the government has taken the lead in product procurements and assisted in promoting. As a result, it has always enjoyed stable sales with capabilities to continually upgrades their products, which helped in achieving its mission.\nChampion, a company that manufactures construction materials, began applying for the Green Mark in 1996. Efforts in researching and developing products made with recycled materials for 14 years have contributed to cutting down emission of 22,700 metric tons of greenhouse gases. Its largest client is the government, which actively supports the use of Green Mark-certified building materials, and well-performing construction companies that use lots of its products in various projects. In recent years, there have been quite a few environmentally conscious consumers.\nFinally, CHC Resources, which reuses the steel industry’s byproducts such as slags and blast furnace cement as building materials, elaborated that, by replacing cement, its own products can lower costs as well as emissions because of reduced mining. This is also the reason its products are favored in projects of public constructions and famous buildings. With annual production that reuses 3 million metric tons of slags, the environmental benefit is equivalent to reducing 2.24 million tons of emissions generated from cement production, which is also equivalent to the total carbon absorbed by 5,760 Daan Forest Parks.\n \nPromoting green living via van tours\nFor the Green Marks 30th anniversary, the EPA has specially outfitted a van with eye-catching designs and had it tour around Taiwan to promote green living with local environmental bureaus. On the van there are easy-to-operate, interactive games that show people how to make simple changes in life and become more environment-friendly, such as replacing single-use items with green products for personal consumption.\nMoreover, in December a Roundtable Forum on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Green Mark will be held, with experts and scholars in various fields invited to have in-depth discussion on net zero by 2050 and green living. The public is also welcome to take part, and through all this the EPA hopes to encourage more people to continue doing the right things for the planet and together reach the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.", "year": "2022", "month": "11", "assortment": "ecolabeling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4223", "title": "Pollution Site Management Procedures Optimized to Accelerate Amelioration Operations", "preview": "To achieve better control and management of soil and groundwater pollution sites’ amelioration, the EPA has reviewed current technical procedures for pollution sites across Taiwan, as well as the handling processes used when other environmental regulations are involved. Relevant operating guidelines, particularly those concerning review and supervision of sites’ amelioration, have been amended to complement relevant operating principles. ", "content": "Pollution Site Management Procedures Optimized to Accelerate Amelioration Operations\nTo achieve better control and management of soil and groundwater pollution sites’ amelioration, the EPA has reviewed current technical procedures for pollution sites across Taiwan, as well as the handling processes used when other environmental regulations are involved. Relevant operating guidelines, particularly those concerning review and supervision of sites’ amelioration, have been amended to complement relevant operating principles. \nTo facilitate the amelioration of soil and groundwater pollution sites, align case reviews and verification procedures, and establish guidelines for local competent authorities to implement regular supervision, the Operating Guidelines for Amelioration Review and Supervision of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Sites () have long been in effect for competent authorities of different levels to follow when handling relevant cases. \nThe focus of the amendment was to accelerate the plan review procedures and to integrate the review procedures for the control or remediation projects of soil and underground water pollution sites and for permits involving relevant environmental regulations. It was also to align the current off-site soil treatment and management regulations, to encourage pollution sites to combine the amelioration tasks with green energy adoption, and to enhance the inspection of the sites’ implementation of best management practices, so as to provide a basis for the supervision of competent authorities in the future.\nIn addition, to raise the effectiveness of amelioration tasks and to reduce environmental loads, the amendment added conditions for exempting sites from continual regular monitoring after amelioration tasks are completed. The purpose was to accelerate the delisting of sites and to avoid the delay of amelioration progress or the suspension of amelioration tasks due to circumstances such as lengthy remediation periods and frequent changes to improvement plans, thus achieving the goals of environmental protection and sustainable use of soil resources. ", "year": "2022", "month": "11", "assortment": "Soil and Groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4222", "title": "Raising Kinmen’s Reservoir Water Quality to Share Purified Aquatic Environment with Eurasian Otters", "preview": "To improve the water quality of lakes and reservoirs in Kinmen County, reduce nutrient pollution and raise the efficiency of purification of water resources, since February 2022 the EPA has been cooperating with Kinmen County, National Cheng Kung University and National Taiwan University of Science and Technology to set up the Kinmen County Multi-soil-layering Pilot Test Site next to Xiaotaihu Lake. Since the start of the site’s operation in July 2022, water purification has been effective, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of Kinmen’s tourism. ", "content": "Raising Kinmen’s Reservoir Water Quality to Share Purified Aquatic Environment with Eurasian Otters\nTo improve the water quality of lakes and reservoirs in Kinmen County, reduce nutrient pollution and raise the efficiency of purification of water resources, since February 2022 the EPA has been cooperating with Kinmen County, National Cheng Kung University and National Taiwan University of Science and Technology to set up the Kinmen County Multi-soil-layering Pilot Test Site next to Xiaotaihu Lake. Since the start of the site’s operation in July 2022, water purification has been effective, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of Kinmen’s tourism. \nKinmen County’s tourism has developed rapidly and the number of homestays and tourist visits has grown significantly in recent years, making proper treatment of sanitary wastewater a must. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus were the culprits that caused eutrophication of reservoirs and water quality deterioration in the past. In recent years, the EPA has been cooperating with the Kinmen County Government to gradually build up wastewater intercepting projects and implement pollution control measures. As a result, the amount of household, military camp and livestock wastewater -- the origins of point-source pollution loads of nitrogen and phosphorus -- discharged into Shanwai River have been greatly reduced. \nSince currently 60% to 70% of the pollution loads of Shanwai River and Taihu Reservoir come from non-point source pollution, innovative methods need to be introduced to further improve the water quality of Taihu Reservoir. Examples include developing and introducing clean water sources upstream from the reservoir, and using the multi-soil-layering (MSL) method to circulate and purify the reservoir water. \nThe pilot test site uses advanced technologies introduced from abroad. Through layered filter bags that are filled with mixed materials (including sand, iron particles, activated carbon particles, rice straw and other media) and permeable layers of gravel, ten metric tons of lake water can be treated per day. The pilot test system was completed by the end of July 2022, which has effectively improved the water quality of the reservoir. Suspended solids (SS) and total phosphorus have fallen to under 5 mg\/L and under 0.05 mg\/L, respectively. The system not only prevents wastewater from affecting Kinmen’s precious water resources, but also protects the habitat that Eurasian otters rely on. \nExecutive Director of the Kinmen Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation Association Yuan Shou-Li said that with assistance from the Kinmen County Government and the Society for Wildlife and Nature, efforts to conserve Eurasian otters around Taihu are gradually getting results. Reducing pollution in the Shanwai River has not only ameliorated the reservoir eutrophication problem, but has also helped to conserve Eurasian otter habitat. \nThe EPA will continue to promote strategies to improve lake and reservoir water quality in Kinmen County. In addition to improving the quality of the water supply, the EPA will commit itself to protecting aquatic habitats and build a quality living environment. It looks forward to realizing the vision of raising Taihu’s water quality while building a friendly relationship between Eurasian otters and human living environments, so as to enable Eurasian otters to continue living with ease in the purified aquatic environments of Kinmen. ", "year": "2022", "month": "10", "assortment": "water quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4221", "title": "Restrictions on Organotins Tightened to Prevent Abuse", "preview": "The EPA preannounced the amendment of the Regulated Toxic Chemical Substances and Matters Concerning Their Handling and Management () , which will strengthen the management of organotin compounds. In addition to continuing the original controls on activities such as manufacturing, the amendment will prohibit the use of organotin compounds in the manufacture of anti-fouling paints, anti-fouling systems and biocides. The amendment will also give operators a buffer implementation period of one to two years to adjust to the new toxicity classifications of organotin compounds. ", "content": "Restrictions on Organotins Tightened to Prevent Abuse The EPA preannounced the amendment of the Regulated Toxic Chemical Substances and Matters Concerning Their Handling and Management () , which will strengthen the management of organotin compounds. In addition to continuing the original controls on activities such as manufacturing, the amendment will prohibit the use of organotin compounds in the manufacture of anti-fouling paints, anti-fouling systems and biocides. The amendment will also give operators a buffer implementation period of one to two years to adjust to the new toxicity classifications of organotin compounds. \nThe International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships has imposed restrictions on the use of organotin compounds. These compounds were often used in coatings for ships, box nets and other tools to prevent conch, barnacles and other marine organisms from adhering. They were also widely used as biocides such as insecticides and molluscicides. However, these uses also caused organotin compounds to be distributed in water bodies where they would accumulate in shellfish, fish and aquatic organisms. Due to their endocrine disrupting properties, these compounds may cause mutations in aquatic organisms and subsequently harm human health. \nCurrently, 35 organotin compounds are announced and listed as toxic chemical substances. After referring to international databases and related scientific research, in this amendment the EPA has updated information on these substances by adding the Chemical Abstracts Service Number (CAS No.) of triphenyl-α-naphthyltin, tripropyltin fluoride, tritolyltin bromide and tritriphenylstannyl-methane, and adjusted the toxicity classifications of ten organotin compounds, namely tributyltin oxide bis(tributyltin)oxide, triphenyltin hydroxide, tributyltin acetate, tributyltin bromide, tributyltin chloride, tributyltin fluoride, tributyltin hydride, triphenyltin bromide, triphenyltin acetate, and triphenyltin chloride. \nIn addition, the EPA also referenced international management regulations such as those of the United Nations and European Union and revised the prohibited operations and permitted uses of organotin compounds, banning their use in the manufacture of and in the application of anti-fouling coatings or anti-fouling systems. So as to strengthen the source management and ensure their safe use, organotin compounds can only be used in the production of medicines and as polyurethane resins and plastic stabilizers, with the exception of uses for research, experiment and education. ", "year": "2022", "month": "10", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4220", "title": "Green Points for Premises that Voluntarily Obtain Indoor Air Quality Control Label", "preview": "In September 2022, the EPA announced the Principles for Awarding Green Points for Obtaining Indoor Air Quality Voluntary Control Labels. For premises that are not announced to be regulated yet have obtained the voluntary control label, there is chance to earn 350,000 or 200,000 green points, redeemable for green products or green services. ", "content": "Green Points for Premises that Voluntarily Obtain Indoor Air Quality Control Label\nIn September 2022, the EPA announced the Principles for Awarding Green Points for Obtaining Indoor Air Quality Voluntary Control Labels. For premises that are not announced to be regulated yet have obtained the voluntary control label, there is chance to earn 350,000 or 200,000 green points, redeemable for green products or green services. \nAccording to the EPA statistics, as of the end of August 2022 a total of 1,142 premises across Taiwan had obtained the voluntary control label (602 rated “excellent” and 540 rated “good”). Among them, 173 small and medium non-announced premises have been issued the label (118 rated “excellent and 55 rated “good”). \nThe application process for the voluntary control label was changed to be fully online in August 2022, which has significantly improved convenience for premises. Non-announced premises now only need to prepare relevant documents and do not need to assign dedicated personnel. They are only required to write a maintenance and management plan, test the indoor air quality of their premises, and apply to the environmental protection authority of their jurisdictions. Once approved, they will obtain an excellent or good-rated label in addition to green points. Non-announced premises that obtain an excellent-rated label will earn 350,000 green points, while those that obtain a good-rated label will receive 200,000 green points. After earning green points, the premises can use the GreenPoint APP to collect or redeem points, enjoying commodities or services redeemed with green points while safeguarding the health of all. \nGreen points can be redeemed fully or partly for daily necessity products to meet food, clothing, housing and transportation needs. These include products carrying Green Mark, carbon footprint labels, the MIT Smile logo, the CAS label, organic agricultural product labels, and the TAP label. Nearly 2,000 products are available for purchase or redemption. Green points can also be redeemed for vouchers or products at participating chain stores, or for discounts at places such as green restaurants and green hotels. Businesses are also free to use green points as a marketing tool. \nNon-announced premises that have obtained the voluntary control label and been issued green points will not have points issued again to them. Green points will be awarded by the EPA to non-announced premises that have obtained the label according to the order of when they have obtained it. The number of green points to be issued is limited. Non-announced premises are encouraged to participate in the upkeep of their public use spaces as early as possible and continue to improve indoor air quality. ", "year": "2022", "month": "10", "assortment": "ecolabeling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4219", "title": "Kinmen Low-Carbon Island Achievements Presented in Forum ", "preview": "The Building Kinmen Low-carbon Island Plan has been in implementation for ten years. On 5 September 2022, the EPA and the Kinmen County Government held a forum in Kinmen attended by EPA Minister Chang Tzi-Chin and Kinmen County Magistrate Yang Chen-Wu. Experts and scholars were invited to review and share implementation outcomes and achievements, and brainstorm ways to accelerate towards net-zero green living. ", "content": "Kinmen Low-Carbon Island Achievements Presented in Forum \nThe Building Kinmen Low-carbon Island Plan has been in implementation for ten years. On 5 September 2022, the EPA and the Kinmen County Government held a forum in Kinmen attended by EPA Minister Chang Tzi-Chin and Kinmen County Magistrate Yang Chen-Wu. Experts and scholars were invited to review and share implementation outcomes and achievements, and brainstorm ways to accelerate towards net-zero green living. \nInvolvement of the entire citizenry is needed to respond to climate change. Since 2012, the EPA has been implementing the Low-Carbon Homeland Program, including assistance given to Kinmen County to draw up the first and second phases of the Building Kinmen Low-carbon Island Plan. Both programs were approved by the Executive Yuan, in 2013 and 2019, respectively. Considering that the second phase plan will be implemented at the end of 2022 and that Taiwan has also just announced its 2050 Net-Zero Emission Pathway, the EPA held this forum to gather relevant ministry representatives, experts and scholars together for discussion. \nDuring his speech, EPA Minister Chang said that ten years ago everyone was still very unfamiliar with the concept of “low-carbon island.” There were indeed many setbacks in the planning and promotion process. Then, the EPA, Kinmen County and relevant ministries jointly established the Kinmen Low-carbon Island Promotion Taskforce to integrate central and local resources. Through communication and coordination among all parties, people’s conceptions gradually changed and key hurdles were overcome, eventually leading to remarkable results. \nIn the opening speech, Kinmen County Magistrate Yang thanked the Executive Yuan, the EPA and relevant ministries for the long-time assistance and support that allowed Kinmen to address the issues of climate change, energy conservation and carbon reduction, and for helping the county to connect with good friends all over Taiwan, as well as the world, through the term “low-carbon.” Over the past ten years, from exploration, trials and adjustments in the first phase, to proactive actions and implementation of relevant tasks in the second phase, the Kinmen County Government has been building up the mitigation and adaptation capacities Kinmen needs in the face of climate change. Magistrate Yang hoped that everyone would look to the future together and deeply root the concept of sustainable development in every corner of Kinmen. \nThe EPA pointed out that Kinmen County’s greenhouse gas emissions are primarily from the sector of commercial and residential buildings, accounting for 36%, followed by the manufacturing and transportation sectors, accounting for 29% and 24% respectively. The major achievements of the second phase of the Kinmen low-carbon island plan include: increase of the share of renewable energy (photovoltaic and wind) power generation capacity to 11.5%; installation of two energy storage systems; installation of high-efficiency generators and the use of waste heat for power generation in Taipower’s Tashan Power Plant; installation of smart meters across the island and the establishment of a smart grid demonstration site; replacement of lights in government offices, schools and street lamps island-wide with energy-saving LED’s; reutilization of polystyrene marine waste and fishing nets as resources; and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, replacement and upgrading of equipment, collection and use of methane emitted from wastewater treatment facilities for power generation by Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor Inc. These achievements have not only successfully raised awareness and spurred concrete actions among Kinmen’s people regarding energy conservation and carbon reduction, they have also built up local carbon-reducing capacities. \nForum participants spoke on topics such as renewable energy installations and smart grids, vehicle electrification, low-carbon buildings and low-carbon tourism. Minister Chang said that in light of Taiwan’s announcement in March this year of the 2050 Net-Zero Emission Pathway and 12 key strategies, he hoped that the third phase of the plan would be aligned in the same direction, thereby facilitating support and promotion by all central government ministries. He also hoped that via communication through the platform of the Kinmen Low-carbon Promotion Taskforce, the central and local governments can work together to advance from low carbon to net zero. ", "year": "2022", "month": "10", "assortment": "environmental management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4218", "title": "16 Partner Countries Attend 2022 Environmental Education International Workshop - Environmental Management for Sustainable Cities Online", "preview": "On 5 to 6 September, the EPA held online the 2022 Environmental Education International Workshop - Environmental Management for Sustainable Cities jointly with Global Environmental Education Partnership Asia-Pacific Regional Center (GEEP APRC). Over 160 attendees from 16 countries took part in the event. This is the second consecutive year in which this annual conference has been organized by Taiwan, which called on multiple Asia-Pacific countries and partners to exchange ideas and insights on various environmental issues and sustainable development.", "content": "16 Partner Countries Attend 2022 Environmental Education International Workshop - Environmental Management for Sustainable Cities Online\nOn 5 to 6 September, the EPA held online the 2022 Environmental Education International Workshop - Environmental Management for Sustainable Cities jointly with Global Environmental Education Partnership Asia-Pacific Regional Center (GEEP APRC). Over 160 attendees from 16 countries took part in the event. This is the second consecutive year in which this annual conference has been organized by Taiwan, which called on multiple Asia-Pacific countries and partners to exchange ideas and insights on various environmental issues and sustainable development.\nThe 2022 conference had the theme of “Environmental Management for Sustainable Cities,” which answered to the call of the 11th UN Sustainable Development Goal, sustainable cities and communities. Participants included experts, scholars, staff in related fields, school teachers, and youth leaders from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bhutan, Australia, and Taiwan. Discussions on environmental education over correlations between human society and natural environments were held, and experience and actions during urban development to protect environments were shared. Stories of how regular citizens transformed cities, campuses, and communities to become more environment-friendly via their daily lives within these premises were highlighted.\nIn the opening speech, EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang mentioned that since 2020 Taiwan has been actively promoting living green, which is one of Taiwan’s 12 key strategies in its transformation toward net-zero emissions by 2050. He hoped that instead of underestimating the efforts of an individual, citizens can use their daily actions to motivate industries and the supply ends in the market to make adjustments and pledges in order to cut down the loss of environmental resources.\nIn addition, Director Tsung-Yung Liu of the EPA Department of Comprehensive Planning shared Taiwan’s experiences in a talk on lifestyles of net-zero emissions through environmental education. Via systematic facilitation, environmental education in Taiwan has been able to reach more people and groups in diverse and creative manners to promote environment-friendly diets, travels, consumptions, households, and offices, which are important parts of one’s daily life.\nOf the 31 conference speakers, five were young people from different nations that shared their ongoing environmental advocates and campaigns. The force of the younger generation and creative thinking is considered an important impetus in social development. Equipped with high awareness on environmental problems, the youth leaders not only can introduce these issues to the public, but are not shy to advocate their own beliefs and launch campaigns. Despite the online participation, the audience still had great interactions via streaming messages. Vietnamese singer Phuong Anh was a particularly wonderful surprise as she sang “Green Sounds,” a song she wrote during the conference.\nThe two-day conference displayed the global community’s full support and high expectations for the promotion of environmental education. Not only did it help build and strengthen regional and global partnerships, it also led to anticipation for similar collaborations that will lead to more possibilities, facilitate resilience toward environmental changes, and create a better and more sustainable future. More contents and clips of speeches in the conference can be accessed on the GEEP APRC official website (https:\/\/geepaprc.org\/zh-tw).", "year": "2022", "month": "10", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4217", "title": "Imports of Asbestos-Containing Products Banned from 1 May 2023", "preview": "On 4 October 2022, the EPA announced a ban on importation of asbestos-containing products, to take effect on 1 May 2023 in order to strengthen domestic controls on such items.", "content": "Asbestos fiber is extremely minute and insolvent in water. Acute exposure irritates the eyes and skin and causes coughing, while chronic inhalation results in accumulation of asbestos in pulmonary alveoli from which it cannot be removed. Ultimately, it may lead to asbestosis and cancers such as lung cancer. Therefore, it is a global trend to gradually limit and ban asbestos use.\nUse of asbestos has been gradually limited since it was first listed as Class 2 toxic chemical substance on 1 May 1989, and from 1 January 2018, it has been banned except for the purpose of research, tests, and education. Following the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the EPA announced that imports of asbestos-containing products are to be banned from 1 May 2023 so as to further limit such items from coming into the country, as well as tighten overall controls within Taiwan. Violators will be fined from NT$60,000 to $300,000.", "year": "2022", "month": "10", "assortment": "Waste Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4216", "title": "Taiwan Shares Achievements at Solid Waste Global Meeting in Singapore", "preview": "Director Ing-Ing Lai of the EPA Department of Waste Management and Resource Recycling Office led a delegation to attend the 2022 International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) World Congress in Singapore from 21 to 23 September and gave a talk on Taiwan’s policies and development of resource recycling. The aim was to facilitate Taiwan’s participation in international exchanges and collaboration on resource recycling issues. The 30-plus-member delegation included those from 12 research institutes and enterprises in the waste recycling and reuse industries in Taiwan.", "content": "Taiwan Shares Achievements at Solid Waste Global Meeting in Singapore\nDirector Ing-Ing Lai of the EPA Department of Waste Management and Resource Recycling Office led a delegation to attend the 2022 International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) World Congress in Singapore from 21 to 23 September and gave a talk on Taiwan’s policies and development of resource recycling. The aim was to facilitate Taiwan’s participation in international exchanges and collaboration on resource recycling issues. The 30-plus-member delegation included those from 12 research institutes and enterprises in the waste recycling and reuse industries in Taiwan.\nAligning with the world, Taiwan aims to complete transformation toward net-zero emissions by 2050, and one of the key strategies is resource recycling and zero waste. In 2021, the recycling rates for general wastes and industrial wastes in Taiwan were 62.5% and 85.4%, respectively. Such achievements make up the foundation on which resource recycling is promoted, with sustainable consumption and production, greater efficiency of resource use, and increase of value in waste disposal as the aim. The strategies planned and adopted include green design and at-source reduction, energy and resource reutilization, smooth recycling networks, and innovative technologies and systems. Having been invited to this year’s ISWA World Congress, the delegation went on to share Taiwan’s various experiences and further connected with other nations by delivering feature speeches and setting up Taiwan Pavilion, which showcased Taiwan’s experiences.\nWith the theme of “Don’t Waste Our Future,” the 2022 ISWA World Congress invited solid waste experts from around the world to discuss waste recycling, human health, environmental security, etc. Foreign ideas and measures on issues relating to sustainable development and social and economic impacts can serve as important references for Taiwan as it formulates policies. Setting its eyes on net-zero emission, the EPA will actively push for resource recycling and strive to build a zero-waste generation with sustainable resource utilization.\nDuring the two-day event, delegation members participated in meetings and learned about other nations’ measures, achievements, and future plans for resource recycling. Moreover, a Taiwan Pavilion was set up by the delegation to showcase the Taiwan government’s resource recycling policies and results. Also on display were innovative environmental technologies utilized by Taiwan’s enterprises, including plastic recycling, reuse, and circulation, production and application of solid renewable fuels (SRF), disposal of hazardous wastes, recycling of heavy metals, incineration, and mechanical electrical maintenance. Besides technological exchanges with enterprises and experts from other countries to keep up with the latest global technological trends, delegation members were able to explore possibilities for future collaboration and discover new business opportunities in resource circulation.", "year": "2022", "month": "10", "assortment": "Waste Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4215", "title": "Experiences and Technologies Exchanged at Taiwan-US E-Waste Network Convention", "preview": "On 23 September, the EPA held the annual meeting of International E-Waste Management Network (IEMN) online with experts from nine countries participating. Over 100 attendees actively discussed global issues on net-zero emissions, advocated the idea of circular economy toward partner countries in the world, and exchanged relevant experiences and technologies in order to build a net-zero emission, sustainable model for e-waste recycling.", "content": "Experiences and Technologies Exchanged at Taiwan-US E-Waste Network Convention\nOn 23 September, the EPA held the annual meeting of International E-Waste Management Network (IEMN) online with experts from nine countries participating. Over 100 attendees actively discussed global issues on net-zero emissions, advocated the idea of circular economy toward partner countries in the world, and exchanged relevant experiences and technologies in order to build a net-zero emission, sustainable model for e-waste recycling.\nThe event was organized jointly with the USEPA. Experts from nine countries, including the US, India, Japan, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, the Philippines, and Tuvalu, were invited to share the latest trend and status of e-waste controls, through which net-zero emissions could be speedily reached. There were also domestic enterprises displaying results of net-zero emissions, sustainable development, and recycling. It is hoped that developing partner nations could be drawn onto this path through exchanges of domestic and global strategies and leading technologies.\nSince 2011, IEMN has been promoted by both the US and Taiwan, helping partner nations establish effective management systems. Taiwan has become a great example for nations to take lesson from for its success in setting up a recycling and disposal system with collections of recycling funds and subsidization as well as over 70% e-waste recycling rate as a technological edge. And IEMN has gradually shifted its emphasis on e-waste recycling and disposal to transformation strategies toward a circular economy in an effort to achieve net-zero emissions and sustainability.\nIn his opening speech, EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang expressed that, because of impacts from climate change, net-zero emissions has become not only the hottest of all strategies in sustainable development but also an important solution for nations to cope with extreme weather patterns. Answering the call for net-zero emissions, Taiwan announced this year its pathway to reach such a goal by 2050 in which recycling will play a critical role. The EPA has been actively working on recycling since its establishment, thus successfully setting up an infrastructure and formulating policies for the recycling industry. Achievements over the years include the unique fee-collection and subsidization system that extends producer responsibility, the Four-in-One Recycling Program, and the current efforts to promote circular economy. As a result, Taiwan has seen its recycling rate gradually rising to the current level of over 60%.\nMinister Chang further noted that the EPA has been utilizing innovative ideas for at-source waste reduction and waste reuse. For instance, the new plastic reduction policy mandates that stores should provide discounts for shoppers who bring their own beverage cups, and recycled materials are added to plastic packaging materials. All these have been the result of putting ideas of the new generation into practice and allowing them to become a driving force in environmental protection. Meanwhile, environmental education is facilitated to raise awareness of the public and encourage people to participate so that environmental protection can be implemented with greater ease.", "year": "2022", "month": "10", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4214", "title": "Promotion of Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions", "preview": "In recent years, the world has been stepping up its efforts to advocate for net-zero emissions. Taiwan, like many other countries, has been planning a practical pathway to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and every agency has begun to assess and design possible pathways under the coordination of the Executive Yuan. It is necessary to modify the original 2050 reduction goals in order to expedite carbon emissions with the rest of the world and reach net zero by capping temperature increase at 1.5°C. Therefore, the EPA is currently amending relevant regulations and promoting programs like climate change mitigations and actions for low-carbon, sustainable homeland.", "content": "Promotion of Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions\nIn recent years, the world has been stepping up its efforts to advocate for net-zero emissions. Taiwan, like many other countries, has been planning a practical pathway to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and every agency has begun to assess and design possible pathways under the coordination of the Executive Yuan. It is necessary to modify the original 2050 reduction goals in order to expedite carbon emissions with the rest of the world and reach net zero by capping temperature increase at 1.5°C. Therefore, the EPA is currently amending relevant regulations and promoting programs like climate change mitigations and actions for low-carbon, sustainable homeland.\n\nPreface\nTo strengthen climate actions, the National Development Council (NDC), along with other agencies, announced Taiwan’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050 on 30 March 2022. With energy, industries, lifestyle, and society as focuses for future transformation, technological research and development as well as climate legislation will be the two major governing foundations. Relevant agencies are responsible to promote 12 key strategies, including wind and solar energy, hydrogen power, forward-looking energies, electricity systems and energy storage, energy conservation, carbon capture and storage, electrification and decarbonization for transportation vehicles, resource recycling and zero waste, natural carbon sinks, net-zero emissions and green lifestyle, green financing, and just transformations. The aim is to transform to and build a sustainable society of net-zero emissions by 2050.\nThe EPA will particularly target resource recycling and zero waste of the 12 key strategies. It hopes to build a generation of resource recycling and sustainability with zero waste, and also promote net-zero emissions and green lifestyle, via product design, resource reuse, industry connections, and technological innovations. Transformation to net-zero emissions by 2050 is a goal that requires consolidated efforts of the entire country as it pertains to global competition and environmental sustainability, which are the new driving forces of Taiwan’s long-term development.\n\n(1) Implementation of the first stage of carbon controls\nCarbon emission in 2020 is 1.88% less than that of the baseline year (2005), close to the goal set for the first stage of carbon controls (2% decrease). The emission factor of carbon, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted for producing 1 kwh of electricity, had dropped from 0.529kg in 2005 to 0.502kg in 2020.\n\n(2) Revision of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act \nAiming to step up Taiwan’s efforts toward carbon reduction, keep up with a low-carbon economy, and construct a resilient homeland, the Executive Yuan has renamed the Greenhouse Gas and Management Act to Climate Change Response Act (). Revisions also included various goals and measures to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, such as upgrading and intensifying climate governance, adding articles specifically for climate mitigation, and strengthening emission controls as well as incentive mechanisms to encourage reductions. Others included collecting carbon fees for designated uses, enhancing management mechanism for carbon footprints and also product labeling, and promoting carbon storage through capture.\n(3) Management strategies for carbon reductions\n1. Promoting inventory, inspection and registration for carbon emissions\nThe first group of emission sources required to undergo inspection and registration target include those in the power generation, steel manufacturing, oil refinery, cement, semiconductor, and thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) sectors. They also include factories\/plants that annually produce at least 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Statistics show that a total of 287 sources in 2020 were required to register their emission amounts for inspection in 2021. In total, they had emitted 223 million metric tons of CO2e, approximately 78% of Taiwan’s total emissions.\nMeanwhile, the EPA has announced newly added targets. Manufacturers with factories\/plants whose direct emissions from burning fossil fuels and indirect emissions from electricity usage, when combined, reach 25,000 metric tons of CO2e or more, are required to undergo inspection and registration starting 2023.\nOn 19 May 2022, the EPA announced the revised directives for taking inventory of carbon emissions. It later held three meetings to explain relevant revised regulations to help small- and medium-sized enterprises understand and conduct inventory. Labor associations of all industries were asked to notify members to attend so that they can learn about inventory of carbon emissions and ascertain their own emissions based on inspection results and cut down emissions accordingly.\nMoreover, the EPA is looking to train over 150 inspectors, in hopes of increasing Taiwan’s capacity in carbon inspection, with two training sessions already conducted to train inspectors needed in 2022. The aim is to expand Taiwan’s current pool of carbon inspectors as an early response to adjustment of carbon regulations and policies and market needs.\n\n2. Facilitating offset programs to encourage voluntary reductions\nThe Regulations for Managing Carbon Offset Programs is in place to facilitate voluntary carbon reductions and offset programs. So far there are 91 offset programs whose proposals have been approved and registered. These diverse reduction measures range from renewable energy generation, replacement of heavy oil with natural gas, switch to variable-frequency motors, increase of efficiency of air-compression systems, adoption of high-efficiency lights and chillers, recycling of methane from livestock farms’ wastewater to generate power, and replacement of diesel buses with electric ones. Offset quotas can be applied according to reduced emissions actually achieved in these approved and registered programs. To date, 23.78 million metric tons of CO2e in total have been issued as offset credits.\n\n3. Utilizing the environmental impact assessment (EIA) mechanism to curb emission increases from development activities\nThe principle of offsets for increased emissions states that credits are required to be obtained to offset increased emissions after the best available technologies are adopted in the case of construction or expansion of manufacturing zones. Credits are to offset at least 10% of annual increased emissions, and offsets are to be conducted consecutively for ten years. Offsets are mandatory in the following scenarios – developers applying to newly develop, or developed size accumulated has reached 50 hectares or more; setup of new factories\/plants; and constructions of, or projects to add facilities in coal-fired or cogeneration power plants that do not use natural gas. As of the end of July 2022, there had been seven development projects having passed the EIA that were required to obtain credits to offset increased emissions based on the principle above.\nAs replacement of every old motorcycle with an electric one will result in an emission reduction of 2.3 metric tons of CO2e, the EPA has set up a platform for selling and purchasing reduction benefits as offset credits are generated from these replacements. Applications to procure credits have been filed by Hsinchu Science Park Bureau (HSPB) and Hsinchu County Environmental Bureau, credits from replacing 100,000 motorcycles within two years for the former and those from replacing 400 motorcycles at NT$2,000\/motorcycle for the latter. As of 20 September 2022, a total of 8,460 applications to purchase credits had been filed on the platform.\n\n(4) Actions of climate change mitigation and low-carbon, sustainable homeland\nThe National Climate Change Mitigation Action Plan (2018-2022), approved by the Executive Yuan on September 2019, focuses on eight areas: capability building and disasters, survival infrastructure, water resources, land use, oceans and coasts, energy supplies and industries, agricultural production and biodiversity, and health. Through cross-agency collaboration, the government can enhance its basic ability to respond to climate change on the whole and integrate and strengthen mitigation results.\nThe report on implementing the National Climate Change Mitigation Action Plan in 2021 particularly compiled mitigation accomplishments on four key disaster and risk issues. which are extreme precipitation, heat, drought, and rising sea levels. The three teams in charge of environmental quality, accountable consumption and production, and climate actions under the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) held their first team meetings in 2022. The mitigation accomplishments were presented in these meetings before being fully disclosed online for a public inquiry. ", "year": "2022", "month": "10", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4213", "title": "Taiwan and Vietnam Discuss Policies and Strategies to Jointly Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2050", "preview": "On the morning of 30 August, EPA Deputy Minister Hung-Teh Tsai led a seminar both virtually and physically with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vietnam (TECO Vietnam), Vietnam Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), and the National Economics University (NEU). Attendees discussed policies and practices for promoting net-zero emissions by a low-carbon economy. Other EPA staff, as well as experts from local think tanks also participated in the event.", "content": "Taiwan and Vietnam Discuss Policies and Strategies to Jointly Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2050\nOn the morning of 30 August, EPA Deputy Minister Hung-Teh Tsai led a seminar both virtually and physically with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vietnam (TECO Vietnam), Vietnam Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), and the National Economics University (NEU). Attendees discussed policies and practices for promoting net-zero emissions by a low-carbon economy. Other EPA staff, as well as experts from local think tanks also participated in the event.\nDeputy Minister Tsai mentioned that Taiwan as a member of the world has been striving to keep up with the international community to mitigate climate change. In March 2022, Taiwan’s National Development Council announced the “Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions by 2050.” Then the EPA renamed the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法) to Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法). The goal of net-zero emission by 2050 and carbon pricing mechanisms like the collection of carbon fees are now incorporated into the legislation to increase incentives to reduce emissions. Other ongoing measures include two key strategies: resource circulation and zero waste, as well as a net-zero green lifestyle. All of the above reflect Taiwan’s progress toward realizing a sustainable society of net-zero emissions by 2050.\nTECO Vietnam Director Richard R. C. Shih noted that amid the tremendous economic loss to human society brought by climate change, Taiwan and Vietnam are working together to mitigate it and endeavor to achieve net-zero emission and prosperity. Professor Bui Duc Tho, chairman of the NEU Council, pointed out that Vietnam had declared its goal of net-zero emission by 2050 at the UNFCCC COP26, and it has led to many opportunities in the domestic energy sector and relevant industries. He said that Taiwan is highly experienced in developing a low-carbon industry and is in a leading position in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of relevant technologies and education; he hoped that both countries would continue the mutually beneficial exchanges and collaborations.\nTaiwan’s efforts toward net zero include the Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions by 2050, strategic measures to facilitate resource circulation, zero waste, and a green lifestyle, as well as practices to reduce disposable products. Whether it be the industrial, energy, transportation and construction sectors or everyday life, these efforts have allowed the public to lead an environment-friendly lifestyle and contribute toward net-zero emissions.\nOn the Vietnam side, the MONRE highlighted its policies and practices toward net-zero emission. With its national emission expected to peak in 2035, Vietnam announced its national climate change strategies in July. Long-term plans as well as reduction goals for respective government agencies are set to reach net-zero emission by 2050. For its part, the NEU introduced its studies on Vietnam’s net-zero emission policies and cases.\nTaiwan and Vietnam have presented their respective pathways and strategies to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Not only is the EPA glad to share with Vietnam Taiwan’s development of low-carbon industries and detailed measures to promote relevant policies, it is also willing to collaborate with the international community to develop a low-carbon economy.", "year": "2022", "month": "10", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4212", "title": "Implementing Offshore Wind Power with a View to Reducing Environmental Impact", "preview": "If Taiwan is to catch up and become a major green energy country amid the world’s commitment to developing green energy applications, offshore wind power is an indispensable piece of the puzzle. To ensure that developers live up to their environmental impact assessment (EIA) pledges, the EPA continues to review relevant EIA supervision and control measures on a rolling basis so as to align with international practices and safeguard the environment. ", "content": "Implementing Offshore Wind Power with a View to Reducing Environmental Impact\nIf Taiwan is to catch up and become a major green energy country amid the world’s commitment to developing green energy applications, offshore wind power is an indispensable piece of the puzzle. To ensure that developers live up to their environmental impact assessment (EIA) pledges, the EPA continues to review relevant EIA supervision and control measures on a rolling basis so as to align with international practices and safeguard the environment. \nOffshore wind power is a brand-new form of development for Taiwan. After compiling consultation results on the Policy Assessment for Offshore Wind Power Development of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and conducting EIA reviews for potential sites in the second stage of development, the EPA has proposed to use technological tools for the implementation of EIA supervision. For example, drones are used to monitor the positions of ships remotely, the placement of bubble curtains, and the ships’ Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) are used to ascertain the progress of construction in the sea. The EPA also cooperates with other government agencies, such as the Bureau of Energy and the Ocean Conservation Administration, to strengthen EIA supervision. The EPA is also assisted by scholars and experts to inspect protection measures taken by developers to fulfill the EIA requirements of offshore wind power projects, and to safeguard the environment by collecting concrete evidence of violations on which to base charges.\nDevelopers of the third stage block development of offshore wind power in Taiwan are gradually sending documents to be reviewed by the EPA. The EPA will continue to pay attention to relevant issues so as to establish a consistent benchmark for EIA pledges. After the reviews are passed, the EPA will also carry out EIA supervision and require all development projects to implement their EIA pledges. Thus, the environment will be taken into account while the economy continues to develop, and as the power supply remains stable.", "year": "2022", "month": "9", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "" }, { "no": "4211", "title": "Students from 19 Countries Participate in Asia-Pacific Environmental Education Workshop", "preview": "As a way to connect with the world on sustainability issues, the EPA organized the 2022 International Environmental Issues and Education Workshop for Youth, in which 30 students from 19 countries participated. The meeting took place physically on 18-19 August 2022 in Taichung to show the students Taiwan’s solutions to air pollution. ", "content": "Students from 19 Countries Participate in Asia-Pacific Environmental Education Workshop\nAs a way to connect with the world on sustainability issues, the EPA organized the 2022 International Environmental Issues and Education Workshop for Youth, in which 30 students from 19 countries participated. The meeting took place physically on 18-19 August 2022 in Taichung to show the students Taiwan’s solutions to air pollution. \nIn response to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the EPA has been organizing international environmental education events for foreign students studying in Taiwan since the Global Environmental Education Partnership Asia-Pacific Regional Center (GEEP APRC) was established in 2019. This is the third year the EPA has organized such an event, which is one of the most important training programs of GEEP APRC in Taiwan. With a focus on air pollution and net-zero carbon emission issues, the course presented Taiwan’s actions and strategies toward air pollution and climate change issues so as to inspire the 30 students from different parts of the world to solve environmental problems with action. \nThe two-day training included a visit to the Ririren Rural Co., Ltd., which was formed by youths in their 30s who returned to the rural area and devoted themselves to environmental issues they cared about. The company recycles discarded Asian pear twigs and turns them into unique pens. The process modifies field residues and reduces air pollution from agricultural waste burning. Moreover, in light of the international trend for net-zero carbon emission, the workshop also showed students how Taiwan’s enterprises strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection. The students also visited a green building in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ecological Park and saw the company’s business model of a circular economy. \nBesides the site visits and seminars, group discussions were an essential part of the training course. Through the sharing of views and the current situations of different countries, the students brainstormed and devised possible action plans for different countries, completing the learning process of “inspiring, creating and practicing.\" A student from Tanzania even exclaimed, “You can do something!” to encourage other participants to act together for the environment. \n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "9", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4210", "title": "Temporarily Stored Waste to Be Cleared by 2032 ", "preview": "To solve problems relating to industrial waste disposal, the EPA, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), and the Council of Agriculture (COA) jointly took inventory of waste and its flow, analyzed the occurrences and causes of illegal dumping, and proposed solutions vis-a-vis the issue of insufficient processing capacity and the issue of strengthening management. It is expected that waste in temporary storage will be completely disposed of by 2032.", "content": "Temporarily Stored Waste to Be Cleared by 2032 \nTo solve problems relating to industrial waste disposal, the EPA, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), and the Council of Agriculture (COA) jointly took inventory of waste and its flow, analyzed the occurrences and causes of illegal dumping, and proposed solutions vis-a-vis the issue of insufficient processing capacity and the issue of strengthening management. It is expected that waste in temporary storage will be completely disposed of by 2032.\nThe EPA, MOEA, NSTC, MOI, and COA met to discuss the problems regarding the disposal of industrial waste. In regard to construction waste, the EPA and MOI will jointly handle it with the MOI responsible for listing and tracking the flows of construction spoil, while the EPA responsible for tracking the flows of construction waste, listing enterprises of certain scale for control and requiring them to submit waste disposal plans and to report the flows of waste. As for the home remodeling industry, supporting documents should be submitted regarding the origins and destinations of the materials utilized and checked by environmental protection authorities at the backend to ensure proper disposal. \nIn addition, to accelerate the disposal of construction waste, the EPA is promoting the recycling of construction materials by sorting out materials, such as bricks and concrete blocks, and sending them to spoil storage sites or reusing them as land-filling materials. The EPA is also working with port authorities to promote the use of these materials as land-filling materials in port areas. At present, Taipei Port is accepting spoil from private constructions for landfilling. Moreover, the EPA is assisting boiler and cement kiln owners in reusing waste wood, increasing disposal capacity by 179,000 metric tons per year. An equilibrium between waste wood generation and disposal capacity is expected to be reached by the end of 2022. \nAs for combustible waste found in illegal waste dumping cases, the EPA has urged industrial competent authorities to release land designated for environmental protection use in existing industrial and science parks for the establishment of waste processing facilities. For newly established industrial and science parks, industrial competent authorities are requested to plan for the establishment of waste processing facilities in the development stage as part of the environmental impact assessment. \nIn addition, the EPA has requested that industrial competent authorities assist enterprises to complete the establishment of 12 waste processing facilities so as to gradually increase the overall processing capacity year by year. It is expected that an equilibrium between waste generation and processing capacity will be reached by 2023. Prior to that, the EPA has devised short-term response measures, including formulating operation guidelines for waste storage in public landfills or in other off-plant sites and requesting local environmental protection bureaus to provide land in public landfills or requesting the MOEA to provide land designated for environmental protection use in industrial parks to help store industrial waste temporarily. \nAfter the processing facilities promoted by the aforementioned competent authorities are gradually established, the temporarily stored waste will be effectively disposed of. The EPA will also continue to promote waste-to-fuel conversion by diverting industrial waste that cannot be recycled effectively due to its material value but has high calorific value to appropriate disposal channels, increasing the overall disposal capacity for industrial waste. \n", "year": "2022", "month": "9", "assortment": "Waste Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4209", "title": "Subsidies for Installing Air Pollution Prevention Equipment on Diesel Vehicles to Be Suspended", "preview": "To continue improving Taiwan’s air quality and taking into account the implementation efficiency of subsidization measures and the load on the Air Pollution Control Fund, the EPA recently revised the regulations governing subsidies for maintaining and repairing fuel control systems or for installing pollution control equipment on diesel vehicles. In addition to slightly lowering the upper limit of the subsidy amount, no subsidy will be granted for the installation of air pollution control equipment from next year. ", "content": "Subsidies for Installing Air Pollution Prevention Equipment on Diesel Vehicles to Be Suspended\nTo continue improving Taiwan’s air quality and taking into account the implementation efficiency of subsidization measures and the load on the Air Pollution Control Fund, the EPA recently revised the regulations governing subsidies for maintaining and repairing fuel control systems or for installing pollution control equipment on diesel vehicles. In addition to slightly lowering the upper limit of the subsidy amount, no subsidy will be granted for the installation of air pollution control equipment from next year. \nOn 29 August 2022, the EPA revised and announced the Regulations Governing Subsidies for Maintaining the Fuel Control Systems or Installing Air Pollution Control Equipment on Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles (大型柴油車調修燃油控制系統或加裝空氣污染防制設備補助辦法, hereinafter referred to as the Regulations), which extended the application period for subsidies for maintaining fuel control systems to 31 December 2023 and reduced the upper limit of subsidy amount from NT$100,000 to NT$80,000. In addition, no subsidy will be granted for the installation of air pollution control equipment from 2023. \nAs of the end of July 2022, there were still 83,000 phases 1 to 3 heavy-duty diesel vehicles in Taiwan. Although it was 60,000 vehicles fewer compared to the number at the end of 2016, to accelerate the reduction of pollution emissions of diesel vehicles and to safeguard living environments and air quality, the EPA urged vehicle owners to apply for the subsidies before the year ends. ", "year": "2022", "month": "9", "assortment": "air quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4208", "title": "Simplified Application for Subsidies for Replacing Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles ", "preview": "The EPA has revised and announced parts of the Regulations Governing Subsidies for Replacing Old Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles (大型柴油車汰舊換新補助辦法). Provisions were added to allow vehicle owners to submit vehicle registrations and sales contracts of new vehicles first during application if they cannot submit documents to prove the completion of scrappage of phases 1 to 3 heavy-duty diesel vehicles and other new vehicle documents. Also, the date on the sales contracts of new vehicles can be used as the basis for determining the date of replacements. In addition, the revision added provisions for vehicle owners to apply for subsidies if they submit relevant supporting documents to show that their old vehicles can operate normally before they are scrapped.", "content": "Simplified Application for Subsidies for Replacing Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles \nThe EPA has revised and announced parts of the Regulations Governing Subsidies for Replacing Old Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles (大型柴油車汰舊換新補助辦法). Provisions were added to allow vehicle owners to submit vehicle registrations and sales contracts of new vehicles first during application if they cannot submit documents to prove the completion of scrappage of phases 1 to 3 heavy-duty diesel vehicles and other new vehicle documents. Also, the date on the sales contracts of new vehicles can be used as the basis for determining the date of replacements. In addition, the revision added provisions for vehicle owners to apply for subsidies if they submit relevant supporting documents to show that their old vehicles can operate normally before they are scrapped.\nDue to the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturers or dealers of heavy-duty diesel vehicles are often unable to deliver vehicles and obtain license plates on time, which may exceed the time limit for vehicle owners to apply for replacement subsidies. Therefore, relevant regulations were revised to simplify administration and facilitate the application process.\nSince the promulgation of the Regulations Governing Subsidies for Scrapping Old Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles (淘汰老舊大型柴油車補助辦法) on 16 August 2017, nearly 61,000 phases 1 to 3 heavy-duty diesel vehicles have been phased out, leading to reduction of primary pollutant emission, including 4,070 metric tons of total suspended particles (TSP), 55,271 metric tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx), 4,987 metric tons of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), and 19,356 metric tons of carbon monoxide (CO). Based on the results of NOx reduction alone, it is equivalent to having eliminated a year’s emission of 56.2 coal-burning units, showing that relevant programs have achieved the expected results. \nThe EPA reminds vehicle owners that the application period will end on 31 December 2022. Vehicle owners can use the Online Application System for Diverse Subsidies for Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicle Program (https:\/\/dvs.epa.gov.tw\/) to apply for a subsidy. Applications will be accepted once vehicle owners submit necessary documents by uploading them to the system. ", "year": "2022", "month": "9", "assortment": "air quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4207", "title": "Li Yue Copper Refinery Becomes First Remediation Site to Incorporate New Risk Management Focus", "preview": "Incorporate New Risk Management Focus\nLi Yue Copper Refinery is one of Taiwan’s significant large-scale soil pollution remediation sites. It fits what is stated in the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act (土壤及地下水污染整治法) Article 24, paragraph 2, considering its pollutant characteristics, current pollution remediation technologies, and environmental impacts due to its location. After risk assessments, investigations and document evaluations through all stages, on 26 August 2022, it was determined that the site had achieved its remediation goal. This meant that, with appropriate risk management measures and controls adopted, the risks which the site poses under all scenarios are within the acceptable ranges. ", "content": "Li Yue Copper Refinery Becomes First Remediation Site to Incorporate New Risk Management Focus\nLi Yue Copper Refinery is one of Taiwan’s significant large-scale soil pollution remediation sites. It fits what is stated in the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act (土壤及地下水污染整治法) Article 24, paragraph 2, considering its pollutant characteristics, current pollution remediation technologies, and environmental impacts due to its location. After risk assessments, investigations and document evaluations through all stages, on 26 August 2022, it was determined that the site had achieved its remediation goal. This meant that, with appropriate risk management measures and controls adopted, the risks which the site poses under all scenarios are within the acceptable ranges. \nThe Act was first promulgated in 2000 and then revised in 2003, incorporating risk assessment mechanisms and principles into improvement and control operations for pollution sites. Take Articles 12 and 24 for instance. For a pollution site, these articles are used to define whether pollutants affect health and environments in the vicinity and consequently to decide whether or not a site needs to undergo remediation, and if so, how much. Otherwise, risk assessment results are to be used as a basis for setting various tasks related to remediation goals, programs, and protection levels.\nPrevious investigation showed that pollutants in Li Yue Copper Refinery were primarily arsenic and copper, along with lower levels of mercury, cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead, and zinc. Since the site is located close to mines in the Jinguashi region, the background concentrations of heavy metals are higher than those in other regions due to local geological and chemical factors. Considering its pollutant characteristics, current pollution remediation technologies, and location, the site therefore qualifies under what is stated in Article 24, paragraph 2 of the Act.\nIn November 2017, based on the risk assessment results the site polluters applied to adopt appropriate risk management measures as soil pollution remediation goals. To reduce risks from the site, proposed measures included removal, sealing, and isolation of pollutant sources from surface exposure. All documents during all stages of evaluation – the environmental impact assessment, the health and risk assessment plan, the environmental impacts and health and risk assessment report, and the report on remediation goals based on risk assessment results – were reviewed by the EPA’s soil and groundwater pollution remediation assessment team. \nOn 26 August 2022, the EPA approved the three proposed remediation goals of the site. They are to lower the total risk of cancer for onsite operators during the remediation to under one in 100,000, and lower the total risk of cancer and the total risk of non-cancer diseases in all other scenarios to under one in a million and under 1, respectively. Moreover, the Records of Decision, a procedure adopted by the USEPA, was introduced in the decision process in order to achieve both environmental protection and economic goals. Approval would allow the site to undergo remediation, adopting proper risk management measures and needed controls so that risks in all scenarios will fall within acceptable ranges, ensuring public safety. These measures have made this site Taiwan’s first remediation case with pollution controls focused on risk management and assessment.", "year": "2022", "month": "9", "assortment": "Soil and Groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4206", "title": "Offshore Convenience Stores Reduce Plastic at Source ", "preview": "In addition to scenic views and rich natural biodiversity, Taiwan’s offshore islands also have lots of tourists and garbage. To protect the islands’ fragile ecosystems, the EPA has formulated guidelines to help convenience stores on offshore islands redesign their service models so as to reduce waste at source. They include redesigning how merchandise is provided, reducing packaging, switching to larger volumes, and using alternative materials. ", "content": "Offshore Convenience Stores Reduce Plastic at Source \nIn addition to scenic views and rich natural biodiversity, Taiwan’s offshore islands also have lots of tourists and garbage. To protect the islands’ fragile ecosystems, the EPA has formulated guidelines to help convenience stores on offshore islands redesign their service models so as to reduce waste at source. They include redesigning how merchandise is provided, reducing packaging, switching to larger volumes, and using alternative materials. \nDespite the many beach cleanups organized by both the private and public sectors and the promotion of the recycled marine waste product label, the reduction of plastic garbage still needs to begin at the source. In 2018, the EPA started to work with local businesses and residents on the island of Liuqiu to reduce disposable plastic beverage cups by introducing a reusable beverage cup rental service. Other offshore islands have followed suit. Statistics show that by the end of June 2022 there were at least 426,000 rentals of cups on offshore islands, eliminating the use of over 1.4 million 600-ml PET bottles. Considering that each bottled water has a carbon footprint of 150 grams, a total reduction of nearly 210,000 kg of carbon was achieved.\nTo promote at-source reduction, guidelines have been implemented to help convenience stores design services that cut waste and encourage tourists to reduce use of plastics during their visits. The EPA has been in collaboration with the 7-Eleven and Family Mart convenience store chains for product redesign, specifically considering product types, container materials, and packaging for offshore branches. The purpose is to reduce the use of plastic via minimal packaging, substitute materials, and selling in larger volumes instead of smaller ones.\n7-Eleven first introduced these changes in its Lanyu branches, changing product packaging, reducing the use of plastics, switching to easily recyclable aluminum cans for certain bottled beverages, and switching to family-friendly volumes or larger-sized packaging for packaged food products and refrigerated dairy products. There is also an additional discount of at least NT$5 if customers choose the cup rental option. It is estimated these measures will reduce plastic garbage by 1,293 kg per year.\nThe stores have also had automatic recycling machines installed in them, which provide a NT$1 discount for purchases after recycling five plastic bottles. This has led to a 33% growth in recycling, from 252 kg a month to 336 kg. 7-Eleven is gradually expanding the same practice to its other offshore branches, and it is estimated that approximately 90% of them will have this machine installed by the end of this year. In addition, for the packaging of its store brand products FamilyMart has replaced trays with paper boxes and uses wrapping instead of lids for beverage cups. Wrapping is put on top of its cold beverages with no straws provided. In addition, FamilyMart is the first convenience store chain to collaborate with the Kinmen County Environmental Bureau to bring in beverage cup rentals. It is currently in the process of designing other innovations for plastic reduction. \n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "9", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4205", "title": "Taiwan, Australia and the United States cooperate to promote the Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network", "preview": "A new milestone was achieved in Taiwan’s environmental monitoring work and international cooperation. On 2nd August 2022, the EPA announced its cooperation with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) to establish a mercury wet deposition monitoring station. Therefore, Australia became the 16th partner country in the Indo-Pacific region of Asia Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN).", "content": "Taiwan, Australia and the United States cooperate to promote the Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network\nA new milestone was achieved in Taiwan’s environmental monitoring work and international cooperation. On 2nd August 2022, the EPA announced its cooperation with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) to establish a mercury wet deposition monitoring station. Therefore, Australia became the 16th partner country in the Indo-Pacific region of Asia Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN).\nOn August 2, 2022, the EPA announced its cooperation with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) to establish a mercury wet deposition monitoring station at Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory using a Taiwan-made instrument. The cooperation ceremony was attended by Director Dr. Daniel J. Metcalfe of Oceans and Atmosphere at CSIRO, Assistant Administrator Jane Nishida of the US EPA, Director General Wallace M.G. Chow of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and Deputy Representative Ken Wei-chung Lai of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia. Deputy Representative Mr Michael Googan of the Australian Office received a model of the instrument on behalf of CSIRO representing the cooperation. The Oceans and Atmosphere Group at CSIRO is the largest government-supported atmospheric chemistry academic center in Australia and is renowned in the Southern Hemisphere.\nThe Minamata Convention on Mercury entered into force in 2017. The Taiwan EPA and the US EPA initiated the Asia Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN), in 2012, with support from the MOFA. One major objective of the APMMN is to assist countries in the Indo-Pacific region to develop their mercury monitoring and assessment capacities. Currently, the APMMN is operated by the National Central University and has 15 partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia, as the final piece of the puzzle, has become the 16th partner country of the now-complete APMMN.\nThis ceremony highlighted Taiwan EPA’s goodwill toward international cooperation, and the need for the international community to strengthen the mercury monitoring capacity in the Southern Hemisphere and the Indo-Pacific region. With the new monitoring station in Australia’s Northern Territory, the Taiwan and US EPA’s will deepen cooperation with Australia’s CSIRO to provide new insights into mercury emissions in the region as we work together to reduce mercury in the atmosphere and protect the environment.", "year": "2022", "month": "9", "assortment": "environmental monitoring", "url": "" }, { "no": "4204", "title": "EPA Celebrates 20 Years of Water Body Patrols and Looks at the Past and Future", "preview": "The EPA has reached its twentieth year in its efforts to include public participation in water environment patrols. An event was organized to celebrate this anniversary and thank all the volunteers who patrol and safeguard every water environment in Taiwan. Everyone was invited to document the results of improvements in water environments as well as to look back and share notable examples of patrol team involvement in notifications of pollution incidents, ecological restoration, environmental education, and assistance in implementing the policy of reutilizing wastewater from livestock farming.\nBackground ", "content": "EPA Celebrates 20 Years of Water Body Patrols and Looks at the Past and Future\nThe EPA has reached its twentieth year in its efforts to include public participation in water environment patrols. An event was organized to celebrate this anniversary and thank all the volunteers who patrol and safeguard every water environment in Taiwan. Everyone was invited to document the results of improvements in water environments as well as to look back and share notable examples of patrol team involvement in notifications of pollution incidents, ecological restoration, environmental education, and assistance in implementing the policy of reutilizing wastewater from livestock farming.\nBackground \nAiming to maintain the quality of water bodies and ameliorate river pollution, the EPA designated 2002 as River Pollution Remediation Year, putting together patrol teams to target rivers nationwide for remediation. Coordinating government efforts and the involvement of caring citizens, since then patrol teams have voluntarily engaged in patrols, notifications, water quality monitoring, river and bank clean-ups, environmental education, and at-source reduction of domestic wastewater. This civil force that safeguards the environment began with 25 patrol teams when the initiative was first carried out in 2002 and has grown to 468 teams today. Currently, there are 13,382 crew members across Taiwan, protecting the rivers and streams in their respective areas. Based on statistics from the last decade, volunteers, on average, conducted 74 patrols a day, and an incident of pollution or a littered site was reported for every nine patrols. On average, every day there were at least five beach or riverbank clean-ups, resulting in collecting 357 kg of garbage and 138 kg of recyclables a day.\nDuring the last 20 years, water environment patrols have ameliorated river pollution and taken part in several commendable accomplishments. For instance, Erren River in Tainan was notorious for its severe pollution from scrap metals and wastes. Following the EPA’s vigorous measures that led to the dismantling of 57 illegal smelters, local patrol teams have remained vigilant and helped to gradually lower illegal wastewater discharges. Owing to civilian river watch groups continually on the alert for the dumping of waste scrap metals along riverbanks, after discussions between the public and private sectors, various government agencies then collaborated on joint clean-ups. Over 278,000 metric tons of waste scrap metals were removed from riverbanks between 2006 and 2013. Furthermore, local patrols have chosen certain areas for ecological restoration. For example, previously only a handful of fish species able to withstand pollution could be found in the Erren River estuary, but now it has over 30 fish species and 20 shrimp and crab species. This is a fine model of collaboration between the public and private sectors. \nIncorporating environmental education into activities, instilling environmental protection awareness\nThe patrol teams have also incorporated environmental education into their activities, instilling an awareness of water quality protection in primary-level pupils and every household. Schools of different levels have joined the patrol efforts, such as a beach clean-up organization consisting of students from Hsinchu Waldorf Experimental School, along with their parents. Since 2015 they have striven to protect the coastal environment in Hsinchu with many beach clean-ups. Other activities include exploring coastal ecosystems, picking and analyzing beach waste, and using garbage in creative art projects. This type of mobile environmental education, with coasts as a classroom, has motivated more families and schools to join them.\nVolunteering for the patrol is a big help in implementing government policy\nMoreover, people volunteering for patrols have also been a big help in implementing government policy. For example, deeply troubled by occasional pollution and odors in ditches caused by pig excrement, patrol teams in central and southern Taiwan monitored for improper discharges of livestock wastewater by conducting regular surveillance and water quality testing. Following the EPA’s policy to reutilize livestock wastewater, since 2018, volunteers, assisted by environmental agencies, have used their local networks to match livestock farmers who can supply digestate to farmers in need of agricultural fertilizers. The patrol teams also monitor the application of fertilizers to ensure that digestate made from pig excrement is used properly on farmland instead of entering rivers and polluting water bodies.\nFor the last 20 years, the EPA has launched river patrols to put a stop to pollution, combining the energy of communities, organizations, and schools and turning them into protectors in every corner. Public participation has also largely altered people’s environmental awareness. The Director of the EPA’s Department of Water Quality Protection, Su-Ming Yen, noted that in the past, polluters engaging in illegal dumping and discharging, when stopped, would retort by saying their activities were not of anyone else’s concern as the environment belonged to no one. But nowadays, patrol teams nationwide have formed a tight network of protection, and people can confidently stop polluters by asking them not to destroy the environment as it is a public good. \n\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "9", "assortment": "Water quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4203", "title": "EPA Travel Subsidies Quickly Taken Up by the Public as Green Travel Booms ", "preview": "In response to the post-pandemic domestic tourism boom and to encourage people to choose Green Mark hotels when traveling and collect green points at the same time, in July 2022 the EPA initiated the first wave of travel discount offers entitled “Leisure Domestic Travel, Green Point Courtesy” to a limited number of recipients. Following the filling of the quota, on 1 August 2022, the EPA launched the second wave of the discount offer with a quota of 1,500 recipients, which was also quickly filled on 9 Aug. This showed that the concept of green travel is growing in popularity and that the public would choose Green Mark hotels first when travelling, to show love for the Earth while enjoying net-zero green living. ", "content": "EPA Travel Subsidies Quickly Taken Up by the Public as Green Travel Booms \nIn response to the post-pandemic domestic tourism boom and to encourage people to choose Green Mark hotels when traveling and collect green points at the same time, in July 2022 the EPA initiated the first wave of travel discount offers entitled “Leisure Domestic Travel, Green Point Courtesy” to a limited number of recipients. Following the filling of the quota, on 1 August 2022, the EPA launched the second wave of the discount offer with a quota of 1,500 recipients, which was also quickly filled on 9 Aug. This showed that the concept of green travel is growing in popularity and that the public would choose Green Mark hotels first when travelling, to show love for the Earth while enjoying net-zero green living. \nOn 15 July 2022, the EPA launched the “Leisure Domestic Travel, Green Point Courtesy” event offering NT$200 discounts for staying in Green Mark hotels. The public responded enthusiastically and had taken all available spots by 25 July. To thank the public for their support for green travel, on 1 August, the EPA launched a second wave of discounts with a quota of 1,500 for people who had not yet enjoyed the subsidies. Again, the public responded enthusiastically and took all the spots in under nine days.\nThe EPA stated that to encourage the public to practice green travel, experience in-depth local tourism and support the development of local green businesses, hotel and homestay operators in all counties and cities are invited to apply to become Green Mark hotels and green point special contractors. The EPA will launch publicity campaigns from time to time to incentivize Green Mark businesses and to attract consumers to give preference to Green Mark hotels and homestays, creating a green circular economy. \nThe discount coupons of the second wave of the “Leisure Domestic Travel, Green Point Courtesy” campaign were back on the shelves at 10 am on 1 August. People who downloaded the Greenpoint APP and registered as members were able to redeem green points for the coupons. People who checked in to contracted Green Mark hotels and presented the coupons could get a discount on site of NT$200 per room. These coupons could be used together with the NT$800-1300 travel subsidies the central government offers. \n\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "8", "assortment": "ecolabeling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4202", "title": "Forum on Low-Carbon and Sustainable Homeland ", "preview": "On 25 July 2022, the EPA organized a forum titled “Low-carbon and Sustainable Homeland: Local Decarbonizing Actions to Advance towards a Net-Zero Life.” The Low-carbon and Sustainable Homeland Program is the foundation for promoting “advancing towards net-zero green living by the entire citizenry.” Experts, scholars, and local environmental protection bureaus were invited to the event to exchange ideas on three issues: decarbonizing actions by boroughs and villages, promoting a low-carbon and sustainable homeland, and advancing toward net-zero, green living. ", "content": "", "year": "2022", "month": "8", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4201", "title": "Steel Scrap Circular Economy Established through Complete Recycling", "preview": "The iron and steel industry is an important part of Taiwan’s industrial foundation. In addition to two integrated steel mills that import iron ore for steelmaking, there are 19 electric-arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking plants that recycle scrap iron and re-smelt it into raw steel. About 190,000 tons of EAF dust and about 1.42 million tons of slag are generated during EAF steelmaking. With the efforts of the EAF steelmakers and recycling organizations, a circular economy model for urban mining of steel materials has been created to handle the EAF dust and slag, achieving the goal of “complete recycling, zero waste of resources.” ", "content": "Steel Scrap Circular Economy Established through Complete Recycling\nThe iron and steel industry is an important part of Taiwan’s industrial foundation. In addition to two integrated steel mills that import iron ore for steelmaking, there are 19 electric-arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking plants that recycle scrap iron and re-smelt it into raw steel. About 190,000 tons of EAF dust and about 1.42 million tons of slag are generated during EAF steelmaking. With the efforts of the EAF steelmakers and recycling organizations, a circular economy model for urban mining of steel materials has been created to handle the EAF dust and slag, achieving the goal of “complete recycling, zero waste of resources.” \nLandfilling was common in Taiwan in the 90s and illegal dumping often occurred. Then Taiwan’s large-scale iron and steel enterprises formed Taiwan Steel Union Corporation which began researching and developing processing technologies for steel materials. To date, the corporation’s processing capacity has reached an equilibrium for processing within the iron and steel industry. It has now begun to process the accumulated 170,000 metric tons of EAF dust that had been dumped over the years. Regarding the public’s concern over the disposal of furnace slag, a breakthrough has also been made in its stabilization technologies, allowing the recycled products to meet the quality requirements of public constructions. \nCurrently, three main types of waste, namely EAF dust, oxidizing slag, and reducing slag, are generated during EAF steelmaking in Taiwan’s iron and steel industry. These types of waste can now be processed into precious resources. For every metric ton of steel billet produced, approximately 2% of EAF dust is generated. The dust contains mainly zinc, lead and cadmium. Through the high-temperature smelting technology of a rotary kiln, not only can valuable metal resources such as zinc and lead be extracted and recycled into products such as \"crude zinc oxide,\" hazardous dioxin materials contained in the EAF dust are also removed during the high-temperature combustion process. \nCurrently, since the zinc content of the EAF dust processed by domestic enterprises reaches 56~62%, which is 5~6% higher than the zinc content of natural zinc ore, about 90% of the products are exported to zinc smelters or chemical plants in Japan, Thailand and Europe to be refined into 99.995% pure zinc ingots or zinc oxide powder and other refined products. The remaining 10% is sold to domestic chemical plants to be refined into >98% zinc-oxide powder that is used as a rubber additive for tires or shoes. As such, a 100% cyclical use rate of the recycled material has been reached, completing the life-cycle circulation of metallic zinc in Taiwan’s circular economy of iron scrap. And a business opportunity to accept waste and charge both the upstream and downstream for waste and zinc oxide products has been formed. With as much as 85% of revenue coming from zinc oxide products and only 15% from accepting waste (including EAF dust), a business model of “turning waste into gold” has been successfully created. \nIn addition to EAF dust, furnace slag is generated during steelmaking. With content similar to building materials, furnace slag has always been anticipated to become a recycled building material. However, if the calcium and magnesium contained in it are not completely reacted during the stabilization process, swelling problem will occur and become a limiting factor for slag recycling. \nTo solve the swelling problem of furnace slag, recycling organizations in the EAF steelmaking industry have built fully automatic production lines with ultra-high pressure steam autoclaves for the stabilization of reducing slag. The process can quickly cook and stabilize reducing slag over three to six hours and make it into recycled aggregates. The aggregates can then be mixed with construction materials that are specially made by plants of ready mixed concrete and made into controlled low strength material (CLSM) and non-structural concrete. Additionally, a dedicated laboratory for swelling control has been set up to ensure the quality throughout the entire process, putting slag input materials, the stability of stabilized aggregates and the quality of final concrete products in check. It is to ensure that the recycled materials meet national standards and that the whole-process flow tracking and reporting, from the production source to products, are strictly implemented, effectively turning waste into resources that can be safely used by the public. \nTaiwan is short on resources. Through the integration of the upstream and downstream of EAF steelmaking and technology innovation, upstream iron scrap is re-smelted into steel raw material to be reused, and downstream EAF dust and slag are manufactured into zinc oxide products by Taiwan Steel Union through high-temperature smelting and into recycled building materials by Taiwan Steel Resources Corporation through ultra-high pressure steam stabilization. A complete industrial resource recycling chain has thus been formed, realizing the vision of urban mining. The EPA will continue to promote the recycling of different waste resources and enhance source reduction, waste diversion and processing technologies through revision of relevant regulations and strengthened management and assistance for the industry. It aims to turn waste formerly deemed worthless into resources, thereby avoiding resource exploitation and environmental damage. This way, a model of circular economy is built in which materials can be recycled and reused, facilitating Taiwan’s advancement towards the goal of “resource circulation with zero waste,” a key strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.\n", "year": "2022", "month": "8", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4200", "title": "First Emergency Response Training Center for Toxic Substances in East Asia Celebrates First Anniversary", "preview": "Last year, the EPA and the Ministry of Education jointly established the Southern Emergency Response Training Center of Toxic Substances (hereinafter referred to as the Southern Training Center) at National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology. This year, the center obtained certification from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) in the USA, thus becoming the East Asian region’s first internationally recognized emergency response training center for toxic substance incidents. In the future, it will serve as an international training center for East Asia. EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang was given a special invitation to attend the center’s first anniversary celebration held on 3 August 2022. ", "content": "First Emergency Response Training Center for Toxic Substances in East Asia Celebrates First Anniversary\nLast year, the EPA and the Ministry of Education jointly established the Southern Emergency Response Training Center of Toxic Substances (hereinafter referred to as the Southern Training Center) at National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology. This year, the center obtained certification from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) in the USA, thus becoming the East Asian region’s first internationally recognized emergency response training center for toxic substance incidents. In the future, it will serve as an international training center for East Asia. EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang was given a special invitation to attend the center’s first anniversary celebration held on 3 August 2022. \nThe Southern Training Center is Taiwan’s first training center for toxic substance emergency response. Its purpose is to train professional emergency response personnel to deal with toxic chemical incidents, thereby enhancing emergency response capacities of enterprises. This year, it obtained certification from TEEX to become the first internationally recognized training center for toxic substance emergency response in East Asia. In the future, it will also serve East Asia as an international training center. Minister Chang praised the center for proactively opening classes this year and for its efforts in training emergency response personnel. It has effectively enhanced the disaster rescue capacities of enterprises and government agencies, thus helping to safeguard the public’s property and safety while reducing risks for emergency response personnel. \nLooking at domestic and international accident-handling experiences, the most effective way to prevent and mitigate toxic substance disasters is to strengthen the emergency response capabilities of enterprises so that they can effectively limit the scale of disasters right from the start. Involving trainees in practical exercises and simulated operations at professional training sites is one of the most effective ways to improve emergency response training. The EPA and the Ministry of Education cooperated on building the Southern Training Center, which was planned in 2014 and constructed over three years. The center held its first class on 3 August 2021. \nThe Southern Training Center is Taiwan’s first professional training site for toxic substance emergency response, providing training in different types of chemical laboratories and modes of transportation. Since it began operating on 3 August 2021, the center has conducted 67 courses and trained 5,583 persons, playing an important role in training for chemical incident prevention and mitigation in Taiwan. Recently, it has also been actively advancing towards becoming an international training organization. In addition to being the first learning center cooperating with TEEX in East Asia, it will also grant trainees who receive professional emergency response training in the center dual qualifications, including a TEEX certificate in accordance with the US NFPA 472\/1072 standard. \nThe EPA stated that there are approximately 3,743 operators that handle chemical substances of toxicity and concern in Taiwan. According to regulations, they must register their certified professional emergency response personnel starting from 1 January 2024. Currently, there are four certified training organizations in Taiwan that can provide disaster prevention and rescue personnel training to operators to enhance their disaster response capabilities and overall emergency response awareness. ", "year": "2022", "month": "8", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4199", "title": "ESG Included for First Time in Scoring for Green Chemistry Application and Innovation Awards", "preview": "The EPA is organizing the third Green Chemistry Application and Innovation Awards with registration open until 14 October 2022. In this year’s competition, for the first time ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria have been included in award scoring to reflect the international trend toward sustainability. The EPA will soon hold five briefings to give more information on the competition. For more details, please refer to the Green Chemistry Application and Innovation Awards Website (https:\/\/topic.epa.gov.tw\/gcai). All industries are invited to enter the competition. ", "content": "ESG Included for First Time in Scoring for Green Chemistry Application and Innovation Awards\nThe EPA is organizing the third Green Chemistry Application and Innovation Awards with registration open until 14 October 2022. In this year’s competition, for the first time ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria have been included in award scoring to reflect the international trend toward sustainability. The EPA will soon hold five briefings to give more information on the competition. For more details, please refer to the Green Chemistry Application and Innovation Awards Website (https:\/\/topic.epa.gov.tw\/gcai). All industries are invited to enter the competition. \nIn order to encourage all industries to reduce the use of toxic chemicals, implement hazard prevention management, strengthen emergency response capabilities, promote education in green chemistry, while continuing toward innovative research and development of low-polluting and low-toxicity alternative products through green chemistry, the EPA is organizing the third annual Green Chemistry Application and Innovation Awards. \nThe EPA stated that to encourage sustainable development of industries and to align with the internationally popular concept of sustainability and ESG-related issues, ESG-related actions have been specifically included as an item to be evaluated when judging the group category in this year’s event. By participating, not only will industries be able to examine and display their relevant performance from different green chemistry perspectives, they will also be encouraged to advance towards sustainability and improve their international competitiveness. \nIn this year’s event, maximums of 15 and 10 winners will be selected for the group and individual categories, respectively. The group category is further divided into the five sub-categories of “green chemistry education,” “green and safe alternatives,” “chemical substance management”, “disaster prevention and rescue”, and “other.” The individual category also has a “lifetime achievement” sub-category to recognize individuals who have been committed to the field of green chemistry throughout their lives. The winners will be awarded a trophy and be publicly recognized. For the individual category, winners will also be granted NT$50,000 or merchandise of equal value. Moreover, the award-winning deeds of all winners will be recorded in the \"Deeds of Outstanding Achievement\", a booklet that records the actions of enterprises and individuals in the field of green chemistry, to serve as examples for all industries to learn from. ", "year": "2022", "month": "8", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4198", "title": "Competition Kickstarted for Creative Environmental Maps", "preview": "To inspire school-age children to explore their living environments with all their senses, the EPA and the Ministry of Education jointly held the third competition for creative environmental maps. Elementary school students are encouraged to collaborate with their classmates, parents, or teachers to make their maps by observing, digging around, and documenting their surrounding areas. Participants can submit their maps between now and 2 December to win a top prize worth up to NT$200,000.", "content": "Competition Kickstarted for Creative Environmental Maps\nTo inspire school-age children to explore their living environments with all their senses, the EPA and the Ministry of Education jointly held the third competition for creative environmental maps. Elementary school students are encouraged to collaborate with their classmates, parents, or teachers to make their maps by observing, digging around, and documenting their surrounding areas. Participants can submit their maps between now and 2 December to win a top prize worth up to NT$200,000.\nThe previous two competitions received a good response, receiving a total of 356 submissions. The submissions showed the full range from good to bad of Taiwan from different perspectives and through the eyes and minds of children. The event welcomes pupils who will be in second to sixth grade this September to compete. There will be two age groups: middle classmen (from second to fourth grades) and upper classmen (fifth and sixth graders). Participants are allowed to team up with students from different schools so that children of different ages and schools can exchange ideas on environmental topics. With parents and teachers accompanying them to observe living environments, children will learn more about various environmental issues in their daily lives and use their enhanced understanding to make maps.\nSubmitted maps are to incorporate one of the five environmental education themes: environmental ethics; sustainable development; climate change; disaster prevention and rescue, and; sustainable use of energy and resources. There are also manuals on how these maps are to be created to enable competitors to express their motives and messages behind making individual maps, as well as to express more reflections about caring for one’s own living environment.\nTo help students better understand the making of environmental maps, from July to November this year a series of promotional events were held, including meetings and workshops for children, teachers, and parents. Attendees were able to learn more about the competition via fun games and by chatting with winning team members from the two previous competitions. In addition, they toured the sites on which the previous winning maps were based, to learn about the map creators’ motives, choice of themes, and on-site investigations. The goal was to inspire potential participants and help them understand the basics of making environmental maps.\nMother nature is the best teaching material in a child’s journey to grow and learn. Making environmental maps allows kids to visit their communities, explore new people and things, discover unexpected wonders, and naturally identify with and love their neighborhoods. The EPA sincerely invites parents and children to embark on environmental education and environment-friendly practices in their daily lives by teaming up, exploring, creating, and sharing. Detailed information on competition rules and relevant events can be found on the event website at: https:\/\/www.environmentalmap.com.tw\/.", "year": "2022", "month": "8", "assortment": "environmental education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4197", "title": "Draft Revisions Preannounced for Categories and Emission Limits of Hazardous Air Pollutants from Stationary Sources", "preview": "On 29 July, the EPA preannounced the draft revisions for categories and emission limits of hazardous air pollutants from stationary sources. The draft adds emission limits for 18 hazardous air pollutants, tightens the limit for one pollutant, and newly adds 23 pollutants that must be emitted from regulated exhaust pipes. The aim is to properly reduce and control health risks caused by hazardous air pollutants and deter enterprises from making illegal discharges.", "content": "Draft Revisions Preannounced for Categories and Emission Limits of Hazardous Air Pollutants from Stationary Sources On 29 July, the EPA preannounced the draft revisions for categories and emission limits of hazardous air pollutants from stationary sources. The draft adds emission limits for 18 hazardous air pollutants, tightens the limit for one pollutant, and newly adds 23 pollutants that must be emitted from regulated exhaust pipes. The aim is to properly reduce and control health risks caused by hazardous air pollutants and deter enterprises from making illegal discharges.\nAlthough hazardous air pollutants pose significant risks to human health, some enterprises illegally discharge them by rerouting them. This has led to the current revisions aimed at enhancing controls on hazardous air pollution. The draft revisions align with the Hazardous Air Pollutant Emission Standards for Stationary Sources (固定污染源有害空氣污染物排放標準) announced on 26 February 2021, which designate emission standards concerning 22 hazardous air pollutants. Referencing all pollutants covered by the Standards, the revisions expand the scope of emission limits and will include emission limits for dioxins plus 22 other hazardous air pollutants, namely: ethylene dichloride, butadiene, ethylbenzene, xylene, dichloromethane, trichloroethene, chloroform, hexavalent chromium, acrylonitrile, tetrachloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, formaldehyde, mercury, benzene, styrene, arsenic, vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), beryllium, lead, chromium, and nickel.\nTo tighten controls on enterprises that illegally emit hazardous air pollutants, the revisions classify emissions either as discharged through exhaust pipes, or as illegal clandestine discharges. Aiming to deter illegal acts, revised regulations are to be announced and will thereupon immediately take effect.\nIn the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法), the newly added Article 53 states that “if public and private premises with stationary pollution sources that emit air pollutants through exhaust pipes violate the standards for air pollutant emission limits which are determined pursuant to Article 20 subparagraph 2, and thereby cause harm to human health or death, they shall be punished with a maximum of seven years imprisonment and may be fined a sum of not less than NT$1 million and not more than NT$15 million.” The regulatory limits will be used to determine whether an enterprise’s acts of emitting hazardous air pollutants violate Article 53.\nThe emission limit of an air pollutant is set by calculating emission concentration in exhaust pipes using the environmental risk index as a basis, in combination with an air dispersion model. An air pollutant’s environmental risk after being emitted from exhaust pipes is quantified as one ten-thousandth (0.0001 times) of the highest concentration of the pollutant on ground surfaces of surrounding environments. This is the upper threshold that an individual is able to withstand under long-term exposure to any given air pollutant in the atmosphere throughout the person’s whole life, and human health is at risk if the concentration is above such a threshold. Additionally, a pollutant’s emission limit through illegal exhaust pipes is set at 1\/100th of that through legal exhaust pipes in consideration of calculation of fines for violators.\n", "year": "2022", "month": "8", "assortment": "air quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4196", "title": "Metal Product Factory in Chiayi City Listed as Soil and Groundwater Remediation Site", "preview": "", "content": "Metal Product Factory in Chiayi City Listed as Soil and Groundwater Remediation Site\nMany metal product manufacturing processes involve electroplating, which uses chemicals containing chromium trioxide. Inadequate treatment of such wastewater can result in heavy metal contamination of soil. Recently, the EPA listed a metal product manufacturing factory as soil and groundwater remediation site in Chiayi City.\nBased on the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control Act (土壤及地下水污染整治法), the EPA on 5 July announced Minfong Co. Limited as a polluter, and its 331m2 factory site at Property No. 0193-0000 in Yuandong Section, Chiayi City, as a pollution remediation site. \nSet up on 9 April 1983, the factory manufactures molded and forged metal products and engages in electroplating. The process goes from shaping materials, polishing, electroplating (in which chemicals like chromium trioxide are used), cleansing, to polishing again before the final products are turned out. Wastewater in the factory mainly comes from manufacturing and washing empty barrels and goes through surface ditches before converging in wastewater storage tanks east of the manufacturing area. It is then transferred to a treatment plant for commissioned disposal.\nThe EPA provided details on the excessive levels of heavy metal concentrations in soil at the remediation site. The highest concentrations found were: chromium at 13,500 mg\/kg (54 times the concentration required for control); copper at 1,780 mg\/kg (4.45 times the concentration required for control), and; lead at 11,400 mg\/kg (5.7 times the concentration required for control). Also, the chromium concentration in groundwater was found to be 36.7 mg\/L, 73.4 times the level required for control in the second category of the groundwater control standard.\nThe site’s TOL score, a sum of points used to calculate a remediation site’s potential impacts, reached 1,366.99 after the preliminary evaluation. TOL scores over 1,200 require remediation based on the Regulations Concerning Preliminary Evaluation and Determination of Treatment Category for Soil and Groundwater Pollution Sites (土壤及地下水污場址初步評估暨處理等級評定辦法) Article 8, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1.", "year": "2022", "month": "8", "assortment": "Soil and Groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4195", "title": "New Targets for Second Group of Emission Sources Required to Undergo Inspection and Registration of Total Emissions", "preview": "The EPA announced amendments to the first group of emission sources required to undergo inspection and registration and added targets to the second group. New targets are manufacturers with factories\/plants whose combined direct emissions from fossil fuel burning and indirect emissions from electricity usage reach 25,000 metric tons of CO2e or more. This mandate will take effect on 1 January 2023, and 250 enterprises will be included in the second group.", "content": "The first group of sources required to undergo inspection and registration, announced in 2016, include industries like power generation, steel manufacturing, oil refineries, cement, semiconductors, and thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). Other targets are factories\/plants that annually produce 25,000 metric tons or more of CO2e from fossil fuels. Targets are mandated to complete inspection and registration of their total emissions of individual factories\/plants in the previous year by 31 August of the following year. Based on the statistics, 287 sources in 2020 were required to register their emission amounts for inspection in 2021. They had emitted 223 million metric tons of CO2e, or approximately 78% of Taiwan’s total emissions.\nTo expand and strengthen controls on greenhouse gas emission sources and amount, roughly 250 enterprises will be added to the second group of sources required to undergo inspection and registration. Most are parts manufacturers for electronic products, but others include enterprises in industries like chemical materials manufacturing, textile, basic metals, and manufacturing of non-metal mineral products. The EPA will notify and provide assistance to these enterprises individually, helping them complete mandated inspection and registration smoothly next year.\nCurrently, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is assisting new legal organizations in applying to become inspection institutes. Moreover, the EPA is organizing classes in the second half of 2022 to expand Taiwan’s carbon audit capacity by training new inspectors of carbon emissions. This shows the EPA’s active initiative to increase manpower on emission inspection and respond as early as possible to adjusted carbon regulations and policies as well as market demands.", "year": "2022", "month": "8", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4194", "title": "Promotion of Sustainable Water Quality", "preview": "In line with the goal of “clean water and sanitation,” one of the UN’s SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), the EPA is aiming to achieve the ultimate goal of sustainable water quality as major rivers in Taiwan have seen gradual improvements in their water quality. Several projects designed to cut down polluting effluents and pollutants like ammonia nitrogen, have been in place in recent years to meet people’s hopes of enhanced river quality. Such projects include the Ammonia Nitrogen Reduction Demonstration Plan, the National Water Environment Improvement Plan, and other tasks that focus on improving river water quality.", "content": "Promotion of Sustainable Water Quality\nIn line with the goal of “clean water and sanitation,” one of the UN’s SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), the EPA is aiming to achieve the ultimate goal of sustainable water quality as major rivers in Taiwan have seen gradual improvements in their water quality. Several projects designed to cut down polluting effluents and pollutants like ammonia nitrogen, have been in place in recent years to meet people’s hopes of enhanced river quality. Such projects include the Ammonia Nitrogen Reduction Demonstration Plan, the National Water Environment Improvement Plan, and other tasks that focus on improving river water quality.\n\nBackground\nThe water quality of Taiwan’s 50 major rivers has been gradually improved, but many rivers still fall short of the target of lowered ammonia nitrogen concentration, and some river sections are still severely polluted. Work, therefore, needs to continue to keep enhancing water quality. Ammonia nitrogen in water depletes dissolved oxygen, causes water quality deterioration, kills aquatic organisms, and produces unpleasant odors that affect public perception. There is a need to reduce ammonia nitrogen in water to ensure that there are no severely polluted river sections and that the current river improvement results can last longer. As a result, the EPA launched the four-year Ammonia Nitrogen Reduction Demonstration Plan (2020-2023) so that river water quality can improve and meet the desired standards.\n\nOtherwise, the implementation of the National Water Environment Improvement Plan and other tasks strengthening river water quality and controlling drinking water quality are still ongoing. Relevant achievements are as follows:\n\n(1) Ammonia nitrogen reduction demonstration plan\nA. Subsidies for collecting and treating ammonia nitrogen in livestock wastewater and for obtaining recycling facilities or machinery\nTo assist small livestock farms with manure disposal, the EPA subsidized local governments in implementing large-farms-assisting-small-farms projects for manure collection from individual farms or centralized treatment of livestock manure. The EPA has subsidized 15 projects that treated and reutilized livestock manure produced by 129,801 pigs and 4,260 cattle from 80 livestock farms. In addition, the EPA also subsidized local governments for purchasing manure collecting and transporting vehicles, irrigation vehicles or machinery, and farm storage barrels to help establish fertilization and irrigation systems. As of July 2022, the EPA had approved and provided subsidies for the purchase of 74 irrigation vehicles, 22 irrigation machines, and 221 agricultural storage barrels. Counties and cities that received the subsidies included Taoyuan City, Taichung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, Hualien County, and Yilan County.\n\nB. Using livestock manure digestate as fertilizer for farmland\nThe EPA started to promote the use of livestock manure digestate as fertilizer for agricultural land in 2016. As of the end of July 2022, 2,755 farms had adopted livestock manure reutilization, which included 1,633 farms that used manure digestate as fertilizer, 166 farms that reutilized agricultural wastes, and 936 farms that recycled manure to irrigate crops while meeting the effluent standards. Furthermore, 195 of these farms have adopted two of the aforementioned reutilization methods at the same time. Such results have led to an annual total of 8,950,000 metric tons of manure that had been permitted for use as fertilizer. The livestock manure reutilization ratio had reached 30.89% and fertilized 4,031 hectares of farmland, leading to an annual reduction of 56,548 metric tons of organic pollutants. Nitrogen content in the fertilizer had reached 1,388 metric tons per year.\nC. Enhancing inspections of the livestock industry\nSince 2016, the EPA has instructed local governments to step up inspections of livestock enterprises located near heavily polluted river sections. As of the end of Juy 2022, 25,111 enterprises had been inspected with 3,944 enterprises penalized. Both assistance and enhanced control have been used to improve river water quality.\n\n(2) Forward-Looking Infrastructure Development Program: National Water Environment Improvement Plan (2017-2025)\nPromoting the creation of aquatic environments, water purification and wastewater treatment\nThe EPA subsidizes local governments to carry out river pollution remediation, the establishment of water purification and other treatment facilities, pollution reduction at the source and other water quality improvement projects. As of July 2022, 72 projects had been contracted out, with the main construction completed in 54 of them. As a result, 51,287 hectares of waterfront space with a daily wastewater treatment capacity of 237,800 metric tons, equivalent to a reduction of 6,273.71 kg\/day of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), had been established. \n\n(3) Strengthening river water quality improvement and drinking water quality controls\nA. Revising regulations related to the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防治法)\na. The controls for above-ground and underground storage tanks, storage containers, and oil storage sites have been integrated, and they are now regulated as storage facilities. On 1 July 2020 and 26 April 2021, the EPA announced the revisions of the Enterprise Classification and Definition of the Water Pollution Control Act, adding the category of storage enterprise and amending the part under the Water Pollution Control Act that is applicable to storage systems.\nb. To upgrade controls on storage systems, the EPA announced on 31 May 2021 revisions of the Regulations Concerning Water Pollution Control Measures and Plans and Permit Applications and Reviews (水污染防治措施計畫及許可申請審查管理辦法), the Regulations Concerning Water Pollution Control Measures, Testing, and Registrations (水污染防治措施及檢測申報管理辦法), and the Guidelines for Penalties for Violating the Water Pollution Control Act (違反水污染防治法罰鍰額度裁罰準則). Other than changing “oil storage plants” in the original texts to “storage systems”, the revisions specified that storage systems are to comply with relevant storage regulations if they store substances announced by Article 33, paragraph 1 of the Water Pollution Control Act. For different types of violations and penalties, the revisions also added points that will affect evaluations.\nB. Promoting livestock wastewater reutilization \n(1) After referring to the practices of other countries, the EPA has moved away from the conventional concept that regards livestock manure as waste and instead adopted reutilization strategies. This is done in hopes of ameliorating river pollution, raising rural air quality, and properly carrying out policies that turn manure into nitrogen-containing fertilizers.\n(2) The EPA cooperated with local environmental authorities and industry groups and provided them with subsidies for sending personnel to farms to provide livestock enterprises with free services, such as matching farms in need of irrigation; conducting tests on soil and groundwater and digestate quality; drafting plans to utilize digestate as fertilizer; and assisting with applications and reviews. In addition, regulations were reviewed and revised on a rolling basis, and procedures were simplified. The livestock enterprises that were still undecided or unwilling to improve under the manure reutilization policy were listed as targets for inspections in order to expedite policy implementation.\n(3) The Executive Yuan coordinated with the EPA, the COA, the MOEA, the Industrial Technology Research Institute, and the Taiwan Sugar Corporation to launch Taisugar Donghaifeng Circular Agriculture Park in September 2019. In this park, pig manure from Donghaifeng Farm is treated through anaerobic digestion for reutilization. The park also collects and treats concentrated manure from nearby pig farms. Every day, the park treats about 100 metric tons of pig manure from Donghaifeng Farm, 100 metric tons of manure from nearby farms, 40 metric tons of liquid agricultural waste and 60 metric tons of solid agricultural waste. Pollution in local rivers and environments has been effectively ameliorated, while local pig farms are assisted with manure treatment.\n(4) To further promote livestock manure reutilization, the EPA has cooperated with the COA to assist 2,572 pig farms to establish facilities that combine new water-saving pig sheds with a high-efficiency wastewater treatment capacity. Together the agencies have achieved excellent results, such as river pollution amelioration, reduction of odors in rural areas, lower emissions, and a circular economy in the livestock industry. \n(5) In light of the EU’s announcement of its draft Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in mid-July 2021 to officially implement a carbon border tax in 2026, and the fact that currently, the livestock industry can obtain reduction credits through the \"Micro-Scale Offset Projects\", meetings were held on 16 August 2021 and 9 September 2021 with the Industrial Development Bureau, Bureau of Energy, Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, the Council of Agriculture and the top 16 carbon emitting enterprises and paper industries regulated under greenhouse gas regulations (such as Formosa Petrochemical Corporation, China Steel Corporation, and strongly impacted enterprises such as those in the petrochemical, steel, cement and paper industries). At the meetings, enterprises were encouraged to invest in large-farms-assist-small-farms projects or projects for centralized treatment of livestock manure, and to acquire renewable energy related certifications, carbon rights or green energy systems. The purpose was to promote sustainability by putting into effect the recycling of livestock resources, activate development of industries, and bring in external capital investment to the livestock industry. \nC. Pollution reduction in severely polluted rivers\nThe percentage of river sections with severe pollution in Taiwan has dropped from 14.0% in 2002 to 3.7% in 2021, and the number of monitoring stations detecting severe pollution has decreased from 66 in 2002 to nine in 2021, demonstrating the improvement of river water quality in the country (Image 5). In recent years, river water quality has been affected by irregular climatic conditions. Uneven rainfalls have caused insufficient base flow and pollutant tolerability and affected river water quality. Since 2017, the number of monitoring stations detecting severe pollution has remained unchanged at ten stations.\nThe EPA has surveyed river water quality in the country and listed nine monitoring stations that continued to detect severe pollution as primary targets for improvement. The pollution sources and the current problems of these river sections have been analyzed to propose integrated response measures concerning household, livestock, and industrial wastewater, and to determine the minimum amount of pollution that needs to be reduced for these river sections to improve beyond the severely polluted status. Cross-ministerial meetings are to be held to evaluate whether additional or reinforcement measures are needed.\n\nFuture prospect\nThe EPA will continue to carry out relevant, sustainable water quality projects and endeavor to reach the goal of “clean water and sanitation” as prescribed by the UN’s SDG6. To enhance water quality before 2030, work will continue to decrease pollution, cut down the discharge of hazardous chemicals and substances into water bodies, as well as increase water recycling and safe reuse by reducing the ratio of untreated wastewater.\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "8", "assortment": "Water quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4193", "title": "Regulations Governing Indoor Air Quality Testing Revised to Provide More Flexibility for Announced Premises", "preview": "On 24 June 2022, the EPA has revised Articles 10 and 18 of the Regulations Governing Indoor Air Quality Testing and Analysis of Announced Premises (公告場所室內空氣品質檢驗測定辦法), which was enacted on 1 July 2022. For any periodic testing runs except the initial testing run, the announced premises may commission a testing organization to conduct testing within three months before or after the scheduled periodic testing run in order to give adequate buffer time. The revision also clearly specifies the starting point of the intervals between testing runs. ", "content": "To improve indoor air quality and protect public health, the EPA revised and promulgated the Regulations Governing Indoor Air Quality Testing and Analysis of Announced Premises on 1 July 2021. The regulations established the self-management option and introduced the application of automated and continuous monitoring equipment. This time, to give announced premises ample flexibility to schedule periodic testing of indoor air quality and also meet their management needs, Articles 10 and 18 of the regulations have been revised. \nThe focus of the revision has taken into consideration the fact that announced premises need to coordinate with testing organizations for periodic testing. In addition, if the premises voluntarily add more than one run of periodic testing between the required testing runs, and if the testing results meet the Indoor Air Quality Standards (室內空氣品質標準) and are provided to the county or city competent authorities for approval, the interval before the next testing run will start from the completion date of the latest periodic testing run. Moreover, if an announced premise suspends operation during a periodic testing run, it shall complete a run of indoor air quality periodic testing within three months after the resumption of operations to meet practical needs and complete subsequent management work. ", "year": "2022", "month": "7", "assortment": "air quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4192", "title": "Ministry of Environment to Be Established with Expanded Duties to Take Full Responsibility for Environmental Governance", "preview": "The EPA stated that the purpose of the organizational adjustment planned by the Executive Yuan to establish the Ministry of Environment is to expand the scope of duties, change the concept of environmental quality management from pollution control to prevention management, and plan overall environmental improvement strategies with forward-thinking, align with environmental scientific research, and turn passivity into activeness to systematically deal with environmental problems. ", "content": "Ministry of Environment to Be Established with Expanded Duties to Take Full Responsibility for Environmental Governance", "year": "2022", "month": "7", "assortment": "environmental management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4191", "title": "Regulations Governing EIA Document Review Fees Revised and Announced", "preview": "To reflect the cost of environmental impact assessment (EIA) reviews, to examine and adjust the fees for the review of the first-phase environmental impact statements of development activities that are listed or are willing to enter second-phase EIAs voluntarily, and to clearly define the categories of development activities, the EPA revised the Regulations Governing Environmental Impact Assessment Document Review Fees (環境影響評估書件審查收費辦法). ", "content": "Enterprises Invited to Participate in Expanded Smart Management of Wastewater Treatment Trial Project\nTo encourage enterprises to manage and operate their wastewater treatment facilities appropriately on their own as part of fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities, this year the EPA will continue to conduct and expand the Smart Management of Wastewater Treatment Trial Project, first implemented in 2021. Interested finishing and electroplating enterprises located in central Taiwan are openly invited to participate. \n\nThe EPA pointed out that many enterprises have invested substantially in installing wastewater treatment facilities and commissioned other enterprises or put employees in charge of operations to achieve compliance with wastewater treatment regulations. However, environmental law enforcement commonly found many cases in which enterprises were fined because poor wastewater treatment efficiency or improper operation of treatment installations led to effluent that did not meet standards. Statistics show that over the last five years (2017 to 2021), there was a total of 905 cases where the metal finishing and electroplating industry violated Article 7 of the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防治法). The total amount of fines imposed exceeded NT$462.36 million. \n\nEnterprises often reported that they accidentally violated the regulations without knowing it. They did not know why they spent money on equipment and specialized manpower and were still unable to meet the standards. The EPA investigated the main causes and found that most of the enterprises were unable to detect equipment abnormalities in time. Most operators relied on past experience to operate, for example the usage of chemical agents, and could not ascertain wastewater treatment effectiveness in real-time. Once an abnormality occurs, it often leads to a discharge of water with pollutants that exceed standards, contaminating water bodies without being detected by the operators, who are then penalized.\n\nTo assist enterprises in ascertaining wastewater treatment effectiveness in real-time, last year the EPA began to implement a trial project on two electroplating enterprises that were willing to install smart monitoring equipment. When an abnormality in water quality was detected, the equipment would send an early warning notification (through Line, SMS, or email) to the operating personnel in the factory. The head of the enterprise would also simultaneously receive the notification as he\/she could instruct the on-site personnel to take corrective action and remove the abnormality in time, and thus avoid being penalized. The set-up also came with the benefit of saving operating costs by adjusting the amount of chemical agents added. \n\nThe EPA emphasized that the main purpose of promoting the Smart Management of Wastewater Treatment Trial Project was not to monitor industries but to better enable enterprises to self-manage and detect changes in water quality, thus building a trend within the private sector of fulfilling the responsibility to protect the environment. The technology not only protects water environments but also prevents enterprises from being penalized, saving money and the Earth at the same time. This year, the EPA will expand the project to five enterprises to have them try the technology for free (including equipment installation, trials, and maintenance). Thus interested metal finishing and electroplating industries in Taiwan’s central region are encouraged to register quickly in order to participate in the project. ", "year": "2022", "month": "7", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "" }, { "no": "4190", "title": "Enterprises Invited to Participate in Expanded Smart Management of Wastewater Treatment Trial Project", "preview": "To encourage enterprises to manage and operate their wastewater treatment facilities appropriately on their own as part of fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities, this year the EPA will continue to conduct and expand the Smart Management of Wastewater Treatment Trial Project, first implemented in 2021. Interested finishing and electroplating enterprises located in central Taiwan are openly invited to participate. ", "content": "", "year": "2022", "month": "7", "assortment": "Environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4189", "title": "VOC Emission Standards for Adhesive Tape Industry Amended ", "preview": "The EPA revised and announced the Volatile Organic Pollutants Control and Emission Standards for Adhesive Tape Manufacturers (膠帶製造業揮發性有機物空氣污染管制及排放標準; hereinafter referred to as the Standards) on 22 June 2022, which was then enacted on 1 July 2022. The measures are expected to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 523 metric tons per year, which is equivalent to reducing the annual VOC emissions of an average oil refinery (821 metric tons) by over 60%. ", "content": "VOC Emission Standards for Adhesive Tape Industry Amended \nThe EPA revised and announced the Volatile Organic Pollutants Control and Emission Standards for Adhesive Tape Manufacturers (膠帶製造業揮發性有機物空氣污染管制及排放標準; hereinafter referred to as the Standards) on 22 June 2022, which was then enacted on 1 July 2022. The measures are expected to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 523 metric tons per year, which is equivalent to reducing the annual VOC emissions of an average oil refinery (821 metric tons) by over 60%. \n\nVOCs are the precursors of ozone and fine particulate matter and one of the main causes of odor pollution. Some VOCs are also hazardous air pollutants that may cause human health impacts after long exposure. To encourage the adhesive tape industry to adopt water-based processes and to strengthen the overall control of VOCs, the EPA has revised the Standards. \n\nThe three focuses of the amendment encourage source reduction, strengthen gas collection, and tighten emission standards. More details are as follows:\n\n1. A stipulation was added to exempt adhesive tape manufacturers that adopt water-based or solvent-free processes from these regulations once they submit supporting documents and have them approved by local competent authorities. To more clearly regulate the amount of VOCs used, the VOC content of raw materials has been included as a control threshold consideration. Manufacturers that use less than 25 metric tons of VOC-containing raw materials are also exempt from these regulations. \n\n2. Regulations on gas collection installations were integrated. Additionally, if raw materials stored in storage tanks are on control lists, a closed gas collection installation connected to pollution control equipment shall be installed. \n\n3. To strengthen control of VOC emissions, regulations were tightened concerning the treatment efficiency of pollution control equipment and emissions through single emission pipelines. \n\nThe EPA stressed that in addition to directly exempting water-based and solvent-free processes from the new regulations, the Standards also give adequate buffer periods to manufacturers to improve existing processes, to respond to the tightening of gas collection regulations and emission standards. ", "year": "2022", "month": "7", "assortment": "air quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4188", "title": "Winners Announced for National Environmental Education Awards", "preview": "The National Environmental Education Award is the most esteemed recognition of the grandest scale in the field of environmental education. On 28 June, winners of the Eighth National Environmental Education Awards were announced, which included the Pingtung Forest District Office under the Forest Bureau of the Council of Agriculture; Window on World Limited in the category of private enterprises; Stella Matutina Girls’High School; Tu-Shui Wang, Director of Luanshan Forest Culture Museum; the Society of Wilderness (SOW); and Cishan Sugar Factory Community Development Association in Cishan, Kaohsiung. All of them received the award from the EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang in person.", "content": "Winners Announced for National Environmental Education Awards\nThe National Environmental Education Award is the most esteemed recognition of the grandest scale in the field of environmental education. On 28 June, winners of the Eighth National Environmental Education Awards were announced, which included the Pingtung Forest District Office under the Forest Bureau of the Council of Agriculture; Window on World Limited in the category of private enterprises; Stella Matutina Girls’High School; Tu-Shui Wang, Director of Luanshan Forest Culture Museum; the Society of Wilderness (SOW); and Cishan Sugar Factory Community Development Association in Cishan, Kaohsiung. All of them received the award from the EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang in person.\n\nIn his speech at the award ceremony, Minister Chang noted that the Award is like an Oscar in the field of environmental education before acknowledging the winners for their efforts and persistence with a “thumbs up” gesture. A wonderful living environment enjoyed by everyone today would not have been possible without the endeavors and selfless contributions of the nominees, who are the best of the best. They had to first pass a preliminary screening by county and city governments, then a second screening by the central government, to reach the final competition. Their accomplishments in environmental education are wonderful for all to learn from and model.\n\nIn recent years, the EPA has put tremendous efforts into environmental education and has held the National Environmental Education Award eight times. The purpose is not only to encourage all citizens to participate but also to award organizations and individuals for excellent performance in environmental education, with an award that is greatly recognized across the field. This year there were six nominees in the category of government agencies. Five of these have already been certified as environmental education facilities and venues whose focuses include frontline military culture on offshore islands, preservation of Hakka culture, disaster prevention and rescue, and natural resource management.\n\nFor the private sector category, nominees work in the field of children's education, underwater diving, agricultural technology, tourism, while one is a company that operates incinerators on behalf of others. They are all elites in their respective industries, using their skills to advocate for environmental causes. For instance, the linguistic expressions and limitless imagination of children are put to use in environmental education for children. Green tours are designed with economic development in mind by incorporating ideas of green energy, agriculture, and education and utilizing digital media and landscape models as tools, all helping reinforce knowledge of cultural preservation. There are corporations that turn NIMBY facilities into friendly service providers and divers that make innovations in conventional fishing to promote protection of the marine environment through eco-tourism.\n\nThe school category is centered around student learning, accompanied by teachers. Several schools helped guide students to establish a total of 47 school clubs that assisted students to explore their own actions and engage in self-learning. One nominee provided classes on campus energy, designing innovative teaching modules, sustainable campus maps, and specific action plans. Another nominee strove to nurture environmental and cultural awareness for indigenous children by developing creative teaching materials based on indigenous culture. The school even organized international environmental forums and lessons on culture and care for people to show the world the mindset concerning the environment innate in Taiwan's aboriginal cultures.\n\nThose in the individual category include school teachers, organization founders, museum directors, and land conservationists, all of them displaying profound care for the environment and taking action in their respective fields. One nominee participates in environmental protection, having begun to learn all about environmental education, and one nominee has become a community leader in environmental education after years of protesting for environmental protection on the street. Another nominee spent up all savings to purchase mountain properties so that the dream of building a beautiful environment can come true. One nominee took on massive debts just to preserve the traditions of his own tribe and in the end successfully established an area in the mountains evocative of the movie, Avatar. Another nominee has promoted environmental education for years, never quitting despite accidents such as lightning strikes and teaching setbacks. Yet another has used expertise gained in natural environments to set up a team of eco-guides, design digital systems for eco-guides with video and audio clips, and produced programs on the National Radio Station in order to reach a wider audience. The selfless and persistent dedication of these nominees to environmental education are truly admirable.\n\nNominees in the group category have all spent years advocating for local environmental causes. They incorporated local resources, brought in young people to utilize their energy and networking strengths, and tackled environmental issues linked to everyone's living environment from the perspective of family and small acts of environmental protection in daily life. Their efforts have resulted in exciting illustration books, training courses, tours to offshore islands with tags of carbon footprints, an interactive system with digital technology and even a gaming and learning platform on environmental disaster prevention. The innovative promotion of environmental education uses social media, marketing, and creative ideas to enhance environmental protection awareness in adults and children. Another nominee is a group of people dedicated to wetland restoration, habitat preservation, and research of local species. They have set up environmental education bases across Taiwan and served as a bridge between humans and nature. They continue to nurture the next generation in habitat and wetland conservation and encourage more citizens to safeguard the environment together.\n\nIn Taiwan, communities consist of the immediate neighborhood of every person residing in them and therefore are usually the first organizations to take action in environmental protection and education. For instance, some ensure safe drinking water sources for residents by voluntarily developing environment-friendly, toxic-free agriculture and bee farms. One farming community has worked tirelessly to assist pig farmers in the reutilization of wastewater and manure, eventually leading to voluntarily setting up the first social enterprise in a rural village in Taiwan. Some communities have voluntarily developed environment-friendly agriculture and bee farms. Other communities have transformed their villages into fenceless communities and brought in economic profits by designing eco-tours featuring local resources and regionally marketing their environment-friendly, high-quality agricultural products.\n\nWith thanks to all winners for their efforts and contributions infused with full dedication to environmental education, the EPA urges all to do their part in encouraging and facilitating others to actively join in to build better living environments and a Taiwan sustainable both in terms of the economy and environmental protection. \n", "year": "2022", "month": "7", "assortment": "Environmental education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4187", "title": "Guidelines Set to Justify Penalties and Monitor Enterprises Prone to Pollute the Environment", "preview": "On 1 July 2022, the Guidelines for Implementation of Environmental Standards (環保標準執法應注意原則) was announced by the EPA, with two focuses: enhancing the credibility of proof of pollution for determining violations and issuing penalties, and; monitoring enterprises prone to violate standards. The Guidelines will serve as reference for environmental authorities when inspection results turn out closely above or below legal limits. After enactment, it is estimated that approximately 45,000 enterprises will be subject to close supervision, which will effectively lead to reduced pollution.", "content": "Guidelines Set to Justify Penalties and Monitor Enterprises Prone to Pollute the Environment\nOn 1 July 2022, the Guidelines for Implementation of Environmental Standards (環保標準執法應注意原則) was announced by the EPA, with two focuses: enhancing the credibility of proof of pollution for determining violations and issuing penalties, and; monitoring enterprises prone to violate standards. The Guidelines will serve as reference for environmental authorities when inspection results turn out closely above or below legal limits. After enactment, it is estimated that approximately 45,000 enterprises will be subject to close supervision, which will effectively lead to reduced pollution.\n \nAccording to the Administrative Procedure Act (行政程序法), eight sets of guidelines are proposed regarding environmental regulations spanning air, water, waste, soil and groundwater, to help environmental authorities perform their control tasks and handle follow-up work. When inspection and test results exceed set limits, and meet criteria for closer monitoring, penalties are to be issued, and sampling and tests are to be conducted again within 30 days as per the Guidelines. In the case of the Water Pollution Act (水污染防制法), if the follow-up test results from the same violators are worse, then penalties are to be issued based on the test results showing more concentrated pollution. Enterprises are deemed as prone to violating environmental regulations if their test results fall within a range designated as requiring close attention, even if they do not exceed regulated limits. Authorities are to notify these enterprises to voluntarily examine their pollution control installations and, if necessary, intensify inspection efforts so that they are more accountable for their environmental impacts. In this way, the alert scale for pollution controls is expanded in practice.\n \nFor repeat offenders, the Guidelines strive to enhance the credibility of proof of violations in order to determine more suitable penalties, while for enterprises with test results close to exceeding legal limits, the Guidelines intensify monitoring. The EPA mentioned that such practices not only more actively protect the environment, but also safeguard the rights of parties involved. The newly announced eight sets of guidelines have specified ranges of test results that will lead to closer monitoring of enterprises. Other regulations remain the same, but environmental authorities will be able to strengthen law enforcement efforts concerning enterprises whose environmental test results fall within such ranges. Enterprises that exceed limits will face penalties based on the more severe results, and then be monitored for continuing violations so as to enhance the credibility of proof of pollution. Besides being advised to voluntarily examine their own pollution control installations, enterprises whose results do not exceed limits but are close to doing so will be marked for authorities to follow up with intensified inspections. Approximately 45,000 enterprises listed for control are subject to the Guidelines, which are expected to effectively lower pollution.\n \nBased on inspection and testing data from recent years, there is now a higher potential of enterprises that are normally compliant with regulations but prone to exceed pollution limits, than enterprises that are not compliant with regulations but only slightly exceed pollution limits. The Guidelines should be very helpful in controlling enterprises prone to violating environmental regulations. Taking water pollution controls as an example, inspection and tests on dedicated sewage systems in industrial parks between 2017 and 2021 have led to 6,813 sets of test results for chemical oxygen demand (COD), with a 95% compliance rate. There were 149 sets of test results that fell in the category of compliant enterprises prone to exceed pollution limits, while 79 sets fell in the category of enterprises slightly exceeding limits. From 1 July, environmental authorities will notify enterprises in these categories to examine their pollution control installations, reminding them to comply with regulations as well as urging them to take needed measures when they are on the verge of exceeding pollution limits.\n \nFrom 1 July, enterprises will be closely monitored when results from inspections and tests fall within 10% above or below the pollution limits. Based on the Guidelines, environmental authorities will conduct follow-up sampling and tests in order to better justify penalties, or remind enterprises to voluntarily check on their pollution control installations. The goal is to further monitor enterprises prone to violating pollution standards and effectively improve environmental quality.\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "7", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4186", "title": "Increase of Discount to NT$5 for Bringing Own Beverage Cups Effective in July", "preview": "", "content": "", "year": "2022", "month": "7", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4185", "title": "Guidelines Announced to Assist Enterprises in Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions ", "preview": "Recently, the EPA announced the Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory (溫室氣體排放量盤查作業指引) . The purpose is to help enterprises cope with future regulations regarding emissions by properly carrying out the most basic task in this field, which is to take inventory of their own carbon emissions. Based on different needs, enterprises are provided necessary measures to understand their own emissions and obtain data as reference to reducing emissions.", "content": "Guidelines Announced to Assist Enterprises in Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions \nRecently, the EPA announced the Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory (溫室氣體排放量盤查作業指引) . The purpose is to help enterprises cope with future regulations regarding emissions by properly carrying out the most basic task in this field, which is to take inventory of their own carbon emissions. Based on different needs, enterprises are provided necessary measures to understand their own emissions and obtain data as reference to reducing emissions.\n \nTo date, 5,200 enterprises in over 130 countries have proposed goals and timetables to achieve net-zero emissions in response to climate change. As a result, the Guidelines were revised by the EPA to assist domestic industries to cope with requirements from global supply chains. While the version enacted in 2015 targeted large-scale emission sources, the latest version adds measures that aim to assist small and middle-sized enterprises to conduct inventory on their own.\n \nSince July, the EPA began to work with local governments and held many meetings in different regions to explain the Guidelines. Ministry of Economic Affairs statistics show that over 100,000 small and middle-sized manufacturing enterprises in Taiwan will be required by both domestic and foreign supply chains to conduct inventory of their emissions. Meanwhile, residential, commercial, and service industries account for 10% of domestic carbon emission. As a result, the EPA will help large-scale department stores and retailers take inventory of their emissions in areas like power usage, shipping and logistics, waste disposal, etc, so that inventory data can be used as reference for carbon reduction and power conservation.\n \nIn response to growing needs for diverse audits of more emission sources, revision is currently underway to categorize audit organizations into different levels. It is expected to be completed within this year. After the sub-laws are formulated next year, audit organizations will be ready to provide audit services and help small and middle-sized enterprises take emission inventory. The following are major points concerning the latest Guidelines:\n\nChapter 1: Inventory of greenhouse gas emissions\nIntroducing emission inventory, the reasons for inventory, targets required to undertake inventory, relevant regulations, the basic procedures, and the audit results that are required to be verified, registered or disclosed.\n\nChapter 2: How inventory is conducted\nUsers can begin to conduct inventory based on individual needs. Since needed data and information are provided by different departments in a company, enterprises are recommended to hold a commencement meeting first led by senior management to ensure a smooth operation. Targeting small and medium-sized enterprises, this chapter introduces setting inventory scales, emission sources (the scope) that are to be included, and how to utilize tools on the EPA or MOEA's websites to calculate emission volumes. Since small and medium-sized enterprises required to take emission inventory are mostly in manufacturing and service industries, the examples in the chapter come from manufacturing, financial, and chain retail industries.\n \nChapter 3: EPA-announced inventory procedures for large-scale emission sources required to undergo inventory and registration\nEnterprises of this type have been conducting inventories of carbon emissions for years and hence are familiar with the procedures.\n \nThe EPA noted that enterprises could reference the Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory when conducting inventories themselves. For those required to conduct inventories by the EPA, by the Financial Supervisory Commission (under the Sustainable Development Pathway), or by their supply chains, the investigation results have to be verified by audit organizations. The Guidelines are now on the EPA’s Industrial Greenhouse Gas Emission Information Platform, and the EPA will soon hold meetings to explain everything about the inventory in order to assist manufacturers as well as residential, commercial, and service industries.\n", "year": "2022", "month": "7", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4184", "title": "EPA Implements the National Environmental Protection Plan", "preview": "", "content": "", "year": "2022", "month": "7", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4183", "title": "Regulations Governing Indoor Air Quality Testing Revised to Provide More Flexibility for Announced Premises", "preview": "Regulations Governing Indoor Air Quality Testing Revised to Provide More Flexibility for Announced Premises\nOn 24 June 2022, the EPA has revised Articles 10 and 18 of the Regulations Governing Indoor Air Quality Testing and Analysis of Announced Premises (公告場所室內空氣品質檢驗測定辦法), which was enacted on 1 July 2022. For any periodic testing runs except the initial testing run, the announced premises may commission a testing organization to conduct testing within three months before or after the scheduled periodic testing run in order to give adequate buffer time. The revision also clearly specifies the starting point of the intervals between testing runs. \n", "content": "To improve indoor air quality and protect public health, the EPA revised and promulgated the Regulations Governing Indoor Air Quality Testing and Analysis of Announced Premises on 1 July 2021. The regulations established the self-management option and introduced the application of automated and continuous monitoring equipment. This time, to give announced premises ample flexibility to schedule periodic testing of indoor air quality and also meet their management needs, Articles 10 and 18 of the regulations have been revised. \n\nThe focus of the revision has taken into consideration the fact that announced premises need to coordinate with testing organizations for periodic testing. In addition, if the premises voluntarily add more than one run of periodic testing between the required testing runs, and if the testing results meet the Indoor Air Quality Standards (室內空氣品質標準) and are provided to the county or city competent authorities for approval, the interval before the next testing run will start from the completion date of the latest periodic testing run. Moreover, if an announced premise suspends operation during a periodic testing run, it shall complete a run of indoor air quality periodic testing within three months after the resumption of operations to meet practical needs and complete subsequent management work. \n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4182", "title": "Ministry of Environment to Be Established with Expanded Duties to Take Full Responsibility for Environmental Governance", "preview": "Ministry of Environment to Be Established with Expanded Duties to Take Full Responsibility for Environmental Governance\nThe EPA stated that the purpose of the organizational adjustment planned by the Executive Yuan to establish the Ministry of Environment is to expand the scope of duties, change the concept of environmental quality management from pollution control to prevention management, and plan overall environmental improvement strategies with forward-thinking, align with environmental scientific research, and turn passivity into activeness to systematically deal with environmental problems. \n", "content": "\nThe EPA has listed the added duties planned for the future Ministry of Environment and plans to integrate the management of chemical substances, industry waste reuse, and other powers in order to improve management efficiencies. The integration will also solve the problem of dividing management powers and responsibilities among different ministries, which can lead to problems integrating and coordinating scattered expertise and information. It is hoped that the future Ministry of Environment will operate with higher overall organizational efficiency and comprehensively take on the responsibilities of environmental governance. \n\nThe EPA explained that the planned establishment of the Ministry of Environment involves establishing four level-3 administrative agencies (including the Climate Change Administration, Resource Circulation Administration, Chemical Substance Management Administration, and Environmental Management Administration) and a level-3 institute (National Environmental Research Institute). Through the expansion and coordination of duties, the Ministry is expected to achieve the following five grand visions:\n\n1. Actively respond to climate change by strengthening the formulation, promotion, and implementation of national policies; implement the supervision and evaluation of the phased control targets; respond to international carbon tariff and the decarbonization trend of supply chains; accelerate carbon pricing, strengthen the carbon inventory system, and seek decarbonization technologies and strategies; mitigate international pressure and assist domestic industrial transformation \n\n2. Implement circular economy, waste reduction, and reuse through coordinating reuse management powers and responsibilities of all ministries and collecting funds for the promotion of resource circulation, renewable energy from waste, and inventory and analysis of waste resources. Promote new measures such as circular procurement, sustainable consumption, and environment-friendly design of products to achieve the reduced use of primary raw materials and improve resource use efficiencies so as to reduce environmental load and gradually advance towards the goals of sustainable resource circulation and zero waste. \n\n3. Expand the scope of chemical substance management to cover all chemical substances handled in Taiwan to achieve the goals of “extending source management to borders and reducing breakpoints to deter violation,” “integrating disaster prevention resources and strengthening responses to reduce disaster losses,” “fully conveying hazard information to reduce exposure to health risks,” and “transforming to sustainable and non-toxic use of resources to align management with international conventions.” \n\n4. Strengthen environmental law enforcement with digital technologies; use smart technologies and the internet to handle general waste in diverse ways; and improve environmental cleanliness and sanitation management. Sustainably manage soil and groundwater resources through improving the certification system of surveying and remediation technologies and increasing soil and groundwater regeneration and carbon sink capacities. Strengthen pollution source control to build low-risk living environments and develop healthy and sustainable communities. \n\n5. Promote research for climate change and resource circulation, improve environmental risk assessment and management technologies, facilitate net zero transformation and cultivate professional talents, and work with research resources nationwide to establish an environmental think tank to provide long-term and stable support for overall national environmental policies. \n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "environmental management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4181", "title": "Regulations Governing EIA Document Review Fees Revised and Announced", "preview": "", "content": "", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4180", "title": "Enterprises Invited to Participate in Expanded Smart Management of Wastewater Treatment Trial Project", "preview": "Enterprises Invited to Participate in Expanded Smart Management of Wastewater Treatment Trial Project\nTo encourage enterprises to manage and operate their wastewater treatment facilities appropriately on their own as part of fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities, this year the EPA will continue to conduct and expand the Smart Management of Wastewater Treatment Trial Project, first implemented in 2021. Interested finishing and electroplating enterprises located in central Taiwan are openly invited to participate. \n", "content": "The EPA pointed out that many enterprises have invested substantially in installing wastewater treatment facilities and commissioned other enterprises or put employees in charge of operations to achieve compliance with wastewater treatment regulations. However, environmental law enforcement commonly found many cases in which enterprises were fined because poor wastewater treatment efficiency or improper operation of treatment installations led to effluent that did not meet standards. Statistics show that over the last five years (2017 to 2021), there was a total of 905 cases where the metal finishing and electroplating industry violated Article 7 of the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防治法). The total amount of fines imposed exceeded NT$462.36 million. \n\nEnterprises often reported that they accidentally violated the regulations without knowing it. They did not know why they spent money on equipment and specialized manpower and were still unable to meet the standards. The EPA investigated the main causes and found that most of the enterprises were unable to detect equipment abnormalities in time. Most operators relied on past experience to operate, for example the usage of chemical agents, and could not ascertain wastewater treatment effectiveness in real-time. Once an abnormality occurs, it often leads to a discharge of water with pollutants that exceed standards, contaminating water bodies without being detected by the operators, who are then penalized.\n\nTo assist enterprises in ascertaining wastewater treatment effectiveness in real-time, last year the EPA began to implement a trial project on two electroplating enterprises that were willing to install smart monitoring equipment. When an abnormality in water quality was detected, the equipment would send an early warning notification (through Line, SMS, or email) to the operating personnel in the factory. The head of the enterprise would also simultaneously receive the notification as he\/she could instruct the on-site personnel to take corrective action and remove the abnormality in time, and thus avoid being penalized. The set-up also came with the benefit of saving operating costs by adjusting the amount of chemical agents added. \n\nThe EPA emphasized that the main purpose of promoting the Smart Management of Wastewater Treatment Trial Project was not to monitor industries but to better enable enterprises to self-manage and detect changes in water quality, thus building a trend within the private sector of fulfilling the responsibility to protect the environment. The technology not only protects water environments but also prevents enterprises from being penalized, saving money and the Earth at the same time. This year, the EPA will expand the project to five enterprises to have them try the technology for free (including equipment installation, trials, and maintenance). Thus interested metal finishing and electroplating industries in Taiwan’s central region are encouraged to register quickly in order to participate in the project. \n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4179", "title": "Winners Announced for National Environmental Education Awards", "preview": "Winners Announced for National Environmental Education Awards\nThe National Environmental Education Award is the most esteemed recognition of the grandest scale in the field of environmental education. On 28 June, winners of the Eighth National Environmental Education Awards were announced, which included the Pingtung Forest District Office under the Forest Bureau of the Council of Agriculture; Window on World Limited in the category of private enterprises; Stella Matutina Girls’High School; Tu-Shui Wang, Director of Luanshan Forest Culture Museum; the Society of Wilderness (SOW); and Cishan Sugar Factory Community Development Association in Cishan, Kaohsiung. All of them received the award from the EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang in person.\n", "content": "In his speech at the award ceremony, Minister Chang noted that the Award is like an Oscar in the field of environmental education before acknowledging the winners for their efforts and persistence with a “thumbs up” gesture. A wonderful living environment enjoyed by everyone today would not have been possible without the endeavors and selfless contributions of the nominees, who are the best of the best. They had to first pass a preliminary screening by county and city governments, then a second screening by the central government, to reach the final competition. Their accomplishments in environmental education are wonderful for all to learn from and model.\n\nIn recent years, the EPA has put tremendous efforts into environmental education and has held the National Environmental Education Award eight times. The purpose is not only to encourage all citizens to participate but also to award organizations and individuals for excellent performance in environmental education, with an award that is greatly recognized across the field. This year there were six nominees in the category of government agencies. Five of these have already been certified as environmental education facilities and venues whose focuses include frontline military culture on offshore islands, preservation of Hakka culture, disaster prevention and rescue, and natural resource management.\n\nFor the private sector category, nominees work in the field of children's education, underwater diving, agricultural technology, tourism, while one is a company that operates incinerators on behalf of others. They are all elites in their respective industries, using their skills to advocate for environmental causes. For instance, the linguistic expressions and limitless imagination of children are put to use in environmental education for children. Green tours are designed with economic development in mind by incorporating ideas of green energy, agriculture, and education and utilizing digital media and landscape models as tools, all helping reinforce knowledge of cultural preservation. There are corporations that turn NIMBY facilities into friendly service providers and divers that make innovations in conventional fishing to promote protection of the marine environment through eco-tourism.\n\nThe school category is centered around student learning, accompanied by teachers. Several schools helped guide students to establish a total of 47 school clubs that assisted students to explore their own actions and engage in self-learning. One nominee provided classes on campus energy, designing innovative teaching modules, sustainable campus maps, and specific action plans. Another nominee strove to nurture environmental and cultural awareness for indigenous children by developing creative teaching materials based on indigenous culture. The school even organized international environmental forums and lessons on culture and care for people to show the world the mindset concerning the environment innate in Taiwan's aboriginal cultures.\n\nThose in the individual category include school teachers, organization founders, museum directors, and land conservationists, all of them displaying profound care for the environment and taking action in their respective fields. One nominee participates in environmental protection, having begun to learn all about environmental education, and one nominee has become a community leader in environmental education after years of protesting for environmental protection on the street. Another nominee spent up all savings to purchase mountain properties so that the dream of building a beautiful environment can come true. One nominee took on massive debts just to preserve the traditions of his own tribe and in the end successfully established an area in the mountains evocative of the movie, Avatar. Another nominee has promoted environmental education for years, never quitting despite accidents such as lightning strikes and teaching setbacks. Yet another has used expertise gained in natural environments to set up a team of eco-guides, design digital systems for eco-guides with video and audio clips, and produced programs on the National Radio Station in order to reach a wider audience. The selfless and persistent dedication of these nominees to environmental education are truly admirable.\n\nNominees in the group category have all spent years advocating for local environmental causes. They incorporated local resources, brought in young people to utilize their energy and networking strengths, and tackled environmental issues linked to everyone's living environment from the perspective of family and small acts of environmental protection in daily life. Their efforts have resulted in exciting illustration books, training courses, tours to offshore islands with tags of carbon footprints, an interactive system with digital technology and even a gaming and learning platform on environmental disaster prevention. The innovative promotion of environmental education uses social media, marketing, and creative ideas to enhance environmental protection awareness in adults and children. Another nominee is a group of people dedicated to wetland restoration, habitat preservation, and research of local species. They have set up environmental education bases across Taiwan and served as a bridge between humans and nature. They continue to nurture the next generation in habitat and wetland conservation and encourage more citizens to safeguard the environment together.\n\nIn Taiwan, communities consist of the immediate neighborhood of every person residing in them and therefore are usually the first organizations to take action in environmental protection and education. For instance, some ensure safe drinking water sources for residents by voluntarily developing environment-friendly, toxic-free agriculture and bee farms. One farming community has worked tirelessly to assist pig farmers in the reutilization of wastewater and manure, eventually leading to voluntarily setting up the first social enterprise in a rural village in Taiwan. Some communities have voluntarily developed environment-friendly agriculture and bee farms. Other communities have transformed their villages into fenceless communities and brought in economic profits by designing eco-tours featuring local resources and regionally marketing their environment-friendly, high-quality agricultural products.\n\nWith thanks to all winners for their efforts and contributions infused with full dedication to environmental education, the EPA urges all to do their part in encouraging and facilitating others to actively join in to build better living environments and a Taiwan sustainable both in terms of the economy and environmental protection. \n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "environmental education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4178", "title": "Guidelines Set to Justify Penalties and Monitor Enterprises Prone to Pollute the Environment", "preview": "Guidelines Set to Justify Penalties and Monitor Enterprises Prone to Pollute the Environment\nOn 1 July 2022, the Guidelines for Implementation of Environmental Standards (環保標準執法應注意原則) was announced by the EPA, with two focuses: enhancing the credibility of proof of pollution for determining violations and issuing penalties, and; monitoring enterprises prone to violate standards. The Guidelines will serve as reference for environmental authorities when inspection results turn out closely above or below legal limits. After enactment, it is estimated that approximately 45,000 enterprises will be subject to close supervision, which will effectively lead to reduced pollution.\n", "content": "According to the Administrative Procedure Act (行政程序法), eight sets of guidelines are proposed regarding environmental regulations spanning air, water, waste, soil and groundwater, to help environmental authorities perform their control tasks and handle follow-up work. When inspection and test results exceed set limits, and meet criteria for closer monitoring, penalties are to be issued, and sampling and tests are to be conducted again within 30 days as per the Guidelines. In the case of the Water Pollution Act (水污染防制法), if the follow-up test results from the same violators are worse, then penalties are to be issued based on the test results showing more concentrated pollution. Enterprises are deemed as prone to violating environmental regulations if their test results fall within a range designated as requiring close attention, even if they do not exceed regulated limits. Authorities are to notify these enterprises to voluntarily examine their pollution control installations and, if necessary, intensify inspection efforts so that they are more accountable for their environmental impacts. In this way, the alert scale for pollution controls is expanded in practice.\n \nFor repeat offenders, the Guidelines strive to enhance the credibility of proof of violations in order to determine more suitable penalties, while for enterprises with test results close to exceeding legal limits, the Guidelines intensify monitoring. The EPA mentioned that such practices not only more actively protect the environment, but also safeguard the rights of parties involved. The newly announced eight sets of guidelines have specified ranges of test results that will lead to closer monitoring of enterprises. Other regulations remain the same, but environmental authorities will be able to strengthen law enforcement efforts concerning enterprises whose environmental test results fall within such ranges. Enterprises that exceed limits will face penalties based on the more severe results, and then be monitored for continuing violations so as to enhance the credibility of proof of pollution. Besides being advised to voluntarily examine their own pollution control installations, enterprises whose results do not exceed limits but are close to doing so will be marked for authorities to follow up with intensified inspections. Approximately 45,000 enterprises listed for control are subject to the Guidelines, which are expected to effectively lower pollution.\n \nBased on inspection and testing data from recent years, there is now a higher potential of enterprises that are normally compliant with regulations but prone to exceed pollution limits, than enterprises that are not compliant with regulations but only slightly exceed pollution limits. The Guidelines should be very helpful in controlling enterprises prone to violating environmental regulations. Taking water pollution controls as an example, inspection and tests on dedicated sewage systems in industrial parks between 2017 and 2021 have led to 6,813 sets of test results for chemical oxygen demand (COD), with a 95% compliance rate. There were 149 sets of test results that fell in the category of compliant enterprises prone to exceed pollution limits, while 79 sets fell in the category of enterprises slightly exceeding limits. From 1 July, environmental authorities will notify enterprises in these categories to examine their pollution control installations, reminding them to comply with regulations as well as urging them to take needed measures when they are on the verge of exceeding pollution limits.\n \nFrom 1 July, enterprises will be closely monitored when results from inspections and tests fall within 10% above or below the pollution limits. Based on the Guidelines, environmental authorities will conduct follow-up sampling and tests in order to better justify penalties, or remind enterprises to voluntarily check on their pollution control installations. The goal is to further monitor enterprises prone to violating pollution standards and effectively improve environmental quality.\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4177", "title": "Increase of Discount to NT$5 for Bringing Own Beverage Cups Effective in July", "preview": "Increase of Discount to NT$5 for Bringing Own Beverage Cups Effective in July\nThe EPA has been working on reducing waste generation at source and increasing people’s willingness to comply with waste-reduction policies so as to facilitate a net-zero, environment-friendly lifestyle. As a result, preannouncements were put out in 2021 that, as of 1 July 2022, a minimum discount of NT$5 is to be offered by chain beverage shops, chain convenience stores, chain fast-food restaurants and chain supermarkets to consumers who bring their own cups when purchasing beverages.\n", "content": "Taiwan is a country of major consumption of all beverages imaginable, where up to four billion single-use beverage cups are used annually. To cut down waste, the EPA has been promoting reduced use of single-use cups along with green consumption for a zero-waste and environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Targets and measures for restriction of single-use cups were first preannounced on 23 December 2021 and formally announced on 28 April 2022, before coming into effect on 1 July.\n\nMany enterprises had already voluntarily cut use of single-use cups as they have always practiced zero-waste and a green lifestyle through at-source reduction of waste and carbon reduction measures. They either provided discounts in advance of the measure or increased discounts in order to encourage people to bring their own cups and practice a green lifestyle. Since 1 July, consumers who bring non-disposable cups themselves will be charged at least NT$5 less than those who do not when purchasing beverages in chain beverage shops, chain convenience stores, chain fast-food restaurants, and chain supermarkets. To help consumers easily spot such enterprises, they are required to display clearly visible signs on their premises showing the discounts for customers who bring their own cups. \n \nThe EPA pointed out that the older regulations mandated enterprises to provide a discount of NT$1-$2, resulting in 6% of consumers bringing their own cups. Survey results show that willingness to bring one’s own cup should increase if the discount is increased to NT$5. Those bringing cups themselves can enjoy lower prices and improved sanitation and safety. Meanwhile, this is expected to lower annual use of single-use cups by 580 million, which amounts to waste weighing 7,000 metric tons that would release 33,000 metric tons of carbon and require 87 Daan Forest Parks to absorb in one year. Benefits for enterprises include lower expenses for cups and related materials, lower environmental costs, and increased popularity and profits.\nActively complying with the policy, many industry-leading enterprises have already either offered discounts in advance of the measure or offered better discounts. Some reported that the number of customers bringing their own cups grew fivefold during the trial period.\n \nTake the 7-11 chain store for example. The NT$5 discount has been available since 15 June at over 7,000 branches and affiliated restaurant groups, increased to NT$7 for the first day of every month. Moreover, the corporation is now planning on installing equipment for cup circulation. A similar discount of NT$7 is offered at Starbucks, another chain beverage shop under the same parent company, Uni-President, which emphasizes that for the past 24 years it has been rewarding the act of bringing one's own cups with discounts.\n \nIn addition, Family Mart has initiated a cup rental service this March on top of implementing the discount policy. Installation of rental equipment is estimated to be complete in 400 branches, roughly 10% of Family Mart stores in Taiwan, by the end of this year.\n \nFor the fast-food industry, a NT$5 discount has been available one month in advance at McDonald's and KFC. In the past, these two leading corporations had long had relevant measures in place, such as designing packaging that uses fewer lids and straws as well as encouraging customers to bring their cups with point-collection schemes. Last year McDonald's began to voluntarily set up cup rental stations, while KFC reported five times more customers bringing their own cups since their discount took effect a month ago.\n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4176", "title": "Guidelines Announced to Assist Enterprises in Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions ", "preview": "Guidelines Announced to Assist Enterprises in Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions \nRecently, the EPA announced the Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory (溫室氣體排放量盤查作業指引) . The purpose is to help enterprises cope with future regulations regarding emissions by properly carrying out the most basic task in this field, which is to take inventory of their own carbon emissions. Based on different needs, enterprises are provided necessary measures to understand their own emissions and obtain data as reference to reducing emissions.\n", "content": "To date, 5,200 enterprises in over 130 countries have proposed goals and timetables to achieve net-zero emissions in response to climate change. As a result, the Guidelines were revised by the EPA to assist domestic industries to cope with requirements from global supply chains. While the version enacted in 2015 targeted large-scale emission sources, the latest version adds measures that aim to assist small and middle-sized enterprises to conduct inventory on their own.\n \nSince July, the EPA began to work with local governments and held many meetings in different regions to explain the Guidelines. Ministry of Economic Affairs statistics show that over 100,000 small and middle-sized manufacturing enterprises in Taiwan will be required by both domestic and foreign supply chains to conduct inventory of their emissions. Meanwhile, residential, commercial, and service industries account for 10% of domestic carbon emission. As a result, the EPA will help large-scale department stores and retailers take inventory of their emissions in areas like power usage, shipping and logistics, waste disposal, etc, so that inventory data can be used as reference for carbon reduction and power conservation.\n \nIn response to growing needs for diverse audits of more emission sources, revision is currently underway to categorize audit organizations into different levels. It is expected to be completed within this year. After the sub-laws are formulated next year, audit organizations will be ready to provide audit services and help small and middle-sized enterprises take emission inventory. The following are major points concerning the latest Guidelines:\n\nChapter 1: Inventory of greenhouse gas emissions\nIntroducing emission inventory, the reasons for inventory, targets required to undertake inventory, relevant regulations, the basic procedures, and the audit results that are required to be verified, registered or disclosed.\n\nChapter 2: How inventory is conducted\nUsers can begin to conduct inventory based on individual needs. Since needed data and information are provided by different departments in a company, enterprises are recommended to hold a commencement meeting first led by senior management to ensure a smooth operation. Targeting small and medium-sized enterprises, this chapter introduces setting inventory scales, emission sources (the scope) that are to be included, and how to utilize tools on the EPA or MOEA's websites to calculate emission volumes. Since small and medium-sized enterprises required to take emission inventory are mostly in manufacturing and service industries, the examples in the chapter come from manufacturing, financial, and chain retail industries.\n \nChapter 3: EPA-announced inventory procedures for large-scale emission sources required to undergo inventory and registration\nEnterprises of this type have been conducting inventories of carbon emissions for years and hence are familiar with the procedures.\n \nThe EPA noted that enterprises could reference the Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory when conducting inventories themselves. For those required to conduct inventories by the EPA, by the Financial Supervisory Commission (under the Sustainable Development Pathway), or by their supply chains, the investigation results have to be verified by audit organizations. The Guidelines are now on the EPA’s Industrial Greenhouse Gas Emission Information Platform, and the EPA will soon hold meetings to explain everything about the inventory in order to assist manufacturers as well as residential, commercial, and service industries.\n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4175", "title": "EPA Implements the National Environmental Protection Plan", "preview": "EPA Implements the National Environmental Protection Plan\nThe EPA-revised National Environmental Protection Plan was approved by the Executive Yuan on 24 February 2020. Since the Plan’s enactment in 2008, there have been major environmental changes in Taiwan and new environmental trends in the world and, accordingly, the Plan has gone through many reviews, revisions and renewals. Throughout these years, the Plan has aligned with the principles of its 2008 version in its efforts to reach the original goals. The latest version came to fruition after numerous discussions among experts, scholars, local governments, and civil organizations. Closely linked to the UN’s Agenda 2030, the revision designates 2030 as the next stage for long-term goals and sets clear and meaningful goals.\n \n", "content": "Background\nThe following are the major points of the National Environmental Protection Plan’s origins:\n \n1. Realizing the protection of national environments, ensured by the Constitution, and implementing the Basic Environment Act (環境基本法) to achieve environmental protections and facilitate welfare for all civilians \nThe Additional Articles of the Constitution of the Republic of China (憲法增修條文) mentions that \"environmental and ecological protection shall be given equal consideration with economic and technological development.\" And Article 7 of the Basic Environmental Act states that “the central competent authority shall draft environmental protection laws and regulations, draw up national environmental protection plans, establish sustainable development indicators and promote and implement such laws and regulations, plans and indicators.” Accordingly, the EPA aims to follow the core of the Basic Environmental Act so that the full effects of the Act can be realized. Under the framework of the Basic Environmental Act, the National Environmental Protection Plan is an upper-tier plan in the national environmental governance, serving as the basis for the formation of all regulations regarding environmental protection as well as all relevant plans at the local level.\n \n1. Reviewing Taiwan’s key environmental issues, designing national environmental visions setting goals, and planning environmental strategies\nKey environmental challenges confronting Taiwan include impacts from climate change, loss of water and soil resources, deterioration of ecological environments, and environmental risks to human health. The EPA has been planning national strategies in environmental protection with an approach that encompasses climate change, ecological environments, natural resources, environmental quality, development of green industries and technologies, and environment-friendly lifestyles. The ultimate goal is to create a healthy, beautiful and prosperous living environment that is full of innovations and coexists harmoniously with nature.\n \n3. Strengthening connection to the international community and pursuing sustainable development \nIn the international community, the concepts of “sustainable development” and “think globally, act locally” were elaborated in Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, both of which fully display new ways of thinking and new directions for humankind in terms of sustainable development. In 2015, the UN announced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, evaluating the results of global efforts in sustainable development as well as bringing forth goals for the coming 15 years. The 2030 Agenda expanded the previous three aspects of environment, economy, and society to what is called the 5Ps, which are planet, people, prosperity, peace, and partnership. It strives to protect the Earth’s resources, eradicate poverty, facilitate prosperous and co-existing development, build a peaceful society, and establish global partnership. Meanwhile, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were proposed at the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Develop, also called Rio+20. The SDGs present a thinking of sustainable economy, advocating collaborations across different countries and ministries and responses adaptive to environmental changes. As a member of the global community, Taiwan endeavors to achieve sustainable development in order to adapt to the global environmental problems and keep up with international environmental strategies in a new era.\n \nIn conclusion, the National Environmental Protection Plan has been put in place because of the ideas above and as required by the Additional Articles of the Constitution of the Republic of China and the Basic Environment Act, and now serves as reference for all local governments in the formulation of their respective local environmental protection plans.\n\nStrategies and goals \nThe National Environmental Protection Plan, approved by the Executive Yuan on 14 February 2020, centers around environmental resources and aligns with the United Nation's 2030 Agenda. The formulation of the Plan took into consideration of both domestic and international trends and critical issues in environmental protection and then set up short-, mid-, and long-term strategies and goals. It covers 13 key environmental issues and five categories, which are climate actions, environmental quality, nature conservation, green economy, and sustainable partnership. \nEach department proposes measures based on the Plan's strategies. There is a total of 374 measures in 2020, 343 in 2021, and 287 for the year 2022. \n\nCompilation of environmental white papers and disclosure of implementation results\n1. Collection of background baseline information about environmental issues\nThe implementation of the National Environmental Protection Plan is set from 2020 to 2030. To establish a database on environmental background information before the Plan took off, budget, key performance indices, and other data related to the chosen environmental issues in the previous four years (from 2016 to 2019) were compiled as benchmarks for the future evaluations of result changes and trends.\n2. Implementation results disclosed in environmental white paper\nThe EPA conducts annual evaluations and compiles results of the National Environmental Protection Plan in its environmental white papers, which are published regularly to disclose the current status of each environmental indicator. The papers show that, by the end of 2021, the work on the environmental issues had reached the respective short-term goals and is now heading toward the mid-term ones. All current results will be the basis for building momentum to carry out the rest of the Plan.\nFuture task: Combining diversified forces toward environmental goals\nThe EPA has been endeavoring to bring government agencies, enterprises, organizations, and citizens together. Local governments are also urged to propose their environmental protection plans for all to jointly realize the vision of carbon and disaster reduction, clean air for easy breathing, public-friendly water environments, waste used as resources, zero forest loss, and coexistence with nature by 2030. \n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4174", "title": "Selection of Enterprises with Outstanding Performance in Resource Circulation Launched ", "preview": "Selection of Enterprises with Outstanding Performance in Resource Circulation Launched \nThe EPA continues to organize the Selection of Enterprises with Outstanding Performance in Resource Circulation, for which it accepted applications until 15 July 2022. Domestic enterprises that promote resource circulation are invited to participate in the selection. The winners will be publicly commended and awarded with trophies and merchandise vouchers. The value of all awards amounts to as much as NT$500,000. Selection requirements can be downloaded at https:\/\/reurl.cc\/e6raWm. \n", "content": "In recent years, climate change issues have attracted great attention both at home and abroad. In March 2022, the government officially announced Taiwan’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions and Strategies in 2050, which contains 12 key strategies. One of the key strategies is to achieve zero waste through resource circulation, which involves encouraging enterprises to design products that are easily recycled, converting waste into energy and resources, establishing resource circulation networks, investing in the research and development of resource recycling technologies, developing sustainable and circular business models, and improving resource circulation efficiencies. \n\nThe enterprises to be selected are divided into two groups: the Circulation Group, consisting of enterprises that promote material recycling and reuse and achieve actual results, and the Innovation Group, consisting of those that incorporate creative concepts into circular services or innovative products. To explain the selection application filling-in methods, contents and rules for enterprises, the EPA will organize three online briefing meetings for the selection, and will invite previous outstanding enterprises to share their experiences. For those who wish to participate in the meetings, please register online at https:\/\/forms.gle\/XjURczAfG9ek3RtM8. \n\nThe EPA noted that the government’s active promotion of resource circulation has led industries to adopt green designs, improve resource recycling technologies and increase resource circulation efficiencies. More and more enterprises are investing in the field of resource circulation and attaining outstanding results. The EPA has compiled an e-book of enterprises that have won awards for their outstanding performance in resource circulation to share how these award-winning companies have promoted resource circulation over the years. The public is welcome to download it at https:\/\/online.fliphtml5.com\/odjzp\/vjzm\/#p=1.\n \n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4173", "title": "Amendments to Management Regulations Governing Reuse of Incinerator Bottom Ash Announced ", "preview": "Amendments to Management Regulations Governing Reuse of Incinerator Bottom Ash Announced \nThe amendments to the Management Regulations Governing the Reuse of Incinerator Bottom Ash (垃圾焚化廠焚化底渣再利用管理方式) was announced on 19 May 2022. Major amendments included the addition of the uses of recycled incineration aggregates and the environmental standards and quality specifications that must be met, the addition of restrictions on the use sites in non-urban land use zones, restricting the use sites of some recycled incineration aggregates, and the addition of stipulations concerning the documents that must be provided when applying for a project control number. \n", "content": "The purpose of these amendments was to strengthen the management of the quality and flow destination of recycled incineration aggregates. The Management Regulations Governing the Reuse of Incinerator Bottom Ash was promulgated on 18 May 2020. The amendments were formulated to align with practical operations management, strengthen regulations on uses, and restrict the use sites of recycled incineration aggregates. The major amendments included: \n\nA. The amendments included more uses of recycled incineration aggregates, as well as restrictions on those uses, and the environmental standards that must be met. There are 11 uses of recycled incineration aggregates, with the first nine allowed to be carried out in public construction sites taking priority: \n(1) Foundation filling\n(2) Road and embankment filling\n(3) Port area filling, used only in commercial ports, industrial ports, or industrial parks where land reclamation has been approved \n(4) Road grade aggregate materials in road bases and sub-bases \n(5) Controlled low strength filling materials\n(6) Regenerated low-density pervious concrete, used only in road construction\n(7) Asphalt concrete, used only in road construction\n(8) Brick products\n(9) Cement products used in Jersey barriers and curbs\n(10) Cement raw meal, used only as cement raw materials in cement factories\n(11) Construction materials for the parts of sanitary landfills that are not in contact with steel, and covering soil for sanitary landfills but not as the final cover\n\nB. The addition of restrictions on the use sites of recycled incineration aggregates\nC. The addition of stipulations that allow users to inquire about relevant information online, and the revision of reporting requirements regarding recycled incineration aggregates\nD. The addition of the quality specifications of recycled incineration aggregates that must be met, and the stipulations requiring non-governmental project operators to submit test reports when applying to be delisted from the control list \nE. The addition of stipulations concerning the documents that must be provided, the procedure, and the material-supplying entities when applying for a project control number for projects involving recycled incineration aggregates\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4172", "title": "Public Discouraged from Selling Environmental Agents Online After Announcement of 2021 Inspections Results", "preview": "Public Discouraged from Selling Environmental Agents Online After Announcement of 2021 Inspections Results\nIn 2021, environmental agencies across the country carried out inspections on environmental agent advertisements and labels and conducted random inspections on the active ingredients of environmental agents. A total of 37,621 cases were inspected, with a passing rate of 98.7%. Among all cases, 10,242 cases were of environmental agent advertisements, with 233 cases determined to be illegal. Illegal advertisement cases largely comprised individuals advertising and selling environmental agents such as disinfectants and cockroach or ant killers on e-commerce sites. \n", "content": "To ensure that consumers purchase legal and safe environmental agents, every year the EPA formulates an Environmental Agent Inspection Plan for local environmental protection bureaus to implement. This year, the bureaus carried out a total of 27,260 inspections on labels, finding 270 non-conforming cases, and performed 117 random inspections on the active ingredients of environmental agents, finding no non-conforming cases. They also discovered two cases of counterfeit environmental agents which were not approved and registered. Penalties have been issued in accordance with regulations for all the aforementioned non-conforming products, and violators were given deadlines to remove products from their shelves. \n\nIt is easy to buy and sell goods through online shopping platforms nowadays. However, the public is reminded not to advertise or sell environmental agents online if licenses for selling the environmental agents have not been obtained. Once caught, those who sell or advertise environmental agents online will be fined between NT$60,000 to NT$300,000. The EPA urged the public to uphold the ‘three nos’ principles concerning the advertisement of environmental agents. First, no posting¬–do not post ads and sell online without licenses. Second, no indiscriminate buying–do not buy environmental agents of unknown origin or those that do not have words showing they are approved by the EPA printed on them. Third, no recommending–do not claim the efficacy of environmental agents in killing or repelling insects in online advertisements. \n \nIf members of the public wish to know whether environmental agents are legally registered, they can go to the Environmental Agent Permit and Pest Control License Website (https:\/\/mdc.epa.gov.tw\/PublicInfo), established by the Toxic and Chemical Substance Bureau of the EPA, to inquire by entering the product names and permit numbers. They can also search on the website for legal pest control operators or environmental agent sellers. To know more about the safe application of environmental agents or to search for more information on non-conforming environmental agent products, please refer to the Guidance for the Safe Application of Environmental Agents Website (https:\/\/topic.epa.gov.tw\/evsu\/mp-8.html). ", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4171", "title": "Measures Announced to Streamline and Improve Regular Testing of Stationary Pollution Sources ", "preview": "Measures Announced to Streamline and Improve Regular Testing of Stationary Pollution Sources \nThe EPA amended and announced the Regulations Governing the Self-conducted or Commissioned Testing and Reporting of Stationary Pollution Sources (固定污染源自行或委託檢測及申報管理辦法) on 6 June 2022 with three major focuses: small quantity, high quality and effective management. A “good student clause” was formulated to encourage businesses to improve self-management. The frequency of testing will be adequately adjusted as an incentive for businesses that reduce pollution emissions, cutting down the number of non-essential tests. For the few unscrupulous businesses that evade inspections, mandatory “functional regular testing” has been introduced as a tool for law enforcement authorities. Additionally, the “air pollutant emissions testing plans” of the permitting system have been incorporated to improve the quality of data from regular testing.\n", "content": "To improve the existing testing scheme of stationary sources, the air pollutant emission testing scheme that has been practiced effectively abroad has been incorporated in the revised regulations as the basis for public and private premises to follow during testing periods. Not only can this measure increase the representativeness of the testing data, it can also be used to construct a two-level testing management scheme with a different focus in each level. The first level is to strengthen the regulation on the current self-conducted testing of public and private premises to encourage them to improve self-maintenance and management. The second level is targeted at the public and private premises that may cause air pollution or fail to implement self-management. Special municipality, county or city competent authorities may designate these premises to implement functional regular testing within a time limit to verify the effectiveness of their air pollution prevention measures and enhance their pollution source management along the way. \n\nThe EPA emphasized that the regulations promulgated on 19 February 2003 specified that the results from regular testing of stationary pollution sources shall be recorded, reported and filed along with other matters that shall be followed to implement regular testing of stationary sources. However, the regulations and the announced targets have not been amended since the promulgation over ten years ago. Although many regulations relevant to regular testing have been formulated successively over the years to strengthen the management of regular testing of stationary sources, comprehensive review of the effectiveness and problems of past implementation has shown that it is indeed necessary to amend the regulations to keep up with the times. Therefore, the EPA has conducted a comprehensive review and revision of the regulations by specifying alternatives and conditional exemptions from testing to reduce the number of non-essential tests and raise the quality of data from regular testing. The amendment also integrated the procedures of many current regulations relevant to testing management, while a list of the public and private premises that shall conduct regular testing and report test results of stationary pollution sources (公私場所應定期檢測及申報之固定污染源) was formulated and announced. \n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4170", "title": "Drinking Water Quality Standards Revised to Respond to Climate Change", "preview": "Drinking Water Quality Standards Revised to Respond to Climate Change\nTo respond to climate change, adapt to extreme climate events, and enhance the management of drinking water quality, the EPA amended and announced water quality items in the Drinking Water Quality Standards (飲用水水質標準) for substances that do not affect health, so as to increase the resilience and stability of the water supply while also ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water. \n", "content": "The Drinking Water Quality Standards were formulated and announced in 1998 by the EPA and have undergone six reviews and amendments since then. At present, there are a total of 68 control items in the Standards. The EPA has been reviewing the Drinking Water Standards in response to the need for adaptation to climate change, technological development and international trends in drinking water management. Natural disasters such as droughts, torrential rains and earthquakes often cause shortages of source water, unstable source water quality and other conditions that affect water treatment and hence drinking water quality. Thus, the EPA announced this amendment and the addition of standards for substances that do not affect health, so as to ensure the sufficiency and quality of drinking water supply during periods of natural disaster response. \n\n1. The standard for free residual chlorine, when source water turbidity values exceed 1,500 NTU as a result of torrential rains or other natural disasters, was revised. When source water turbidity exceeds 1,500 NTU due to torrential rains or other natural disasters, the turbid water even after purification treatment will still have turbidity values slightly higher than normal. To avoid high-turbidity conditions, in which microorganisms in the water can grow or hide in the pores of suspended particles, it is necessary to increase the amount of chlorine added to the effluent to ensure water quality safety through continuous disinfection. Therefore, to respond and adapt to extreme climate situations, the standard for free residual chlorine was revised to 0.2-3.0 (mg\/L). The previous maximum limit was 2.0 (mg\/L). \n \n2. Drinking water quality standards were added for tap water supplied by water source zones affected during natural disaster response periods, including:\n Limit range for free residual chlorine: 0.2-3.0 (mg\/L)\n Physical standards: the maximum limit for turbidity is 4 NTU and for color 10 Platinum-cobalt units\n Contaminants that cause aesthetic, cosmetic, and technical effects: iron 0.5 (mg\/L), manganese 0.1 (mg\/L), total hardness as CaCO3 400 (mg\/L). \n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4169", "title": "EPA Signs Memorandum of Cooperation on Net-Zero Vision with an NGO for the First Time ", "preview": "EPA Signs Memorandum of Cooperation on Net-Zero Vision with an NGO for the First Time \nFor the first time, the EPA and the Humanistic Culture and Education Foundation signed a memorandum of cooperation on \"Net-Zero Vision and Green Action\" at the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum on 1 June 2022. The EPA and the museum jointly held the unveiling ceremony for “Net-Zero Green Living” presided over by EPA Minister Tzi-chin Chang, the representative of the foundation, the Abbot of Fo Guang Shan and other guests. \n", "content": "Representatives of the EPA and the Humanistic Culture and Education Foundation at the unveiling ceremony for Net-Zero Green Living at Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, after signing a memorandum of cooperation on \"Net-Zero Vision and Green Action\". \n\nTo respond to climate change, countries have successively declared the vision of 2050 Net-Zero Emissions, and made changing people’s behavior a key strategy. President Tsai has also stated that Taiwan will advance with the world towards net zero. However, initiating lifestyle transformation is not a responsibility of just a few industries, but a matter for all citizens. Therefore, during the promotion, it is necessary to excel in public communication and bring all citizens to a consensus, in order to gather forces from all sectors to jointly implement actions. \n\nIn his speech, Minister Chang mentioned that greenhouse gas reduction is not a responsibility of just the energy sector or enterprises. Changes in people’s behavior are also critical to affect greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, everyone should start to take actions conforming to green living so that the vision of 2050 Net-Zero Emissions can be achieved. \n\nThis is the first time the EPA has signed a memorandum of cooperation on \"Net-Zero Vision and Green Action\" with a non-governmental organization. The EPA looks forward to cooperating with non-governmental organizations and schools on environmental education to advance towards net-zero green living. They are to jointly carry out “concept and education promotion”, “promotion action plans”, and “organization of forums” to raise public awareness and attention regarding green living and to have all citizens jointly embrace the transformation to net-zero emissions.\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "control and evaluation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4168", "title": "“Only One Earth” as Theme of 2022 World Environment Day", "preview": "“Only One Earth” as Theme of 2022 World Environment Day\nThe theme of 2022 World Environment Day was “Only One Earth,\" which aimed to encourage every country to adopt policies that promote cleaner, greener, and more sustainable lifestyles in order to achieve harmony with nature. Taiwan has also caught up with the global trend, with the central and local governments all answering the call for a zero-emission, green lifestyle. EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang led directors of all 22 local environmental bureaus in the shooting of a promotion video series, “2022 World Environment Day – Green Lifestyle for All”. The videos invite all citizens to help create a future of zero carbon and green lifestyles and loudly voice love for everyone’s Only One Earth.\n", "content": "No one is an outsider in the task of environmental protection. As the authority in charge of this area, the EPA has rounded up all counties and cities to answer the global call for zero-carbon and a green lifestyle, an act that displays the central government’s resolve to cooperate with others. Made jointly by the central and local governments, the video series shows all counties’ and cities’ efforts, filled with unique local features, in the transformation toward green lifestyles through utilizing local advantages, conserving resources, and protecting environments. Every county and city has helped safeguard the Earth by actively promoting a green lifestyle and making changes in food, clothing, households, transportation, education, entertainment, and consumption.\n\nThe “2022 World Environment Day – Green Lifestyle for All” series includes a 90-second-long video and a three-minute-long one. Both were debuted on the EPA’s Facebook page on 3 June and concurrently launched by county and city environmental bureaus. The public is welcome to share these videos on social media to show one’s love for our Only One Earth.\n\nMoreover, for public inquiry the EPA has added a page on its Green Life website (https:\/\/greenlife.epa.gov.tw) to showcase features and highlights of different counties and cities in their promotion of a green lifestyle. This is to help people understand concepts of zero carbon and a green lifestyle as well as the efforts of local governments.\n\nThe EPA has emphasized that there is only one Earth and one Taiwan for us all and that now with the pandemic it is ever more imperative to ponder the balance between the human race and the environment. Everybody is encouraged to work together on protecting the environment by making small changes in their daily lives in order to achieve net zero and a green lifestyle by 2050.\n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "control and evaluation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4167", "title": "Hsinchu County and Hsinchu Science Park First to Purchase Offset Credits as Platform Launched for Replacing Old Motorcycles with Electric Ones ", "preview": "Hsinchu County and Hsinchu Science Park First to Purchase Offset Credits as Platform Launched for Replacing Old Motorcycles with Electric Ones \nReplacement of every old motorcycle with an electric one will result in an emission reduction of 2.3 metric tons of CO2e. Thus, in 2022 the EPA began to provide practical rewards for such replacements. On 30 May, the EPA announced that Hsinchu Science Park Bureau (HSPB) and Hsinchu County Environmental Bureau became the first purchasers of offset credits. A proposal was then made to the EPA’s Scrap Vehicle Platform on 10 June to match offers of offset credits.\n", "content": "The platform not only allows people to replace their old motorcycles with new electric ones all in one go but also provides opportunities to purchase reduction benefits as offset credits generated from these replacements. Those qualified to purchase are developers that have passed environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and proposed their own greenhouse gas offset procurement plans. It involves municipal, county, and city governments willing to offer credits to those within their jurisdictions who need to offset increased emissions from development activities.\n\nThe HSPB has planned to purchase offset credits based on replacing 100,000 old motorcycles over two years, paying NT$1,500\/motorcycle. Meanwhile, Hsinchu County Environmental Bureau has proposed to purchase credits for replacing 400 motorcycles, paying NT$2,000\/motorcycle. The scheme is still restricted to newly purchased electric motorcycles whose registrations are in Hsinchu County. The combined procurement is equivalent to an emission reduction of 230,920 metric tons of carbon, and motorcycle owners who participate in the program receive additional incentives besides contributing to carbon reduction. Such a model is an example of collaboration between the private and public sectors, creating a win-win situation for all and also encouraging the public to adopt a low-carbon lifestyle via behavioral changes.\n\nThe EPA Deputy Minister Chih-Hsiu Shen pointed out that Taiwan’s pledge to achieve 2050 Net-Zero Emissions, requires the participation of every citizen via lifestyle transformation. As transportation accounts for 13% of Taiwan’s total carbon emissions, one of the critical moves to achieve zero emissions is to replace the 14 million fuel-burning motorcycles and 8 million fuel-burning cars with electric models. The first vehicles as the top replacement priority are the over 300 million old fuel-burning motorcycles on the roads. As for cars, the government is currently working on installing user-friendly charging facilities.\n\nAccording to relevant regulations, replacing an old motorcycle with an electric one results in reducing emissions by 2.3 metric tons of CO2e, the credits from which can be transferred to developers or local governments to offset increased emissions. The Hsinchu Science Park has proposed its procurement plan specifically for the second expansion stage of the 2-nm chip factory of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) in Baoshan, Hsinchu, and TSMC will foot the bill for all carbon credit purchases under the plan. Aside from being the first to join in to purchase reduction benefits from motorcycle replacements, the Hsinchu Science Park has been striving ahead in water and energy conservation, green energy, and green transportation.\n\nNow that the EPA signed the contracts with the HSPB and the Hsinchu County Environmental Bureau, respectively, the two agencies are contractually obliged to wire the payments to an EPA-designated account. Afterwards, the scrap vehicle platform will officially launch its matching function. Other than applying to terminate old motorcycle registrations and for the recycling reward of $2,300, qualified applicants can also choose to sell the reduction benefits from the replacement of their old motorcycles to the HSPB. Furthermore, if the new electric motorcycles are registered in Hsinchu County, owners can sell the benefits to the HSPB or the County Environmental Bureau. Once the platform confirms that all information is accurate, within one month motorcycle owners will receive NT$1,500 or NT$2,000 for making the replacements. \n\nFor people still using old motorcycles, the EPA again urges them to replace them by purchasing a new electric one by applying on the Scrap Vehicle Platform (https:\/\/epamotor.epa.gov.tw\/people\/OneStepServiceIndex.aspx). This will greatly contribute to environmental protection and achieve a reduction of both air pollution and carbon emissions.\n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4166", "title": "Revisions Preannounced for First Group of Emission Sources Required to Undergo Inspection and Registration", "preview": "Revisions Preannounced for First Group of Emission Sources Required to Undergo Inspection and Registration\nAiming to expand and tighten controls on sources and amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, on 23 May 2022 the EPA preannounced amendments to the first group of emission sources required to undergo inspection and registration. In addition, targets have been added under the second group of emission sources. The regulations have been renamed Enterprise Emission Sources and Registered Emission Amounts Required for Inspection (事業應盤查登錄溫室氣體排放量之排放源). Moreover, the EPA held a meeting on the draft revision of the first group of emission sources on 29 June to hear from all sides.\n", "content": "Inspections of emission amounts is the key foundation in greenhouse gas reduction. Only through understanding sources, reasons, and total amounts of greenhouse gas emissions can further reductions be figured out.\n\nIn 2016 the first group of sources required to undergo inspection and registration was announced by the EPA. Targets are industries such as power generation, steel manufacturing, oil refineries, cement, semiconductors, and thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). They also include factories\/plants that annually produce 25,000 metric tons or more of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from burning fossil fuels. Targets are mandated to complete inspection and registration of their total emissions of individual factories\/plants for every year by 31 August every following year. Based on the statistics, a total of 287 sources in 2020 were required to register their emission amounts for inspection in 2021. In total they had emitted 223 million metric tons of CO2e, approximately 78% of Taiwan’s total emissions.\n\nThe preannounced draft revisions include the addition of sources of the second group required to undergo inspection and registration (see table). New targets include manufacturers with factories\/plants whose direct emissions from burning fossil fuels and indirect emissions from electricity usage, when combined, reach 25,000 metric tons of CO2e or more. Mandates will take effect on 1 January 2023, in which sources under the second group are to register their total emissions in 2023 by 31 August the following year for inspection. They are required to register every year before the deadline.\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4165", "title": "Enhancing and Utilizing the Recycling Fund to Its Full Effect", "preview": "Enhancing and Utilizing the Recycling Fund to Its Full Effect\nTaiwan’s Four-In-One recycling system has been in place for years and always been well received. The current recycling policies focus on perfecting the management of the recycling and disposal industry, audits, and certification, as well as facilitating agencies and organizations to recycle. In the future, the EPA will keep promoting recycling and working on rebranding so that recyclers can become communities’ green partners and more active in striving for thorough garbage sorting and zero waste. It is hoped that the vision of a circular society may ultimately be realized.\n", "content": "In recent years Taiwan has been highly praised in the international community for its systemized recycling policies adopted in waste disposal. Previously, the focus was mostly on incineration and landfills at the end of the disposal process. Now it has moved toward source reduction and recycling. Ever since the Recycling Fund Management Board (RFMB) combined community residents, recyclers, local governments’ cleaning crews, and the Recycling Fund as participants jointly executing recycling, a positive recycling mechanism has been established. The current recycling policies cover four major areas:\n\nThe following are the focuses and results of relevant recycling policies:\n\n(1) Enhancing recycling \n1. Enhancing management and assistance for responsible enterprises\n(1) Shortening registration and payment processes\nEnterprises that are late with a large amount of overdue fees or habitually late in payments are the EPA’s priority target to obtain what is owed. The overdue amount considered as large is now lowered from NT$300,000 to NT$100,000, and the urging period is shortened from 3 months to one month, all in hopes of speeding up the collection of overdue fees.\n(2) Upholding the integrity of fee payments for responsible enterprises\nBetween January 2021 and February 2022, 2,814 enterprises were audited on their operational capacities and compulsory fees, which led to the discovery of unpaid recycling and disposal fees of NT$147,777,000.\n\n(3) Designing mandatory QR codes for paper utensil manufacturers\nTo stop evasion of registering the operating volume of paper utensils and paying the recycling and disposal fees, the EPA has been promoting affixing QR codes on paper utensils to show their manufacturers to help identify articles of responsibility. On 10 December 2021, draft revisions in Articles 4-1 and 18 of the Responsible Enterprise Regulated Recyclable Waste Management Regulations (應回收廢棄物責任業者管理辦法) were preannounced. A meeting was convened about the revisions on 24 February 2022.\n\n2. Strengthening recycling and disposal channels\n(1) Replacing old recycling vehicles\nA contract has been in place to jointly purchase recycling vehicles, details of which include replacing 118 old vehicles with new ones in 2021 and building a recycling vehicle with innovative design in the same year. The EPA collaborated with the cleaning crew in Chonghe, New Taipei City, to put this vehicle in operation for a month. The trial showed that it helped increase garbage sorting efficiency and lessened crew members’ workload. In 2022, recycling vehicles that have been in operation for 16 years or more are the first for replacement, generating positive results with greater convenience in recycling for the public.\n\n(2) Ensuring implementation of recycling at the local level\nThe EPA promotes recycling by integrating community residents, recyclers, local cleaning crews, and the Recycling Fund. In 2021, a recycling rate of 58.86% was achieved, surpassing the set goal of 54%.\n\n(3) Optimizing construction of recycling plants and related facilities \nSome subsidies can be applied for the construction and optimization of storage sites and sorting plants. A total of 81 applications were filed between January 2020 and February 2022, 50 of which had experts and scholars evaluate their construction design. In the end, NT$546.32 million were appropriated to subsidize 32 projects, which will improve the facilities of storage sites with a total capacity of 16.8 metric tons. Over 4,300 cleaning crew members will enjoy better working environments, and storage sites for recycling can benefit from enhanced operational efficiency and better public image.\n\n(4) Promoting recycling in communities and apartment complexes\nTo strengthen the Four-In-One Recycling Policies and create diverse recycling channels, the EPA began facilitating recycling in communities and apartment complexes in July 2021. By February 2022, a total of 150 recycling stations have been set up for demonstration across 1,620 communities and apartment complexes, putting compulsory sorting into practice and raising recycling results.\n\n3. Care for individual recyclers\n(1) The deadline to apply for a maximum subsidy of NT$5,000 per person for individual recyclers is extended to 31 December 2022 to soften the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.\n(2) Micro-insurance\nTo prevent disadvantaged individual recyclers from falling into financial hardship after an accident, the EPA subsidizes individual recyclers, who qualify for micro-insurance, up to NT$500\/year for the premium of basic personal injury insurance with a maximum coverage of NT$300,000.\n\n(3) Providing clean-up services to individual recyclers\nThere are teams in place that visit individual recyclers to help clean up and sanitize work environments and also provide recycling opportunities. The aim is to improve the image of these recyclers by cleaning up dirty environments caused by hoarded recyclables.\n\n(4) In 2021, the EPA assisted 22,012 individual recyclers that had recycled 11,567 metric tons of recyclables, a 5.1% increase for the number of recyclers and a 27.1% increase for the amount recycled as compared to 2020.Additionally, in January 2022, the EPA assisted 1,763 people who had recycled 955 metric tons of recyclables.\n\n4. Increasing recycling volume\n(1) Setting an action plan and organizing events to promote cellphone recycling \nAn action plan was formulated in April 2021 to promote the recycling of waste cellphones. The top ten cellphone brands, as well as all stores of the five major telecommunication companies, were invited to participate in helping set up recycling goals, provide incentives, assist in deleting personal data on the devices, take in waste or old cellphones, and track the recycled phones in the disposal stream. In October, which the EPA designated a recycling month, prize draws were conducted to encourage the recycling of cellphones. As many as 6,608 recycling stands were set up and took in 42,000 waste cellphones.\n\n(2) Promoting recycling of batteries\nA. Raising subsidization rates for recycling lithium batteries\nSecondary lithium cells include lithium ferrous phosphate (LFP) batteries, ternary polymer lithium batteries, and other secondary lithium batteries. Subsidization rates have increased for the first two categories. All these adjustments have been in effect since 1 July 2021 to increase recycling incentives.\n\nB. Outfitting additional battery-recycling containers on recycling vehicles \nA total of 3,481 recycling vehicles were equipped with such containers in 2021.\n\nC. A campaign to promote the recycling of waste cells was held from 8-21 September 2021 with additional rewards. A total of 4,476 metric tons of batteries were recycled in 2021, 403 metric tons (9.9%) more than the recycled amount in 2020.\n\n(3) Adjusting subsidization rates for lighting sources to maintain the recycling system\nSubsidization rates have been raised for recycling conventional and LED lighting sources, effective 1 July 2021, so as to maintain the overall lighting source disposal capacity and ensure the smooth operation of disposal channels. The average monthly capacity of recycling and disposing of lighting sources was 36 metric tons between January and June 2021 and grew to approximately 70 metric tons after July, an increase of 94%.\n(4) Facilitating recycling of old clothes\nThe EPA endeavors to push recycling and reuse of old clothing items to extend their lifecycles. The Guide for the Public to Recycle Used Clothing was announced on 8 November 2021 and dispensed to local environmental bureaus for promotion. On 26 January 2022, the EPA put out a news release on its Facebook page about the Guide and instructions regarding recycling old clothing.\n\nOn 30 December 2021, the Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI) was approved for subsidies to implement its project on the development and certification of quantitative testing technology and operation models for waste textiles. Under the project, the TTRI develops technologies that automatically screen old clothing materials as well as automatic sorting equipment. It also conducts R&D on end disposal technology, all to facilitate circulation of old clothes and increase the reuse rate.\n\n5. Promoting the Marine Debris Recycled Product Label (MDRPL)\n\n(1) Assisting enterprises in applying for MDRPL \nSince the Operating Guidelines for the Promotion of the Marine Debris Recycled Product Label (海洋廢棄物循環產品標章推動作業要點) was announced on 9 April 2021, the EPA has been actively helping enterprises gain certification and handling applications for the label.\n\n(2) Organizing events to grant labels and demonstrate program results\nA ceremony was held on 27 December 2021 to certify four enterprises with the Marine Debris Recycled Product Label on their 13 products. The transformation from marine wastes to material-grade plastic pellets and regular consumer products for daily use is a significant journey and a great example in environmental education. It plays a significant role in drawing attention to relevant industries.\n\n(2) Caring for cleaning crews and optimizing work environments\n1. Following up on the president’s directive to ensure occupational safety for cleaning crew members, the EPA announced a specific set of guidelines on 4 June 2020, involving a committee to promote occupational safety and sanitation for the nation’s cleaning crews. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health (both under the Minister of Labor), local environmental bureaus, and representatives from cleaning labor associations were invited to serve as committee members. Since 27 October 2020, a quarterly meeting has been held to discuss issues on enhancing occupational safety and sanitation for cleaning crew members.\n\n2. A program has been carried out since 2021 to improve local environmental bureaus’ inadequate occupational safety and sanitation management by providing needed help. Results include organizing 74 seminars on relevant issues and training 141 supervisors and management staff, which has led to all cleaning crews becoming more attentive to safety on the job. The EPA also conducted 25 onsite visits to provide needed assistance, with occupational safety experts coming along to help crew members with what can be improved. The program will continue in 2022 to ensure that local environmental authorities properly abide by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (職業安全衛生法).\nFuture Prospects\nBesides the smooth operation of the Recycling Fund and enhancement of recycling efficiency, future tasks will strengthen the management of enterprises responsible for recyclable wastes and source control. For recycling and disposal, the EPA will improve recycling enterprise management, audits, and certification, as well as expand recycling within agencies and organizations. As for the application of recyclables in construction, there will be trials on the reuse of waste glass and tires on asphalt road construction projects to display reutilization technologies and their benefits. Moreover, one of the areas the RFMB will focus on is the system in which vehicle owners are required to take their waste vehicles to legal recycling enterprises for recycling before terminating the vehicle registrations at the local Motor Vehicle Offices. This measure will effectively lower environmental and safety problems.\n", "year": "2022", "month": "6", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4164", "title": "Excess Capacity Permit Application Streamlined to Allow Flexible Utilization of Industrial Waste Processing Capacities", "preview": "Waste\nExcess Capacity Permit Application Streamlined to Allow Flexible Utilization of Industrial Waste Processing Capacities\nTo raise the efficiency of industrial waste processing and encourage enterprises to utilize the excess capacity of their processing facilities, the EPA announced the draft amendments to the Regulations Governing the Permitting and Management of Excess Processing Capacities of Industrial Waste Processing Facilities. The amendments will allow permitted enterprises to apply for simplified permit documents so as to streamline the permit application for excess processing capacity. The amendments will simplify government administration and incentivize enterprises to cooperate, which will in turn boost industrial waste processing efficiency. \n", "content": "The Regulations Governing the Permitting and Management of Excess Processing Capacities of Industrial Waste Processing Facilities (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations) have not been reviewed and amended since its promulgation on 29 May 2002. To effectively expand industrial waste processing capacities and aim for flexible utilization of resources, the Regulations are to be amended. \n\nThe main points of the amendments are summarized as follows:\n\n1. To encourage enterprises to make the excess capacity of their processing facilities available and to streamline the permit application for excess processing capacity, provisions are added to allow those that have obtained permits to process waste by themselves or with other enterprises apply for simplified permit documents if the wastes to be processed are consistent with the originally permitted types of wastes. The provisions also stipulate the documents required for the permit application and the content to be listed on the permit document. (Amendments to Articles 3, 5, and 8) \n2. Referencing the Permit Management Regulations for Public or Private Waste Clearance and Disposal Organizations, provisions on the duration, extension application, and cancellation of approved trial runs are added. (Amendment to Article 4)\n3. A provision stipulating that the excess processing capacities applied for by enterprises cannot be more than 50% of the installed processing capacities is added. (Amendment to Article 7) \n4. The term of excess capacity permits is extended from three years to five years. (Amendment to Article 9)\n5. The requirement to reapply for the permits after expiration is changed to permit extension applications. Provisions on documents required for permit extension applications are also added. (Amendment to Article 10)\n6. To streamline the application procedures for changes in enterprise excess capacity permits, a provision that allows changes other than basic information be applied for through the change application procedure without needing to re-apply for the permits is added. (Amendment to Article 11) \n", "year": "2022", "month": "5", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4163", "title": "Results of Carbon Reduction Competition for Boroughs Announced", "preview": "Climate change\nResults of Carbon Reduction Competition for Boroughs Announced\n", "content": "To promote carbon reduction at the local level, the EPA continues to encourage partnering boroughs that have obtained Low-carbon Sustainable Homeland certifications to participate in this year’s Carbon Reduction Action Competition for Boroughs. After more than two months of evaluations by region and group, the awarding ceremony was held on 20 April to commend boroughs with outstanding performances. High distinction awards in the silver group were granted to Toufen Village in Yuanshan Township, Yilan County and Baweng Borough in Liuying District, Tainan City.\nClimate change is an issue requiring the involvement of all people, from households to boroughs, counties and cities to the entire country. Since 2012, the EPA has been implementing the Low-carbon Sustainable Homeland Certification Scheme, granting silver and bronze certifications. More than a thousand villages and boroughs across the country have obtained certifications, putting low-carbon lifestyles into practice, implementing local climate adaptation measures, and building the capacity needed for achieving net-zero emissions. \nThe EPA continued to organize the Carbon Reduction Action Competition for Boroughs this year. Recommended by the county and city environmental protection bureaus, 57 villages and boroughs, divided into north, central and south regions, took part in the competition. After more than two months of comprehensive evaluation, outstanding participants were selected. Toufen Village in Yuanshan Township, Yilan County and Baweng Borough in Liuying District, Tainan City won the high distinction awards of the silver group, while Mingxing Borough in Wenshan District, Taipei City and Jixiang Borough in Xindian District, New Taipei City won the high distinction awards of the bronze group.\nToufen Village in Yuansan Township, Yilan County is a typical rural community where large amounts of agricultural wastes are generated as farmers cut down aged bamboo every year. In the past, these wastes were often disposed of by burning, but more recently the waste bamboos were combined with kitchen waste, fermented and reused as soil enhancers. They were promoted as fertilizers of environment-friendly agriculture to farmers so as to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, which in turn lower carbon emissions and air pollution. The idea of \"turning waste into treasure\" attracted many residents to put circular economy into practice. The residents further established the Low Carbon Learning Workshop, adopting farm-to-table sustainable lifestyles. The high distinction award of the silver group was therefore awarded to Toufen Village for its achievements in consolidating the community and inspiring its residents' interest in low-carbon sustainable topics.\n\nToufen Village in Yuansan Township, Yilan County\n\nAnother place that won the high distinction award of the silver group was Baweng Borough in Liuying District, Tainan City where farmers produce high-quality cheese products, creating considerable economic output values. However, cattle breeding not only produces large amounts of waste but also heavily consumes power. The ranch owners took the suggestion of placing solar photovoltaic panels on the roof of cowsheds to supply not only power for their own needs but also give the remaining power back to the grid, saving energy and reducing carbon emissions. In addition, volunteers from the borough went to the cowsheds to promote the separation and filtration of cow dung and urine, followed by sun exposure and fermentation, to produce green fertilizers for the pasture and crops such as corn. Not only does the practice reduce wastewater discharge, but it recycles and reuses wastes.\n\nBaweng Borough in Liuying District, Tainan City\n\n\nIn conclusion, rich and diversified carbon reduction actions were promoted in the award-winning villages and boroughs where local leaders encouraged residents’ participation in the joint promotion of energy and resource reduction. These actions included introducing citizen power plant systems to actively create green energy, putting into practice resource circulation and recycling and waste reduction, greening communities so as to reduce pollution and lower the temperature, promoting low-carbon diets composed of seasonal and locally grown food, as well as building new lifestyles adaptive to disasters in the face of climate risks. These actions fully reflected the spirit and purpose of the EPA’s promotion of the Low-carbon Sustainable Homeland Certification Scheme.\n(Link to the video about the competition https:\/\/youtu.be\/L-C0hZm2zg0)\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "5", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4162", "title": "Paper Tableware Management Strengthened with Source Identification QR Code Labelling", "preview": "Recycling\nPaper Tableware Management Strengthened with Source Identification QR Code Labelling\nTo strengthen the management of enterprises responsible for paper tableware and bring unregistered paper tableware enterprises under government control, the EPA amended the Responsible Enterprise Regulated Recyclable Waste Management Regulations (應回收廢棄物責任業者管理辦法) to require paper tableware to be marked with a QRcode issued by the EPA to trace manufacturer and importer information. Existing enterprises responsible for paper tableware are to complete the labeling within three months after the announced implementation date, while newly registered responsible enterprises should complete the labeling within two months after completing registration.\n", "content": "The EPA said that due to to the occurrence of COVID-19 in 2020, the demand for take-away paper tableware has increased, which in turn has increased the number of enterprises responsible for paper tableware. Responsible enterprises that have not registered in accordance with the regulations or that have not paid the recycling and disposal fees for the paper tableware they have produced, seriously affect the operation of the existing paper container recycling system. Consequently, to strengthen the management of unregistered paper tableware enterprises, those that manufacture and import flat paper containers are required to label their products with a unique QR code issued by the EPA. This allows citizens or environmental protection bureau inspectors to link the products to the website set up by the EPA upon scanning the QR code, where the source of the products and information such as legitimately registered responsible enterprises are shown, to enable determination of whether the products are manufactured or imported by legitimately registered enterprises. \nThe EPA reminded existing responsible enterprises that they are to complete the labeling within three months after the announced implementation date, while newly registered responsible enterprises should complete the labeling within two months after registration. As for unlabeled stocked products that were produced before the announcement and have yet to be moved, enterprises should sell them within six months, but may apply for an extension of up to one year to clear their inventory.\n", "year": "2022", "month": "5", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4161", "title": "Efforts to Remove Garbage from Rivers Yields Good Results", "preview": "Water\nEfforts to Remove Garbage from Rivers Yields Good Results\nEfforts to remove garbage from rivers by Taiwan’s 22 city and county governments, the ten River Management Offices of the Water Resources Agency (WRA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), and the seventeen Management Offices of the Irrigation Agency of the Council of Agriculture (COA) have yielded good results in 2021. 12,865 instances of garbage removal and 11,265 inspections were carried out by all agencies resulting in a total of 9,650 metric tons of garbage removed. Among the garbage, bags of garbage and plastics made up the bulk of human-generated garbage and accounted for 299 metric tons.\n", "content": "As the guardian of river water quality and environments, since 2018 the EPA has been urging ministries and relevant agencies of local governments to conduct garbage interception and removal from rivers to prevent garbage from flowing into the ocean. Removal management mechanisms were established to systematically clear and manage garbage from rivers. Annual garbage removal audit plans were also carried out to enhance the efficiency of removal. Aspects that are audited include garbage removal operations, inspection operations, and river cleaning activities.\nIn the annual audit of 2021, a total of twelve agencies received high distinction awards and ten agencies received excellence awards. Among those receiving high distinction awards were Taipei City, Tainan City, Hsinchu City, Changhua County, Kinmen County, Pingtung County, Hualien County, Taitung County, the Second, Third and Fourth River Management Offices of the WRA, and the Hsinchu Management Office of the Irrigation Agency, COA.\nAt present, manual removal or interception nets are employed by the majority of counties and cities in removal operations while interception ropes, boats and mechanized equipment are also used as auxiliary tools. The ecological diversity and the wide range of water environments in Taiwan make cross-ministerial cooperation necessary in maintaining cleanliness of rivers. Also for that purpose, the EPA summons county and city governments, the WRA, and the Irrigation Agency to annual meetings every year to constantly upgrade management mechanisms. This year, the EPA conducted audits, achievement sharing and award events, as well as the annual meeting in May to share and discuss results gathered from the past year. The management mindsets of the participants were further strengthened through sharing experiences across agencies, exchanges between groups and on-site visits.\nThe EPA calls for all citizens to follow a green lifestyle in which the recycling and reprocessing of garbage can reduce the garbage that flows into rivers and the ocean, and urges the public to reduce the use of single-use products so as to reduce waste and make river environments more pleasant. \n", "year": "2022", "month": "5", "assortment": "Water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4160", "title": "Students Welcomed to Participate in 2022 Air Quality Knowledge, Action and Innovation Competition", "preview": "Air\nStudents Welcomed to Participate in 2022 Air Quality Knowledge, Action and Innovation Competition\nEchoing the theme for Earth Day, “Invest in Our Planet”, the EPA launched the “Invest In Clean Air~All IN!” event on 22 April 2022, soliciting projects for the 2022 Air Quality Knowledge, Action and Innovation Competition. A total of NT$300,000 in prizes will be awarded to the high school and college student teams with the best innovative projects to improve air quality. Students are encouraged to participate and work in teams with a fresh perspective and propose new ideas and innovations regarding air quality policies. The deadline for submission of projects is 3 July 2022.\n", "content": "High school and college students are invited to participate in this year's competition in teams of two to five members. The main theme of the competition continues to focus on the seven major aspects of daily life: food, clothing, housing, transportation, education, recreation and folk culture. The competition also echoes the international declaration and action for “Net-Zero Emissions by 2050” by soliciting ideas on ways to reduce air pollutants and greenhouse gases.\nThe EPA said this was the third year the competition has been organized. Last year nearly 50 teams comprising a total of over 170 high school and college students participated. There were cross-disciplinary and cross-school teams formed that brought more diverse and fruitful results to the competition, including song creation, board games, lesson plans to promote air quality knowledge and policy, promotion of green campuses, environmental travel route planning, APP designs, promotion of eco-friendly temples with VR technology and ecological joss paper, and research and development of air-purifying clothing and eco-friendly composite materials.\nInvesting in good air is investing in our planet and everyone is capable of echoing support for Earth Day. The 2022 Air Quality Knowledge, Action and Innovation Competition is in need of the active and enthusiastic participation of fresh troops. Please go to the website for more information on the “Invest in Clean Air – All In!” competition and relevant events. \n", "year": "2022", "month": "5", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4159", "title": "Revisions Preannounced for Standards for Determining Scope of EIAs", "preview": "EIA\nRevisions Preannounced for Standards for Determining Scope of EIAs\nThe EPA evaluated the current environmental impact assessment (EIA) system, having planned short-, middle-, and long-term enhancement strategies. For the short-term strategy, the EPA aims to establish a clear and efficient EIA system by drafting revisions for various sub-laws, including the Standards for Determining Specific Items and Scope of Environmental Impact Assessments for Development Activities (開發行為應實施環境影響評估細目及範圍認定標準).\n", "content": "Revisions have taken into consideration suggestions from various agencies, announcements and previous amendments to relevant regulations, as well as reviews of questions that arose from actual practice. The following are the key points of the revisions:\n\n Exemption from an EIA may be granted in the event of maintenance dredging done to ensure safe passage of vessels and continue normal port and harbor operations.\n\n For desalination plants, if approved by the industry competent authority, exemption from an EIA is granted for construction or capacity expansion as these are deemed temporary measures against drought.\n\n Regarding EIAs, the revisions tighten regulations concerning the distance required between wind turbines and the closest structures.\n\n For mixed industrial\/commercial districts or large shopping centers, and venues for exhibitions, expos, or displays, determination standards are changed based on the overall size of developed areas. Also, EIAs are required for activities in reservoir watersheds.\n\n Under the revisions, EIAs are required for cable car installations.\n\n The revision adds that EIAs are mandated for national space launch centers established according to the Space Development Act (太空發展法).\n", "year": "2022", "month": "5", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "" }, { "no": "4158", "title": "Change from Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act to Climate Change Mitigation Act Approved by the Executive Yuan", "preview": "Climate change\nChange from Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act to Climate Change Mitigation Act Approved by the Executive Yuan\nOn 21 April, the EPA-proposed draft revision of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法) was sent by the Executive Yuan to the Legislative Yuan for approval. The revision aims to establish a climate-based legislative foundation to achieve net-zero emissions. Amendments include changing the name of the legislation to the Climate Change Mitigation Act (氣候變遷因應法) and adding 28 articles on top of the original 62, all of which shows equal consideration and attention to both greenhouse gas reduction as well as climate change mitigation.\n", "content": "After numerous discussions last year with industries, civic organizations and government entities, the Executive Yuan passed the proposed amendments on the eve of World Earth Day 2022. This commendable result was achieved through the joint efforts of all Taiwanese in every field. It is meaningful both symbolically and in actual practice, for it has laid the foundation for Taiwan’s endeavor toward net-zero emissions. Key points in the revised act are as follows:\n\nKey legislative foundation for transformation to achieve zero emissions by 2050\nOn 30 March 2022, Taiwan announced its official blueprint for carbon reduction, the “Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions by 2050”. An essential part of the effort toward net-zero emissions under the blueprint is to strengthen the climate-related legislative foundation. The long-term national goal for carbon reduction under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act currently in place is to reduce carbon emissions to 50% of the 2005 level by the year 2050. The amendments set a new goal to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050, demonstrating Taiwan’s resolve in this effort. To achieve such a goal, government entities at all levels are to work with citizens, enterprises and organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, develop carbon-negative technology and collaborate globally. \n\nThe increased importance of climate governance with equal focus on both carbon reduction and climate change mitigation\nThe revised act elevates climate-related governance to a higher official level. Henceforth, the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) will be in charge of coordinating, delegating, and integrating the national principles for climate change issues as well as relevant policies and projects across different entities, with the Premier serving as convener. Local governments are to set up agencies solely to handle climate change issues, with local mayors and magistrates as conveners to coordinate and integrate local efforts relevant to climate change. Moreover, the central competent authorities are to formulate national action guidelines for climate change, set phased control targets and make national climate change mitigation action plans. Central competent authorities for industry are to determine action plans for the sectors or fields under their supervision. Meanwhile, local governments are to formulate or amend implementation measures. The efforts of these three government levels are also required to establish review mechanisms and have citizens participate. Also, in an effort to adapt to impacts of climate change and establish a resilient system, the amendments aim to increase mitigation capacities by keeping up to date with climate change science and risk assessment so as to better promote relevant mitigation work.\n\nExpedited carbon reduction to enhance the global competitive edge of industries \nUnder this revision, relevant investigations and audits are to be managed by category in order to help industries examine their carbon emissions and increase auditing capacities. The goal is to comply with requirements concerning information on carbon emissions of supply chains. Efficiency standards are newly added for industries to follow in order to lower carbon emissions from production processes and thus enhance their competitive edge. For vehicle manufacturers and importers as well as structures and facilities of new buildings, there are also new emission standards and regulations for reducing emissions. Newly set or modified emission sources up to a certain scale are mandated to reduce their environmental impacts via offsets based on a percentage of the increased emissions they bring. Additionally, the revised act strives to stabilize carbon trading in line with the trend of carbon pricing. Enterprises and governments of all levels, either on their own or with others, are to propose voluntary reduction programs to carry out reduction measures accordingly. It will allow emitters to acquire reduction quotas and manage the uses, transfers, and trades concerning these quotas. Besides the above, relevant regulations are set to keep up with the world’s ongoing development of post-carbon capture utilization and storage technologies. The goal is to help develop carbon-negative technologies, whilst\nmanaging factors that have an impact on the environment.\n\nCollection of carbon fees for specific uses\nCarbon pricing encourages emission reduction through economic incentives and is therefore widely recognized as one of the important reduction strategies. The revised act sets up a system to collect carbon fees from domestic emission sources, which are then solely used to assist, subsidize, and reward carbon reduction endeavors and conduct relevant technological research that will facilitate reduction efforts and develop a low-carbon economy. As for the global economy and trade, with careful assessment Taiwan will launch a carbon border adjustment mechanism on imported goods if necessary. Enterprises importing products listed under control are required to register the amount of carbon emissions associated with such imports and trade reduction quotas based on differences of emissions.\n\nPublic participation to build momentum for emission reduction \nClimate change issues span numerous fields and cannot be appropriately addressed without everyone’s participation. The revised act strengthens information disclosure and expands public participation mechanisms, mandating governments of all levels to invite all stakeholders when formulating programs or plans concerning carbon reduction or climate change response. Then implementation results are to be disclosed. These programs and plans are also required to integrate comprehensive, community-based mitigation policies and measures. Meanwhile, the management mechanism and labeling system for product carbon footprints are strengthened to extend responsibilities of producers, motivating enterprises to produce and encouraging people to choose low-carbon products. Furthermore, the revised act enhances systems for nurturing needed talents and to develop relevant technologies, as well as introduces just transition into reduction and mitigation work.\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "5", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4157", "title": "Ban on Manufacturing, Importing, and Selling of Food Packaging Containing PVC Takes Effect on 1 July 2023", "preview": "Recycling\nBan on Manufacturing, Importing, and Selling of Food Packaging Containing PVC Takes Effect on 1 July 2023\nThe EPA has announced that manufacturing, importing, and selling polyvinylchloride (PVC) food containers will be limited from 1 July 2023. Targeted items include flat packaging, containers announced as recyclables, and non-flat disposable tableware. Such limits aim to reduce the harmful risks that PVCs pose to the environment and human health.\n", "content": "The phasing out of food packaging containing PVCs has become a global trend, with countries such as South Korea and New Zealand having gradually announced measures to phase out this type of packaging. Stabilizers added to PVC-containing products pose potential threats to human health. Also, PVCs are susceptible to corrosion by oil, which can easily cause leakage of plasticizers into food and lead to exposure to environmental hormones and carcinogenic risks from PVCs. Finally, the burning of discarded PVCs releases dioxins and heavy metals. A small percentage of these enter the air via incinerator chimneys, while the rest stay in incinerator fly ash and bottom ash, also potentially causing environmental contamination.\n\nTo reduce pollution caused by PVC-containing products at source, the EPA has formulated relevant controls based on the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法) Article 21. From 1 July 2023, prohibitions will be effective on the manufacture, import, and sale of PVC-containing products including flat packaging, containers announced as recyclables, and non-flat disposal tableware containing a number of food items. These items include food products, animal food products, animal feed, dairy products, seasonings, vinegar, salt, edible oils, beverages, packaged drinking water, alcohols, medicinal alcohols, and solutions for oral internal use that contain amino acids or multiple kinds of vitamins. However, products manufactured or imported before the effective date are not subject to the ban. Currently, all enterprises have alternative containers made from other materials. The EPA expects this control measure to reduce food packaging containing PVCs by 79 metric tons every year.\n", "year": "2022", "month": "5", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4156", "title": "Recycling and Reutilization of Plastics Among Industries", "preview": "waste\nRecycling and Reutilization of Plastics Among Industries\nIn recent years, the world has been increasingly focused on waste plastic disposal with many proposals concerning recycling. The EPA aims to facilitate various industries’ practices in plastic recycling and reuse and reduce disposal via incineration. Assistance has been provided to industries, including key players like ASE Technology and TSMC, to reexamine the nature and types of waste plastics and put recyclable plastics back into industries for reutilization. This will lead to a high ratio of waste plastic reuse and eventually a circular economy.\n", "content": "Setting up the Office of Resource Circulation to achieve total resource circulation\nRecently, countries around the globe like nations in the EU, Japan, and Korea have proposed resource- and recycling-related policies one after another. There is an even more urgent need for Taiwan to fully recycle and utilize resources and materials, as 76% of resources needed in Taiwan are imported. In light of that, on 1 July 2021, the EPA set up the Office of Resource Circulation to specifically focus on the overall planning and management of resource management. Categorized into four groups -- biological materials, organic chemical materials, metal and chemical substances, and inorganic recycled aggregates -- all materials and resources are incorporated for thorough management throughout their life cycles. The Office is fully committed to turning all wastes into usable energy and resources to optimize reutilization and minimize waste disposal, achieving total resource circulation.\n\nIn addition, ten agencies -- including offices set up by the Renewable Resource Recycling and Reuse Promotion Committee to handle the recycling of different materials, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Council of Agriculture -- are joining hands to promote resource recycling.\n\nEstablishing a resource recycling chain in all aspects of civilian life and various industries\nFacing issues like limited fossil resources, over-use of plastics, and large volumes of garbage, the UN is drafting an agreement on plastics. Global organizations like the MacArthur Foundation are proposing plans for waste reduction, material replacement, and recycling. The EPA already has policies in place to reduce plastics in everyday lives of people and recycle packaging materials in retail stores. Now, its endeavors are being extended to cover industries. Other than demonstrating the current recycling results in various industries, the EPA will establish a resource recycling chain by further connecting upstream, midstream, and downstream industries and enhancing resource circulation efficiency via technology research and regulatory updates.\n\nThe EPA has been examining common waste plastics generated by different industries. In the case of the technology industry, many items were once not reused at all except for power-generation via incineration. Now recycling and reuse enterprises are able to identify materials and assess their recyclability. A model can be set up to take in recyclable materials so that more materials can be reutilized. With innovative recycling and reuse technologies, reuse capabilities for plastics are increased by inventories and collection and sorting systems adopted by industries for plastic wastes.\n\nContinued innovations to develop reuse technologies for plastic wastes\n\nTaiwan possesses mature technologies for plastic recycling and continues to develop innovative products and technologies. For instance, Horng En Plastics has introduced the recycling of marine waste to increase benefits for the environment, while Da Fon Environmental Technology helps production sources to reduce waste and reutilize post-consumer recycled plastics (PCRs) right on the site. Chien An has developed technology to separate aluminum-plastic composite materials, and Ampack produces customized products with recycled plastic packaging materials from production sources. All the above contribute to optimization of existing plastic circulation routes.\n\nApproximately 28% of the 240,000 metric tons of plastic waste annually generated by domestic enterprises are reutilized. To increase the reuse percentage of plastics, the EPA is actively taking resource circulation models used for residents’ daily living and expanding their use in various industries and endeavors to establish a plastic recycling and reuse network among industries. In this way, industries can transform themselves and solve difficult plastic waste problems through the introduction of circulation models.\n\nASE Technology sets up recycling center and TSMC reutilizes 8,000 metric tons of waste plastics\n\nTSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.) is an example of the technology industry taking innovative measures. With its material packaging guidebook to regulate suppliers concerning the use of materials, TSMC has recycling and reuse enterprises stationed in their factories to help sort wastes, combining innovative technologies to develop more than 20 products from recycled materials. Such efforts led to the reutilization of 8,000 metric tons of waste plastics in 2021, with a reutilization ratio of 66%. Meanwhile, ASE Technology (Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc.) has set up a recycling center, which collects waste plastics generated by all factories. These plastics are then sorted into many items for reuse based on their material characteristics and nature. The result was the reutilization of 4,300 metric tons of waste plastics in 2021 with a reutilization ratio of 68%.\n\nReplicating successful circulation models among industries via waste reduction at both production and disposal ends\nIn recent years many industries have been working on waste reduction throughout their production chains in order to achieve sustainable development and meet their corporate social responsibilities (CSR). The EPA notes that waste reduction requires effort at both the production and disposal ends, in other words, less use of materials will reduce the amount of waste at the production end, and proper sorting will increase reuse at the disposal end. Via efforts at both ends, industries can reexamine the categories and natures of their waste plastics before adjusting reuse channels to lessen the workloads of incinerators. In the future, successful circulation models can be replicated in different industries to help enhance recycling capacities and benefits and allow more resources to be appropriately utilized.\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "5", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4155", "title": "EPA Minister Shares Taiwan's Environmental Experience at Our Ocean Conference in Palau", "preview": "general policy\nEPA Minister Shares Taiwan's Environmental Experience at Our Ocean Conference in Palau\nThe seventh Our Ocean Conference (OOC) took place in Palau on 13-14 April 2022, with EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang attending as an envoy assigned by President Tsai and giving a speech in the session “Tackling Marine Pollution.” In addition to sharing Taiwan's environmental protection experience, Minister Chang suggested that other nations consider source reduction, circular economy, and the promotion of environmental education and citizen participation as ways to make the world’s oceans cleaner. \n", "content": "Our Ocean Conference (OOC)\nFounded in 2014 by John Kerry, who is the current U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, the first Our Ocean Conference (OOC) was held in Washington, DC. Hosts in following years have included Chile, the EU, Indonesia, Norway, and others. Every OOC has seen the attendance of several heads of state and vice leaders, as well as representatives of government authorities in charge of environment, sustainability, or marine conservation.\n\nThe 7th OOC, titled Our Ocean, Our People, Our Prosperity, focus on six areas of Action, including “Advancing Marine Protected Areas for Communities, Ecosystems, and Climate” “Tackling Marine Pollution” “Confronting the Ocean-Climate Crisis or Towards an Ocean Solution for Climate Change” “Creating Sustainable Blue Economies” “Advancing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries and Aquaculture” and “Achieving a Safe, Just and Secure Ocean”.\n\nThe Republic of Palau and the United States opened the 7th OOC on April 13, 2022, marking the first time this event held in a small island developing state (SIDS).\n\nJoint Taiwan-Palau efforts lead to EPA Minister’s attendance at the OOC, a first by a government representative from Taiwan\nThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) pointed out that due to the Republic of Palau’s highly valued close diplomatic ties with Taiwan, Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. had particularly invited President Tsai Ing-wen to visit his country and attend the seventh OOC, a major event that Palau has always attended.\n\nIn response to President Whipps’ invitation, President Tsai appointed EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang to visit Palau and attend the event as an official representative of Taiwan. He was to share on the global stage Taiwan’s contributions to the marine environment and sustainable development as a responsible member of the Pacific region. \n\nEPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang (second from the right) delivered a letter of credence to Palau President Whipps (second from the left) and attended the OOC as a Special Presidential Envoy. (Source: MOFA)\n\nPresident Whipps met with the Taiwan delegation led by Minister Chang, and stated that as Pacific island states, both Taiwan and Palau have always been highly devoted to marine preservation and sustainable development, and together they work on creating a bright future for the entire Pacific region. He especially stressed the close diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Palau, hoping to continuously strengthen such a friendship.\n\nMinister Chang shares Taiwan’s experience and achievements in tackling marine pollution \nIn the session “Tackling Marine Pollution,” Minister Chang delivered a speech on relevant issues, which was a major breakthrough in the elevation of Taiwan’s participation in international marine activities. His presence at this event raised Taiwan’s status and image in global marine conservation efforts.\n\nIn his speech, Minister Chang pointed out that Taiwan, like Palau, is an island nation with beautiful coastlines and rich biodiversity. Taiwan is also facing the problem of marine pollution. The solution is: cut waste at the source and prevent it from entering the ocean. \n\nIn 1997, Taiwan started a nationwide waste recycling program. Over the years, the recycling rate has gradually increased. Currently, the recycling rate is more than 60%, and the recycling rate for PET bottles has surpassed 90%. Most of the remaining waste is sent to incinerators to generate electricity. Despite these efforts, however, some wastes still end up on the land and in the ocean.\n\nInter-ministerial Council promotes \"Salute to the Ocean\" and pledges to invest US$220 million\nIn 2020, the Taiwan EPA and other agencies launched a project called Salute to the Ocean. This project has committed a budget of more than US$220 million between 2020 and 2023. \nIt allowed Taiwan’s entire 1,988-kilometer coastline to be adopted by various organizations for cleanup, and a government-level integration and coordination platform was established by local governments to promote a number of source reduction measures. This project focuses on cutting down fishery wastes via controls at-source, intercepting garbage in rivers and controls on coastal landfills to jointly maintain a clean coastal environment through inter-ministerial cooperation.\n\nThe Executive Yuan integrated nine government agencies, and cooperated with 19 coastal local governments to establish a \"regular cleaning\" mechanism in this project. Minister Chang pointed out that more than 600 interception points were set up in rivers to intercept waste. This effort led to the removal of over 48,000 metric tons of marine waste in 2021. Another major source of marine waste is fishing gear, 168 metric tons of which were recycled in 2021 in a joint effort between the Taiwan EPA and local governments. For this year, the recycle volume is expected to increase.\n\nReduction at the source, 20 years of plastic restriction promotion\nTo further reduce marine plastic, since 2002, Taiwan has been restricting the use of disposable plastic. Statistics show that 2.5 billion plastic bags, 100 million straws and 180 million pieces of disposable tableware are reduced every year. In the future, through regulatory controls, economic incentives and innovative business models, Taiwan will continue to guide businesses and the public to change the throw-away culture, review and expand the targets controlled by the plastic restriction regulations, further promoting plastic reduction.\n\nIn 2018, Taiwan banned cosmetics that contained plastic microbeads. And in 2019, Taiwan began banning plastic straws at fast-food restaurants and beverage shops, and will continue to reduce the plastic consumption and comply with the UNEP’s agreement on plastic reduction planned for 2024.\n\nTo help Taiwan’s businesses integrate marine waste into a circular economy, the EPA introduced the Marine Debris Recycled Product label in 2021.\nThis is the world’s first government-sponsored product label for recycled marine waste.\n\nTaiwan’s industries have also come up with their own solutions to deal with marine waste. They have set a goal for plastic containers of nonfood items to be made with at least 25% of recycled materials by 2025. Companies such as Acer and LiteOn Technology use marine plastic wastes to make keyboards and other computer parts. Minister Chang pointed out that the shirt he was wearing was made from PET bottles from Palau by ShinKong Group.\n \nIn addition to sharing Taiwan's environmental protection experience, Minister Chang suggested that other nations consider source reduction, circular economy, and the promotion of environmental education and citizen participation as areas of cooperation. He said Taiwan would continue to cooperation with other nations so that oceans would become cleaner and the Earth protected.\n\n\nMinister Chang delivering a speech in the OOC session “Tackling Marine Pollution” (Source: https:\/\/ourocean2022.pw\/)\n\nOOC group photo with Minister Chang (first row, second from right) and delegates from various nations. (Source: MOFA)\n\nFourteen commitments made by Taiwan’s ocean-related authorities officially documented\nTo demonstrate to the world Taiwan’s determination and contributions to protecting the ocean through practical actions, the OAC has coordinated with all the agencies involved in ocean-related affairs. Together they proposed 14 commitments with a total budget of US$383.81 million for the OOC’s six Action Areas, all of which have been officially documented by the OOC.\n\nThe commitments of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) are as follows:\n\nI. Area of action: Maritime Security\n1. Taiwan announces its commitment to implementing the Intelligent Navigation Safety Service and Development Plan.\n2. With international partners Taiwan has committed to continuously cracking down on maritime cross-border criminal activities.\n3. Taiwan declares its commitment to fulfill the universal value of humanitarian aid and to strengthen its capacity regarding life-saving and rescue at sea.\n\nII. Area of action: Sustainable Blue Economy\n1. Taiwan has committed US$300,000 to complete a single-page web application for coastal recreational activities.\n2. Taiwan has pledged to pass the Marine Industry Development Act and enact the Marine Economy and Industry Development Plan.\n3. Taiwan announces its commitment to continuously optimize facilities and service efficiency of commercial ports to create a favorable operating environment for the shipping industry.\n\nIII. Area of action: Sustainable Fisheries\n1. Taiwan has committed to implementing a recreational fishing-friendly plan.\n2. Taiwan has committed to adopting a program to reinforce the management of Taiwan’s distant water fishing fleet and combat IUU fishing.\n\nIV. Area of action: Marine Protected Areas\n1. Taiwan has committed to the legislation of the Marine Conservation Act.\n2. Taiwan has committed to promoting the Project for Marine Eco-Environment Protection in Taiwan.\n\nV. Area of action: Marine Pollution\n1. Taiwan has committed to promoting the gillnet marking and management program.\n2. Taiwan has committed to implementing Saluting the Ocean Policy.\n\nVI. Area of action: Climate Change\n1. Taiwan announces its commitment to developing the Atmosphere-Ocean Coupled Model.\n2. Taiwan has committed to promoting its Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan.\n\nAiming to promote Taiwan’s cooperation and exchanges with Palau and other like-minded nations\n\nMinister Chang was interviewed by two major Palauan media outlets, the Island Times and Tia Belau, with whom he shared Taiwan’s policies and achievements in marine waste disposal, environmental conservation and climate change. He expressed that Taiwan will keep facilitating cooperation and exchanges with Palau and other like-minded countries.\n\nMeeting with USEPA Assistant Administrator Jane Nishida\n\nThe Taiwan-US Agreement on Environmental Technology Collaboration has laid a solid foundation for exchanges and cooperation between the Taiwan EPA and the USEPA for nearly 30 years. Collaboration has gradually expanded from initially being bilateral to multilateral today. The Taiwan EPA has been working with USEPA in building regional capacity on environmental education, mercury monitoring, e-waste management, and air quality under the framework of the International Environmental Partnership (IEP) program.\n\nDuring the OOC in Palau, USEPA Assistant Administrator Jane Nishida visited Taiwan’s Toward Zero Emission and Zero Waste Future Exhibition and afterwards suggested both the U.S. and Taiwan could further collaborate on issues such as marine pollution prevention and control, climate change impacts and a circular economy.\n\n\nUSEPA Assistance Administrator Jane Nishida (third from the right) and Taiwan EPA Minister Chang (third from the left)\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "5", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4154", "title": "Competition for 4th National Enterprise Environmental Protection Awards Launched", "preview": "Control and evaluation\nCompetition for 4th National Enterprise Environmental Protection Awards Launched\nThe selection process for the 4th National Enterprise Environmental Protection Awards, the highest environmental honor for domestic enterprises, has started. Applications will be accepted from 15 April to 16 May. Enterprises that are willing to participate should prepare and upload their registration materials to the \"National Enterprises Environmental Protection Awards\" website within the registration period. \n", "content": "Last year (2021) President Tsai declared that transitioning to net zero by 2050 is a goal of Taiwan, and instructed government agencies to plan and promote it in a forward-looking and pragmatic way, hoping that enterprises and the government would work together to achieve the goal of net zero by 2050. Participating in the competition for the 4th National Enterprise Environmental Protection Awards will not only allow enterprises to demonstrate their performances in environmental protection and carbon reduction promotion, but will also allow experts and scholars from different professional fields to examine their efforts and give them innovative suggestions. This will help enterprises improve their environmental protection and carbon reduction performances, enhance their international competitiveness, advance with the nation toward the goal of net zero by 2050, and create more green business opportunities. \n\nApplicants for the competition for the 4th National Enterprise Environmental Protection Awards are divided into two groups: manufacturers and non-manufacturers. The categories consist of excellent, gold, silver, bronze, and nomination awards. The selection will be based on actions taken by an enterprise with respect to source reduction and waste reduction during production, corporate social responsibility, promotion of green supply chains, green procurement, energy and resource saving, pollution prevention and control, and participation in environment-related activities. Implementation of environmental policy is also included as a criterion to earn bonus points. \n\nFor selection requirements, please go to the National Enterprise Environmental Protection Awards website. (http:\/\/aeepa.epa.gov.tw\/)\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, April 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "4", "assortment": "Control and evaluation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4153", "title": "Rewards for Green Point Members for Bringing Own Cups Continued ", "preview": "Recycling\nRewards for Green Point Members for Bringing Own Cups Continued \nRecently, the EPA organized the “Bring your reusable cup and redeem points for designated drinks” event, which was enthusiastically received by Green Point members. On the first day of launch, all the designated drinks were redeemed, reflecting the public’s strong support for the policy of green consumption and bringing one’s own cup. The EPA then decided to continue to promote the event and increase the number of drinks available for redemption to 6,000 per day in an attempt to encourage more people to adopt green lifestyles. \n\n", "content": "To mark World Consumer Rights Day, the EPA launched a week-long “Bring your own cup and redeem points for designated drinks for free” event for Green Point members from March 15 to 21. The 3,000 cups of drinks available per day for redemption, the originally planned quota, were totally redeemed with green points on the first day of the event. To thank the public for such a strong support for the environmental event, the EPA decided to continue to reward Green Point members for bringing their own cups and increase the quota to 6,000 cups of drinks per day. Green Point App members could go to the app’s participating retailers with their own reusable cups and redeem green points for designated drinks (made on-site only). An equivalent amount of green points will be rewarded to members after the event. \n\nIf a new member participated in the event with a referrals code, both the new member and the person who did the referral would acquire 2,000 points. Participants could also get green points by purchasing “green products,” getting one point for every NT dollar spent. The higher-than-before quantity of drinks redeemed on the first day of the event showed the increasing public support for “bringing one’s own cup.” \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, April 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "4", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4152", "title": "Reducing Fertilizer Pollution with Biological Control Technologies to Safeguard Water Quality", "preview": "Water quality\nReducing Fertilizer Pollution with Biological Control Technologies to Safeguard Water Quality\nTo reduce nutrient pollution in water bodies, the EPA has developed homegrown biological control technologies, such as microbial agents, biochar and bio-fertilizers, which are effective in fixing nitrogen, dissolving phosphorus, improving soil environment and increasing nutrient uptake efficiencies of plants. Farmers participating in the program have come forward to share the results, showing that the technologies not only can reduce the loss of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients by 20-70%, but can also save 16% to 41% of fertilizer expenses. As a result, production can be increased by 7% to 24%, and a triple-win scenario of improving water quality, the economy and agricultural products’ quality can be accomplished.\n", "content": "The EPA pointed out that the world is facing the pollution of water sources caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, a result of over fertilization. Aiming to protect water quality, the EPA has been carrying out measures such as on-site treatment, constructed wetland, grass belts and grass ditches to prevent pollution from affecting water sources. And now its measures are focusing on the source of the problem by promoting changes in fertilization methods, use of biological control technologies or other measures related to rational use of fertilizer in the agriculture industry. These measures will help to reduce the use of fertilizer, improve the nutrient uptake efficiency of plants, and decrease pollution.\n\nThe EPA indicated that the use of biological control technologies to promote eco-friendly agriculture is now an international trend as countries in Europe, North America and Asia have successively introduced relevant policies. Combined with the measures of the Council of Agriculture to promote rational use of fertilizer, the use of biological control technologies can greatly reduce nutrient pollution in water bodies while improving the quality of farm products and creating enjoyable water environments.\n\nIn an effort to reduce the impact of agricultural fertilizers on the water quality in the catchment areas of reservoirs, the EPA has selected the catchment areas of Feitsui Reservoir and Shihmen Reservoir as targets for future promotion. Measures promoted in these areas, where the tea plantations in Pinglin and Shiding Districts of New Taipei City and peach farms in Fuhsing District of Taoyuan City are located, are expected to help reduce about 850 metric tons of fertilizer utilization, or 15% of the current usage, making farming more eco-friendly.\n\nThe EPA stated that due to excessive fertilization in some farming activities, nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients that cannot be absorbed by crops often enter water bodies and cause pollution. Studies have shown that in conventional fertilization, only 20% to 50% of the fertilizer is absorbed by crops, and the remaining excess chemical fertilizer infiltrates and pollutes water bodies, affecting the normal uses of river water.\n\nFrom 2019 to 2021, the EPA conducted farmland experimentation and promotion of biological control technologies with National Taiwan University, using microbial agents, biochar and biological fertilizers to reduce the use of fertilizers. Scholars culled microbial agents from Taiwan's domestic soil and water sources and gave them to farmers to use in trials. They then searched the most effective ways of using these agents from repeated trials and continued record keeping.\n\nSix crops including Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Brassica oleracea, Prunus salicina (Chinese plum), bamboo shoots, pitaya, and Allium tuberosum (Chinese leek) were put to onsite trials in six farms including the National Taiwan University experimental farm. The results showed that the use of biological control technologies to replace 50% of fertilizer use caused the decrease of the total nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient loss in run-off and infiltration together by 20% to 70%, compared with the full amount of fertilizer use. At the same time, the technologies saved around 16% to 41% of fertilizer expenses and increased the yield by 7% to 24%.\n\n\"I hope that friends who grow peaches on Lala Mountain will be willing to use them,\" said Chin Ming-Da, a farmer who grows peaches in Fuhsing District, Taoyuan City. He said that when he first started using the new method, he was very doubtful and afraid of losses, and only dared try them on roughly 2,000 square meters of land, which accounted for just 1\/5 of the planting area. After prolonged observation and record keeping, he found that the yield and quality of his fruits had grown by 20%, and the revenues had also gone up by 20% to 30%. He is therefore pleased to recommend the practice to other peach farmers.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, April 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "4", "assortment": "Water quality", "url": "" }, { "no": "4151", "title": "Air Pollution Fee Collection Regulations Amended to Strengthen Management of Reported Data", "preview": "Air\nAir Pollution Fee Collection Regulations Amended to Strengthen Management of Reported Data\nThe EPA announced the revised Air Pollution Control Fee Collection Regulations (空氣污染防制費收費辦法) on 24 March 2022. The revision had two focuses. First, a reporting threshold was set regarding air pollution fee, exempting about 2,000 listed premises from reporting. This will result in reduction of around 70,000 reports that have to be reviewed annually by the EPA, saving about NT$30 million in costs. In addition, the number of installments for the payment of owed fees has been increased to 36. Second, in order to strengthen control, the maximum air pollution fee as determined by data verification can be adopted to deter enterprises from falsifying data with the intent of paying less air pollution fee.\n\n", "content": "The EPA expressed that the main purpose of this amendment is to address problems and disputes encountered by local environmental protection bureaus and enterprises in implementing the regulations. Control measures relevant to the collection of air pollution control fee have been amended to make the provisions more reasonable and pragmatic. Regarding the air pollution control fee report of stationary pollution sources, a threshold for reporting emissions was added to reduce administrative load. The threshold to report emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds and particular matter was stipulated to be over 10 kg per quarter.\n\nRegarding the provisions for the payment of owed fee in installments, when the amount owed is more than $20 million, the number of installments can be extended to 36 to alleviate enterprises’ burden of paying owed air pollution fee. In addition, regulations concerning the verification of data obtained through online connection from continuous emission monitoring systems installed in smokestacks have been added to prevent public and private premises from falsifying continuous monitoring data to pay less air pollution fee. An inspection mechanism has been added for environmental authorities to verify compliance of the original data in cases of incompliances, and to determine air pollution fee based on inspection results or emission coefficients. In such cases, the largest value can be used to determine the air pollution fee. \n\nFurther, a maximum period over which data can be backtracked to recalculate or collect evaded air pollution fees has been added in an effort to settle disputes between competent authorities and public or private premises. If incompliances are found, data over the five years prior to the quarter before the time when enterprises are notified by competent authorities to submit data for verification can be used to determine the payable amount. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, April 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "4", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4150", "title": "Near 90% Satisfaction Rate Marks Anniversary of Acoustic Camera Deployment for Law Enforcement", "preview": "noise control\nNear 90% Satisfaction Rate Marks Anniversary of Acoustic Camera Deployment for Law Enforcement\nThe EPA started implementing acoustic cameras for law enforcement on New Year's Day, 2021, and as of the end of January 2022, 86 sets of equipment had been installed. During that period, there were 1,216 cases where fines were issued to vehicles determined to have clearly exceeded the noise limit during use, and 5,114 cases were notified for inspection. Acoustic cameras have been effective in curbing noisy vehicles, and were welcomed by roadside residents. The policy satisfaction rate was nearly 90%.\n", "content": "Both the EPA and local governments have been receiving letters from the public every month requesting the installation of acoustic cameras in hopes that they can be included as standard monitoring equipment on the roads near their residence. In response to the requests, the EPA proposed integrated mid- to long-term plans to install 306 sets of the equipment across Taiwan by 2027 with as much as NT$100 million in subsidies from the central government.\n\nDifferent control standards are set for different speed limits. The noise control standard is set at 86 decibels on road sections with a speed limit of 50 km\/h or less and 90 decibels on road sections with a speed limit of 50 to 70 km\/h. The EPA stated that not only noisy vehicles were deterred by acoustic cameras, illegally modified or improperly driven vehicles could also be reported and notified for inspection.\n\nThe EPA stated that since the launch of technological law enforcement, local governments have been actively following the policy to install and use acoustic cameras. The EPA periodically invites local governments to share and review their experience to continuously improve their law-enforcement skills with acoustic cameras. Such efforts resulted in 1,216 reports nationwide. There were also a total of 30 appeals, of which 60% were rejected and only two of them succeeded in revocation. This shows that the technological law enforcement in the past year was effective to deter noisy vehicles.\n\nAt present, 20 counties and cities in Taiwan have launched technological law enforcement, and planning is underway in Penghu County. The EPA has compiled six features of the local technological law enforcement in the year 2021:\n\n1. Most penalties: New Taipei City, with 19 installations and a total of 353 tickets issued, which accounts for 30% of the total number of penalties issued, ranking first in the country;\n\n2. Most warnings: Taichung City, with a total of 333 acoustic camera warning sign placements, is the city with the widest distribution of warning signs in the country; up to 238 violations were reported through mobile detection. \n\n3. Strongest crackdowns in the mountain route: Tainan City. Vigorous enforcement with acoustic cameras in Provincial Highways 172 and 175 resulted in the reporting of 109 cases, returning peace and quiet to the residents of mountainous regions;\n\n4. Most diversified applications: Miaoli County, aside from apprehending vehicles exceeding the noise limit, conducted inspections on the exhaust of modified vehicles, cracking down on emission pollution at the same time.\n\n5. Strongest deterrence: Taipei City. The number of public complaints in 2021 decreased by 42% compared with that of 2020;\n\n6. Most cases per equipment: In Changhua County, the average number of reports per equipment reached 50, the highest in Taiwan.\n\nThe EPA stressed that relevant subsidies from the Forward-Looking Infrastructure Development Program and public construction funding were successfully obtained in 2021, enabling local environmental protection bureaus to purchase equipment for technological law enforcement. Estimated demand was 306 sets by 2027 based on the national overall planning.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, April 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "4", "assortment": "noise control", "url": "" }, { "no": "4149", "title": "Changhua Coastal Industrial Park Treatment Facility BOT Project Passes First-stage EIA", "preview": "EIA\nChanghua Coastal Industrial Park Treatment Facility BOT Project Passes First-stage EIA\nThe EPA recently announced the review conclusion of the Environmental Impact Statement of the Resource Reutilization and Treatment Center BOT Project in Changhua Coastal Industrial Park, Industrial Development Bureau, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), determining that the second-stage EIA was not required. The approval was given because this project was to make waste (sludge) treatment (for reuse) available to an Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) wastewater treatment facility and was in line with the development master plan and compatible with related projects in the surrounding areas.\n", "content": "The EPA explained that after considering the opinions of the EIA review committee, experts and scholars, and the responses from the developer, and after the evaluation on the possible impacts of this project on the living, natural, and social environments, as well as the economy, culture and ecology, a professional judgment was made that no circumstances as those listed in Article 8 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act and in Article 19, Paragraph 1, subparagraph 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Enforcement Rules were found, and that the environment impact statement sufficiently provided the information required for the review and assessment. Hence the second-stage EIA was not required. Comments were summarized as follows:\n\nThis project aimed to solve sludge disposal problems faced by an IDB wastewater treatment plant, insufficiency of general industrial waste treatment facilities and problems such as illegal dumping of wastes, and to achieve the goal of waste reduction and recycling. The project was assessed to be in line with the development master plan, and no significant conflict or incompatibility was found with related projects in the surroundings.\n\nThe EIA statement for this project detailed investigation, predictions, analyses or assessment on \"air quality\", \"noise and vibration\", \"hydrology and water quality\", \"soil\", \"topography, geology, earthquakes and faults\", \"waste\", \"land ecology\", \"aquatic ecology\", \"landscape and recreation resource environment\", \"socioeconomic environment\", \"traffic environment\", \"cultural environment\", \"health risk assessment\", \"environmental sanitation\" and other areas during construction and operation. Measures were proposed to prevent and mitigate possible impacts in affected areas. \n\nAfter a comprehensive assessment, the development project has been found to:\n(1) cause no significant adverse effects on environmental resources and environmental characteristics during construction and operation.\n(2) cause no significant adverse effects on the habitat of protected or rare and valuable species of animals and plants\n(3) cause mild ecological impacts on the waters and sea areas during construction and operation.\n(4) cause no infringement on local environmental quality standards or surpass the tolerance level\n(5) cause no significant adverse impacts on the migration, rights and interests of the vast number of local residents or the traditional way of life of ethnic minorities.\n(6) cause no significantly adverse effects on the health or safety of the population.\n(7) cause no significantly adverse effects on the environment of other countries.\n(8) be an environmental protection project, and cause no significant impacts deemed by other competent authorities.\n\nConclusion: This project has passed the EIA review, and the developer shall implement what is contained in the EIA statement and the review conclusions accordingly.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, April 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "4", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "" }, { "no": "4148", "title": "Creating the Best Public Restroom Experience", "preview": "Environmental inspection \nCreating the Best Public Restroom Experience\nStatistics show that up till the end of 2021, 93% of over 47,000 public restrooms in the nation were rated excellent, a major accomplishment for both the public and private sectors. The cleanliness of public restrooms depends not only on the responsible agencies and cleaning crews, but also the public’s willingness to leave a clean environment for the next user. The EPA will continue to endeavor to promote public restroom etiquette, including gratitude to those maintaining clean public restrooms as well as treating them as one’s own bathrooms at home.\n", "content": "To enhance the living and environmental quality for all, the EPA has been endeavoring to maintain a public restroom environment that is not wet, dirty, or smelly and provide a comfortable and safe experience in public restrooms via a rating and evaluation system. For more than 47,000 public restrooms listed for control, statistics show that as of the end of 2021, 93% were rated excellent, clear evidence of enhanced environments under the joint efforts of the public and private sectors.\n\nPrivate enterprises like CPC Corporation and President Chain Store Corporation have shouldered their corporate social responsibilities, despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased cleaning and sanitation work in their public space and restrooms. While people get to enjoy the convenience and security of these restrooms, these places have also become social gathering spots because of the improved restrooms. To acknowledge such quality-enhancing practices, the EPA will hold competitions this year to honor those that perform well in order to urge enterprises to improve their service quality and build a better corporate image.\n\nRecent visits to public restrooms and national polls have revealed that the public’s major complaints are mainly about restrooms in traditional markets and parks. As a result, the EPA will subsidize maintenance and renovations to improve the environment of these restrooms. An exit strategy is also in place, which will be activated for public restrooms that are old, rarely used, or keep failing to maintain their quality so as to reduce dirty spots and management agencies’ workload.\n\nBy setting examples for private enterprises to follow, the EPA plans first to subsidize improvement tasks for public restrooms in local governments’ charge that have not attained an excellence rating. Enterprisers in private sectors are urged to provide quality public restrooms as another form of customer service, and the public is asked to treat public restrooms with respect and gratitude and leave a well-maintained one for the next user.\n\nTaitung Indigenous Cultural and Creative Industries Park integrates local culture \ninto public restroom (2021)\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, April 2022\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "4", "assortment": "Environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4147", "title": "Emergency Response Information Center Operates 24\/7 as Model of Innovation and Application of Green Chemistry ", "preview": "Chemicals\nEmergency Response Information Center Operates 24\/7 as Model of Innovation and Application of Green Chemistry \nTo strengthen the nation’s chemical substance control and promote green chemistry, the EPA invited members of the National Chemical Substance Management Board and officials from authorities in charge of controlling chemical substances to visit the Emergency Response Information Center (ERIC) of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), which has received the Green Chemical Application and Innovation Award for two consecutive years. The tour not only aimed to promote green chemistry but also helped the visitors to understand the response system in times of disasters involving toxic and chemical substances.\n", "content": "The Green Chemistry Application and Innovation Award was set up in 2018 to encourage all fields to be dedicated to green chemistry. Actual practices include research and development of alternatives with low-pollution and low-toxic manufacturing, reduced use of toxic and chemical substances, disaster prevention, and enhancement of disaster response capacities. Over the past two years, 29 enterprises have received the award. The two-time award-winner the ERIC has been honored for its efforts and contributions in green chemistry.\n\nThe ERIC is in charge of monitoring and consultation on dangerous chemical accidents under the commission of agencies like the Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau (TCSB) and the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB). It provides the most immediate consultations on emergency response in real-time for disaster response units like environmental bureaus and fire departments. In recent years, even technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality are utilized to set up training scenarios that simulate possible disaster scenarios along with real smoke and water pressures. It greatly enhances training authenticity and increases personnel’s response capabilities under different situations.\n\nOther than the enhancement of equipment, technology, and staff training, the ERIC is dedicated to promoting applications of knowledge and resources for disaster prevention by working with the EPA, city and county environmental bureaus, and enterprises in technology and chemical industries to organize regular drills and tests. Over 28 courses and 10 scenarios will be designed for future promotion campaigns. Additionally, the ERIC provides chemical consultation services all year around, effectively enhancing the industries’ and academia’s capacities in chemical disaster prevention and response.\n\nThe EPA expressed that the tour not only promoted green chemistry, but also encouraged the visitors to understand the emergency response system and experience the simulation of the emergency response environment. The EPA will invite colleges and universities to visit the Green Chemical Application and Innovation Award winners to learn about green chemistry, root down the concept, and plant the seeds of green chemistry. Information on the A Green Chemical Application and Innovation Award can be found through the website of the TCSB (https:\/\/topic.epa.gov.tw\/gcai\/mp-9.html).\n\n\nExperiencing the simulation of emergency response environment through virtual reality\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, April 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "4", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4146", "title": "Taiwan’s Strategy Remains to Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 With Strengthened Social Dialogue", "preview": "Climage change\nTaiwan’s Strategy Remains to Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 With Strengthened Social Dialogue\nOn 4 April 2022, the Working Group III of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released its 6th Assessment Report (AR6). It states that the world should immediately undergo profound emission reduction to limit global warming to 1.5°C as well as proposes strategies and prospects for major emission reduction by 2050. On 30 March, the EPA, the National Development Council, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), and relevant agencies announced the “Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions by 2050”, whose 12 critical strategic plans align with the IPCC’s AR6. The EPA will use the plan as a basis for launching social dialogues in its next stage of policy formulation. \n\n", "content": "The IPCC’s Working Group I released the report, “Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis”, on 9 August 2021, and its Working Group II released the report “Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability”, on 28 February 2022. Then the next report, Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change, came out on 4 April 2022. It points out that the decade from 2010 to 2019 had the highest accumulated emissions of anthropogenic greenhouse gases. Only with immediate and deep carbon reduction can humans achieve the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Changes in societal and economic behaviors are a feasible way to ensure reduction of global carbon emissions in the future. The following are report excerpts that cover revolutionary measures in all aspects that will lead to emission reduction:\n\n1. The energy sector has to go through active transformation by lowering use of fossil fuels, developing and applying negative-carbon technologies, widely carrying out measures to achieve electric-motorization, enhancing energy efficiency, and utilizing alternative fuels like hydrogen energy and sustainable biofuels. For the industrial sector, the key lies in the more efficient, applied, and circular use of materials with minimal waste generation. Still, the goal to achieve net-zero emission poses considerable challenges.\n\n2. Transformations in energy and resource use are a necessary part of changes to people’s daily routines, such as switching to walking, cycling, electric-motorized transportation, less air travel, and adaptable residences. On strategies concerning cities and urban areas, sustainable production and consumption are to be introduced in the planning of goods and services. The government can promote electric-motorization to lower emissions and also increase carbon absorption by creating green zones, ponds and planting trees, which all align well with the sustainable development goals (SDGs).\n\n3. The transportation sector needs to reduce the demand for energy services and increase utilization of low-carbon technologies. One technology with highly promising potential is electric vehicles, which also should be coupled with breakthroughs in battery and energy storage technology. Alternatives such as hydrogen energy and sustainable biofuels ought to be considered for air and sea transportation. Furthermore, the construction sector has very high potential to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The focus over the next ten years will be on urban renewal and expediting the introduction of critical mitigation technologies.\n\n4. Intensifying investment to combat climate change can speed progress toward all climate goals. Current investment is clearly insufficient compared with what is necessary to reach 2030 goals. Every developed country will need to provide resources, increase public and private sector investments, and assist developing nations. Enhanced international financial collaboration is a key driver for achieving lower carbon emissions and fair transformation, which are essential to solving problems such as unfair channels for financing as well as to lower costs and risks due to climate change impacts. Investments and policies play an important role in driving innovation in low-carbon technologies, and every country should assess the potential benefits, barriers, and risks that they face. Governments should strive to formulate and integrate policies to encourage innovation of systems that will help make breakthroughs and proliferate low-emission technologies worldwide.\n\n5. Moreover, AR6 elaborates upon various keys to mitigation, such as technological transformation to achieve low carbon emissions, policies, regulations, and economic measures such as carbon pricing. Technological transformations include management of energy needs, energy and material efficiency, circular flow of materials, reduction technologies, and changes in production – all of which work alongside the removal of carbon dioxide. \n\nTaiwan’s “Pathways to Net-Zero Emissions by 2050” was released on 30 March in response to the global trend toward net-zero emissions, pressure on supply chains to lower emissions and the negative impact of extreme weather events. It covers transformation in the four main areas of energy, industry, daily life and society. The “Pathways” are founded upon the two administrative pillars of “research and development into technology” and “climate laws and regulations”, and are supplemented by twelve key strategies for formulating and implementing action plans that take into account the increasing importance of the four transformation areas, towards the goal of transition to net-zero emissions.\n\nThe EPA noted that Taiwan’s strategies and plans for net-zero emissions are closely aligned with the UN’s latest climate mitigation report. Public dialogues for the next phase will be launched with strategies mentioned in the UN’s report, Taiwan’s “Pathways to Net-Zero Emissions By 2050”, based on the 12 key strategies. Inviting opinions from society will help everyone find a path to consensus among various viewpoints and help cope with and solve these difficult issues. The aim is to lay down the most solid foundation for Taiwan’s overall development and use the transition to net-zero emissions as the main driver for innovation in the whole country.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, April 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "4", "assortment": "Climage change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4145", "title": "Implementation of Air Pollution Control Plan Achieves Remarkable Big Data Prospects in Environmental Monitoring", "preview": "Feature article\nImplementation of Air Pollution Control Plan Achieves Remarkable Big Data Prospects in Environmental Monitoring\nThe program “Smart Internet of Things (IoT) - Intergenerational Environmental Management”, aimed at providing precise, high-quality environmental monitoring data as well as convenient, stable, and secure digital environmental services, has entered its second year of implementation. The EPA will continue to carry out measures such as optimizing the IoT system for environmental sensing, expanding smart applications of the environmental management network, and exploring technologies across different fields and industrial innovations. Efforts will also be taken to continue enhancing the capacities of air and water quality monitoring networks in order to provide the most immediate and precise data.\n", "content": "Environmental monitoring is the groundwork of environmental protection, and aims to understand environmental statuses and long-term environmental changes to serve as references for policy formulation. The EPA is in charge of information platforms for air and water quality monitoring, which are used to set up monitoring networks for air quality and rivers. This along with monitoring data of other departments contribute to a comprehensive environmental monitoring system in Taiwan.\n\nWith new-generation technologies, all monitoring spots are linked together to form a monitoring network that provides real-time environmental quality data that is useful for formulating national strategies for environmental controls. In addition, various databases of different departments are linked together to integrate all environmental information which are then connected to an overall environmental information monitoring network through various environmental information platforms.\nThe current environmental monitoring measures have two ultimate goals:\n\n• Obtain precise, high-quality environmental monitoring information\n• Provide convenient, stable, and secure digital environmental information services\n\nAdopted strategies include:\n1. Obtain precise, high-quality environmental monitoring information\n2. Provide convenient, stable, and secure digital environmental information services\n3. Set up a domestic environmental quality database with high-quality control\n4. Provide services with advanced information and communication technologies\n5. Extend governmental use of technologies by integrating administrative information systems\n6. Develop and promote applied technologies based on environmental sensing IoT\n\nSmart IoT - Intergenerational Environmental Management\nAs part of the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program (2021-2025), the “Smart Internet of Things (IoT) - Intergenerational Environmental Management” program has a budget of NT$916 million. It involves three main areas: optimizing the environmental sensing IoT system; extending smart applications based on the environmental monitoring network, and; exploring technologies across different fields and industrial innovations. \nTake for example air and water quality monitoring in the first area, optimizing the environmental sensing IoT system: \n\n\n\n\n(1) Deployment and application of air pollution sensing\n1. Deployment of air pollution sensors \nThe EPA applies the IoT for air pollution sensing, having worked with local governments and the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) to deploy approximately 10,000 sensors. Located in six municipalities and 16 cities and counties and covering 282 administrative areas and 111 major industrial and scientific parks across Taiwan, these sensors are able to detect the air pollution status of over 80,000 factories listed under control.\n2. Assistance for and results of environmental inspections\nWith data such as pollutant types and pollution hotspots derived from the analysis of sensing data, the EPA is able to collect and compare permits, registrations, and other information on suspected targets to screen out potential polluting industries and enterprises. Evidence collection has advanced with scientific instruments, and special inspection projects are set up and carried out. From 2017 to March 2022, environmental law enforcement efforts led to 850 violations being reported after inspections, the issuance of NT$178 million in fines, and the collection of NT$280 million in air pollution control fees.\n\n(2) Deployment and applications of water quality sensing\n1. Deployment of water quality sensors \nThe EPA has been working with local governments on its water quality sensors project since 2020. As of March 2022, 17 county and city governments have participated, having together deployed 205 mobile water quality sensors and 360 hand-held ones. This allows the quality of water bodies to be monitored with real-time data sensors. \n2. Results for water quality sensing applications\nThe EPA’s Department of Environmental Monitoring and Information Management, the Soil and Groundwater Remediation Fund Management Board, and the Department of Water Quality Protection prevent farmland pollution using water sensors. The Irrigation Agency also cooperates, deploying water quality sensors in agricultural irrigation ditches in Kaohsiung City and Chunghwa County that enables analysis of abnormal water quality periods to help increase efficiency of inspections. With the combined efforts of the central and local governments, between 2020 and February 2022, environmental law enforcement found 26 violations and issued fines amounting to NT$24.4 million.\n\nDeployment of air pollution sensors\n\nEstablishment of a well-rounded air quality monitoring network\n\n(1) Improvement of air quality monitoring network capacities\nThe EPA strives to enhance its capacity to monitor low-concentration pollutants by improving the instruments used in air quality monitoring stations. Better instruments for analyzing particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and total hydrocarbons (THC) will improve the precision of measurements and provide air quality monitoring data of such high quality that 98% of it can be utilized.\nAlso, equipment at air quality monitoring stations is being redeployed according to cold and warm areas, for more stable temperature control and to save energy.\n\n(2) Multiple channels provide air quality information services\nIn order to provide comprehensive air quality information to the public, the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network (http:\/\/airtw.epa.gov.tw\/) has been developed for the public to make inquiries about the latest changes in air quality. For gaseous pollutants, real-time monitoring forecasts for the next hour are available by the minute. The website reached 14.82 million visits between 2021 to March 2022. Also, the cellphone application Environment Info Push can be used to obtain the air quality index (AQI) forecast for the next 12 hours. Users can look up air quality information whenever they want and take better protective measures by setting alarms for different concentrations based on their own sensitivities to air pollutants. Over 580,000 people had downloaded the application as of March 2022. Additionally, text messages are sent out to people in surrounding regions in real-time if air quality monitoring stations detect concentrations of particulate matter that can lead to the AQI exceeding 200.\n\nFuture prospects\nAs for long-term goals, the EPA will continue developing the environmental monitoring and investigation system to ensure the effective operation, processing and management of environmental monitoring data. Efforts will also be taken to continue collaborating with other departments to share data in order to get the most complete picture of the overall environmental status, trends, and improvement results, to serve as references for policy formulation.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, April 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "4", "assortment": "Feature article", "url": "" }, { "no": "4144", "title": "egulations for Food Waste Reuse in Livestock Farms Revised to Prevent Spread of African Swine Fever", "preview": "Environmental inspection\nRegulations for Food Waste Reuse in Livestock Farms Revised to Prevent Spread of African Swine Fever\nThe EPA has revised regulations to align them with the Council of Agriculture’s announcement of a ban on the transportation of food waste, animal waste, and scraps from livestock slaughter to pig feeding sites, starting from 1 October 2022. However, livestock farms with more than 200 heads of livestock are not subject to this regulation if the waste has been approved for reuse by the relevant local environmental protection agencies under the Waste Disposal Act. \n", "content": "The EPA stated that to be in line with the Council of Agriculture’s policies for preventing the spread of African swine fever, revisions were made to food waste recycling management methods in the Management Regulations for Reuse of Common Industrial Waste. The revision stipulates food waste that is directly reused as feed, or as raw material to make feed, shall be handled according to the Feed Control Act and the Statute for Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Diseases, in order to improve food waste management methods and meet recycling management requirements. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, March 2022\n\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "3", "assortment": "Environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4143", "title": "Recycling Scope Adjusted for Refrigerators and Washing Machines Starting from 1 March 2022", "preview": "Recycling\nRecycling Scope Adjusted for Refrigerators and Washing Machines Starting from 1 March 2022\nBecause of the emergence of new products on the market and the increasing diversity of product types, for proper recycling, clearance, and disposal of discarded home appliances the EPA announced that the recycling scope for refrigerators and washing machines was expanded starting from 1 March 2022 in order to ensure that waste products enter the recycling system and to prevent environmental pollution caused by improper dismantling. \n", "content": "The EPA stated that in response to the emergence of new products and the increasing diversity of types of home appliances on the market, the EPA had amended the announced items in the Scopes for the Articles and the Packaging and Containers Thereof and the Enterprises Responsible for Recycling, Clearance, and Disposal, so as to address the public’s recycling needs.\nThe definition of refrigerators has been adjusted in this amendment, primarily considering that freezers or freezerless refrigerators are now commonly used in households. As such, freezer-only or freezerless refrigerators are both classified as electric refrigerators, and in reference to the definition given by CNS (National Standards of the Republic of China), \"refrigerator” and “ice bucket\" have been renamed as \"freezer, refrigerator, refrigerator with freezer or electric refrigerator.” However, the recycling scope explicitly excluded walk-in, open-style, cabinet, display, and workbench refrigerators and those for biomedical use. Since large-capacity washing machines have become the market's mainstream, the recycling scope was also expanded to cover those with a laundry capacity of 6 to 25 kg of dry clothes.\nThrough this amendment, the recycling scopes of refrigerators and washing machines have been adjusted to align with the current status of waste products. The public is reminded that when purchasing new television sets, washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners and heaters, old units matching the newly purchased appliances’ type, quantity, time and delivery address can be handed over to the vendors to be recycled free of charge. Another option is to contact cleaning squads and arrange a time and place to have old appliances transported away. Yet another option is to inquire about contact information of recyclers, consulting services or other pertinent issues by calling the EPA Resource Recycling Hotline 0800-085717 and the Resource Recycling Network, and then send the old appliances into the recycling system. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, March 2022\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "3", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4142", "title": "Public Urged to Reuse Clothing to Help the Environment", "preview": "recycling\nPublic Urged to Reuse Clothing to Help the Environment\nAccording to statistics, nearly 70% of used clothing items recycled every year in Taiwan can be reused, while more than 30% ends up as waste because they are too soiled or otherwise in poor condition. The EPA recommends the public to use their used clothing to the fullest extent before placing them in recycling bins. With love and kindness, many used clothing items can be cleaned, sorted, and given to people in need to extend item lifespans, while also reducing waste generation. \n", "content": "On 8 November 2021, aiming to increase the public’s awareness of the recycling channels for used clothing items and how to recycle them, while simultaneously increasing the recycling rate and other benefits from using used clothes, the EPA issued A Guide for the Public to Recycle Used Clothing in order to strengthen public awareness of the concept and practice of recycling used clothing. The EPA stated that recyclable used clothes refer mainly to items that are clean and still wearable, such as outerwear, pants, skirts, dresses, vests, coats, suits, etc. After cleaning and sorting, the public can hand used clothing over to the recycling trucks of cleaning squads or place them in used clothing recycling bins approved by local governments.\nSome fashion brands have set up recycling bins in their stores to recycle used clothes and fulfill their corporate social responsibility. In addition, privately operated second-hand clothes recycling sites are another channel for recycling used clothes. Furthermore, the EPA has set up a National Treasure Map of Unused Goods, which collects data from more than 1,500 used clothing recycling and repair sites for public inquiries.\nClothing recycling bins are provided by local governments for welfare groups to install, and the EPA urged the public not to place any item other than old clothing in such bins and to keep the surrounding environment clean and tidy. If unsanitary conditions, untidiness, impediments to traffic, or illegally placed recycling bins are found, the public can call the free number 0800-066-666 or contact the local environmental protection bureau to report them.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, March 2022\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "3", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4141", "title": "Preannouncement to Add Chlorpyrifos and Chlorpyrifos-methyl as Prohibited Ingredients for Environmental Agents", "preview": "chemicals\nPreannouncement to Add Chlorpyrifos and Chlorpyrifos-methyl as Prohibited Ingredients for Environmental Agents\nThe EPA has preannounced an amendment to Prohibited Ingredients for Environmental Agents and Testing Methods, adding Chlorpyrifos-methyl as a prohibited ingredient regarding the manufacture, processing, import, export, sale, or use of environmental agents; adding Chlorpyrifos as a prohibited ingredient regarding the manufacture, processing, and import of environmental agents, and; establishing a threshold value of 10 MDL (Method Detection Limit). \n", "content": "This amendment is made in response to the international trend of tightening regulations on Chlorpyrifos and to prevent potential health risks posed by long-term exposure to environmental agents containing Chlorpyrifos and Chlorpyrifos-methyl. In particular, it is to protect sensitive groups (such as infants, children, and pregnant women) in their home and surrounding environments, as well as safeguard the general public’s health and living environment. With the authority granted by Article 7 of the Environmental Agents Control Act, Chlorpyrifos-methyl and Chlorpyrifos have been listed as prohibited ingredients in environmental agents.\nThe EPA stated that its investigation revealed that currently, no environmental agent in the country had registered Chlorpyrifos-methyl as an ingredient. As such, listing Chlorpyrifos-methyl as a prohibited ingredient has no impact on Taiwan’s industries. In contrast, Chlorpyrifos is an active ingredient found in current environmental agents. To safeguard public health from the use of environmental agents, the manufacture, processing, and import of Chlorpyrifos-containing environmental agents will be prohibited starting from 31 December 2023. Meanwhile, the EPA has requested the manufacturers of environmental agents containing Chlorpyrifos to add a warning on product labels indicating that the product is suitable only for outdoor use. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, March 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "3", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4140", "title": "Regulations Amended to Allow Unregulated Enterprises to Use Electronic Manifests", "preview": "waste\nRegulations Amended to Allow Unregulated Enterprises to Use Electronic Manifests\nThe EPA amended the Methods and Facilities Standards for the Storage, Clearance, and Disposal of Industrial Waste. The amendment applies to unregulated enterprises that previously were not required to report hazardous industrial waste electronically. These enterprises will change from traditional paper-based methods for reporting to using electronic manifests, thereby providing a more diversified channel for unregulated enterprises to report their hazardous industrial wastes. The new method not only helps to conserve energy and reduce the use of paper, but also improves management efficiency.\n", "content": "The EPA explained that in the past, unregulated enterprises reported hazardous industrial wastes by using laborious and time-consuming paper-based manifests. To align with the electronification of government services, this amendment added stipulations for unregulated enterprises regarding electronic manifests and other procedures related to reporting hazardous industrial wastes. If the online manifest procedures introduced in this amendment are adopted, enterprises will be able to digitally store and review reported manifests, reducing energy and paper use. In addition, reporting times will be shortened, while competent authorities can also search manifests online, increasing overall management efficiency. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, March 2022\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "3", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4139", "title": "Soil and Groundwater Remediation Technology Certification Will Help Environmental Enterprises Enter International Market ", "preview": "Soil and Groundwater\nSoil and Groundwater Remediation Technology Certification Will Help Environmental Enterprises Enter International Market \nTo carry forward the achievements of soil and groundwater pollution remediation of the past 20 years, the EPA launched in 2021 the soil and groundwater pollution investigation and remediation technology certification system, with plans to implement a three-stage certification scheme consisting of Delisted Site Remediation Technology Certification, Remediation Technology Effectiveness Certification and Environmental Technology Verification.\n", "content": "The EPA explained that it is often difficult for parties responsible for pollution to select appropriate remediation technologies and strategies to counter soil and groundwater pollution incidents. The first step in the EPA’s implementation of the soil and groundwater pollution investigation and remediation certification system is to choose companies with outstanding remediation technology and good remediation project management, and that had operated in pollution sites delisted within the last five years. They would then be awarded with delisted site remediation technology certificates in both Chinese and English. A summary of relevant information, such as cases of successful remediation, general company information and remediation processes would be placed on a website for the public to reference. With the issuance of these certificates, the compilation of domestic cases detailing different types of sites and environmental conditions will enable the public to conduct quick inquiries and consultations. The certificates will also serve as proof of work performance for remediation companies to promote their services.\nThe EPA stated that in 2022 it would continue to implement the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Investigation and Remediation Technology Effectiveness Certification, beginning with self-declarations by remediation companies of remediation technology effectiveness, followed by the issuance of technology certificates upon review and approval by experts. The scope and effect of applicable conditions will be listed on the front so that the functions, limitations, and effects of domestic technologies can be accurately evaluated and the technologies quality-checked to ensure that the public can obtain good technical services.\nTo assist domestic remediation companies and the environmental protection industry to enter the international market, the EPA will establish the environmental technology verification system based on the ISO 14034 Environmental Technology Verification standard. Starting from soil and groundwater remediation technologies and covering other environmental protection technologies developed domestically over the years, the performance, innovativeness, and environmental friendliness of these technologies will be systematically evaluated. Then through mutual certification by international organizations, the system could help form a “national team” representing the domestic environmental protection industry that will help Taiwan’s innovations enter the international market and help solve environmental problems worldwide.\nThe EPA emphasized that implementing the three-stage soil and groundwater pollution investigation and remediation technology certification system will accelerate the remediation of domestic polluted sites, establish technological models and provide guidance for the upgrade, improvement, and eventually internationalization of domestic technologies. Visit the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Funds website (https:\/\/sgw.epa.gov.tw\/Public\/misc\/service) for more information.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, March 2022\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "3", "assortment": "Soil and Groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4138", "title": "Enterprises Urged to Implement Self-monitoring and Reporting after Incident of Gas Station Pollution Site Delisting", "preview": "soil & groundwater\nEnterprises Urged to Implement Self-monitoring and Reporting after Incident of Gas Station Pollution Site Delisting \nAfter counseling, inspection, announcement, and remediation procedures under the supervision and guidance of the local environmental protection bureau, the groundwater pollution level of a gas station pollution site in Guanmiao district, Tainan had been verified to be within control standards and in conformance with the regulations. As a result, the EPA announced the delisting of the pollution site and reminded business owners to implement self-monitoring and reporting of the monitoring results regularly.\n", "content": "The groundwater pollution remediation site located at the Guanmiao Interchange of National Freeway 3 in Guanmiao District, Tainan City, is classified as of gas station pollution category. In a previous inspection by Tainan City Environmental Protection Bureau, a suspected oil spill was found at the site, which was then announced by the Tainan City Government and the EPA to be a pollution control site and a remediation site. After remediation was carried out by the party responsible for the pollution under active supervision and guidance of the Tainan City Environmental Protection Bureau, levels of groundwater pollutants such as benzene, toluene, methyl tert-butyl ether and total petroleum hydrocarbons were verified to meet the Groundwater Pollution Control Standards. As such, the EPA announced the delisting (of the site) on 14 February.\nTo prevent soil and groundwater pollution and strengthen storage tank management, the EPA amended in December 2020 the Regulations for Installation and Management of Facilities for Preventing Pollution of Groundwater Bodies and Monitoring Equipment in Underground Storage Tank Systems, targeting the storage system of 25 oil products, including petrol, diesel and fuel oil, and nine organic substances which are subject to the soil and groundwater pollution regulations (totaling 34 substances). These systems require pollution prevention measures in place in compliance with the regulations, as mentioned earlier.\nThe EPA continues to carry out joint supervision with all environmental protection bureaus and urges business owners to self-monitor and report the monitoring results at regular intervals to prevent soil and groundwater pollution.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, March 2022\n\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "3", "assortment": "soil & groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4137", "title": "Fee Rate and Regulations Revised for Evaluating Environmental Impact Assessment Documents", "preview": "EIA\nFee Rate and Regulations Revised for Evaluating Environmental Impact Assessment Documents\nThe Regulations Governing Fee Rates for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Documents Evaluation (環境影響評估書件審查收費辦法) have gone through eight amendments since its announcement. The latest amendment clearly defines extra-large-scale development activities in special zones, and large development activities like building special zones, roads, airports, environmental engineering projects, power transmission lines, etc. The EPA, after having referenced evaluation experiences in recent years, adjusted certain fee rates.\nThe EPA pointed out that it has looked through how fees have been collected in recent years concerning the evaluation of EIA documents. The fee rates are thereby adjusted to achieve better operation in actual practices: \n", "content": "I. Revision of Article 6: Should the EIA documents submitted by developers who fit one of the following two conditions, the amount of fees based on the attached table in Article 2 is to be halved:\n1. Developers are to find alternative options in the original site and submit documents again for reevaluation after the competent authority deems it not to be developed after the first evaluation.\n2. Developers required by the Environmental Impact Assessment Enforcement Rules (環評法施行細則) to enter the second EIA stage only submit the environmental impact statements for the first EIA stage.\n \nII. Revision of the attached table in Article 2:\n1. Extra-large-scale development activities\n(1) Development activities in specialized parks\ni. For petrochemical industrial zones, an activity that applies to develop or accumulates developed areas of 500 hectares or more. \nii. For other specialized parks, an activity that applies to develop or accumulates developed areas of 1,000 hectares or more. \n(2) Constructions of nuclear power plants, projects that install new facilities, or decommission of nuclear reactors.\n(3) Constructions of facilities that store or process radioactive wastes.\n \n2. Large-scale development activities…\n(2) Development activities in specialized parks\n i. For petrochemical industrial zones, activity that applies to develop or accumulates developed areas of 100 to less than 500 hectares.\nii. For other specialized parks, activity that applies to develop or accumulates developed areas of 100 to less than 1,000 hectares.\n(3) Development activities on roads\ni. Constructions of highways or express ways.\nii. Extensions of highways or expressways, or constructions of access roads and interchanges, with a length of at least 30 kilometers. \n(7) Development of airports\ni. Constructions of airports.\nii. Constructions of airport runways.\niii. Extensions of airport runways by over 500 meters.\niv. Relocation of the centerline of an airport runway. \n(10) Construction of environmental engineering\ni. Regarding landfills or incinerators for general wastes or general industrial wastes, construction of new sites, expansions of existing sites, or projects that expand treatment capacities.\nii. Regarding intermediate handling or terminal treatment facilities for harmful industrial wastes, construction, expansions, or projects that expand treatment facilities.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, March 2022\n\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "3", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "" }, { "no": "4136", "title": "Project Breaks Ground to Improve River Quality in Chiayi County", "preview": "y \nThe river quality in Chiayi County is taking a big step forward! Under the witness of the EPA Deputy Minister Hung-Teh Tsai and Chiayi County Magistrate Chang-Liang Weng, the EPA-subsidized project was launched on 10 February, aiming to improve the water quality at the Lioujiao Main Ditch. The groundbreaking ceremony demonstrated the resolve of both the EPA and Chiayi County Government to jointly clean up local water bodies and build a quality environment so that the rivers are more welcoming to the public. \n", "content": "The Lioujiao Main Ditch (the river section between Nonglu Bridge and Paishui Bridge in Liaojiao) is located in the central business district in Singang, Chiayi, where there are important landmarks and buildings nearby like Singang Park, the town library, and Singang Town Hall. Fengtien Temple, a Class 3 national historic site, is also nearby with numerous religious visitors. This section of the river mainly takes in the household wastewater from Singang’s central business district as well as wastewater generated by several livestock farms, leading to poor water quality and environments.\nA relevant project on the Lioujiao Main Ditch will be carried out by the Chiayi County Government to enhance water quality with an approved budget of NT$69,763,752, out of which the EPA will subsidize NT$48,834,626. To effectively treat the water, two purification facilities will be installed, one each in Wenchang Elementary School and Singang Park, which will intercept wastewater from the middle section of the ditch in east Singang and the B Line. They are capable of treating 425 metric tons of wastewater every day via contact aeration before discharging the treated water into the ditch.\nMoreover, both facilities will be underground to beautify landscaping. Their installation will be planned in conjunction with the lotus pond in front of Wenchang Elementary School and Singang Park to provide a better living environment. \nThe EPA notes that having clean rivers requires the joint participation of the central and local governments as well as the public. The central business district in Singang will be completely transformed after the water quality improvement project is completed and successfully kickstarts the comprehensive development of the surrounding neighborhoods.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, March 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "3", "assortment": "Water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4135", "title": "mplementation of Air Pollution Control Plan Achieves Remarkable Results", "preview": "Air\nImplementation of Air Pollution Control Plan Achieves Remarkable Results \nSince 2018, in the three years of the implementation of the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) , 103 regulations have been amended and 27 measures in the Air Pollution Control Plan (空氣污染防制方案) have been carried out. Under the combined efforts of central and regional authorities, the percentage of readings with “good” or “moderate” air quality index (AQI ≦ 100) during a single year exceeded 90% for the first time in 2021. For stationary pollution sources of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the total registered air pollution control fees due in 2021 was 32% less than that in 2016. As for mobile sources of SOx, NOx, and VOCs, there was a 26% drop. Thus, both stationary and mobile pollution sources are showing significant decreasing trends.\n", "content": "The EPA says it has endeavored to continually improve air quality by targeting factories, vehicles, and construction sites in the past few years based on the Air Pollution Control Plan. Compared with 2016, the results are a 45% drop in air pollution from large state-run corporations and an accumulation of nearly 40% of large old diesel vehicles retired from operation. Local emissions have been largely cut, and the sky is no longer gray even during the high air pollution season.\nObservations of air quality in central and southern Taiwan during 2021 showed that PM2.5 in the central region dropped from 18.3μg\/m3 in 2019 to 16.4μg\/m3 in 2021 and PM2.5 in the Kaohsiung-Pingtung region from 17.7μg\/m3 to 15.6μg\/m3. The number of days with “unhealthy” AQI in the nine counties and cities in the central and southern regions went from 73 days in 2020 to 58 days in 2021, clear evidence of improved air quality. \n1. Air quality improvement results and legislative revisions\nOn 1 August 2018, the revised Air Pollution Control Act was announced, along with the Air Pollution Control Plan (2020-2023). Under the Plan, there are 27 measures covering stationary source controls, fugitive source controls, mobile source controls, and comprehensive control strategies.\nSince the implementation of the revised Act, the Plan has seen revisions, formulation, or annulment of 103 regulations, most of which focus on strengthening controls and ameliorating pollution sources. The actions include revising air quality standards, categorizing and designating control zones, and specifying behaviors which cause air pollution during periods of deteriorating air quality. Newly set are: standards for fuels used by mobile sources; pollution emission standards for mobile sources; subsidies for replacing old motorcycles; standards for mixing burning ratios, and; contents of fuels used by stationary sources in private and public venues. Other regulatory areas affected include: Regulations Governing Alert Issuance and Emergency Response for Deteriorating Air Quality; the guidelines to cut pollution emitted from existing stationary sources in Class 3 control zones; the best available control technologies for stationary sources; regulations for air pollution control facilities for the restaurant industry; Regulations for Construction Project Air Pollution Control Facilities, and; emission standards for harmful air pollutants from stationary sources.\nAir pollution controls have been enforced continuously. For the registered amount of air pollution controls for SOx, NOx, and VOCs, it is evident from analysis that in 2021, the amount emitted from stationary sources was less than that in 2016 by 32%, and the amount emitted from mobile sources was less than that in 2015 by 26%. Both show a downward trend. The following are detailed results of air pollution controls:\n(1) Of the 5,565 industrial and non-industrial boilers targeted for improvement, as of 2021, 98% (6,877 boilers) had been improved since the measures took effect in 2018.\n(2) Measures are in place to promote various improvements for Phases 1-to-3 large, old diesel vehicles. Since the measures were introduced in 2017, 56,685 -- more than 40% of existing large, old diesel vehicles -- have been replaced. \n(3) The EPA is endeavoring to phase out roughly 4.74 million old motorcycles. Since the efforts began in 2020 to the end of 2021, roughly 27% (1.298 million) of the total target has been phased out. \n(4) As of August 2021, there were 697 large passenger vehicles (not including tourist buses) in operation. \n(5) As Taiwan burns around 200,000 metric tons of joss paper every year, measures are carried out to promote centralized burning and subsidize the setup of environmentally friendly furnaces. The goal is to reduce the amount of joss paper burning by roughly 10%. Between January and December 2021, 21,000 metric tons of joss paper had been burned in centralized locations. \n(6) The EPA is aiming to improve 1,500 small-to-medium-size restaurants every year. As many as 2,871 had been assisted in 2021, an achievement of 105% of the target. \n(7) Evaluations and control measures are to be continually carried out (measured starting in May to the end of April the following year) on approximately 2,000 hectares of exposed riverbeds. From May 2021 to the end of February 2022, progress had been made on 2,080 hectares. \nFurthermore, the Air Pollution Control Plan focuses on controlling emissions of primary particulate pollutants, SOx, NOx, and VOCs. For 2023, the EPA aims to lower the national average concentration of PM2.5 to 15μg\/m3 and will set annual goals based on reviews of progress made and previous plans for air quality improvement.\n2. Supervising local governments to draft respective air pollution control plans\n(1) On 1 June 2020, the Air Pollution Control Plan (2020 to 2023) was announced for the regional level. Accordingly, local governments are to draft their respective control plans based on regional factors for the EPA’s approval. On the EPA’s invitation, a panel of experts and scholars helped evaluate the plans, holding 25 meetings and approving the local control plans of eight counties and cities.\n(2) Based on the control plans of all county and city governments combined, it is estimated that a total of 175,000 metric tons of emissions of PM2.5, NOx, SO2, and VOCs will be reduced from 2020 to 2023. Using 2019 as the baseline, it is estimated that there will be a 20% cumulative reduction of pollutant emissions.\n3. Publishing the Taiwan Emission Data System (TEDS) 11.0\nOn 1 July 2021, the TEDS11.0, with 2019 set as the baseline year, was published on the EPA’s website (https:\/\/teds.epa.gov.tw\/), available for downloading. Compared with contents in TEDS10.1, which sets 2016 as the baseline year, air pollutant emissions have shown significant drops, including a 26% decrease of PM2.5 emissions, 40% of SOx emissions, 22% of NOx emissions, and 10% of non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) emissions. It took a year and nine months to complete editing and checking relevant emission data that covers the entire country (Taiwan proper, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu) and calculate the estimated emission amounts of individual pollution sources by category. The editing time was much shorter (by more than a year) than that of previous versions.\n4. Emergency controls and operations for air quality deterioration\nRegarding seasonal poor air quality in certain regions, the EPA has considered the response practices of local governments, as well as joint efforts by upwind counties and cities for large-area response. As a result, on 3 March 2022 the revised Regulations Governing Emergency Measures to Prevent Deteriorating Air Quality (空氣品質嚴重惡化緊急防制辦法) were announced. First, the name has been changed to Regulations Governing Alert Issuance and Emergency Response for Deteriorating Air Quality (空氣品質嚴重惡化警告發布及緊急防制辦法). Key revisions include tightening the requirements for emission reduction, increasing the number of targets subject to compulsory emission reduction, lowering the qualifications for establishing a command center, authorizing the formulation of response measures against mobile sources, and requiring cooperation from upwind counties and cities in reducing emissions.\nThe Regulations mainly mandate administrative offices and private and public premises to take short-term response measures and, at the same time, notify the public to increase self-protection measures in order to help maintain air quality. These revisions were made after taking into account recent air quality improvements. The number of incidents of severe air pollution where the Air Quality Index surpassed 200 have been substantially reduced, thus attention has now turned to reducing the number of red alerts (AQI>150), as well as focusing more on reducing the frequency of short-term air quality deterioration. At the same time, to meet the requirement of making a three-day air quality forecast instead of a forecast for only the following day, the time to activate a response mechanism has been moved up.\nAdditionally, several large pollution sources have now become new targets required to lower their emissions. These include coal-burning power plants, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, the steel smelting industry, the petrochemical industry, and privately and publicly run incinerators. It is clearly stated that local governments can draw up response measures for vehicles based on traffic developments and situations within individual regions under their jurisdictions. This way, both factories and vehicles operators can share responsibilities for lessening pollution. Finally, large-scale transmission is a characteristic of air pollution. With references to the “Good Neighbor Clause,” under the revisions, upwind counties and cities are mandated to reduce pollution during periods of poor air quality so as to reduce the number of pollutants carried downwind.\nLooking to the future, the EPA hopes that the central and local governments will work together on the Air Pollution Control Plan to protect the public’s health by keeping the average national annual concentration of pollutants below 15μg \/m3 in 2023. The long-term improvement strategy involves performing ongoing multiple tasks via the implementation of various air pollution prevention and control measures. It is hoped that everyone, including both public and private entities, can support and coordinate with these efforts.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, March 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "3", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4134", "title": "River Pollution Response Workshop Organized to Enhance Ability for Guarding River Environments", "preview": "To enhance the ability of environmental agencies to respond to river pollution emergencies, from 18-19 Jan 2022 the EPA held the “River Pollution Emergency Response Study and Training Workshop” in which relevant central and local agencies participated. In the workshop, participants from industry, government, academia and environmental competent authorities shared and discussed regulations and practical emergency responses to strengthen professional knowledge required for response operations. ", "content": "The study and training workshop contained courses such as explanation of relevant water pollution prevention and control regulations, water pollution and ecology, practical response experiences of government agencies and private enterprises, sources and characteristics of river pollution, application of on-site decontamination equipment training, response principles and strategies, group case exercises and studies. In addition to domestic speakers, international response experts from the Centre of Documentation Research and Experimentation on Accidental Water Pollution (Cedre) of France, were also invited to give lectures through video conferencing. The EPA has sent personnel many times to Cedre in France to participate in professional training regarding pollution response and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cedre in 2016. To date, both agencies continue to deepen cooperation on river pollution response issues.\nRivers are important natural resources in Taiwan. In addition to strengthening legal controls and promoting various water pollution prevention and control measures, environmental agencies have diligently prepared and trained to respond to significant pollution incidents.\n", "year": "2022", "month": "2", "assortment": "Water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4133", "title": "Outstanding Adopters of Air Quality Purification Zones Recognized to Encourage Air Quality Protection", "preview": "To encourage private enterprises and communities to participate in adopting air quality purification zones, the EPA held a competition to recognize outstanding adoptions. As of the end of 2021, there were 549 air quality purification zones. The competition was participated in by 68 adoptive enterprises and communities recommended by 19 county and city environmental bureaus. After on-site evaluation and final selection, 61 entities with outstanding achievements were selected. On 17 January 2022, the Award Ceremony for Excellent Adoptive Entities for Air Quality Purification Zones for the Year 2021 was held in Taipei, where medals were presented by the deputy minister of the EPA, Chih-Hsiu Shen. ", "content": "The EPA thanked the adoptive entities that won the awards for the year 2021. A total of 61 awards were presented this year, including 35 special contribution awards, eight especially outstanding awards, six outstanding awards, eight excellent work awards, and four sustainable care awards. In addition, for local environmental bureaus with outstanding performance, Taoyuan City and Tainan City were awarded the outstanding promotion awards, while Changhua County and Chiayi City received ecological pilot awards. These awards were to thank the county and city environmental bureaus for promoting the adoption of air quality purification zones and green beautification work and disseminating greening and environmental protection concepts.\nThe unique contribution award is the highest award at present. In addition to being deeply recognized for several years of hard work, the winning entities should also have made selfless efforts and actively guarded the environment to win this award. Many enterprises that won the 2021 special contribution award had also won awards for several consecutive years. The winning enterprises included: Taipower (Jianshan and Tongxiao Power Plants), Compal Electronics, ChipMOS Technologies, Sun Moon Lake Wen Wu Temple, CPC Corporation Refining Department-Dalin Refinery, Pingtung County Ligang Township Longweixiang Charity Association, Chung Hwa Pulp Corporation Hualien Plant, Walsin Lihwa Corporation Taichung Branch, Yeong Chin Machinery Industries, Hon Chuan Company, YFY Packaging Inc. Taoyung Plant. Among the communities that won the special contribution awards was Ming Chuan Community Development Association in Yilan City and Yilan County, for making a unique scenic route in Yilan. Sifang Community Development Association in Yongjing Township, Changhua County built their adopted air quality purification zone into a natural ecological classroom and successfully restored fireflies and attracted rhinoceros beetles to inhabit it. In addition to purifying the air, the work also helped develop the local ecological tourism industry by enhancing local characteristics. \n", "year": "2022", "month": "2", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4132", "title": "\nProsecutors Office, Police, and Investigation Bureau Cooperate in Apprehending Group for Dumping Hazardous Industrial Waste", "preview": "On the night of 17 September 2020, the Environmental Protection Bureau of Kaohsiung City received continuous complaints from the public regarding abnormal chemical odor in Niaosong District of Kaohsiung City. Upon inspection by Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office, it was discovered that a factory was being rented for disposing of waste materials. A task force was formed to direct the Seventh Special Police Corps and the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau’s Kaohsiung City Office to gather evidence and expand investigation in conjunction with the EPA and the Environmental Protection Bureau of Kaohsiung City. The collection, comparison, and search for evidence continued for over a year. On 11 January 2022, the criminal group was apprehended for improperly disposing of hazardous industrial wastes in a rented factory. Four people were detained and held incommunicado. A preliminary estimate of illegal profits stood at several million NT dollars.", "content": "The EPA said that at first, footage from surveillance cameras in the vicinity of the factory was examined and filtered vehicle by vehicle. After isolating the vehicle involved in the case and through comparing it with the evidence left at the scene, the identity of a suspect was determined. Further surveillance and collection of evidence revealed that a criminal group headed by a suspect surnamed Liu rented a vacant factory in Niaosong District. It claimed that the facility was used to store solar energy equipment but it was illegally used to dispose of large quantities of industrial waste materials. The Environmental Protection Bureau of Kaohsiung City conducted tests on the waste materials and ascertained that they were waste solvents with flashpoints of less than 40 °C and greater than 200mg\/L of butanone, which is classified as hazardous industrial waste.\nTo prevent the spread of pollution, in addition to the emergency removal and placing in proper storage of the wastes found at the site, subsequent investigation revealed the identities of the perpetrators, drivers and transport companies involved in illegal waste material clearance and disposal, all of whom were brought to justice for violating the Waste Disposal Act. \nFurthermore, in the course of expanding the investigation, the prosecutor also found that the group had conducted soil preparations in a fish-pond land in Hunei District of Kaohsiung City under pretenses of setting up ground-based solar photovoltaic power generation facilities when in fact they buried waste materials under the soil. After on-site excavation, the site was backfilled with a significant amount of industrial waste, such as mixtures of construction waste. The landlord provided the land to be backfilled with waste materials without permission.\nThe EPA said that in order to put an end to illegal clearance and disposal of industrial wastes, the EPA has been cooperating with the prosecutors' offices, the police, and the Investigation Bureau for many years to combat environmental crimes jointly. The results have been fruitful, and all waste source enterprises are urged to refrain from entrusting unscrupulous companies for clearance of industrial wastes, or they will face criminal liability for conspiracy. They will need to jointly undertake the obligation to restore and clean up the disposal sites. The maximum penalty is imprisonment of up to 5 years with a possible fine of $15 million.\n", "year": "2022", "month": "2", "assortment": "Environmental Inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4131", "title": "Three Green Eating Tips for Lunar New Year ", "preview": "Three Green Eating Tips for Lunar New Year \nThe Year of the Tiger has arrived, and together with the EPA, we will celebrate the beginning of a good year in wealth and prosperity! Appreciating food and blessings in line with green eating habits can help us preserve the beauty of the environment and accumulate fortunes when shopping, cooking, and eating out every day.", "content": "Food is a precious resource of the Earth. According to a United Nations report, 1\/3 of food is wasted in the process of production, harvest, transportation, and consumption before being consumed. According to the EPA’s statistics, Taiwan recycles approximately 40,000 metric tons of food waste per month. A large amount of discarded food generates food waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and other problems that encumber the Earth’s environment and is also a waste of resources.\nThe EPA shared three tips on cherishing food during Lunar New Year that would help people guard their wallets and not worry about where to place their food scraps from Lunar New Year feasts.\n【Purchasing】Planned shopping. Open the refrigerator to confirm the ingredients and ponder over the amount to be consumed by the family before heading out to shop. Purchase only the amount to be consumed. Moreover, consider purchasing non-standard or “ugly” fruits and vegetables and cherish every piece of healthy and nutritious food. \n【Cooking】Complete utilization of foods. Make use of every part of food, including remnants that might be turned into delicious dishes, and do not worry about discarding food scraps.\n【Eating Out】Give priority to stores that advocate food conservation when making reservations or buying gifts, support food conservation with action by ordering suitable food content and quantity, and bring containers to take away leftovers. \nThere are now food and beverage store owners across Taiwan who echo the food conservation initiative. The EPA invites you to join the food conservation campaign by cherishing food, reducing food waste, and celebrating Lunar New Year with Mother Earth.\n", "year": "2022", "month": "2", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4130", "title": "1,000 Green Points Awarded Upon Purchasing Green Products during Lunar New Year", "preview": "1,000 Green Points Awarded Upon Purchasing Green Products during Lunar New Year\nThe EPA has stepped up green consumption rewards during Lunar New Year by granting 1,000 green points per item, whether the purchase of green products is made in hypermarkets or convenience stores with reward points. Open the Green Point App to search among nearly 2,000 green products such as home appliances, cleaning products, tissue papers, thermo mugs, office stationery, and food products bearing the Green Mark, carbon footprint labels, MIT smile logos, organic agricultural product labels, CAS Taiwan premium agricultural product labels, and traceable agricultural product labels.", "content": "The EPA stated that nationwide chain stores and online businesses have successively joined the Green Point program where members can purchase or redeem their green points for green products at Family Mart, 7-11, E-Life Mall, RT-Mart, A.mart, Hi-Life, ET Mall, EP-Life and other participating stores, and in addition to existing product point rewards, an extra 1,000 green points per item are awarded from now until the end of February.\nFurthermore, introducing a friend to join the Green Point program will result in receiving 2,000 points each for both persons! The program continuously launches advantageous events to provide members with a more interactive experience. The public is invited to love the Earth starting from collecting green points, and joining the program now allows the public to echo a green lifestyle while keeping their pockets full over Lunar New Year.\nThe app is currently the most trendy and best environmental protection app for the public to initiate \"green living, green shopping\" habits. Everyone is welcome to download the Green Point App, sign up, and love the Earth while collecting points to enjoy rewards! Please visit the Green Point website (https:\/\/www.greenpoint.org.tw\/) for more information.", "year": "2022", "month": "2", "assortment": "control and evaluation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4129", "title": "Two Incentive Measures Promulgated for Replacing Old Motorcycles", "preview": "Two Incentive Measures Promulgated for Replacing Old Motorcycles\nThe EPA subsidizes NT$2,000 per vehicle for motorcycle owners to phase out motorcycles manufactured before 30 June 2007. If the public replaces old motorcycles with electric ones and agrees to have greenhouse gas reduction benefits vested in the EPA, an additional bonus of NT$1,000 will be provided. The two incentive measures announced are effective from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023. Qualified applicants can submit their applications at the EPA’s Recycling of End-of-life Vehicle’s website ", "content": "Since 2020 when the EPA began to encourage the public to replace motorcycles manufactured before 30 June 2007, more than 1.2 million units have been replaced, which equals a quarter of the nation’s old motorcycles and a 14% reduction of emissions from motorcycles, benefitting the improvement of air quality. Considering that 3.54 million aging motorcycles with higher pollutant emissions remain on the streets, continuous encouragement to phase-out old motorcycles is necessary.\n\nIn addition, replacing fossil fuel-burning motorcycles with electric ones brings carbon reduction benefits. In accordance with the Offset Principles for the Increased Greenhouse Gas Emission Caused by Development Activities enacted by the EPA in 2020, the carbon reduction benefit of replacing each aging motorcycle is approximately 2.3 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, which can serve as a source for large-scale development projects that have passed the environmental impact assessment (EIA) to obtain offsets for the increased greenhouse gas emission.\n\nAccording to the EPA, a plan for obtaining greenhouse gas offset must be proposed by the EIA-qualified development projects and approved by the EPA before being implemented, and to encourage the public to replace aging motorcycles with electric ones, future development entities or local governments should grant at least NT$1,000\/vehicle upon obtaining the carbon reduction benefits from replacing each old motorcycle with an electric one. At present, the implementation plans of the development entities have yet to be sent to the EPA, so the EPA has specified in the Regulations Governing Incentives for Replacing Old Motorcycles with Electric Motorcycles to Reduce Greenhouse Gas (hereinafter as the Regulations) that NT$1,000 reward\/vehicle shall be given to those who agree to have the greenhouse gas reduction benefits from replacing old motorcycles with electric ones vested in the EPA, in addition to the NT$2,000\/vehicle for replacing old motorcycles and the original NT$300 incentive refund\/vehicle, totaling NT$3,300\/vehicle, from 1 January this year to the end of 31 December next year. \nIn consideration of the plans to obtain carbon reduction benefits by replacing aging motorcycles with electric ones to be proposed by EIA-qualified development entities or local governments in the future, those who have acquired electric motorcycles previously may also choose to receive first a subsidy of NT$2,300\/vehicle for scrapping and recycling aging motorcycles, and later submit the application online for the NT$1,000 reward\/vehicle before 10 January 2024 with the receipt from the purchase of a new electric motorcycle under the Regulations. ", "year": "2022", "month": "2", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4128", "title": "Enterprises With Excellent Recycling Performance Awarded for Improvements and Innovations in the Industry ", "preview": "Enterprises With Excellent Recycling Performance Awarded for Improvements and Innovations in the Industry \nThe Office of Resource Circulation was set up in July 2021 to gradually promote full recycling so as to maximize recycling and minimize waste disposal. Meanwhile, well-performing enterprises are to be chosen as models to encourage other enterprises in Taiwan to actively participate in recycling. This helps reduce resources lost from linear production or service patterns and creates new economic value by incentivizing private manufacturers and service industries to participate in the circular economy. Model examples set by the well-performing enterprises also encourage colleagues to upgrade their technology or use renewable materials, ultimately facilitating resource recycling in Taiwan.", "content": "The EPA has begun to acknowledge enterprises for their excellent performance in resource recycling since 2018, to date selecting a total of 75, with 36 receiving the two-star awards, the highest honor, and 39 the one-star awards. All of them are committed to striving for environmental sustainability and revival. Under active governmental effort to facilitate a circular economy, the awarded enterprises are all eager to make changes, upgrade technologically, conduct innovative research, and share their successes to create growth and development in all of Taiwan’s industries.\n\nThe EPA expressed that the award recipients have all proven to be outstanding in their own way over the years. For instance, the Heping Plant of Taiwan Cement has formed a closed circular system encompassing the industrial harbor, the Heping Power Plant, and the cement plant. Pipeline connections allow raw ingredients, fuels and wastes to be shared among the three sites. The harbor supplies raw ingredients needed for cement production to the cement plant and ships out the finished products, resulting in lower carbon emissions. All of the coal ash from the power plant is transported to the cement plant as a component for cement.\n\nGuantian Black Gold has transformed waste shells of water caltrop, a primary regional plant eaten as food, into high-value products. Through carbonization, shells are turned into coals, used in objects such as filters in air purifiers, bio-charcoal for agricultural purposes, or products that absorb moisture and reduce odors. The heat generated from the carbonization process can also be recycled. In addition, the weak-base water used to clean the shells can be used in blue dyeing afterwards. Local communities have collaborated with different industries to develop business opportunities, such as organizing interesting local tours that also promote the idea of recycling.\nLast but not least, PackAge+ provides a business model of circular services, allowing consumers better and environmentally friendlier options for online shopping. Packaging materials from online shopping platforms are rented and shared among online stores, consumers, and return channels. These materials, made of recycled plastic bottles and waste glass, can be used repeatedly over 50 times, drastically cutting down the use of single-use packaging materials.\nVia green designs, upgraded renewable technology, increased recyclability, and modified manufacturing processes, more and more enterprises are actively participating in circular rentals, working to extend the life cycles of their own products, and utilizing renewable and recycled raw materials. Accomplishments of these awarded enterprises have been compiled into a book to share their processes in advocating and facilitating resource recycling. \n", "year": "2022", "month": "2", "assortment": "Waste M", "url": "" }, { "no": "4127", "title": "Source Controls Set in Place to Safeguard Food Safety ", "preview": "", "content": "", "year": "2022", "month": "2", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4126", "title": "Monitoring Data Shows Decrease in Air Pollutant Concentration for Five Consecutive Years", "preview": "Monitoring Data Shows Decrease in Air Pollutant Concentration for Five Consecutive Years \nThe 2021 air quality monitoring data compiled by the EPA shows a downward trend of concentrations across all air pollutants for five consecutive years. The average number of days with Air Quality Index (AQI) of 100 or less, meaning in the categories of Good or Moderate AQI, exceeded 90% in 2020 and 2021. Also, there were fewer and fewer days with AQI above 100 (Unhealthy categories) in both years and zero days with AQI of 200 or over (the Very Unhealthy and Hazardous categories).\n", "content": "The EPA pointed out that the national PM2.5 concentration reached the goal of an average concentration of 15.7 μg\/m3 for the whole of 2021 and the ultimate goal of an average annual concentration of 15 μg\/m3 for 2020 to 2023, as set by the Executive Yuan-approved Air Pollution Control Plan. As for ozone, the average annual concentration continues to drop. Compared to recent years, in 2021 there was a significant decrease in hourly values of ozone over 120 ppb as well as a drop in 8-hour periods of ozone over 60 ppb. The number of station-days in 2021 that had an 8-hour ozone red alert showed an improvement of nearly 60% over the previous year. \n\nThe primary cause of poor air quality in 2021 was PM2.5, mostly present from January to March. Further analysis reveals poor horizontal and vertical dispersions caused by meteorological factors such as stationary air masses and low height of the mixing layer. Furthermore, the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) monitoring data displays an increase in hours with low wind speed and a clear drop of rainfall from January to March 2021. Neither of these meteorological conditions helps disperse particulate matters, leading to increased accumulation of PM2.5 concentration.\n\nThe EPA noted that, since the revision of the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法), it has worked on tightening control measures and evaluating 101 sets of relevant regulations as well as completing amelioration of multiple pollution sources ahead of schedule. For example, the number of Phase-1-to-3 large diesel vehicles taken off the road reached double the annual goal, and the goal of phasing out 1.2 million motorcycles has been achieved for Phase-1-to-4 motorcycles from 2020 to 2021.\n\nFor stationary sources, state-run enterprises have seen their pollution emissions reduced by 45% compared to 2016. 98% of their boilers listed for control have been improved. Other accomplishments include setting emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and tightening emission standards for the cement industry. \n\nAs for mobile sources, the results so far include the removal of 38% of Phase-1-to-3 high-polluting large diesel vehicles, 26% of old motorcycles, and assistance given to local governments in designating 15 air quality maintenance zones. For regulating fugitive sources, amended regulations strengthened control of the restaurant industry and construction projects. The number of airborne dust incidents in Zhuoshui River and Kaoping River dropped from nine and eight in 2020 to four and zero, respectively, in 2021.\n\nThe EPA will continue to work with other central government departments and local governments to safeguard air quality and protect public health by reducing air pollution emissions. ", "year": "2022", "month": "2", "assortment": "Environmental Monitoring", "url": "" }, { "no": "4125", "title": "EPA-ITRI Joint Efforts Create New Value from Used Lithium Batteries ", "preview": "EPA-ITRI Joint Efforts Create New Value from Used Lithium Batteries In the midst of widespread electronic products, the electric car is on its way to going mainstream in the future. Based on the EPA’s estimation, by 2025, Taiwan is looking at an annual output of 1,100 metric tons of waste rechargeable lithium batteries, potentially harmful to the environment if not properly disposed of. Together the EPA and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) have developed a new technology for waste battery disposal that is able, in low-energy-consuming and carbon-cutting ways, to extract precious metals for reuse with a tenfold increase in economic value over previous treatment methods. These metals can be reused for various purposes, creating a prospering circular economy.\n", "content": "Turning waste batteries to gold in the face of a booming need for batteries \nIn light of the booming development of electric cars and the significant demand for lithium cell anode materials, the EPA collaborated with ITRI to extract more value and purer cobalt sulfate and cobalt oxide from the black powder produced after treating waste rechargeable lithium cells. Both cobalt compounds are needed to manufacture anodes for lithium batteries. The collaboration has lasted three years, with crucial technology developed, and has now reached the mass production trial stage.\n\nThe research project utilizes thorough physical screening, extraction and purification to separate and extract critical pure compounds. The end result means local enterprises can better dispose of the 1,100 metric tons of waste rechargeable lithium cells produced every year in Taiwan. Not only are environmental harms from waste lithium batteries prevented, but a complete specialized system is set up in advance for recycling and resupply, enhancing the security of material supply for the industry.\n\nRechargeable lithium cells and batteries can be recharged and used repeatedly and are widely used in consumer electronics such as cellphones, cameras, laptop computers, and tablets because of their high energy density, long life cycle and low discharge rate. There is also a rising use of electric powered transport devices such as electric cars, electric scooters and electric-assist bicycles that rely on lithium batteries to store energy. All precious metals contained in these cells, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper have to be imported into Taiwan. As electric motor vehicles continue to be actively promoted in Taiwan, the market for lithium cells booms, leading to a continual rise in demand for the relevant raw materials.\nDomestic output of waste secondary lithium cells to reach 1,100 metric tons by 2025\nBased on projected sales of consumer electronics and electric motor vehicles, it is estimated from calculations of product use cycles that the annual generation of waste rechargeable lithium cells in Taiwan will reach 1,100 metric tons by 2025. To keep precious metals within Taiwan’s borders, the EPA began working with ITRI three years ago on early preparation and development aimed at achieving high-value reuse of precious metals and other valuable resources extracted from waste lithium batteries.\n\nITRI ran trials on extracting highly pure precursor compounds that are used as raw materials in anodes from waste lithium batteries. First, other metals such as iron, copper, and aluminum are effectively removed from mixed anode and cathode powders via precise physical sorting and screening. Then different reducing agents are added to compare the ratio of extracted cobalt ions with a separation and purification process via adjustment of acidity and basicity. This way, anode precursor materials are extracted from the mixture powders, separated and purified, with a cobalt extraction rate up to 98%. The extracted cobalt is made into cobalt oxide via thermal reduction in high heat, and the finished products have a cobalt content above 71.06 wt% and impurity content below 300 ppm, which complies with the specification for industrial-grade raw materials. The last part of the research project is a mass production trial and certification of renewable products.\nNew technology optimizes waste disposal and creates economic profits tenfold\nITRI explained that by using this technology, the mixed anode and cathode powders, which are of lower value, can be disposed of via separation and purification and turned into high-value cobalt oxide. Cobalt oxide is worth ten times the value of the powders. Other metals can also be extracted and reused through the same processes, which increases overall economic benefits and contributes to a higher recycling rate. Aside from continual assistance for domestic enterprises for technological enhancement, other results include active facilitation of the technology through further signing memorandums with responsible enterprises.\n\nThe EPA’s statistics show that in 2021 a total of 600 metric tons of rechargeable lithium cells from electric cars and motorcycles, consumer electronics, and other products using such batteries were recycled, accounting for 15% of all recycled waste batteries that year. There are 8,000 electric cars on the street of Taiwan and 500,000 electronic motorcycles have been sold, taking the electric vehicle market to an economical scale of millions, so the amount of waste rechargeable lithium cells in Taiwan is estimated to reach 1,100 metric tons by 2025. All six local treatment plants have a combined annual capacity of roughly 2,200 metric tons, capable of handling all the rechargeable lithium battery waste generated.\n\nThe EPA pointed out that in the past the majority of the mixed anode and cathode powders, which contained precious metals, were exported after being treated with the shredding and disposal technology then available in Taiwan. The “black powder” left could only be used as an auxiliary material in steel refineries and was worth merely NT$80\/kg. However, with the newly developed technology involving prior sorting, screening and purification, the cobalt oxide alone is currently worth NT$800\/kg, an outstanding tenfold increase in value over the previous unrefined black powder. This price is estimated to increase rapidly depending on global demand and political and economic circumstances in producing regions. Cobalt oxide is a compound required in battery production and the chemical industry, and will be reutilized in the manufacture of lithium batteries. In this way, valuable resources can be kept in Taiwan, and the high-value recycling and reutilization also makes a circular economy a reality. \n\nUrging the public to utilize the 20,000 recycling stations across Taiwan\nProspectively, the EPA noted that the participation of all citizens in properly recycling waste batteries is required even with such a low-polluting, high-value treatment technology in place. There are now over 20,000 waste battery recycling stations across Taiwan, including at hypermarkets, supermarkets, chain convenience stores, chain retail shops for cleaning products and cosmetics, convenience stores in traffic hubs and stations, retail shops for wireless communications equipment, telecommunications stores, recycling trucks of cleaning crews, and recycling stations in villages and neighborhoods. \n\nThe public is reminded to recycle the batteries inside toys, laser pointers, calculators, remote controls, automatic massage pads, telecommunications products and all sorts of rechargeable household appliances. Rechargeable batteries must be insulated with electrical tape on both ends to prevent fires from short circuits. There are designated locations and recycling channels for motor batteries from electric cars and motorcycles. When lithium cells are taken out of electric vehicles during maintenance or when being scrapped, maintenance or repair shops or vehicle recyclers must collect and take them to waste battery recycling or disposal enterprises.", "year": "2022", "month": "2", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4124", "title": "Revisions to the Regulations Governing Management of Industrial Waste Reuse Preannounced", "preview": "waste Revisions to the Regulations Governing Management of Industrial Waste Reuse Preannounced To improve management of waste reuse and ensure the entire recycling process is tracked, the EPA is planning to revise the relevant regulations so that products produced by recycling facilities are classified into those for direct use and those requiring specific intermediates to undergo processing before they can be used. Since specific intermediates are considered industrial waste regulated by the Waste Disposal Act, they shall be transported to reprocessing facilities by vehicles equipped with GPS and shall be tracked all the way to end-users. In addition, the quality and purpose of all categories of reuse products will be specified. \n", "content": "One focus of public concern is whether or not aggregate-type intermediate products produced from industrial waste from recycling facilities, which need to be further processed before they can be used by end-users, can be properly reused to make end products. To meet public expectations, the EPA conducted a comprehensive review of the flow management and whole-process tracking of recycled products. The EPA will also designate materials produced by recycling facilities as special intermediate components for making low-grade backfill materials, bricks, concrete aggregates and concrete Jersey barriers and curbs. The revision will also allow the intermediate products to be sold only to recycling enterprises that possess the proper processing capacity. These and other measures will more strictly regulate the quality standards and transportation methods for intermediate materials. \nThe revision will also add quality standards and restrict locations for reused products used for common purposes such as aggregates, industrial material feedstocks, fertilizer, animal feed, or energy sources. The revision will also enhance flow tracking and quality management of products containing reused materials. It is hoped that through cooperation with other ministries and commissions, a win-win situation for the environment and industrial development can be generated. \nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, January 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "1", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4123", "title": "Regulations Governing the Certification and Management of Environmental Education Personnel Revised", "preview": "Environmental Education\nRegulations Governing the Certification and Management of Environmental Education Personnel Revised\nTo encourage citizens to obtain environmental education personnel certifications, promote environmental education, and ensure that environmental education training meet actual training needs, the EPA has revised the Regulations Governing the Certification and Management of Environmental Education Personnel (“the Regulations”) with the required hours for professional training adjusted to 40 hours and the total training hours adjusted to 100 hours.\n", "content": "Given that many years of Environmental Education Act implementation and environmental education personnel certification have shown that 100 hours of training is adequate to meet the requirement for certification in practice, the EPA has revised Article 9, paragraph 2 of the Regulations, adjusting the required total training hours from more than 120 hours to more than 100 hours so as to encourage the public to obtain environmental education personnel certifications. In addition, considering the rich, diversified and unique professional fields in which environmental education personnel may develop and to give the training courses a better focus, Article 9, paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Regulations have also been revised. Those who have applied for and been certified as an environmental education teaching personnel but would like to add another professional field, the required training hours for adding a professional field has been revised from more than 60 hours to more than 40 hours. \nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, January 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "1", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4122", "title": "First Taiwan-Thailand Soil and Groundwater Environmental Technology Cooperation Forum Marks Commencement of Net Zero Cooperation ", "preview": "soil and groundwater\nFirst Taiwan-Thailand Soil and Groundwater Environmental Technology Cooperation Forum Marks Commencement of Net Zero Cooperation \nThe EPA invited the Pollution Control Department (PCD) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand to co-host the 2021 Taiwan-Thailand Soil and Groundwater Environmental Technology Cooperation Forum on 24 December 2021. Held both physically and virtually, the forum saw hundreds of experts and scholars from both sides enthusiastically exchange on the experience of soil and groundwater policy, investigation, and regulation, laying a good foundation for future cooperation. EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang, acting representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand Wei-Min Hsu, and acting representative of Thailand Trade and Economic Office Sunh Arunrugstichai were specially invited to give remarks.\n", "content": "In the opening address, Minister Chang stressed that soil and groundwater protection would be an important task for Taiwan and Thailand in the future since this issue was closely related to sustainable development and food supply. As to the soil and water pollution caused by industrial development, Taiwan has gradually accomplished the improvement of polluted sites and agricultural lands through the implementation of the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act and the completion of relevant administrative regulations. The interaction between Taiwan and Thailand in the area of environmental protection was interrupted due to the pandemic, and the forum marked the commencement of the cooperation between the two sides through video conferencing for the first time, laying the foundation for the development of future technological exchanges and strengthening further cooperation.\nThe EPA stated that 2021 marked the 20th anniversary of the establishment of its Soil and Groundwater Remediation Fund Management Board. And through international soil and groundwater technological and academic exchanges, it would continue to promote international accreditations to share capacities with its Thai partners and face climate change issues together for sustainable development. Deputy Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand Preeyaporn Suwanaged stated that the topic of soil and groundwater protection is essential in current global exchanges, and the laws and ideas of both sides could be shared through this forum.\nActing representative Wei-Min Hsu said that environmental protection and sustainability are of great importance for Taiwan and Thailand. Taiwan possesses comprehensive regulations, technical excellence, and ample experience in soil and groundwater protection. With the world facing the challenges of climate change, Taiwan can share its experience and technical know-how with other countries worldwide. Acting representative Sunh Arunrugstichai said that the two parties could exchange experience and technology on sustainable development and seek further cooperation through this forum.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, January 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "1", "assortment": "soil and groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4121", "title": "Plans to Establish Environmental Analysis Fund and Designated Analysis Organizations Preannounced", "preview": "general policy\nPlans to Establish Environmental Analysis Fund and Designated Analysis Organizations Preannounced\nWith the purpose of improving the quality and credibility of environmental testing data, the EPA is planning to establish an Environmental Testing and Analysis Fund and a Designated Testing and Analysis Organizations scheme by formulating the Environmental Testing and Analysis Act (the “Act”) to create a fair, independent and high-quality environmental analysis system.\n", "content": "The EPA pointed out that in comparison with the first draft, \"designated\" testing and analysis organizations, review and announcement of testing and analysis fee rates have been removed from the content of the (2nd) draft preannouncement, while the following has been added: The assigned person with the obligation to submit analysis must sign a standard contract with a designated testing and analysis organization, a category-based management system of testing and analysis organizations, and the analysis laboratories of local environmental agencies must acquire a license. The following were also added: If testing and analysis organizations commit forgeries in their analysis, the penalty can be aggravated to revoke all types of licenses, and trust protection shall be given for a certain period to the testing and analysis organizations that have acquired licenses, the employees and the environmental testing equipment that have been used following the promulgation of the Act.\nIn March and April 2020, the EPA conducted nine consultation sessions to discuss the bill with various sectors. The general concern reflected by the industry was that the selection of designated analysis organizations through the analysis management platform in the first draft preannouncement, and the review and the announcement of testing and analysis fee rates would affect the freedom of commerce and that the impact on the existing testing system would be too great. Having consulted and consolidated the opinions from the sectors, the EPA adjusted the content of the draft Act and delivered the second draft preannouncement.\nThe draft Act was preannounced for the first time on 25 January 2021. Its main items were the inclusion of both the industry and the testing and analysis organizations to be regulated by the Act, the plan to announce the formation of an Environmental Testing and Analysis Fund through the collection of testing and analysis fees from assigned persons with the obligation to submit an analysis, the establishment of an impartial and third-party testing and analysis management platform through which proper testing and analysis organizations are selected by the competent authority as designated testing and analysis organizations to conduct tests for assigned persons with the obligation to submit analysis and review and announce the testing and analysis fee rates, that assigned persons with the obligation to submit analysis must make the payment in advance, to ensure the impartiality of the testing and analysis organizations. In addition, the issuance of licenses to testing and analysis organizations was optimized, and mechanisms to certify testing and analysis personnel and equipment were established to ensure the quality of testing data, the professionalism in testing procedures and the accuracy of data. Other mechanisms, such as whistleblower clauses, rewards for reporting violations, confiscation of illegal gains and rewards from violation cases were also included in the draft.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, January 2022\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "1", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4120", "title": "Dongda River Water Environment Improvement Project Serves as Model for Public-Private Cooperation", "preview": "Water\nDongda River Water Environment Improvement Project Serves as Model for Public-Private Cooperation\nA new attraction has been added to Taichung City’s “blue ribbon”! The city's Dongda River Water Environment and Neighboring Area Environmental Improvement Project, subsidized by the EPA, has been completed and opened under the joint witness of EPA Deputy Minister Hung-Teh Tsai, Taichung City Deputy Mayor Jung Da Linghu, Tunghai University President Mao-Jiun Wang, National Taiwan University Professor Hong-Yuan Lee and the participating public, creating a new landscape for the Dongda riverside.\n", "content": "Dongda River flows through the Tunghai Night Market commercial district and Taichung Industrial Park. As economic development along the river grew, the water quality and the river environment gradually deteriorated over the years. In an attempt to restore the river’s ecosystem, Taichung City Government reviewed the overall environmental planning of Fazi River and its surrounding areas and collaborated with the EPA to implement the first phase of the Dongda River remediation project in 2015. And with the resources from the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program, Taichung City continued to work with the EPA to implement the second phase of the Dongda River improvement project with the objective to solve the wastewater problem in the night market commercial district located upstream of Dongda River.\nThe project invested $300 million to establish a new on-site gravel contact oxidation treatment facility with a daily capacity of 8,000 metric tons and simultaneously upgrade the existing on-site water purification facilities (2,000 metric tons per day). In addition, to handle the high grease content of the night market wastewater, the degreasing function of the pre-treatment facilities was strengthened. Now the influent wastewater is directed to the underground gravel contact oxidation treatment facility for purification after screening, desilting, and grease removal and discharged back to Dongda River to supplement the base flow and be used for environmental landscaping in the surrounding areas. The river pollution index is expected to move from “seriously polluted” to “lightly polluted.\"\nThe project covered the campus of Tunghai University and was strongly supported by the university, which actively participated from the planning and design stage and worked together with the government to create a high-quality water environment for education. It is a model of public-private cooperation and has won the Excellence Award for Facility Engineering at the 21st Public Works Golden Quality Awards in 2021 as well as many other awards.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, January 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "1", "assortment": "Water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4119", "title": "A NT$1,000 Incentive for Replacing Old Motorcycles with Electric Ones", "preview": "Air\nA NT$1,000 Incentive for Replacing Old Motorcycles with Electric Ones \nTo accelerate the phasing out of old motorcycles, the EPA has drafted relevant incentive measures to encourage people to apply to replace their old motorcycles with electric ones. Applications approved by the central competent authority will be rewarded NT$1,000 per electric motorcycle. The incentive period will be from now until 31 December next year for a period of two years.\n", "content": "The replacement of old motorcycles with their electric counterparts reduces greenhouse gases. In order to accelerate the replacement of gasoline-powered vehicles with electric ones and to promote the reduction of greenhouse gases in the transportation sector, the Regulations Governing Incentives for Replacing Old Motorcycles with Electric Motorcycles to Reduce Greenhouse Gas (the “Regulations”) has been drafted to encourage the public to replace old motorcycles with electric ones.\nConcerning the rewarding conditions and the greenhouse gas reduction benefits, Article 4 of the draft Regulations stipulates:\n1. Complete the scrappage registration and the recycling of the old motorcycles within the incentive period from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023. The newly purchased electric motorcycles are to be used within the country.\n2. Agree to have the greenhouse gas reduction benefits of 2.3 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per motorcycle from completing the scrappage registration and recycling of the old motorcycles and the purchase of electric motorcycles vested in the central competent authority.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, January 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "1", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4118", "title": "Three District Centers Established to Promote Regional Environmental Management", "preview": "environmental inspection\nThree District Centers Established to Promote Regional Environmental Management\nIn response to the central government's organizational restructuring and promote regional environmental management, the EPA formally established three District Environmental Management Centers on 1 January 2022. Under the existing organizational structure of the Northern, Central, and Southern Branches of the Bureau of Environmental Inspection, regional environmental governance, supervision of environmental tasks of local environmental agencies, and environmental crime investigation and law enforcement that were the original tasks of the Branches have been incorporated as the core tasks of the Northern, Central and Southern District Environmental Management Centers with the leaders of the branches assuming the roles as directors of the respective centers.\n", "content": "The EPA stated that following the establishment of the Resource Recycling Office and the Climate Change Office on 1 July 2021, the tasks of managing general waste and environmental sanitation were transferred to the Bureau of Environmental Inspection to unify authority and improve administrative efficiency. In addition, starting from 1 January 2022, the tasks of implementing \"Salute to the Ocean -- Coastal Cleanliness Maintenance Plan” and of acting as the contacts for “Natural Disaster Response\" and \"Epidemic and Disaster Prevention\" will also be transferred to the Bureau of Environmental Inspection.\nTo strengthen organizational functions in line with the central government’s organization restructuring and to satisfy the needs of regional environmental management, the EPA has set up the Northern, Central, and Southern District Environmental Management Centers under the Bureau of Environmental Inspection. Under each center are five working groups: integrated planning, administrative inspectorate, crime detection, regional environmental facilities, and regional environmental management. In addition, a Disaster Prevention and Response Section has been created under the Northern Environmental Management Center to be responsible for the EPA’s integrated operations in response to natural disasters.\nThe EPA pointed out that in the future, in addition to handling environmental crime investigation and law enforcement and administrative supervision, which are the existing tasks of the three branches of the Bureau of Environmental Inspection, the three regional environmental management centers will also be responsible for the management of garbage disposal facilities, environmental sanitation management and other coordinating tasks previously handled by the Bureau. The Northern Environmental Management Center will also act as the contact for natural disaster response and epidemic and disaster prevention in order to gain greater flexibility in the deployment of manpower and service through personnel adjustment and mutual support. As a result, the organizational efficiency and core functions are enhanced since major or cross-district environmental inspections, waste management, and garbage disposal can now be conducted routinely. Still, a swift response can also be delivered in the event of a major environmental incident or natural disaster.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, January 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "1", "assortment": "environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4117", "title": "Smuggled Coolants Destroyed to Protect the Ozone Layer", "preview": "air\nSmuggled Coolants Destroyed to Protect the Ozone Layer\nTo protect the ozone layer and deter unscrupulous enterprises from smuggling illegal coolants, the EPA has since 2001 commissioned the MOF’s Customs Administration (CA) to destroy all the confiscated smuggled coolants. Annual subsidies are provided to the CA for all costs needed for the destruction. On 21 December 2021, the CA completed the bidding process to commission qualified disposal enterprises in the destruction operations, which are expected to destroy another 75 metric tons by the end of 2022.\n", "content": "Coolant ingredients like hydrochlorofluorocarbon, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HALONs, and other fully halogenated CFCs all damage the ozone layer, and are listed for control by the Montreal Protocol. They are not easily combustible, but with a stable and toxin-free chemical characteristic, they’re usually stored in steel containers. Confiscated ones are normally placed in the customs’ warehouse. In recent years, the EPA and the CA have had multiple discussions on the operations and also together taken inventory in the warehouse, listing coolants in containers that are in poor status as the first batch to be destroyed. On 25 January 2021, a statement was issued based on the Montreal Protocol to announce that rotating kilns, cement kilns, and electric arc furnaces were to be used to destroy smuggled coolants. Currently, there are four industrial waste disposal enterprises that meet the operation standards.\nCoolants have different physical characteristics than wastes. Most of them are in gas form, so regular incinerators need to be outfitted with special equipment to destroy them. Before 2004, Renwu Plant of Formosa Plastic Co., which manufactured coolants itself, was commissioned to destroy smuggled ones. The operation ceased after the plant sold its furnace. In the following years, the EPA sought help from disposal enterprises abroad and gave up because they charged NT$1 million per metric ton. And enterprises in Taiwan were unwilling to be commissioned, considering the major technical requirements and difficulty in facility renovations. The operation was put on hold as there was a small amount of smuggled coolants stored.\nTo build up domestic disposal capacity, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has since 2011 been commissioned to develop the technology needed. Trial burns to destroy coolants were subsequently conducted with rotating kilns, arc furnaces, and cement kilns, with all processes compliant with the air pollution control regulations. The EPA will keep collaborating with the CA and coordinating with relevant institutes as well as qualified disposal enterprises to destroy smuggled coolants. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing in the development and transfer of necessary technology, with assistance for the CA in regular inventory and inspections on how proper and safe the steel containers are in the warehouse. The goal is to speed up the destruction of confiscated coolants.\n", "year": "2022", "month": "1", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4116", "title": "First Label Issued to Certify Products Using Marine Debris as Government and Corporations Work to Maintain a Clean Ocean", "preview": "recycling\nFirst Label Issued to Certify Products Using Marine Debris as Government and Corporations Work to Maintain a Clean Ocean\nOn 27 December 2021, the EPA issued the Marine Debris Circular Product Label to certify 13 products developed by four enterprises, including Horng En Plastics, BoReTech, NICE Enterprise, and Taijei Precision Co. This first batch of the issued Marine Debris Circular Product Label marks its beginning and displays local enterprises’ environmental efforts. Furthermore, it shows the resolve of both the government and enterprises to keep the ocean clean.\n", "content": "In 2021, the EPA opened a new chapter in Taiwan’s endeavor toward reusing marine debris with the launch of a new clothing series, in which 96% of the contents are waste plastic bottles collected from the ocean. It successfully demonstrated the joint efforts of industries, government, academia and researchers, and international certification organizations on promoting the circular use of marine debris and a certifying mechanism for tracking sources. Afterward, a set of guidelines to promote the product label were announced in stages after 9 April 2021 as references for enterprises in their application and the EPA’s evaluation and management. On 3 June, the design of the label’s logo was approved by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and then registered. The whole process is to encourage corporations to actively participate in marine environmental protection, reduce waste and resource consumption, and consider the possibilities of making products by reusing marine debris.\nFirstever to have been certified with the Label, the four enterprises come fromboth the upstream and downstream of the industry. Horng En Plastics, the recycling company, utilizes bottle caps, buoys, fishing nets, and plastic barrels and boxes. BoReTech Reusable Technology produces reutilized materials with waste plastic bottles. NICE Enterprise, the leading household product manufacturer, uses recycled marine debris to make containers as the packaging of its popular products. And lastly, Taijei Precision Co., a new enterprise, manufactures floors and wooden materials with mixtures of marine debris, agricultural wastes, and fishing wastes.\nEPA Deputy Minister Hung-Teh Tsai noted that the 13 products from the four corporations are the firstever in the nation to be certified with the Label. Since 2021 the EPA began finalizing each and every detail in the certification process, hoping to ensure Taiwan’s reutilized products that use marine debris aligned with the world. With the certification regulations in place, enterprises in Taiwan that passed the strict certification process will be able to put their products on the global market. Likewise, similar foreign products can enter Taiwan once obtaining the Label. The Label helps increase consumers’ willingness to purchase a product and ultimately expands the business opportunities for reuse products and their usage.\nDeputy Minister Tsai elaborated that the enterprises certified this time are those that have been developing products with recycled marine debris long-term and therefore are highly supported by consumers. Moreover, products of other multiple manufacturers are currently undergoing the certification process, which when approved will be issued the Label by the EPA. Manufacturers in the relevant industry can also form a strategic alliance among themselves, helping enterprises achieve technological breakthroughs by learning about others’ needs and brainstorming. This way, applications of reutilized materials can be expanded.\nThe verification procedures for the first products certified with the Label were conducted by TÜV Rheinland and the Metal Industries Research and Development Centre (MIRDC), which also produced certification statements and reports to ensure fairness and objectivity of the entire process. Participation of certifying institutions, both foreign and local, further displays how serious all fields have taken in the first year of the Label’s launch.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, January 2022\n", "year": "2022", "month": "1", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4115", "title": "New Measures Effective Starting January 2022", "preview": "general policy\nNew Measures Effective Starting January 2022\n", "content": "1. Measures controlling cooking smoke from restaurants effective January \nNewly opened restaurants up to a specific scale must install cooking smoke control equipment and conduct proper operations and maintenance. Moreover, restaurants in New Taipei City and Taipei City are subject to stricter regulations and therefore are to comply accordingly to safeguard the health of the public and staff.\n2. A registration system set up for kitchen waste cooking facilities \nThe EPA has finished setting up a registration system for kitchen waste cooking facilities. Pig farms using kitchen wastes as feeds, more than 400 in total, are required to upload all essential information and kitchen waste cooking status up to the EPA’s cloud system. It used to be that all data had to be entered manually. Starting 2022, enterprises can upload by just scanning the specific QR Code of each, checking boxes on whether to cook or not, and then clicking “send.” It is no longer needed to manually type or install relevant software, streamlining the whole process with fewer typing errors.\n3. Controls tightened for labeling of chlorpyrifos, an environmental agent \nIn line with gradually limiting the use of chlorpyrifos globally, controls are strengthened for its use as an environmental agent in sprays. Warnings on labels are put in place to limit its use in outdoor environments only to lower indoor exposure and risks.\nFor products (including manufactured and imported) that are environmental agents containing chlorpyrifos, produced after 1 January 2022, warnings that prohibit use in households and indoor environments are to be put on labels of regular environmental agents. Warnings that allow use in outdoor environments only are to be put on labels of special agents. All aim to remind consumers to use environmental agents with caution.\n4. The integrated waste vehicle recycling platform\nFrom 1 January 2022, the EPA is working with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to promote recycling waste vehicles. With one click on the keyboard, people are now accessing the system that integrates five services, including recycling vehicles. \n5. Recyclers care program \nIn 2022, individual recyclers listed by local environmental bureaus are offered higher-than-market purchasing prices per unit as an incentive. For example, the price is raised to NT18\/kg to purchase waste paper containers. Onsite collection at individual storage sites is also available to recyclers in need of assistance. A total budget of NT$126.26 million has been appropriated in 2022 for the program with monthly maximum subsidy of NT$5,000\/person.\nA one-year microinsurance, with a maximum premium of NT$500, is provided to each recycler eligible for the care program. It is to prevent financial downfalls of their families, should accidents occur to recyclers during their work.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, January 2022\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "1", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4114", "title": "Interdepartmental Meeting Held to Evaluate Food Safety Controls", "preview": "feature article\nInterdepartmental Meeting Held to Evaluate Food Safety Controls\nOn 24 December, the Executive Yuan’s Office of Food Safety (OFS) held a video conference to evaluate food safety policies to improve Taiwan’s food safety controls. There were approximately 160 participants, including those from relevant government agencies such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), Ministry of Education (MOE), Council of Agriculture (COA), and EPA. Others were the OFS committee members, scholars, experts, and civil and industrial organization representatives. Ideas and opinions were gathered to improve various relevant measures for food safety controls. \n", "content": "At the meeting, the MOHW discussed the results of sanitation and safety controls for can factories and food products. Policies are reviewed on a rolling basis with strengthened audits and inspections to ensure enterprises engage actively in self-management. All policies reflect the government’s resolve to uphold food safety in order to ultimately achieve and maintain health and dietary safety of the public.\n Looking back at past incidents involving eggs and egg products, the COA reviewed its collaboration with the Executive Yuan on the interdepartmental improvement plan for the egg and liquid egg industry. Via communication and consensus with the industry, the industry has been assisted to gradually improve source tracking, formulate egg printing measures, and build protocols for cleaned and sorted eggs and non-cleaned-and-sorted ones to be carried out in stages. It was preannounced on 18 June 2021 and then announced on 17 September that cleaned and sorted fresh eggs are listed as produce mandated to be registered to trace their origins. The announced content, with a complete set of data required for registration and labeling, will take effect on 1 January 2022. \nThe MOE works to ensure that elementary and middle school students are provided with a steady supply of diverse, local produce that is clearly sourced, high quality, and secure. Another aim is to help schools in remote regions obtain needed food ingredients. Therefore, the efforts focus on solving these schools’ problems like low budgets for food by helping them set up central kitchens or joint procurement networks with other schools and subsidizing costs for food, needed kitchen staff, and shipping. It has also resulted in lighter administration burdens for school staff in charge of lunch. Furthermore, the MOE actively joins hands with relevant agencies to enhance the quality of school lunch in schools in remote regions. The COA will keep assisting farmers to produce quality and traceable agricultural, fish, livestock, and poultry products and properly implement source controls. Its collaboration with the MOE will continue to jointly solve problems by matching suppliers with schools and improving and optimizing collection, storage, and shipping facilities.\n To ensure food safety from the start, the EPA works with other agencies in joint sampling and response measures to trace to the source. Chemical substances with potential risks to food safety are listed as concerned substances after assessment. Since 2017, over 3,000 visits have been conducted every year to enterprises manufacturing or selling chemical substances. The EPA also first screens out those manufacturing or selling chemical substances with high risks to food safety that are also sold as food additives and then conducts joint audits. The results have yet to find evidence of toxic chemical substances entering the food industry, showing that current efforts effectively strengthen source controls on these substances and ensure the safety of production environments and food products.\n Participants all appreciated the chance to exchange ideas during the review, providing various suggestions concerning food safety policies as references for the government’s future policies. Key points of these suggestions and opinions are as follows:\n 1. The MOHW´s suggestions involved improvement on control measures for canned food, implementation of random inspections on school lunch, and food poisoning prevention. Besides the continual improvement of food safety controls and strengthened assistance for enterprises, the MOHW will ensure that all measures are implemented properly via interdepartmental collaboration in order to protect consumers´ dietary safety. \n2. The COA promotes the practice of egg printing as it provides consumers with complete information and options during purchase and helps source tracing and food safety controls. Scholars and experts suggested that egg cleaning and sorting follow regulations and guidelines set by the COA and the MOHW, and that eggs not cleaned and sorted be ink-printed as soon as possible. There will be continuous efforts to assist enterprises in cleaning and sorting and facilitate communication across the industry in hopes of bringing clean, safe quality egg products to consumers.\n 3. The MOE will look through experts’ suggestions on food supply and transportation for school lunches, central kitchens, and relevant inspections and collaborate with the COA and MOHW. The aim is to keep enhancing lunch quality in rural schools , ensuring a steady and safe food supply so that kids in remote areas have equal access to excellent diets. And in line with the MOE’s school lunch policy, food in the supply chain for rural schools is certified with the CAS Labels (Taiwan Premium Agricultural Products), Traceable Agricultural Products Label (TAPs), and Taiwan Organic Labels, and assigned with QR Codes for origin tracing. Other measures include matching local produce with qualified suppliers, enhancing food quality at the production end, and helping solve problems encountered by remote schools.\n 4. After its establishment, the EPA’s Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau (TCSB) has since 2017 listed 27 substances with potential risks to food safety, such as maleic anhydride and rhodamine B, as Class 4 Toxic Chemical Substances. Enterprises are mandated to have their products registered and labeled with safety data prepared for use. It is necessary to acquire approval documents, and products are prohibited to be transferred or sold on online platforms. On the experts’ reminder of the possible occurrence of the toxic starch (maleic anhydride) incidents in the future, the TCSB will keep working with the MOHW to prevent the chemical from systematically entering the food production chain by tightening inspections during holidays.\nThe sanitation and safety management chain for food products requires collaboration among different government agencies and across professional fields. All involved departments will continue to work together to establish a perfect management system to ensure food safety and create a win-win-win for the government, enterprises, and consumers.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, January 2022\n\n", "year": "2022", "month": "1", "assortment": "feature article", "url": "" }, { "no": "4113", "title": "Science and Technology Projects Achievement Presentation Event Displays Technology Applications towards Achieving Environmental Sustainability", "preview": "sustainable development\nScience and Technology Projects Achievement Presentation Event Displays Technology Applications towards Achieving Environmental Sustainability\nOn 8-9 November 2021, the EPA held the \"2021 Science and Technology Projects Joint Achievement Presentation Event\", which is the first in recent years that combined dynamic presentations and static display of the achievements of applying the science and technologies in the fields of air, water quality, waste, toxic chemical substances, soil and groundwater, monitoring (testing), inspection, and Internet of Things to issues concerning people's livelihood. \n", "content": "In his speech, EPA Deputy Minister Hung-Teh Tsai stated that the EPA's science and technology projects had laid the foundation well. Since 2015, technologies began to be developed to apply big data to air quality, the Internet of Things, water quality sensing, etc. Information technology has also been used as a tool to strengthen environmental law enforcement. Moreover, these technologies were even successfully exported to South Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe, and other places in the world. In recent years, the EPA has also been cooperating with the US EPA to assume the role of a regional technical training center. All of the above shows that remarkable results have been achieved in the development and application of science and technology. To encourage the audience, Deputy Minister Tsai pointed out that now is the critical time to respond to the challenges of global climate change. It is hoped that through the investment and research, and development of environmental protection technologies, the resources and energy of academia, industry, and government agencies can be concentrated to achieve the goals of net-zero emission by 2050 and environmental sustainability.\nIn this event, the EPA specially organized two expert seminars inviting industry and academic experts to share future prospects on \"2050 net-zero carbon emissions\" and \"resource circulation and sustainable utilization.\" Eugene Chien, ambassador-at-large, and Shu-Chiang Fu, Director of the Taiwan Environmental Sustainable Development Foundation, were invited to host two forums leading industry, government, academia, and research experts in lively dialogues with experienced domestic experts. \nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, December 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "12", "assortment": "sustainable development", "url": "" }, { "no": "4112", "title": "2021 Asia-Pacific Environmental Education Forum Deepens Environmental Education Effects in the Region", "preview": "environmental education\n2021 Asia-Pacific Environmental Education Forum Deepens Environmental Education Effects in the Region\nThe three-day 2021 Asia-Pacific Environmental Education Forum was successfully concluded on 2 December 2021. More than 500 partners from 63 countries worldwide participated in this event, the first large-scale international environmental education exchange organized jointly by the Taiwan and US EPAs. Conducted through a mix of online and physical activities to circumvent difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the forum was held to deepen the effects of environmental education in the Asia-Pacific region and strengthen the cooperation network in the future, starting a new chapter of environmental education in the region. \n", "content": "More than 50 environmental education experts and scholars from 14 countries and different fields served as speakers and interlocutors in the forum. Crossing regional barriers with inspiring dialogues, they shared practical experiences from their respective countries. They showed how to solve environmental and social issues such as climate change, friendly agriculture, marine conservation, global citizenship, biodiversity, and environmental justice through environmental education. They also tried to use the forum as a platform to promote environmental education exchanges and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, enhance the effects of education, and expand people's leadership in environmental issues and actions. \nSince this year happened to be the 10th anniversary of the promulgation of Taiwan's Environmental Education Act, the EPA specially organized a comprehensive discussion session on \"Taiwan Environmental Education and Prospects\" after the first day of the global online forum. Domestic experts, scholars, practitioners, and partners from the public and private sectors were invited to review the problems and difficulties encountered by the government, schools, enterprises, communities, and non-governmental organizations in the promotion of environmental education and proposed solutions with the prospect to re-innovate, evolve and deepen the promotion. \nAt the end of the forum, special emphasis was placed on inspiring youth leadership. The younger generations tend to have a high awareness and keen observation on environmental issues. Young talents should be cultivated, encouraged, and provided with opportunities and rights for participation and decision-making. Tsung-Yung Liu, Director of the Department of Comprehensive Planning of the EPA, said that the COVID-19 pandemic had changed the world and challenged our previous thinking and lifestyle, and the promotion of environmental policies and education should also evolve with time. \nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, December 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "12", "assortment": "environmental education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4111", "title": "The EPA Hosts Net Zero Urban Action Forum during UN Climate Change Convention COP26", "preview": "climate change\nThe EPA Hosts Net Zero Urban Action Forum during UN Climate Change Convention COP26\nThe 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was held in Glasgow, Scotland, pursuing net-zero as the main topic. The EPA hosted Net Zero Urban Action Forum on 6 November local time and invited Cammy Day, deputy leader of Edinburgh City Council, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), and representatives from the six cities in Taiwan for an in-person and online discussion to allow Taiwan to connect with the world on the path to net-zero.\n", "content": "The EPA stated that a 2021 report published by the International Energy Agency found that more than 50% of the world's population lives in cities. Its greenhouse gas emissions account for about 70% of annual global emissions. Cities play a crucial role in achieving the net-zero goal. In order to show the efforts and achievements of the cities of Taiwan in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to demonstrate the determination of Taiwan not to be absent when facing climate change issues, the fact that this forum was held by the EPA in Glasgow during the COP26 event is particularly meaningful.\nThe forum was moderated by Tze-Luen Lin, Deputy Chief Executive of the Office of Energy, and Carbon Reduction of the Executive Yuan. Deputy leader of Edinburgh City Council Cammy Day and Dr. Junichi Fujino of Integrated Sustainability Center of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) were invited as keynote speakers.\nDay said that the City of Edinburgh aimmed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, noting Scotland's commitment to renewable energy with its wind and other future power generations in leading positions and nearly 97% of its power supply relying on renewable energy. Also, Edinburgh has reduced carbon emissions by 66% to date.\nDr. Fujino of IGES emphasized the importance of cities to sustainable development, and he has been holding discussions recently with various Japanese cities regarding the path to net-zero emission by 2050. He also shared his experience and results in helping cities in other countries implement voluntary local reviews (VLRs).\nIn his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Chih-Hsiu Shen said that more than 120 countries in the world had echoed the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and Taiwan has also included the net-zero emission target in the draft amendment to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act and strengthened relevant reduction countermeasures. In addition, under the overall planning of the Executive Yuan, five major work circles have been established, including \"decarbonized energy,\" \"industry and energy efficiency,\" \"green transportation and electrification of vehicles,\" \"carbon-negative technologies,\" and \"governance,\" to conduct assessments of a net-zero emission path, plan a blueprint, and identify a climate governance path that best fits Taiwan's sustainable development.\nDeputy Mayor An-Bang Gao of Taoyuan City attended the meeting in person and proposed four major strategies, including developing diversified renewable energies, industrial energy transformation, building smart cities, and improving transportation. He also shared strategies for promoting the transformation and upgrading of the ecological logistics industry.\nTaipei City proposed a specific blueprint for the 2050 net-zero emission path by setting short-, medium- and long-term goals for building a 2050 zero-carbon Taipei City through four significant aspects: smart zero-carbon buildings, the introduction of renewable energy and hydrogen energy, the promotion of green transportation and low-carbon transportation, and full-circularity zero waste.\nNew Taipei City is introducing energy creation, energy storage, and energy-saving designs in large-scale development projects, emphasizing low-carbon and energy-saving renovation of buildings and actively building renewable energies. It has also set a goal to phase out industrial fuels by 2022 and is developing geothermal power generation to introduce zero-carbon energies.\nTaichung City is actively promoting low-carbon policies; it plans to reach the target of using coal-free fuels in the entire city by 2023 by continuing to develop diversified renewable energies, low-carbon transportation, and urban cooling strategies. It is also actively promoting low-carbon sustainable education to create a sustainable, intelligent and low-carbon homeland.\nTainan City is fully promoting the construction of photovoltaics to increase the capacity of renewable energy installations and plans to reach 100% of household electricity consumption using renewable energy and to have buses completely electrified by 2030. It also aims to achieve the net-zero emission target by 2050 through strategies such as energy creation, energy conservation, circularity and sustainability.\nThrough cooperation between the public and private sectors, Kaohsiung City is actively reducing the city's overall carbon footprint by gradually removing coal use from the industrial sector, developing clean energy, enhancing waste recycling, creating zero-carbon communities and afforestation.\nDeputy Chief Executive Tze-Luen Lin said in his conclusion that the active promotion of carbon reduction in Taiwan’s cities serves as the foundation for the country to move towards net zero. No city or country can be excluded from the pursuit of net zero. Through the forum's in-depth exchanges, the achievements of Taiwan's urban net zero transformation were presented on the international stage, showing that Taiwan is keeping up with the global trend. At the same time, by promoting healthy competition and collective advancement between cities, a good foundation can be laid for the country to promote urban net zero and move towards the vision of a sustainable and net-zero Taiwan.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, December 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "12", "assortment": "climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4110", "title": "Inter-ministerial Cooperation to Strengthen the Life Cycle Management of Hazardous Substances ", "preview": "Chemicals\nInter-ministerial Cooperation to Strengthen the Life Cycle Management of Hazardous Substances \nOn 30 November, the EPA held a seminar titled \"2021 National Chemical Substances Management Policies and Guidelines, Action Plans, and Achievements\" in Taipei regarding the operation and management mechanism of hazardous substances (products) that the people of Taiwan are concerned about. Government agencies, including the finance ministry, transportation and communications ministry, labor ministry, economics ministry, science and technology ministry, interior ministry, and the EPA were invited to attend and share their management actions and achievements concerning chemicals in different stages of their life cycles such as manufacture, importation, usage, storage and transportation and based on topics that are divided according to 11 responsibility areas.\n", "content": "The EPA stated that, in accordance with the National Chemical Substance Management Policy Guidelines approved by the Executive Yuan in 2018, to periodically review the implementation results of relevant ministries under the framework of the policy guidelines and to strengthen communication and exchanges with all sectors, the EPA had held seminars annually since 2018 setting different chemical substance management topics for the ministries to share their implementation results and give feedback to build consensus and establish a basis for cooperation. This way, the ministries can cooperate to implement the objectives and the vision of the National Chemical Substance Management Policy Guidelines and Action Plans.\nThe EPA stated that the ammonium nitrate explosion at the port of Beirut last August, where more than 200 people perished, more than 6,500 injured, and more than 300,000 people displaced from their homes, has attracted much international attention. In the wake of the event, Premier Su swiftly ordered relevant ministries to review the effectiveness and implementation of regulations and measures pertinent to hazardous waste (products) management. In particular, risks and their corresponding preventive measures should be assessed from the perspectives of possible illegal, unconventional and irregular criminal acts in order to safeguard the security of people. As a result, the seminar emphasized the subject of \"Improving the Management Mechanism of Hazardous Substances (Products)\" in the hope of consolidating the regulations and measures of relevant agencies and examining the management breakpoints that can be mutually reinforced. This way, many potential risks can be detected and their preventive measures applied prior to them becoming disasters.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, December 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "12", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4109", "title": "Soil and Groundwater Remediation Fee Reimbursement Ratio Increased to Encourage Enterprises to Properly Treat Waste ", "preview": "Soil and Groundwater\nSoil and Groundwater Remediation Fee Reimbursement Ratio Increased to Encourage Enterprises to Properly Treat Waste \nTo curb soil and groundwater pollution, encourage enterprises to treat waste materials voluntarily, and strengthen reimbursement incentives, the EPA revised and promulgated the Regulations Governing Collection of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Fees (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations).\n", "content": "The EPA stated that to encourage enterprises to properly treat or recycle industrial wastes voluntarily instead of being subject to relevant government controls, Article 9-1 was added to the Regulations specifying that when a payer of soil and groundwater pollution remediation fee (hereinafter referred to as the remediation fee) produces waste that a remediation fee applies to, if the waste is transported to other facilities (plants) belonging to the same legal entity to be treated or recycled, the payer may submit an application subject to the approval of the EPA to be reimbursed with 50% of the remediation fee as an incentive measure to reinforce the sense of responsibility of the waste production sources and to reduce the risk of waste dumping.\nIn addition, to strengthen the incentive measures for fee reimbursement, the EPA has also kept pace with the times to encourage payers to establish soil and groundwater pollution prevention and control equipment or projects with specifications superior to those set by current environmental protection regulations and amended the provisions of Table 3 of Article 10 of the Regulations eliminating reimbursements for pollution prevention and control equipment or projects that must be established in accordance with existing environmental regulations to be in line with current practices. \nThe EPA reminded that payers regulated under the Regulations might apply to the EPA starting from the amendment's promulgation date, under the application method specified by the EPA, and with the certificate of eligibility attached. And in consideration of the right of the payers who had applied for project reimbursement, the amendment to Table 3 of Article 10 will come into effect on 1 January 2023 to provide payers with sufficient time to respond.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, December 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "12", "assortment": "Soil and Groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4108", "title": "Paper Utensils Required to Have QR Codes for Total Control", "preview": "recycling\nPaper Utensils Required to Have QR Codes for Total Control\nWith the increasing use of take-out utensils and containers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the EPA has strengthened controls on responsible enterprises of paper utensils and containers, including unregistered ones, by revising relevant regulations. In the draft revisions, enterprises that manufacture and import paper utensils and containers will be mandated to affix the EPA-issued QR code on the product labels.\n", "content": "The EPA preannounced revisions of Articles 4-1 and 18 of the Responsible Enterprise Regulated Recyclable Waste Management Regulations (應回收廢棄物責任業者管理辦法). Responsible enterprises of paper utensils and containers must affix their own individual QR codes on their products for better tracking and controls.\n The EPA explained that the COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2020 has given rise to demands for take-out utensils and containers, which led to an increasing number of responsible enterprises. With it was a large amount of recycling, clearance, and disposal fees that unregistered enterprises never paid for their manufactured products, hence seriously affecting the operation of the current recycling and disposal of paper utensils and containers. With the wide use of mobile communication devices and mature QR code labeling technology, the EPA is aiming for more effective control on unregistered responsible enterprises by mandating manufacturers and importers to affix their specific QR codes issued by the EPA on their products.\n In the future, the public and inspectors will be able to access information of responsible enterprises that manufacture and import paper utensils and containers by scanning their QR codes. Such move will prompt unregistered enterprises to finish registration. Meanwhile, the public can identify and use products from enterprises that have completed registration and have paid the required recycling, clearance, and disposal fees. It will help ensure that responsible enterprises pay all the required fees accordingly.\n Excerpt from Major Environmental Policies, December 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "12", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4107", "title": "Central and Local Governments Jointly Build Smart Sensing Internet of Things (IoT)", "preview": "environmental monitoring\nCentral and Local Governments Jointly Build Smart Sensing Internet of Things (IoT)\nThe water quality-sensing IoT created by the EPA recently detected 23 enterprises that illegally discharged wastewater, leading to the issuance of NT$20 million in fines. The water quality sensors, jointly deployed by the EPA, the Irrigation Agency (IA) and 13 local environmental bureaus can pinpoint pollution hotspots and popular discharge hours by using data detected every minute and analysis of AI big data. All of the above have helped raise inspection efficiency.\n", "content": "The EPA reported that it collaborated with the IA to install water quality sensors in irrigation ditches in Gangshan, Kaohsiung. Having determined potential pollution hotspots and popular discharge hours, inspectors were able to crack down on electroplating factories that illegally rerouted discharges within a month after the deployment of sensors. A fine of NT$9.935 million was issued, and the authorities also tracked down illegal gains worth of NT$2.85 million. Now the water quality sensing IoT has grown more mature, with sensors deployed in over 50 watersheds and 15 industrial zones across Taiwan via the EPA's continual advancement of sensing technology and onsite trials conducted by local governments. For such achievements, environmental bureaus of Taoyuan City, Taichung City, Tainan City, and Yunlin County were invited to share their applications and experiences in utilizing these sensors in a press conference.\n Taoyuan Environmental Bureau discovered that lye tanks and storage wells of factories in industrial zones were broken and resulted in wastewater overflowing into rainwater ditches. Thanks to early detection, disaster was averted. Factories were fined NT$365,000 and ordered to make improvement within two weeks. Taichung Environmental Bureau staked out highly potential pollution hotspots and discovered illegal discharges from factories at certain hours. Water quality tests showed a pH of 11.9 and suspended solids exceeding the limit by 24.7 times, leading to a fine of NT$1.482 million. For Yunlin Environmental Bureau, water quality sensor data were analyzed and used to crack down on factories in industrial zones that rerouted wastewater discharge into rainwater discharge outlets. Finally, Tainan Environmental Bureau fully utilized sensor data to pinpoint suspected pollution areas and discovered a leather factory that rerouted its discharge as well as discharge from a waste disposal plant exceeding the standards by five times. Each was fined NT$1.9 million and NT$430,000, respectively. \n The EPA stressed that the water quality sensing IoT combines local governments' installation capacity via connection and coordination among different central authorities. Limits of conventional monitoring by manpower are overcome as warnings in real-time can be issued through automatic water quality sensors thus greatly enhancing the effects of smart environmental management. In the future, the EPA will keep pushing for smart sensing and AI management in water supply plants and wastewater treatment plants to increase values across different industries through collaboration between the public and private sectors. The goal is to use technology to enhance environmental quality by integrating water quality sensing IoT in every aspect of life.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, December 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "12", "assortment": "environmental monitoring", "url": "" }, { "no": "4106", "title": "Low Carbon Technology for Soil and Groundwater Launched, Marking the Zero-Emission Era ", "preview": "Soil & groundwater\nLow Carbon Technology for Soil and Groundwater Launched, Marking the Zero-Emission Era \nThe foundation of maintaining sustainable soil resources lies in research, development, and sharing of technology. With lower carbon emissions and further upgrading as research goals, the EPA worked with industry and academia to launch multiple sustainable remediation and investigation technologies on 8 November 2021.\n", "content": "The EPA explained that it plays the role of a soil doctor who maintains clean soil and water via nationwide investigations, determination of pollution sources, individually designed solutions, and periodic tracking of progress in pollution amelioration and prevention. The emphasis in recent years has shifted more toward precise and environmentally friendly remediation by pinpointing problems needing to be addressed. Using subsidies from the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Fund marked for research and trials in testing venues, joint efforts between industry and academia have led to success in developing sustainable, low-carbon remediation technologies and smart and precise investigation technologies. Both “sustainable and low-carbon” and “innovative and precise” are the two main features of future green technology. The six new technologies launched are as follows:\n(1) Cativation cleansing, developed by National Kaohsiung Normal University, combines micrometer-grade ozone bubbles to clean up polluted soil and sediments.\n (2) National Pingtung University of Science and Technology developed the photocatalysis system that uses optical fibers to dispel trichloro-toxins, effectively breaking down pollutants.\n (3) National Central University came up with high-effect bio-gels and developed local dechlorinating commensal bacteria for remediation of pollution sites.\n (4) Chaoyang University of Technology developed a method that uses a water jet cutter to successfully resolve pollution problems in geological ground layers of low permeability.\n (5) Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology developed equipment for soil cleansing that recycles and cleans up polluted soil using hydro-vortex technology.\n (6) National Chung Hsing University has improved a technology that combines microbial thermal screening to optimize dominant bacteria for effective bio-remediation. Furthermore, the team developed a technology for investigation, a high-definition reactive sampling device that is able to pinpoint the depth of polluted groundwater and is also reusable. Another investigation technology is a detection system researched by the team in National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, led by Professor Liang Cheng Chang. It uses optical fibers as a grating to sense and detect all hydrological and geological characteristics of an area.\n Other than the technologies highlighted above, there are posters, physical displays, and oral presentations at the EPA's exhibition displaying local technologies developed with industry and academia that have been commercialized, and other multiple achievements in environmental protection technologies. These advances are able to detect pollution, enhance remediation and contribute greatly to energy conservation, carbon reduction, and resource sustainability by ameliorating current pollution sites and laying the foundation for future technological development concerning soil quality in Taiwan.\n Excerpt from Major Environmental Policies, December 2021\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "12", "assortment": "Soil & groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4105", "title": "Model Enterprises Share Resource Recycling Experiences to Help Industry Move Toward Resource Sustainability", "preview": "Waste\nModel Enterprises Share Resource Recycling Experiences to Help Industry Move Toward Resource Sustainability\nTo actively encourage local enterprises to take part in recycling and circular economy, the EPA invited enterprises that have shown willingness to participate or have already participated with excellent performance to share their experiences. It is hoped that such exchanges facilitate the advancement of industries as well as collaboration between enterprises or among different industries, ultimately achieving resource sustainability.\n", "content": "On 2021 Earth Day (22 April), President Tsai Ing-Wen proclaimed Taiwan’s goal of transforming toward net zero by 2050. Currently, there are over 120 countries having set goals of net-zero carbon emissions with relevant actions. It is imperative to figure out how to slow down the speed of climate change through lowering carbon emissions. According to a UK-based Ellen MacArthur Foundation report, 55% of the total carbon emissions comes from energy, and 45% from manufacturing. This means that a circular economy can create an impact to a substantial extent.\nThe promotion of circular economy is multifaceted, which includes not only communication and collaboration between the government and industries but also good practices among different industries. Both sides need to be involved for a circular economy to be effective and for Taiwan to achieve sustainable development and transform toward net zero. Since 2018, the EPA has been selecting enterprises with good performance in resource recycling. The hope is to have them serve as models to prompt members of the private manufacture and service industries to build circular links, reduce loss of resources caused by linear production or service, and create new economic values.\n\nIn this year’s event, four enterprises that were awarded this year for their excellent performances were invited to share their experiences in the morning. These enterprises were Wonder Greener, which uses all biodegradable materials like bulrush to substitute plastics in making straws; ECOVE Solvent Recycling Corp., which reuses waste isopropanol from the semi-conductor industry as industrial isopropanol; Green Hope Spring, which uses tree planting to support elementary schools’ soccer teams, effectively combining social charity, sport development and revitalization of vacant campuses; and Yuen Foong Yu Consumer Products Co. (Qingshui plant), which recycles waste paper and turns excess materials from production into alternative fuels. In the afternoon, participants visited King Yuan Fu Packaging Co. to see how it applied R-PET to manufacture lightweight products.\nBesides urging enterprises to practice recycling and design green products that meet consumers’ needs, the EPA hopes that all sectors can actively participate in the circular use of resources and jointly establish a supply network with a circular economy as its core. With model enterprises’ presentations and onsite visits, successful experiences and practices were shared, which helped promote a business model and, in the end, a society that is based on a circular use of resources.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, December 2021\n\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "12", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4104", "title": "Living Green Begins with a Little Greening a Day", "preview": "Feature article\nLiving Green Begins with a Little Greening a Day \nIn front of the entrance to the building of Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration is a unique water dispenser with a counting device on top of it. The red number in the device is incredibly eye-catching, blinking from time to time. The device displays the number of water bottles with a 600 c.c. volume that would have otherwise been used. So far, this water dispenser has quenched the thirst of passers-by in need with the equivalent of nearly 34,000 bottles of water. In the meantime, there are 7,900 water refill stations just like this one across Taiwan.\n", "content": "Visitor registration to the EPA has been wholly digitized at the entrance, requiring scanning an onsite QR Code with a smartphone. The COVID-19 pandemic has slightly eased; 80% of the EPA's meetings are conducted online. Energy conservation and plastic reduction are practiced here. All water dispensers inside the building are temporarily shut down at 8 pm every night and not resumed until 6 am the next day. There is an area at every entrance and exit with heavy foot traffic, providing communal reusable bags to visitors. No plastic bags are allowed inside the building and stopped by the security staff at the entrance.\nHeading toward the top floor, visitors are greeted with a section of bright and green space on the roof with cherries, allamanda, ferns, tortoise-shell bamboos, and various citrus orchards. Around Tomb-Sweeping Day, Spiranthes blossoms are sprawling across the lawns. It is one of Taiwan's rare native orchid species, with pinkish flowers arranged in a spiral around the central stem.\nUsing crisis as an opportunity to facilitate living green \nThe EPA building is a premise where living green is practiced from inside out.\nWhen the pandemic intensified in March 2020, EPA-certified venues and environmental education facilities began facing a drastic drop of visitors and hence profits. It was then that EPA Minister Chang Tzi-Chin mentioned the concept of “living green” for the first time, explaining that “now is the best time to promote living green since the virus will change many existing habits in people’s daily lives.”\nLiving green is a lifestyle friendly to the environment. With the imperatives of “using locally produced”, “conserving resources”, and “protecting the environment” as its policy cores, the EPA promotes the “National Green Life Movement\" with the following four strategies: enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors; the integration of environmental education resources; events linking media and marketing, and; promotion of online platforms. The three ultimate aims are an environmentally friendly lifestyle, support for local industries, and the development of green industries.\nAligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the “National Green Life Movement\" is further divided into five categories, namely: green diet, green travel, green consumption, green offices, and green households.\nGreen diet: Ordering only what is needed and choosing local ingredients\nThe EPA's statistics show that in 2019 over 490,000 metric tons of food waste was collected in Taiwan. If all were put in standard food waste barrels and stacked on top of each other, the height would be equivalent to 11,300 Taipei 101 buildings stacked atop each other. The waste of food creates tremendous economic loss and leads to many environmental problems such as unused leftovers to dispose and greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the burden on the overall environment.\nFor a green diet, the EPA advocates source reduction, awareness of no-waste, and use of local ingredients. It also promotes no-waste environmental education by working with enterprises and schools on editing teaching materials and organizing summer camps. Moreover, central authorities, county and city governments, and restaurants have been brought in to facilitate the certification of Green Restaurants, which provides environmentally friendly, low-carbon safe meals and dining spaces. As of the end of October 2021, there were 859 Green Restaurants and 216 stores promoting the no-waste principle.\nLowering the use of plastic water bottles by bringing cups or reusable bottles is at the heart of source reduction. Beginning in popular spots like Hsiaoliuqiu and Penghu, the EPA has worked with 39 local beverage shops to provide cup rental services, renting out 168,000 cups between 2019 and 2020. Night markets are another focus of Green Life. Currently, 22 night markets and business districts across 21 counties and cities serve as demonstration sites, all of whose efforts lead to a reduction of the use of 137,000 disposable tableware items per day. \nGreen travel: Environmentally friendly tourist spots, dining places, and accommodations\nGreen travel is tourism in which a traveler plans environmentally friendly trips mindful of environmental protection and low emissions. For example, travelers would choose to visit natural scenic places that perfectly blends with local ecosystems and experience more in-depth and authentic local cultures and lifestyles.\nAt first, the EPA encouraged travel agencies to design green itineraries that combine environmentally friendly tourist spots and restaurants and hotels or hostels with Green Marks, based on the number of traveling days. Once all information passes the review, the itineraries will be posted on the EPA's Living Green website. Afterward, even local governments answered the EPA's call and joined in the National Green Life Movement. County and city environmental bureaus, transportation, restaurants, and accommodation industries all actively worked together, learning to make their products or services friendlier to the environment while discovering more authentic and unique local businesses and scenic places. By the end of October 2021, a total of 72 travel agencies had participated, rolling out 523 environmentally friendly group travel itineraries. In addition, local governments proposed 69 green routes for independent travelers. Both of the above have become win-win solutions for people cooped up on the island, enabling them to better explore Taiwan in a manner that respects and preserves the environment.\nGreen Consumption: Collaboration between private and public sectors to establish an environment-friendly consumption model\nGreen consumption is based on an environment-friendly model in which a product’s environmental impact is of top concern. Shoppers would strive toward cutting down pollution to the environment via waste reduction, pursuit of practicality and natural and healthy products, as well as reduced use of plastics and chemicals.\n Since as early as the 2000’s, the EPA had started practicing green procurement before other government agencies by choosing products certified with the Green Mark, Carbon Footprint Label, or MIT Smile LOGOs. Other top choices include local produce and agricultural products that receive the Certified Agricultural Standards (CAS) certification or are certified organic or Traceable Agricultural Products (TAP). Such actions help create a circular economic model and bring outstanding environmental benefits.\nYears of promotion has resulted in green procurement by government agencies, private corporations and organizations, and the general public. Green procurement in 2020 had a combined profit of NT115.2 billion, a 15% growth compared to 2019. Other results include the conservation of 260.029 million KWHs, which is sufficient power for 590,000 households and equivalent to the amount of power used by 22% of households in New Taipei City for a month. A total of 15.4 million kilograms of virgin pulp was spared, and 307,975 trees, equivalent to 10.3 times the number of trees in Daan Forest Park, were prevented from being chopped down.\nGreen Offices and Households: Living in harmony with the environment\nEvery day nearly half of Taiwan's population is working. This means that building sustainable workplaces with appropriate plants and raising awareness of resource conservation and waste reduction in people’s daily working habits can have a massive effect on improving the overall environment.\nSince April 2020, the EPA has formulated 35 measures that fall under the following five indicators: energy conservation, source reduction, green procurement, environmental beautification, and campaigns and promotions. Government offices and civil organizations are qualified for certification when they reach a 70% compliance rate. One thousand five hundred eighty-nine government offices, enterprises, schools, and organizations have joined the efforts to create green offices by mid-October 2021. Next July, the EPA will study the current certification systems in other countries and establish its own certification system for green workplaces.\nFinally, the most important and intimate space in a life of living green is one's home. Everything ranging from indoor air, noises, household cleaning agents, recycling and reuse, food waste collection, and indoor plants\/green walls can all affect the environment and human health. For this, the EPA will reference policies for green offices, list actionable measures for households, and hold promotional campaigns before reviewing the results from the public's participation in creating green home environments.\nNearly 80% of the public satisfied with the promotion of National Green Life Movement\nThe idea of Green Life is an integration of the EPA’s policies, elevating them to a new height. In June 2020, the EPA held a press conference, which pledged to promote the National Green Life Movement with full force. Three months later, a survey indicated that only 40% of the interviewees were aware of such a policy. But in 2021, that figure rose to 70% thanks to continuous promotion. And 79.8% of interviewees are satisfied with the policy achievements.\nFrom only mandatory implementation in the past, policies now are designed to serve more as guidance that leads to communication. These measures include reducing burning joss paper and incense, regular cleanup of air conditioning filters, recycling, and returning special medicines to pharmacies and hospitals for recycling. Now policies are even carried out with the help of digital technology, such as commonly used cellphone apps like Water Refill, Environmental Info Push, and Green Points. Ultimately, the EPA hopes to make everyone's life better and friendlier to the environment by taking just one extra step or adding a small part to one’s daily routines.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, December 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "12", "assortment": "Feature article", "url": "" }, { "no": "4103", "title": "Smart Nano Bubble Aeration Pilot Project to Increase Dissolved Oxygen in Tainan Canal", "preview": "Water\nSmart Nano Bubble Aeration Pilot Project to Increase Dissolved Oxygen in Tainan Canal\nTo improve water environments, create eco-friendly environments, increase dissolved oxygen in waters, and strengthen the self-purification ability of water bodies, the EPA subsidized the Tainan City Government to carry out a pilot project to increase the oxygen levels in hypoxic river sections. Nanobubble aerators from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and oxygenation facilities from the Hydraulics Laboratory of the National Cheng Kung University were used in combination with intelligent controls and real-time monitoring to increase the dissolved oxygen levels in rivers and serve as fish shelters to create suitable water habitats to reduce fish deaths. \n", "content": "On 13 October 2021, the EPA demonstrated river water quality improvement through a physical model and online video connection. In addition to displaying nanobubble aerator modules on-site, the EPA used an online video connection to illustrate the on-site operation of the aeration system in Tainan Canal. The aeration facility started operating automatically when the dissolved oxygen (DO) level in the water body fell below 2 mg\/L. When the DO level reached 6.5 mg\/L, it automatically shut off to save energy. Through innovative and automation devices, low-DO levels in water bodies can be improved immediately with their self-purification abilities strengthened. Relevant technologies can be certified and used to enhance the oxygen-dissolving efficiency of river water substantially. In the future, it is hoped that this system can continue to be promoted and applied to river sections with low levels of DO to improve river water quality effectively.\n According to the EPA, some sections of the Tainan Canal and San Ye River under the jurisdiction of Tainan City have low levels of DO. A \"blind section\" of the Tainan Canal between the Shinlin’an Bridge and Jinhua Bridge, affected by the rising tides on both sides, is often stagnant and has poor water quality with low DO levels with periodic occurrence of dead fish incidents over the years. According to the monitoring conducted by the pilot project at this “blind section,\" due to factors such as seasons, temperature, and algae activities, the DO level at night sometimes dropped to below 2 mg\/L, which threatened fish life. Analysis shows that the phenomenon might be caused by respiration of algae in the river at night. In response, the EPA and the Tainan City Government (Water Resources Bureau) jointly launched the pilot project and purchased 30 aerators to operate in different areas to increase the DO in sections of Tainan Canal with low-DO levels with the prospect of revitalizing the ecological environment of the water body and improving the river’s water quality. \nThe operation of the ITRI nanobubble aerator is mainly based on flow adjustment between liquid phase fluid and gas-phase medium. Under a certain pressure, the fluid and medium collide and mix to produce fine bubbles that are injected into a water body. Due to advantages such as longer residence time and larger bubble contact areas, the aerator can quickly increase and stabilize the DO level of water bodies. \nAccording to the EPA, the number of dead fish was reduced by about 40% in Tainan Canal during the aeration pilot project. The aeration attracted fish to gather, and the facilities provided a favorable habitat for organisms in the water and a sheltering environment for fish. \nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, November 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "11", "assortment": "Water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4102", "title": "The 10th Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network Meeting Held in Response to Mercury Minamata Convention", "preview": "environmental monitoring\nThe 10th Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network Meeting Held in Response to Mercury Minamata Convention\nDue to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 10th Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network Annual Meeting was held online on the morning of 6 October 2021. It was co-chaired by Deputy Minister Hung-Teh Tsai of the Taiwan EPA and Director Mark Kasman of the US EPA. More than 60 government officials and scholars from 21 partner countries, including Japan and Australia, participated.\n", "content": "To protect human health and the environment from the anthropogenic emission of mercury and its compounds, the Minamata Convention on Mercury entered into force in 2017. Considering that atmospheric mercury monitoring is one of the essential tasks of the Minamata Convention, the Taiwan EPA, and the US EPA have jointly launched the Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN) to respond to the Minamata Convention and assist partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region to build capacities related to atmospheric mercury monitoring.\nThis year’s annual meeting included a lecture by Mark Cohen, chief scientist of the US Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, on the application of the back-trajectory model to atmospheric mercury transport, an introduction by Professor Guy-Rong Sheu from the Center for Environmental Monitoring and Technology of National Central University to the current implementation of the APMMN tasks, an introduction by Professor David Gay of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program of the United States to the status of the Program, and reports on the status of atmospheric mercury monitoring by partner countries.\nDeputy Minister Tsai thanked the officials and scholars from home and abroad who have been promoting atmospheric mercury monitoring for a long time in the face of resource shortage and quietly working on environmental monitoring. He hoped that a close partnership could be established through this meeting to jointly implement the Minamata Convention and create a sustainable future for future generations.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, November 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "11", "assortment": "environmental monitoring", "url": "" }, { "no": "4101", "title": "Cement Industry Air Pollution Emission Standards Revised to Promote Circular Economy", "preview": "Air\nCement Industry Air Pollution Emission Standards Revised to Promote Circular Economy\nBecause of the international trend of using cement enterprises as resource circulation centers, Taiwan is promoting a resource circulation policy in response to the needed diversification of fuels (materials) for manufacturing processes and upgrading pollution prevention technologies. Since the cement industry is also a significant domestic stationary pollution source, the EPA announced the revised Cement Industry Air Pollutant Emissions Standards on 2 November 2021.\n", "content": "According to the EPA, the implementation of the new emission standards is expected to reduce the annual pollution emissions of the cement industry by 16%, which is about 2,246 metric tons of nitrogen oxides per year, or equivalent to reducing the annual emissions of 3,500 large diesel vehicles. It is also expected to improve the local air quality. \nThe three regulatory focuses of this revision are tightening the emission standards of existing regulated air pollutants, adding air pollutant control items and emission standards, and establishing consistency between the management principles of the central and local governments.\nManagement measures include 1. Tightening the emission standards for nitrogen oxides and implementation in stages, setting it at 300 ppm in 2024 and 220 ppm in 2026. The tightened emission standards are comparable to international ones. 2. Adding an emission standard of 100 ppm for sulfur oxides and encouraging public and private premises to improve pollution prevention and control efficiency. 3. Revising down the allowed accumulated time that the recorded six-minute values of particulate pollutant opacity exceed the specified opacity value year by year to two hours to make regulation consistent between the central and local governments. 4. Giving existing enterprises a reasonable grace period and implementing the tightened standards in stages to protect the environment and enterprises simultaneously. \nThis has been the most substantial revision of the emission standards since the EPA announced its last revision in 2003. It is hoped that this revision will encourage the industry to update or improve the efficiency of control equipment to safeguard air quality while steadily promoting a circular economy. In addition, the EPA will continue to review the cement industry's fluoride and mercury emission standards and tighten controls to reduce harmful air pollutant emissions and pollution caused by long-distance transmission.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, November 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "11", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4100", "title": "Management Regulations for Construction Projects Revised to Reduce Pollution Emissions", "preview": "air\nManagement Regulations for Construction Projects Revised to Reduce Pollution Emissions\n\nThe number of development projects has continued to increase in recent years. There were nearly 108,000 construction projects in 2020, an increase of 10% compared to 2016. The particulate matter (PM10) emission caused by construction projects was 20% more than 2016. Now that the EPA has announced the revised Management Regulations for Air Pollution Control Facilities of Construction Projects, pollution emissions from construction projects are expected to be reduced by 15%, cutting down approximately 3,415 metric tons of particulate matter per year, which equals the annual particulate matter emission of 15 Taichung Power Plants. The new regulations will become effective on 1 November 2022. \n", "content": "The highlight of the revision included three major categories: further enhancement of pollution reduction, improvement of pollution prevention and control, and strengthening of construction site management. The EPA will implement controls in six primary areas: \n1. Expanding the targets of Type 1 construction projects for control, lowering the control thresholds for constructions, roads, pipelines, bridges, and regional development projects to increase pollution reduction. \n2. Increasing the height of the construction fences in Class 3 control regions. For Type 2 construction projects located in an area that does not meet the air quality standards, the required height of the fence will be increased from 1.8 meters to 2.4 meters to reduce wind and dust. \n3. Increasing the ratio of control areas for vehicle paths and exposed areas. For example, the control area of Type 1 projects has been increased from 80% to 90%, and the remaining 10% of the uncontrolled parts shall still be sprayed with water regularly every day to reduce the primary pollution emissions of construction projects. \n4. Adding stipulations requiring large-scale projects to be equipped with automatic vehicle washing equipment. For regional development projects and dredging projects with a high frequency of vehicle movement, automatic vehicle washing equipment shall be installed for effective cleaning, and adjacent roads shall also be washed to reduce road pollution outside the work area.\n5. Adding stipulations concerning measures and control facilities required for active operations. Water shall be sprinkled to keep a location wet during operations such as excavation, backfilling, transporting, loading, unloading, compacting, and screening. Dust shall be effectively contained during crushing (pulverizing), grinding, cutting, and scratching work, and dust escape shall be suppressed.\n6. Adding stipulations requiring projects of a specific scale to be equipped with monitoring instruments and video surveillance systems (CCTV). For construction projects with an area of more than one hectare and with a construction period of at least one year or with more than 10,000 cubic meters of earth transported in from outside, comprehensive monitoring shall be conducted to ensure that pollution prevention and control facilities are operated and maintained during the construction period to maximize the effectiveness of pollution reduction measures. \nThis revision of the Management Regulations has been the most significant one since the regulations were promulgated in 2003, affecting approximately 240 to 4,400 construction sites. The increased expenditure on the prevention and control measures is estimated to account for only 0.01%~1.62% of the project expenditure. However, considering that construction projects will need additional funding for air pollution prevention and control facilities, relevant enterprises are given a one-year grace period, so that the revised regulations will not take effect until 1 November 2022. The EPA reminded that for construction projects that have been contracted or will be contracted, if the construction period extends past 1 November 2022, they should start to adjust air pollution prevention and control facilities and establish in advance the standard operating procedures for keeping operation records.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, November 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "11", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4099", "title": "Foreign Representatives Visit Circular Economy Facilities in Tainan to Promote Circular Economy and International Cooperation", "preview": "waste\nForeign Representatives Visit Circular Economy Facilities in Tainan to Promote Circular Economy and International Cooperation\nOn 21-22 October 2021, the EPA and approximately 40 people, including the representative of Viet Nam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei Nguyen Anh Dung, the representative of Belgian Office Taipei Frederic Verheyden, the representative of Turkish Trade Office in Taipei Muhammed Berdibek, the Director-General of Polish Office in Taipei Łukasz Lanski, the representative of Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre Swee Peng Sharon Ho, the deputy representative of Finland Trade Center in Taiwan Jere Tala, the Commercial Project Manager of Embassy of the Republic of Honduras Danny Ouyang, the Chairman of Circular Taiwan Network Charles Huang, as well as representatives of the industry, the EPA, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, and Council of Agriculture traveled to Tainan for a two-day visit of the city’s circular economy facilities. The EPA arranged stops at enterprises with outstanding performance in the fields of “circular construction,\" “circular agriculture,\" and “circular plastics,\" to demonstrate the government’s achievements in promoting circular economy through the 5+2 Industrial Innovation Plan. \n", "content": "This trip included stops at the Tainan City Cultural Heritage Building Material Bank, the Biotech Material Plant of Taiwan Sugar Corporation Biotechnology Business Division, Shalun Smart Green Energy Circular Residential Complex, and Zero Zero Environment-Friendly Scrap Vehicle Demolition Factory. Among them, the Tainan City Cultural Heritage Building Material Bank, which houses the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Tainan City Government, is the first of such places in Taiwan that repurpose old building materials such as wood, bricks, stones, and tiles generated or left during the dismantling or restoration of historical buildings and reuse them to revitalize the relics. \nThe Biotech Material Plant of Taiwan Sugar Corporation Biotechnology Business Division, whose construction started in 2019, is the first of new productive “oyster shell processors” in Taiwan. It can process about 50,000 metric tons of oyster shells per year, producing oyster shell powder fertilizers and oyster shell powder feed products. In addition, to respond to the government’s promotion of the Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City, Taiwan Sugar Corporation has built the Tainan Shalun Smart Green Energy Circular Residential Complex, the first quality community in Taiwan that is located in both a green energy circulation network and a low carbon transportation network. And Zero Zero Environment-Friendly Scrap Vehicle Demolition Factory is a tourist factory with the theme of vehicle dismantling. It is a new environmental education site that integrates leisure, education, and on-site vehicle dismantling. \nThe EPA formally established the Office of Resource Circulation on 1 July 2021 to be in charge of overall resource circulation policy-making and management and be devoted to the promotion of turning combustible waste into energy, converting organic waste into bioenergy waste resource, and using inorganic waste in marine projects that promotes sustainable resource use. It is hoped that through this trip, both the local and foreign guests gained a better understanding of Taiwan’s efforts and achievements in promoting circular construction, circular agriculture, and circular plastics, so that multi-lateral industrial development and international cooperation can be promoted.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, November 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "11", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4098", "title": "Second Bioenergy Center to Begin Trial Operation in Taoyuan by End of 2021", "preview": "environmental inspection\nSecond Bioenergy Center to Begin Trial Operation in Taoyuan by End of 2021\nThe EPA plans to establish one food waste bioenergy plant in each of northern, central, and southern Taiwan to enhance food waste disposal channels and promote a circular economy. Following the official start of operations of Waipu Green Energy Ecopark in Taichung City in 2019, Guanyin Bioenergy Center in Taoyuan City will be completed and start operating by the end of 2021.\n", "content": "According to the EPA, food waste is recycled domestically and is used to make pigswill (46%) or is composted or sent to bioenergy plants (54%). To enhance the capacities of all counties and cities to clear and process food waste by themselves, since 2017 the EPA has allocated more than NT$1.3 billion to subsidize all counties and cities to: set up 51 sets of food waste shredding and drying equipment and 17 sets of high-speed fermentation equipment; increase the efficiency of 47 existing composting plants, and; purchase collection and transport vehicles to enhance food waste disposal channels. \nTo promote food waste bioenergy plants, the EPA planned to set up one such plant in each of northern, central, and southern Taiwan and subsidize local governments to set up the plants through procurements. However, Taichung City and Taoyuan City proceeded with the plan through public-private partnerships to reduce financial burdens. As a result, Phase 1 of Waipu Green Energy Ecopark in Taichung City (80 metric tons\/day) started operating on 9 July 2019, its Phase 2 is expected to operate in 2014, with a processing capacity of 70 metric tons\/day, for a total of 150 metric tons\/day. Guanyin Bioenergy Center in Taoyuan City (135 metric tons\/day) is expected to be completed and begin trial operation at the end of 2021, while Taipei City, New Taipei City, and Kaohsiung City are still assessing and planning for such setups. \nIn addition, based on the experience of promoting livestock manure reutilization, the EPA is pursuing further development of the co-digestion method. It has subsidized the environmental bureau of New Taipei City and Central Farm in Pingtung County to carry out food waste and livestock manure co-digestion tests. In January 2021, material feeding tests were conducted, and the results showed that the biogas production and the electricity generation efficiency were both increased. These demonstrated that the domestic promotion of food waste bioenergy can yield concrete results in northern, central, and southern Taiwan. \nThe EPA noted that it would continue to intensify the promotion of bioenergy generated from food waste. Through cross-ministerial cooperation, it will fully take advantage of the anaerobic digestion systems of pig farms and sewage treatment plants to help process food waste. The biogas produced can be used as bioenergy, while the digestate turned into fertilizer for crop farms is also promoted by the EPA. In these ways, resources can be fully and effectively used, moving Taiwan towards a circular economy. \nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, November 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "11", "assortment": "environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4097", "title": "Taiwan Methane Emissions Drop 50% from Baseline Year, Account for Under 2% of Total Emissions", "preview": "climate change\nTaiwan Methane Emissions Drop 50% from Baseline Year, Account for Under 2% of Total Emissions\n\nAt the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, the US and the EU initiated the Global Methane Pledge, aiming, by 2030, to lower methane emissions to 70% of the amount emitted in 2020. The EPA explained that 90% of Taiwan’s greenhouse gas emissions are carbon dioxide (CO2) while 1.67% are methane, no oil or natural gas exploitation caused methane fugitive emissions. Due to efforts in waste reduction and biogas recycling and disposal, 2019 methane emissions were only half the amount in 2005.\n", "content": "Recent research shows that 60% of global man-made methane emissions come from agricultural activities and waste while 40% comes from the mining and use of fossil fuels. Africa, the Middle \nEast, China, South Asia, and Oceania are places with the largest increases in methane emissions, yet the main causes of these emissions are not the same in different areas. For example, the major source of methane emissions in Africa, South Asia, and Oceania is agriculture, while fossil fuels account for the most in China. With the continuous increase of global methane emissions, the Global Methane Pledge advocates reduction of fugitive methane and emissions from wastes, agriculture, mining, processing, storage, production, manufacture, and transportation of natural gas. \nThe EPA explained that, based on data in the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report, Taiwan emitted 287.09 MtCO2e in 2019 and that 90% of that was CO2. There were 4.786 metric tons of methane emitted, which accounted for 1.67% of total emissions, which mainly came from agriculture and wastes. Garbage landfills along with wastewater discharge and disposal generated 2.102 million metric tons of methane (43.9%), while fermentation in livestock digestive systems and of manure accounted for 1.942 million metric tons (40.6%). Problems of fugitive methane or methane emissions caused by extracting petroleum or natural gas do not exist in Taiwan.\nComparing emissions trends, in 2019, 4,786,000 metric tons of methane were emitted, nearly 50% less than methane emitted in 2005 (9,508,000 million metric tons). Such a large decrease was mainly the result of Taiwan's long-term work to reduce the volume of garbage and landfills as well as increasing biogas capture at existing landfills. Meanwhile, the EPA has been implementing policies that properly collect and treat household and industrial wastewater and also encourage the livestock industry to collect biogas for power generation. All these measures have contributed to significant achievements in lowering methane emissions.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, November 2021\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "11", "assortment": "climate change", "url": "Taiwan Methane Emissions Drop 50% from Baseline Year, Account for Under 2% of Total Emissions" }, { "no": "4096", "title": "PChome Obtains Carbon Footprint Label and Rewards Consumers with Green Points", "preview": "ecolabeling\nPChome Obtains Carbon Footprint Label and Rewards Consumers with Green Points\nA new partner has joined the Green Point collection network, allowing shoppers to contribute to environmental protection via shopping while getting rewards by collecting Green Points. With PChome newly certified with the Carbon Footprint Label, Green Point members who shop there can enjoy various shopping perks. \n\n", "content": "PChome has recently become the first large online shopping platform to be certified with the Carbon Footprint Label for its online retail service. The platform carries out various energy-conserving, carbon-reducing measures and also encourages the public to practice green procurement. Green Point members can combine their membership in PChome on their Green Point accounts to receive 500 points for every purchase made on PChome. Every 100 points are equivalent to a NT$1 deduction on purchases, with 20% of the product price as a deduction cap. \n To promote the collection of Green Points, the EPA provides people with more channels to collect and use Green Points, as well as incentives for green procurement through increasing the number of contracted partners in the program. In this way, shoppers will be more willing to collect and use Green Points. There are now nine contracted retailers in the program: A-Mart, RT-Mart, Digital City, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, 7-11, Environmental Protection for Life, ET Mall and PChome.\nThe EPA explained that these contracted Green Points retailers offer over 2,000 products for which collected points can be exchanged. These items include household appliances, cleaning products, thermal cups, stationery, food products and produce. Collaboration with PChome will not only further promote the Carbon Footprint Label but encourage people to adopt environmentally-friendly habits and purchasing behaviors as part of their daily lives through the collection and use of Green Points.\nThe EPA welcomes the public to download the Green Point App and register as a member who can practice a green lifestyle while receiving various rewards. An environmentally-friendly life benefits the earth and everyone. Details of the program can be found on the official Green Point website, which also has the latest announcements on the point collection page（https:\/\/www.greenpoint.org.tw\/）.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, November 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "11", "assortment": "ecolabeling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4095", "title": "Foreign Ambassadors and Diplomats Invited to View Results of Recycling and Plastic-Free Policies in Penghu", "preview": "waste\nForeign Ambassadors and Diplomats Invited to View Results of Recycling and Plastic-Free Policies in Penghu\n\nWith increasing attention on the issue of marine waste in recent years, at the 2019 UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) as many as 170 nations promised to take action to drastically reduce single-use plastic products before 2030. At the G20 Summit in the same year, they also agreed to implement the Blue Ocean Vision, which aims to completely eliminate marine plastic litter. Since then, reducing plastic garbage entering oceans has become a mutual challenge taken up by Taiwan and all other countries. \n", "content": "Penghu, Taiwan’s largest offshore island, was chosen as the site to showcase the results of recycling and plastic reduction in Taiwan. Led by EPA Deputy Minister Shen Chih-hsiu, a delegation of over 50 members arrived on the island to witness the local government's efforts to promote recycling and the building of an island community surrounded by plastic-free waters. Delegates comprised ambassadors and envoys from seven countries, such as the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis; Taiwan-based representatives and vice representatives from eight countries, including Vietnam and EU member states, and; officials from the EPA, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Council of Agriculture. The delegation toured various recycling facilities, saw displays of garbage reduction at source, and exchanged ideas during a forum.\nThe delegation viewed low-carbon communities and recycling and reuse facilities in Nanliao; the Water Refill program in Dushing Tenth Village; Chung-cheng environment-friendly business district in Magong, and; smart recycling machines for source reduction, recycling, and disposal of marine waste. Achievements were displayed from two major programs: “Recycling's New Values” and “Smart Practices of a Less Plastic Lifestyle”. The first program focuses on plastic reduction at source, reusable cup rentals, smart water fountains connected to the Internet of Thing (IoT), materials made from oyster shells, artistic and creative new products made from a waste white lead tree, Styrofoam recycling actions, creative designs with floating garbage, and plastic reduction in tourism. The latter program focuses on making plastic-reduction actions part of daily life, showing artistic pieces made of waste glass, furniture, and waste buoys.\nThere were five topics discussed during the forum, including source reduction and recycling policies, plastic reduction achievements in a circular economy, new green technology, recycling in villages and communities, and smart recycling machines on offshore islands. Representatives from local communities, civic organizations, and the Penghu County government were invited to talk about their experiences and how circular economy policies, such as those for marine waste reuse, were actually carried out.\nThe Pescadores Islands, where Penghu County is situated, is Taiwan’s largest offshore island group, with diverse marine organisms and ecological resources. Via the tour, the EPA hoped to instill in the public a sense of protection for marine environments so that the beautiful farming and fishing villages, nostalgic old-time culture, and the vast marine resources around Penghu are preserved and developed in a sustainable fashion.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, November 2021\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "11", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4094", "title": "Outstanding Enterprises Receive National Corporate Environmental Protection Awards", "preview": "feature article\nOutstanding Enterprises Receive National Corporate Environmental Protection Awards\n\nOn 4 November a ceremony was held to give out the National Corporate Environmental Protection Awards, Taiwan’s highest honor in environmental protection, as well as the Low-Carbon Product Awards. EPA Minister Chang Tzi-Chin recognized the recipients’ endeavors and contributions to environmental protection by personally presenting awards to the 52 recipients of the first award and the eight recipients of the latter one. \n\n", "content": "For thirty consecutive years the EPA has held the National Corporate Environmental Protection Awards in order to encourage enterprises to shoulder their corporate social responsibilities (CSRs) and facilitate environmental protection. To date, 568 enterprises have been awarded. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the award committee reviewed presentations of participating enterprises via online conferencing, where videos allowed committee members to understand more about the environmental protection efforts and achievements of enterprises. A total of 52 enterprises were picked out after the preliminary, second, and final reviews, including two Grand Award recipients, seven Gold Award recipients, 19 Silver Award recipients, and 24 Bronze Award recipients. Among these, four enterprises have been awarded Silver Awards or above for three consecutive years, for which they received an additional honorary award. \n\nAmongst total environmental protection achievements of enterprises participating in the award competition, in the area of environmental management, 49 enterprises have obtained ISO 14001 environmental management system certificates and 20 have obtained Green Building Labels. In the area of energy and resource conservation, participants' results in 2020 included saving 510 million kWh of electricity (equivalent to one month’s power supply for 1.74 million households), 28.32 million m3 in water, and recycling 660,000 metric tons of rainwater (the conserved water and recycled rainwater combined is equivalent to one month’s water supply for 830,000 households). Participants' installed solar power facilities generated up to 670 million kWh of electricity (equivalent to one month’s power supply for 2.29 million households). Participants have also purchased 58,138 renewable energy certificates, reducing a total of 630,000 metric tons of carbon emissions, equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed by 1,620 Da-An Forest Parks in one year.\n\nMoreover, participating enterprises closely follow the government's environmental policies and are actively taking part in all environmental protection endeavors. Achievements include: NT$3.39 billion in green procurement; 26 enterprises answering the green office call; 90 restaurants under these enterprises becoming green restaurants; voluntarily maintaining 19 public toilets; and adopting 23 km of coastline. They have organized 121 beach clean-ups, in which a total of 7,258 people took part and collected 133 metric tons of marine waste. All of the above are excellent models for others to learn from.\n\nE. Sun Commercial Bank and First Commercial Bank receive 2021 Grand Awards.\n\nThe 2021 Grand Awards were given to E. Sun Commercial Bank and First Commercial Bank. As former honorary award recipients, both participated in the National Corporate Environmental Protection Award competition and have been acknowledged by the award committee for their continual efforts in environmental protection.\n\nE. Sun Commercial Bank finished making its Chiayi branch a zero-carbon demonstration site and set up an environmental education promotion area dedicated to advocating environmental sustainability to its customers. In addition, it co-signed the Sustainable Development Initiative with 32 other corporations in Taiwan to take practical actions against climate change. As for First Commercial Bank, besides actively facilitating green finance, it has transformed 31 properties into green buildings. A green finance education center was also established, combining finance and environmental considerations and designing interactive courses. The center’s purpose is to direct economic development toward low carbon and sustainability by allowing more people to understand, identify, and support green finance. \n\nAiming to build Asia's first green department stores, Pacific SOGO Department Store was the recipient of both the Gold Award and the honorary award for its efforts to achieve sustainability in its daily operations. Solar power generation systems are outfitted on top of its branch buildings, and issuance of e-coupons end up reducing the use of paper equivalent to stacks twice as high as Jade Mountain. SOGO’s 56 restaurants have also been certified as green restaurants by the EPA.\n\nAs participants in the 2021 competition, AU Optronics Corp.'s Taoyuan branch and Holi factory received the Gold Awards for their outstanding environmental protection performance. The AUO GreenArk, the water education center in the Taoyuan branch, is a certified environmental education facility and has also partnered with 17 other venues in Taoyuan to promote environmental education. The factory in Holi set up a photoresist-recycling system, which recycles photoresist and directs it back to machines for reuse via distillation. On acidic smell and odor controls, it has improved original control equipment and also introduced new models of wet static demister, which can effectively reduce odors.\n\nThis year Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) received the Gold Award in its first participation in the competition. Its 14B plant has been actively installing a recycling system that extracts chelated copper-containing liquid via electrolysis to make pipes with high purity of copper, which are turned into electronic-grade copper materials for use in the coating process. It is a successful recycling and reuse model that produces electronic-grade copper.\n\nIn July 2017, the EPA announced the Low-Carbon Product Reward Regulations, which incentivize enterprises to actively promote carbon footprint reduction. In 2021 a total of eight enterprises were awarded, with Sinyi Real Estate as the recipient of the highest honor with a cash reward of NT$300,000, followed by Cathay United Bank and Mandarin Airlines with a reward of NT$200,000 each. Furthermore, five excellence awards were given to Taiwan Cement Ltd., First Commercial Bank, Taiwan High-Speed Rail, ECOVE Miaoli Energy Corporation, and Cathay Insurance, each receiving NT$100,000.\n\nThis year's winners have all made excellent contributions to reduce their carbon footprints. Measures include enhancing energy efficiency by replacing power and air conditioning facilities and machinery, cutting down the waste of raw materials, introducing green energy, promoting paperless operations, and actively taking actions to achieve sustainability. The EPA always urges enterprises to calculate the carbon footprints of their products and keep reducing carbon emissions. It is hoped that more corporations properly fulfill their CSR and collectively reduce Taiwan's carbon emissions by obtaining carbon footprint labels for their products or the rights to use the product carbon footprint reduction labels, which are helpful references for consumers.\n\nConclusion\nThe EPA is extremely grateful toward each and every one of these enterprises for their contributions and endeavors in environmental protection, as a country's advancement not only depends on government measures but also requires corporate and civic participation. The EPA hopes that the environmental performance of all the award recipients will serve as models for other enterprises to follow and motivate them to jointly create a better society, enhance environmental quality, ensure generational justice, and build a sustainable future.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, November 2021\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "11", "assortment": "feature article", "url": "" }, { "no": "4093", "title": "Activities Held to Promote Citizen River Monitoring to Echo World Rivers Day", "preview": "water\nActivities Held to Promote Citizen River Monitoring to Echo World Rivers Day\nTo echo the United Nation’s World Rivers Day, the EPA incorporated the concept of “citizen science” and held a series of “All Citizens Love Water –Manure is a Good Resource” activities, including training to strengthen the skills of river patrol teams, workshops on citizen water quality monitoring and investigation, and actual water quality monitoring. In addition, all river patrol teams across the country were invited to participate through online connection, a tour was organized to Huang Ke-Shiang’s livestock farm that reutilizes livestock manure, and the public was invited to absorb knowledge with Internet celebrities through online activities on their fan pages.\n", "content": "The EPA expressed that the series of activities made water environment patrol teams, which is the major non-governmental river guarding force, as the seed participants. The cooperation of the non-governmental sector is indispensable for the camps that safeguard river’s quality in Taiwan. In recent year, local river patrol teams are growing strong. In the past, if patrol teams found suspicious pollution incidents, they could only report as soon as possible the incidents to environmental bureaus to deal with. But now through new and simple water quality testing tools, they can send monitoring data and the information of the potential pollution sources in real-time, helping the public sector to carrying out more precise law enforcement in the follow-up. In other words, they have evolved to “water environment patrol teams 2.0”. One example of the testing tools is the “time-lapse resin capsule”. With resin’s capability of adsorbing heavy metals, the capsules can be used to monitor river pollution if deployed in a water body over a long time. Another example is the “handheld water quality sensor” developed by the EPA and Industrial Technology Research Institute together. \n\nAs of August 2021, the number of water environment patrol team across the country had reached 462 with a total of 13,125 members silently putting in efforts to protect local water environments. In recent years, the EPA has been vigorously promoting the reutilization of livestock manure to improve rivers’ water quality, seeking the win-win situation of reducing river pollution while saving farmers’ fertilizer expenditure. One positive example of non-governmental cooperation is in Chiayi County, which has cooperated with EPA’s resource reutilization policy for many years. The county has achieved outstanding results with its livestock manure reutilization promotion. As of July this year, 86 livestock farms in Chiayi County had been approved of their livestock manure reutilization plans leading to a total of 1,423,465 metric tons of manure used as fertilizers yearly. In addition, the county’s patrol teams have been starting to help match crop farmers with livestock farms. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, October 2021\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "10", "assortment": "water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4092", "title": "Amendments to Permit Management Regulations for Waste Clearance and Disposal Organizations Announced", "preview": "waste\nAmendments to Permit Management Regulations for Waste Clearance and Disposal Organizations Announced\nTo strictly manage the actual clearance operations of waste clearance organizations, ensure the quality and final destination of recycled products produced by these organizations, and adjust the management of waste clearance and disposal organizations to be in line with current practices, the EPA announced the amended articles of the Permit Management Regulations for Public and Private Waste Clearance and Disposal Organizations (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations).\n\n", "content": "The EPA indicated that the main points of the amendments include: addition of stipulations regarding review procedures for pilot projects, improvement of the management mechanism for clearance organizations, formulation of quality standards and stipulations regarding the management and reporting of final reuse locations and destinations, and strengthening of other stipulations such as the ones on applications and review procedures. In the future, if enterprises accept recycled products that are produced by clearance organizations and meet the specified scope of uses, they shall report the final destinations and uses in accordance with the amended content of the Regulations. It is expected that the overall management efficiency of domestic waste clearance and disposal flow tracking will be increased and the policy of sustainable resource circularity be put into practice. \n\nThe EPA reminded that clearance and disposal organizations that are targets to be regulated under the Regulations shall submit before the specified deadline documents certifying that their recycled products meet quality standards to permitting authorities for approval and inclusion in the permit documents. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, October 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "10", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4091", "title": "2021 Taiwan Circular Economy Week Kicks Off in Post-Pandemic Green Recovery Era", "preview": "waste\n2021 Taiwan Circular Economy Week Kicks Off in Post-Pandemic Green Recovery Era\nOn 28 September, the EPA and various ministries of the government announced the start of the “2021 Taiwan Circular Economy Week” at a press conference at the Taipei International Convention Center. In addition to the EPA, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and the Council of Agriculture (COA), this year the event also has the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) and the Public Construction Commission (PCC) participating for the first time. This diversifies and enriches the event, while showing that Taiwan is placing more importance on circular economy issues. \n", "content": "The Circular Economy Week actually spans from September to November this year, highlighting four major areas: circular plastics, circular construction, circular agriculture and solid recovered fuel. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event is being held partly in person and partly online, to display Taiwan’s achievements and visions in the implementation of a circular economy. \n\nFeatured are eleven major events that take place successively, including: ESG and Sustainable Manufacturing Summit; Circular Economy Innovation Exhibition – 2030 Future All Together; Taiwan Innotech Expo – Circular Economy Physical and Online Exhibitions; Innovation and Business Matchmaking Conference; Circular Design Workshop, and; Outstanding Enterprises Award Ceremony and Summit. Through the activities organized by the participating ministries, these events display the circular economy achievements of many industries in Taiwan in different forms and areas such as resource recycling, zero waste, and innovative technology and business models. There are also tours arranged to visit the plastic-free island facilities in Penghu County and to view the achievements of front-line practitioners such as the Cultural Heritage Building Material Bank, a biotech material plant, a circular residential building complex, and a vehicle disassembly factory in Tainan City. Online forums also continue to be held for participants to discuss and exchange views on circular agriculture issues with international practitioners in the Netherlands, Germany and Canada. In addition, a Taiwan Circular Economy 100 (TCE100) Forum will also be held to demonstrate the determination of enterprises in promoting a circular economy. \n\n“The pandemic has not defeated us, but has made us stronger”, said EPA Deputy Minister Shen Chih-hsiu. To help domestic industries move towards a new milestone of green recovery in the post-pandemic era, the EPA has decided to continue to organize this annually held circular economy week event, inviting domestic and foreign industries, governments and academia to participate. It is hoped that substantial exchanges that occur during the event will encourage matchmaking between industries and deepen the transformation of domestic enterprises. \n\nThe EU and countries such as Japan and Korea have proposed circular economy related action plans and programs as a basis to realize their circular economy visions for the next ten years. Deputy Minister Shen pointed out that Taiwan imports 76% of its resources and needs to address important questions of how to fully reuse and circulate resources by finding ways to facilitate material flows from “venous industries” back to “arterial industries”. Toward this goal, the EPA formally established the Office of Resource Circulation in July this year, placing it in charge of overall resource circulation policy-making and management. Through regulation, resource integration or other means, the office will step out of the existing framework of dividing tasks based on regulatory categories. Instead it will adopt a management approach based on the lifecycles of materials and resources, pay attention to the reutilization of waste resources and energy, and implement three important policy objectives: turn combustible waste into energy, convert organic waste into bioenergy, and use inorganic waste in marine projects in ways that promote sustainable use of resources. \n\nDeputy Minister Shen declared that the EPA will do its best to coordinate and promote resource circulation to turn waste into energy or resources, find suitable uses and destinations for recycled products, and establish a development model for material recycling and reuse. This will help move Taiwan towards full resource circulation, maximizing useful resource circulation and minimizing waste disposal, thereby reducing the environmental impacts caused by the consumption and use of primary resources. \n\nThe Deputy Minister of the MOEA Tseng Wen-sheng said that the island of Taiwan is like an ark: it must be self-sufficient and the resources within it self-circulating. Since President Tsai Ing-wen proposed moving towards a circular economy in her 2016 inauguration speech, the MOEA has been actively implementing the policy. To encourage more industries and people to participate, the Executive Yuan has committed itself in a cross-ministerial manner to focus on three points: removal of regulatory obstacles, continuous technological research and development, and development of business models. \n\nCurrently the government is starting to deal with the issues of construction waste in a cross-ministerial manner, and therefore the Construction and Planning Agency and the Public Construction Commission (PCC) also participated in this event for the first time. The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of the Interior, Chiu Chang-yueh, pointed out that the construction industry can utilize the most waste, for example slag and coal ash can be used as building or filling materials. However, construction waste also accounts for more than 10% of total waste. For this reason, the MOI is actively promoting the use of green construction materials. Currently there are more than 20,000 kinds of green construction materials to choose from. It is hoped that by holding industrial workshops, circular construction systems can be established to stabilize markets and supply sources, and a true circular construction industry can be formed. The Deputy Minister of the PCC, Yan Jeou-rong, said that for resources to be properly used in public projects, the PCC has formulated relevant regulations, labels and standard operating procedures in recent years in such a way that recycled resources will meet high quality requirements and be desired by all counties and cities to be used in public projects, hence activating a new circular cooperation model. \n\nThere have also been several developments in circular agriculture. MOEA Deputy Minister Tseng stated that the Covid-19 related suspension of using food waste as pigswill has brought an opportunity to Taiwan to grow during a crisis, and the Industrial Technology Research Institute is currently providing a technology that uses black soldier flies to convert proteins contained in food waste into animal feed proteins. At the other end of the livestock feed cycle, Deputy Minister of the COA Huang Chin-cheng said that after striving for the past four to five years, chicken manure treatment technologies have matured, and in addition there are now eight pilot plants devoted to promoting bioenergy applications for swine manure. Furthermore, use of bamboo as a green construction material or fuel is also attracting attention and is being actively researched. \n\nThe Chairman of Circular Taiwan Network, Charles Huang, reminded participants that to achieve net-zero emissions, government and industry have to undergo the transition to circularity together. The “linear supply chains” of the old economic model are to be diverted to “circular supply networks”. Enterprises should change to view supply from the perspective of demand, stepping out of the old concept of being outsourced manufacturers, and providing service-oriented or knowledge-based services. Mr. Huang stressed, net-zero emissions cannot be accomplished by a country or an enterprise alone, but requires transnational, cross-ministerial and cross-industry cooperation. During the transition, the enterprises and ministries of Taiwan need to actively seek international cooperation, changing the past idea of “Taiwan can follow” into “Taiwan can help”.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, October 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "10", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4090", "title": "Asia-Pacific Environmental Education Experts Promote Sustainability in Online Workshop", "preview": "sustainable development\nAsia-Pacific Environmental Education Experts Promote Sustainability in Online Workshop\nTo respond to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and build environmental education cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, the EPA and the Global Environmental Education Partnership Asia-Pacific Regional Center (GEEP APRC) co-organized the 2021 “Let’s Learn from Each Other for a Sustainable World” Workshop on 3-4 September. The Covid-19 pandemic did not deter regional partners from continuing to promote environmental education. Speakers from the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Bhutan and Taiwan showed up at the event or online to share their local experiences with audiences all over the world. \n", "content": "This workshop was the first international exchange event after GEEP APRC was established in December 2019. The EPA stated that the goal of this international workshop was to facilitate and strengthen environmental education cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and to expand the influence of the UN SDGs through environmental education. It is hoped that through the international platform of GEEP APRC, countries in the Asia-Pacific region can learn from each other about environmental issues and share with each other their experience and knowledge in environmental education. \n\nJudy Braus, the Executive Director of North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), the GEEP Secretariat, was invited to give the opening speech at the event. She explained the core values and goals of GEEP and expected partners all over the world to create a fairer and more sustainable future through environmental education. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the implementation of the Environmental Education Act in Taiwan. Therefore, the workshop kicked off with a video titled “Let’s Make ‘Being Green’ Part of Our Daily Lives,” showcasing Taiwan’s environmental education achievements. Afterwards, Professor Chiau Wen-Yan, a former deputy minister of the EPA, gave the keynote speech on “The Promotion and Strategies of environmental education in Taiwan”. \n\nDiverse contents were presented during the two-day workshop with four major themes: regulations and policy communication, community environmental education, environmental education teaching materials, and environmental education staff training. Domestic experts, scholars and practitioners in the field of environmental education were invited to share case studies on various topics so that the world could see Taiwan’s excellent experiences in environmental education. \n\nInternational speakers, mainly members of the APRC advisory team, were invited to speak to domestic and global audiences online. The Philippines and Taiwan are among the few countries in the world that have adopted legislation to promote environmental education. Elenida Del Rosario-Basug, Director of the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources, shared the implementation experiences of her country’s National Environmental Awareness and Education Act. Nguyễn Việt Dũn, Director General at Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment, and Kumi Tashiro, Deputy Director at Japan’s Ministry of Environment, focused on cases in their countries that involved environmental policy communication. Professor Fuangarun Preededilok from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand shared cases of promoting community environmental education. On the second day, Thiaga Nadeson, Chief of WWF-Malaysia, and Ugyen Tshomo from the National Environment Commission of Bhutan shared with workshop participants environmental education teaching materials. \n\nThe finale of the workshop was the course on environmental education staff training led by Deputy Director Kumi Tashiro and Kato Tatsuhiro, Secretary General of the Japan Environmental Education Forum. They demonstrated facilitation techniques remotely online based on the content in the tool book “Creating a Co-learning Environment – Learning 10 Facilitation Skills from Environmental Education”, and led participants in communication with each other. Together they accomplished a rare international cooperative teaching demonstration to enhance the practical abilities of environmental educators.\n\nIn the pursuit of economic development, the Asia-Pacific region has caused much environmental pollution in the air, water, waste, and soil, and at the same time it is suffering from environmental threats from global climate change. Facing the ever-changing external environment, it urgently needs to learn to co-exist with the environment through environmental education and the concept of sustainability. In the future, APRC will continue to be a hub for promoting environmental education in the region and will seek more international participation. By inspiring people through education and turning knowledge into actions, the region can change as a whole and make the world more sustainable. \n \nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, October 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "10", "assortment": "sustainable development", "url": "" }, { "no": "4089", "title": "Buffet and Lunch Box Stores Obligated to Set Up Paper Tableware Recycling Facilities after October 1st ", "preview": "recycling\nBuffet and Lunch Box Stores Obligated to Set Up Paper Tableware Recycling Facilities after October 1st \nOn 21 June 2021, the EPA announced the Scope of Vendors Required to Set Up Paper Tableware Recycling Facilities, Facility Settings, Specifications and Other Compliance Measures, which became effective on 1 October 2021. This announcement targeted buffet and lunch box stores where there are seats for dining in and paper tableware (including items such as boxes, plates, trays, bowls, dishes) is used for serving. These stores shall set up resource recycling facilities for paper tableware recycling at the stores, adopt required recycling reminding measures, and hand over the recyclables in accordance with the regulations. The stores that provide environmental tableware that can be repeatedly washed and reused to dining-in customers or serve food mainly for take-out and deliveries are not in the scope of the regulations. The EPA encourages waste reduction at the source and use of reusable tableware. \n", "content": "The EPA noted that after the new regulations became effective, buffet and lunch box stores must have recycling facilities for paper tableware sorting and stacking. The square \"recycling symbol\" and the words \"Paper Tableware Recycling Site\" should be marked on the obvious place of the facility. The graphics and text should be intact and clearly visible, with no restrictions on font style and font size. The stores may adopt recycling promotion measures such as posting recycling promotion posters, slogans, or playing audio clips to remind the public to \"clean, sort and stack\" paper tableware. At last, the stores must hand over the sorted and stacked paper tableware to recycling enterprises, antiquity dealers, scavengers, or self-employed recyclers for recycling. The EPA reminds business operators to speed up the establishment of paper tableware recycling and sorting areas and implement paper tableware recycling and sorting, lest they are punished for negligence and violation of the regulations. \n\nPaper tableware is an announced recyclable waste. After eating, people may clean the containers with tissues first, sort garbage, food scraps and tableware, and finally stack the tableware. The EPA reminds the public that in addition to cleaning, sorting and stacking paper tableware when dining out, same thing shall be done at home to keep home environment sanitary and clean, and correctly sort waste and recycle resources. The public is also reminded to have the habits to bring their own tableware, choose stores that provide reusable tableware, and reduce the use of paper tableware. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, October 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "10", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4088", "title": "Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act Preannounced to Change Name to Climate Change Response Act", "preview": "Feature article\nGreenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act Preannounced to Change Name to Climate Change Response Act\nClimate change is a significant challenge faced by the whole world. Having promulgated the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法) in 2015, Taiwan is one of the few countries that include long-term reduction goals in its official legislation. Seeing the grave conditions of global climate change, the EPA aims to speed up Taiwan’s carbon emission reduction efforts and strengthen mitigation by drafting amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act. Revisions will also include a change of name to the Climate Change Response Act (氣候變遷因應法). Other points in the revisions are as follows:\n\n", "content": "2050 zero-emission goal included in legislation \nThe Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act currently specifies that the national long-term reduction goal is to, by 2050, lower carbon emissions to 50% of the amount emitted in 2005. The revisions will change the target to zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which is a declaration of Taiwan's determination. To achieve such a goal, government authorities of all levels should collaborate with every citizen, enterprise, and organization to jointly facilitate emission reduction, develop negative emission technology, and promote global cooperation.\n\nStrengthening climate management by appointing higher-level authorities in charge\nResponsibilities of greenhouse gas reduction and climate change mitigation span different departments. Therefore, the Executive Yuan's National Sustainable Development Network (NSDN) is designated under the revisions as the central authority in charge. The NSDN will be responsible for coordinating, delegating, or integrating policies related to national climate change response principles and cross-departmental work. In addition, competent central authorities are also to integrate the action plans of different departments and formulate national reduction programs, while local governments are to set up climate response committees and focus on coordinating and integrating response work.\n\nAdding chapters specifically for climate change mitigation\nThe particular chapter on mitigation has three focuses: establishing essential capacities; connecting scientific research, projections, and predictions, and; determining frameworks. The first focus is to enhance Taiwan’s overall essential capacities in responding to climate change. The government should build up mitigation capacities and enhance the participation of citizens, businesses, and organizations in the pursuit of mutual goals. The second focus is to strengthen links among scientific researchers, whereby central competent authorities for technology will compile and integrate climate change science, scenarios, and risk information and regularly publish relevant reports. Government departments of all levels are then to conduct risk assessments concerning climate change, to serve as references for implementing mitigation actions. Lastly, the third focus is to finalize legal and policy frameworks for climate change mitigation. Central industry competent authorities are to formulate mitigation action plans for respective areas of responsibility, which central authorities will integrate and use to formulate national climate change mitigation and adaptation action plans. Climate change mitigation implementation programs will then be formulated by local governments based on circumstances in different regions. Information disclosure and public participation throughout all procedures will be achieved through editing and publishing annual reports on the outcomes of implementation.\n\nEnhancing emission controls and incentive mechanisms to facilitate carbon reduction\nEnhancing energy efficiency is a critical strategy toward zero-emissions. Control mechanisms for emissions in different sectors, such as manufacturing, transportation, and construction, will be revised to elevate energy efficiency and lower emission intensity. Newly established pollution sources are mandated to adopt the best available technology and obtain offsets to reduce overall environmental impacts from increased emissions. Moreover, efforts will be enhanced to urge enterprises or government authorities of all levels to develop their own voluntary reduction proposals while incentives such as offering offset quotas are to be provided to those adopting reduction practices. The aim is to increase reduction efforts from both production and consumption.\n\nCollecting carbon fees specifically for reduction-related uses\nCarbon pricing helps facilitate emission reduction via economic incentives and is one of the effective reduction strategies recognized around the world. To improve Taiwan's carbon pricing system, one new addition in the legislative revisions specifically deals with carbon fees, which will be collected from domestic emission sources and then be used solely for: carbon reduction; developing low-carbon and negative-emitting technology and industries; and subsidizing rewarding investments in emission reduction technologies. This will help facilitate greenhouse gas reduction as well as the development of a low-energy economy. Currently, there is also a global trend towards developing carbon border adjustment mechanisms to avoid carbon leakage, a new type of measure. By setting up methods to calculate and determine the carbon content of specific products, central authorities can help Taiwan's industries keep their global competitive edge.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, October 2021\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "10", "assortment": "Feature article", "url": "" }, { "no": "4087", "title": "Coastal Messiness Reporting Event Launched to Safeguard the Coasts", "preview": "environmental managment\nCoastal Messiness Reporting Event Launched to Safeguard the Coasts\nThe Executive Yuan Approved the “Tribute to the Ocean - Coastal Cleaning and Maintenance Plan” in May 2020 to establish a coastal cleaning mechanism, promote waste reduction at the source, and keep the coasts clean. However, due to human and tide activities, there are still accumulations of garbage on the coasts. To remediate the problem, the EPA launched the “Safeguard the Coasts – Take Pictures and Get Green Points” event. From 1 October to 15 December of 2021, people who take pictures of clean or dirty coasts at the seaside and upload them will have chance to win 5,000 to 50,000 green points. The reported dirty sites will also be cleaned up by the jurisdiction’s coast management authority. \n\n", "content": "The EPA explained that to solve the marine waste problem, the Executive Yuan integrated the resources of nine central ministries and commissions, and cooperated with 19 coastal local governments to designate coastal management authorities for Taiwan’s 1,988-kilometer coastline. It also established a \"regular cleaning\" mechanism in the Tribute to the Ocean Plan. Through the mechanism, 116, 000 metric tons of coastal waste has been cleaned up since last year (2020). In addition, a coastal cleanup information platform was set up for people to inquire about coastal management authorities and statistics on cleanup results as well as for reporting on coastal messy sites. \n\nTo use the messy site reporting function, after people log on to the system, they only need to upload photos of messy sites on the phone, and the system will read the coordinates of the messy sites on its own and complete the reporting. It will then send the reported case to the coastal management authorities in charge, which will then send personnel to the sites to clean up within seven days to ensure coastal land is kept clean. \n\nThe EPA said that the event lasts two and a half month starting from 1 October to 15 December 2021. If people found large accumulations of garbage on the coasts, they can participate in the coastal messiness reporting event by using the Coastal Cleanup Information Platform – Coastal Messiness Reporting Function (https:\/\/ecolife2.epa.gov.tw\/BeachCleanup\/Dirty\/Add), filling out basic information of the case and uploading photos showing the current messiness. Those who complete the reports may receive up to 10,000 green points. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, October 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "10", "assortment": "environmental management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4086", "title": "Pig Farms Urged to Implement High-Temperature Cooking of Food Waste to Prevent Spread of African Swine Flu", "preview": "environmental inspection\nPig Farms Urged to Implement High-Temperature Cooking of Food Waste to Prevent Spread of African Swine Flu\nOne of the transmission paths of African swine flu is through virus-contaminated food waste. In response to the case of illegal smuggling of food tested positive of African swine flu uncovered in August this year, all environmental agencies across the country complied with the policy of the Council of Agriculture (COA) to suspend the use of food waste as pigswill from 1 to 30 September, and carried out 626 inspections during this period on the 676 pig farms that had obtained food waste reuse permits in the 13 counties and cities (New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County, Miaoli County, Taichung City, Changhua County, Nantou County, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Yilan County) that allowed to use food waste as pigswill. None of pig farms was found to have used food waste as pigswill in an illegal way. \n", "content": "The EPA noted that according to the COA’s announcement on 29 September 2021, livestock farms that have more than 200 heads of livestock, as specified in their farm registrations, and that have been approved for the reuse of food waste by the environmental competent authorities of the special municipalities, counties or cities in accordance with the Waste Disposal Act, may resume the use of food waste as pigswill after 1 October 2021. However, they must do so in a way compliant to the regulations concerning high-temperature cooking: stirring shall be continuous during high-temperature cooking, the core temperature shall be kept above 90℃, and cooking shall last at least one hour. The EPA demanded all local environmental agencies to complete the guidance for and inspections on the 676 pig farms that use food waste as pigswill across the country before 7 October. It was to ensure the pig farms permitted to use food waste as pigswill comply with the high-temperature cooking procedure to prevent the spread of the disease. If a pig farm was found to have failed to cook food waste at high temperatures in accordance with the regulations, it would be reported and punished in accordance with the Waste Disposal Act. If pig farms with less than 200 head of livestock were found to use food waste as pigswill, they would be reported to agricultural authorities and punished in accordance with the Statute for Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Diseases and the Feed Control Act. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, October 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "10", "assortment": "environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4085", "title": "International Environmental Education Workshop Held for Foreign Students in Taiwan", "preview": "Environmental Education\nInternational Environmental Education Workshop Held for Foreign Students in Taiwan\nThanks to recent slowdown of the pandemic in Taiwan, 26 students from 11 countries participated in the 2021 International Environmental Issues and Education Workshop organized by the EPA at Heping Island Park and National Museum of Marine Science and Technology in Keelung City on 11-12 September. The on-site training allowed them to understand Taiwan’s current efforts towards solving marine waste issues and its environmental education achievements. \n", "content": "The EPA once again organized international environmental education courses this year for foreign students studying in Taiwan. The “marine waste issues” was especially chosen to be the main focus of this year’s courses because of their transboundary nature, and the concept of circular economy was also introduced. The purpose was to let students understand Taiwan’s actions and experiences, strategies and feasible solutions to deal with marine wastes, which may serve as references for other countries when facing similar environmental issues. \n\nThe two-day event led students to Keelung’s Heping Island Park for on-site inspections. While they enjoyed the uniquely formed coastline of northern Taiwan, the students found a lot of marine debris strewn on the shore under the influence of the northeast monsoon. The sight inspired students to reflect on the fact that the ocean allows people to cross barriers and national boundaries connecting people and cultures, but it also transports marine wastes and pollution to all parts of the world. At the coast, students carried out beach cleanup and classified and recorded the quantity and sources of marine debris according to the International Coastal Cleanup system. In the classroom, students learned about the various approaches that Taiwan has adopted -- from the government, enterprises to non-governmental organizations -- to reduce plastics at the source and promote circular economy, as well as how environmental protection could be applied in daily life. \n\nTo echo the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the EPA used Taiwan as the starting point, and organized the international environmental education event targeting foreign students studying in Taiwan. The purpose of this event, in its second year now, is to make students from other countries understand the local and global environmental issues and threats that Taiwan and the world are facing, and inspire them into action to solve environmental problems. It is one of the important training programs offered by Taiwan, the host of the Global Environmental Education Partnership Asia-Pacific Regional Center. \n\nUnder the guidance of the course instructors and after brainstorming in groups, the 26 young people from different countries learned about the current state of the environment in different countries, diverse ways of thinking and perspectives, and shared possible solutions to environmental issues. Marine wastes know no national boundaries. It is hoped that the students can apply their experience in Taiwan when facing their own country’s local environmental issues in the future, so that the seeds of environmental sustainability can be spread all over the world. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, October 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "10", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4084", "title": "Inter-regional Response Team Reactivated to Tackle Poor Air Quality in Autumn and Winter", "preview": "air\nInter-regional Response Team Reactivated to Tackle Poor Air Quality in Autumn and Winter\nTo tackle the poor air quality that is prone to occur during autumn and winter in central and southern Taiwan, the EPA activated the Inter-regional Cooperation, Prevention, and Response Team this year again, integrating the capacities of the EPA and environmental agencies of the counties and cities in western Taiwan and involving the assistance of experts and scholars to implement pollution prevention and contingency measures. \n", "content": "The Director-General of the EPA’s Department of Air Quality Protection Meng-Yu Tsai also headed south with a team on 4 October to discuss this year’s contingency plan with Chiayi County, Chiayi City, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County and encourage all counties and cities to learn from the model of the cooperation between Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County to collaborate between them in dealing with cross-district air pollution problems. Environmental bureaus were also reminded to supervise and urge enterprises to reduce pollution emissions during periods of poor air quality. \n\nThe EPA indicated that during autumn and winter, short-term regional poor air quality tends to occur in Taiwan due to weather or topography factors. It is insufficient to rely on a single county or city government to fight against it alone. Therefore, the EPA launched the Inter-regional Cooperation, Prevention, and Response Team in 2019 to increase the overall response efficiency through cross-organizational cooperation and regular rolling reviews. \n\nAnd since August this year, Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County have taken the initiative to cooperate between themselves to notify the upwind city\/county when air quality becomes poor to carrying out contingency measures such as vehicle roadside inspections and factory inspections or pollution reductions to help lessen the pollution load in the county\/city downwind. In addition, the EPA urged all environmental bureaus to refer to the draft amendments to the Regulations Governing Emergency Measures to Prevent Severely Deteriorated Air Quality to give guidance in advance to enterprises on the new stipulations about output and emission reduction of factories and the operation of the response team to carry out trial implementation and drills. \n\nThe EPA stressed that different solutions are taken for different types of air pollution. In addition to the long-term strategy of requiring factories to improve, environmental agencies will also strengthen the implementation of different contingency measures through the inter-regional response team in autumn and winter. Large factories or power plants will also be asked to reduce output and emission on their own. Additionally, the public is requested to help by taking actions such as using mass transportation, avoiding open air burning and adopting environmental worships in their daily lives. Moreover, the public is advised to make more use of the Environmental Info Push APP to keep abreast of the changes in air quality. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, October 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "10", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4083", "title": "Shipping Manifest Reporting Made Easier with User-friendly Tools", "preview": "Waste\n\nShipping Manifest Reporting Made Easier with User-friendly Tools\nRegulated enterprises are required to report online the amount and flow of waste they produce to environmental bureaus. To increase the efficiency of industrial waste manifest reporting operations, since 2019 the EPA has worked with enterprises to provide four user-friendly reporting tools that now benefit more than 40,000 regulated enterprises. \n", "content": "After listening to the needs of enterprises, the EPA conducted reviews of the problems associated with previous reporting mechanisms, such as difficulties in managing and keeping paper manifests, time-consuming and error-prone manual reporting, and duplication with management systems of large enterprises. It then provided four user-friendly reporting tools, including:\n(1) An electronic manifest APP. The real-time transmission makes management easier for enterprises. \n(2) A batch manifest submission service that resolves the trouble of enterprises needing to report manifests one by one.\n(3) Interface programs were developed to integrate the industrial waste reporting system with the industries’ own systems. The enterprises can use the interface program to report if they have established their own waste management systems. \n(4) Reporting modules formed by using historical templates or templates created by enterprises that were well rated when they were launched. \nAccording to the EPA, these four optimizing measures are suitable for different types of enterprises. The electronic manifest APP can transmit information back in real-time, batch manifest submission saves enterprises from typing information repeatedly, interface programs are mainly used to integrate the reporting system with large-scale enterprises’ own waste management systems, while manifest modules are more helpful for small-scale enterprises with fewer waste items or more fixed waste types. Regulated enterprises can choose a reporting mode that suits their needs. \nTaking a large-scale tech company as an example, integrating its own management system with the EPA’s innovative function has saved 90% of the time required to fill out manifests in reporting data and clearance dispatch information, and simultaneously reduced errors caused by manual filling. Using the manifest APP after clearances has also saved 90% of the time spent for manifest filing. This big company expressed that the streamlined reporting procedure has made waste flow management more time-efficient, accurate and environmentally-friendly, and helped it become a responsible purchaser in the supply chain. In addition, regulated enterprises adopting user-friendly reporting tools are expected to save six million paper manifests every year in the future. \nThe EPA’s promotion of user-friendly reporting services has effectively raised reporting efficiency. Since September 2019, enterprises that use the shipping manifest APP have reported more than 20,000 manifests through electronic manifests. According to the feedback of the 40 enterprises that used batch reporting, reporting efficiency was increased approximately 80%, and the reporting error rate dropped to 0.1%. In addition, 65 enterprises have adopted the automated interface method for reporting. A total of near 150,000 manifests have been reported through combined batch reporting and interface reporting methods. Enterprises are encouraged to participate and use the dedicated information line, 0800-059777, if they are interested to know more about user-friendly reporting tools. Specialists will be at their service (Industrial Waste Report and Management System https:\/\/waste.epa.gov.tw\/prog\/NewsZone\/news_browse.asp?nid=). \nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, September 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "9", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4082", "title": "Single-use Tableware Reduction and Innovative Circular Business Models to Be Further Promoted ", "preview": "recycling\nSingle-use Tableware Reduction and Innovative Circular Business Models to Be Further Promoted \nDuring the pandemic, the use of all types of single-use tableware has increased. According to the EPA’s statistics, the amount of single-use tableware recycled, including waste plastic boxes and waste plastic plates, was 5,343 metric tons in May and June 2021, a 31.5% increase compared to the same period in 2020 (4,063 metric tons). The subsidy fee rate was NT$9.5\/kg. All these waste tableware have been properly processed by 11 domestic processors that are capable of processing these types of waste plastics. Additionally, there are three domestic processors that are capable of processing waste paper tableware. Statistics show that 26,700 metric tons of waste paper tableware were recycled in May and June 2021, 3.3% more than the same period in 2020 (25,847 metric tons). \n", "content": "According to the EPA regulations, government agencies, school cafeterias, department stores, shopping centers, hypermarkets, and food and beverage businesses with a storefront shall not use plastic disposable tableware. If businesses, affected by the pandemic, have the need to use disposable tableware, they can apply to the local environmental authority for their use. Once approved, they can use it for 90 days, but they must also strengthen the recycling of it. A total of 171 businesses in 13 counties and cities have applied. \nIn addition, during the pandemic, the number of food deliveries has also increased. Since 2020, the EPA has been cooperating with food delivery platforms, tableware rental companies and environmental bureaus in a pilot project on environment-friendly deliveries using environment-friendly tableware for catering and then recycling the tableware for reuse. The project will continue to be run and promoted. \nIn addition to strengthening the recycling of all types of tableware, the EPA, after the pandemic subsides, will continue to encourage members of the public to carry their own tableware and businesses to provide tableware rental services through regulatory controls, economic incentives and innovative circular business models to reduce the use of disposable tableware. It looks forward to promoting reusable container rental service models in the post-pandemic era to halt the increased use of single-use tableware, so as to reduce the consumption of raw material and water and greenhouse gas emissions associated with tableware production. \nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, September 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "9", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4081", "title": "Prevention and Management of Soil and Groundwater Pollution", "preview": "feature article\nPrevention and Management of Soil and Groundwater Pollution\nWith ongoing development and economic change, Taiwanese are facing more serious environmental loads. Insufficient waste treatment facilities and lack of final treatment plants contribute to soil and groundwater pollution derived from arbitrary disposal of hazardous industrial wastes. To solve this problem the government and the public urgently need to work together. This article summarizes the achievements of recent local groundwater pollution prevention work and ongoing major tasks in 2021.\nIn accordance with the National Environmental Protection Plan, groundwater remediation work aims to improve the groundwater protection system, and strengthen and improve groundwater quality monitoring. In accordance with the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act (土壤及地下水污染整治法), the main focus at present is to regulate the remediation and control of areas with contaminated groundwater. Recent outcomes of groundwater management are as follows:\n", "content": "I. Recent Achievements\n1. Groundwater management measures\nThe EPA conducted regular groundwater quality monitoring by tracking background quality of groundwater at 455 local groundwater monitoring wells. To date in 2021, an average of 90.8% of the monitoring samples met Category 2 groundwater pollution monitoring standards. Items such as total hardness, total dissolved solids, chloride salts, nitrate nitrogen, sulfates, total organic carbon, total phenols, fluoride salts, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, zinc, mercury, nickel, and volatile organic compounds did not exceed monitoring standards. More than 85% of the monitoring samples met Category 2 groundwater pollution monitoring standards. However, qualification rates for some items were lower: ammonia nitrogen was 42.2%, iron was 74.4%, and manganese was 58.4%.\nPrevention of groundwater pollution in industrial zones: \nAccording to statistics for the period 2017 to the end of August 2020, 164 industrial zones nationwide have been compiled and declared. The latest industrial-zone “light signal” color-code classification included five red lights, 13 orange lights, 27 yellow lights, and 121 green lights. The proportion of “green light” industrial zones has gradually increased from 69% to 74%; in other words, industrial zones classified as red, orange or yellow light zones have improved year by year, with the total proportion falling from 31% to 26%.\n2. Farmland pollution prevention measures\nThe EPA established potential farmland pollution zones and planned preventive actions as follows: \n(1) Medium and High Potential Zones\nA. Information is being integrated on farmland pollution and potential pollution sources to provide feedback for early warning models and to strengthen early warning operations. \nB. Soils are being intelligently monitored in pollution hotspots through IoT (the Internet of Things), monitoring real-time water quality; sample testing sediments in irrigation ditches; systematically monitoring places where pollution accumulates in irrigation committee districts; using scientific instruments such as resin capsules, water quality sensors, and automated water quality monitoring sampling and analysis instruments.\nC. Developing tools to quantitatively measure irrigation water pollution on farmland so as to strengthen preventive measures.\n (2) Zones with low pollution potential \nA. To regularly monitor the soil, data is being integrated on irrigation water quality, ditch sediments, and heavy metal concentrations in farmland soil. \nB. Intelligent water quality monitoring is being integrated to plan the boundaries of total quantity control zones. \n(3) Zero potential pollution zones\nA. Establishing farmland baseline data in terms of the environment and loads to aid the assessment of suitable use of the land.\nB. Rolling inspection of the pollution potential, and assess the environmental impact of farmland in accordance with the National Spatial Planning.\n3. Sediment Quality Management\nIn 2013, the EPA mandated the industrial authority of each water body to conduct regular sediment quality tests from water bodies in each jurisdiction at least once every five years. As of the end of August 2021, a total of 782 water bodies of sediment quality declarations had been submitted for tests. \n4. Improvement of storage system classification and phased management\nTo prevent pollution in storage systems, the EPA will keep auditing results submitted by 2,700 underground storage tank operators and further investigate eight enterprises found to have abnormalities to ascertain which will be polluting or not.\nOn 29 December 2020, the Regulations for Preventing Storage Tanks from Polluting Groundwater Facilities and the Installation of Monitoring Equipment was amended and announced to strengthen the prevention and management of soil and groundwater pollution from surface tanks, which will be carried out by categories and in phases based on tank capacities and the categories of stored materials. The EPA also added 6,300 surface storage tanks under its pollution prevention management and will complete the legal compliance counseling work within two years.\nII. Major Tasks between 2020 and 2021\n1. Groundwater management measures\n(1) Integrating local environmental groundwater data, assisting in reviewing and planning groundwater monitoring and management systems, and promoting strategies to grasp the water quality status of different aquifers in the future.\n(2) Prioritizing the introduction of water quality monitoring and early warning concepts in areas with intensive human activities, such as intensive farming areas.\n(3) Developing an intelligent monitoring framework for the groundwater environment in the future.\n(4) Regularly updating the candidate list of groundwater concerned substances and survey priorities. The follow-up improvement of prevention management in industrial zones will include promoting early warning monitoring efficiency improvement plan and the circular correction of light signal indicators.\n2. Farmland pollution prevention measures\nThe EPA established potential farmland pollution zones and planned preventive actions as follows: \n(1) Smart monitoring of farmland pollution\nA. Comprehensively improving the irrigation water quality and soil’s heavy metal concentrations, dividing the agricultural land in Taiwan according to the pollution potential, determining the cause of pollution, and monitoring farmland according to pollution levels.\nB. Amending the principles of regular monitoring of farmland on a rolling basis and regularly monitoring farmland.\nC. Cooperating with the monitoring operations of heavy metals in crops and other pollution of the Agriculture and Food Agency of the Council of Agriculture and simultaneously handling the monitoring of farmland soil.\n(2) Cross-domain cooperation\nA. Inter-ministerial meetings facilitate exchanges between the Council of Agriculture’s data on irrigation water quality and the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ data on potential factories, cooperating to promote a common operating platform and regularly tracking the progress of various tasks.\nB. Through multiple data such as farmland soil, irrigation water quality, and business process, the environmental pollutants released by business operations is evaluated to assess the pollution potential of farmland, and the benefits of inter-ministerial division of labor is realized as data on pollution sources, transmission paths and farmland lead to soil pollution warnings.\n3. Sediment quality management\nThe second round of sediment quality declarations began in 2019 and will last until 2023. As of the end of August 2021, 240 sites had been completed, and a total of 782 water body sediment quality declarations were completed in two rounds, which reached the \"Taiwan Sustainable Development Goal Corresponding Indicators\" and the implementation schedule set in the regular monitoring of the nation’s sediment quality.\n4. Improve management of storage systems by categories and batches\nThe EPA will continue to audit the submissions by 2,700 underground storage tank operators across the country. As of 1 January 2021, the EPA also added 6,300 surface storage tanks to be under its pollution prevention management, which will be carried out by categories and in phases based on tank capacities and the categories of stored materials. Tanks that store oil-based substances will be targeted first, gradually followed by those that store high-pollution-risk chemical substances.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, September 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "9", "assortment": "feature article", "url": "" }, { "no": "4080", "title": "Joint Efforts of Prosecutors, Police, and EPA Crack Down on Tainan Crime Syndicate for Illegal Dumping ", "preview": "environmental inspection\nJoint Efforts of Prosecutors, Police, and EPA Crack Down on Tainan Crime Syndicate for Illegal Dumping \nTogether with the Tainan District Prosecutors Office, the Tainan City Field Division of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) Investigation Bureau (IB), the Criminal Investigation Corps (CIC) of the Tainan City Police Department, and the Tainan Environmental Bureau, the EPA cracked down on a syndicate that dumps waste illegally and is headed by a suspect surnamed Wang. Prosecutors concluded the investigation on 4 August 2021 and indicted Wang and 52 other defendants (including juridical entities), based on the various offenses. They are charged with violating the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法) Article 46, the Organized Crime Prevention Act (組織犯罪防制條例), the Soil and Water Conservation Act (水土保持法), the Criminal Code (刑法) Article 320 paragraph 2, and the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act (藥事法) Article 83 paragraph 1.\n \n", "content": "Officials from the EPA's Bureau of Environmental Inspection (BEI) began assisting the environmental bureau in Tainan in May 2020 to investigate dumps of industrial waste in Longci District at a spot designated initially as a particular company's waste landfill. Later a joint investigation unit was formed with the district prosecutors, which checked all onsite traces and security cameras. Investigators found that the organization, led by the abovementioned Wang, had been illegally dumping waste for a long time. Tens of thousands of metric tons of industrial waste such as mixed plastics, masks, roof tiles, construction mixtures, plasters, sludge, and aluminum ash and dust, produced by industrial enterprises across Taiwan, were transported by the organization before being dumped or buried in seven public or privately owned pieces of land in Longci District, Guantian District, and Liouying District in Tainan City.\n The EPA noted that petitions to detain 14 people were filed and approved during the prosecution. After a year and three months of tracking, evidence collection, and clarification, investigators found that the syndicate dug holes and cleared ground during the day and dumped waste at dusk or at night before covering the waste with soil. There is evidence showing up to 194 occurrences of vehicles committing illegal clearing and dumping. Prosecutors, police, and investigators conducted multiple searches, resulting in the seizure of 11 vehicles (excavators, trucks, and other vehicles used by the offenders) and NT$7 million in illegal gains.\nDuring the prosecution, the equipment used to commit the illegal acts was auctioned off by the District Prosecutors Office for a value of NT$3.81 million. Meanwhile, the EPA and the prosecutors conducted 14 onsite excavations and investigations at the abovementioned spots. Testing of waste and soil samples revealed some of the dumped materials to be harmful industrial waste. The total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) index at one location exceeded soil pollution control standards. The local government will be asked to follow up in the future on pollution controls according to regulations.\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, September 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "9", "assortment": "environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4079", "title": "Incinerator Bottom Ash Recycling Improves as Recycling Rate Reaches 93%", "preview": "environmental inspection\nIncinerator Bottom Ash Recycling Improves as Recycling Rate Reaches 93%\nRecycled aggregates are produced from incinerator bottom ash (IBA). When household wastes or wastes of similar nature are incinerated at high temperatures, the organic content is removed and inorganic residues with constituents of similar strengths as natural minerals remain. The residues are then crushed and screened to remove impurities to produce recycled aggregates, which have been used extensively in Japan, Europe and the United States in construction projects, replacing natural aggregates. Currently approximately 800,000 metric tons of recycled aggregates are produced yearly from domestic incinerators’ bottom ash. The overall recycling rate has reached 93%. \n\n", "content": "The EPA stated that to ensure that local governments strictly control the quality of recycled aggregates and prioritize their use in public construction projects, the source, use and destination of every batch of recycled aggregates shall be registered online with quality test reports attached for public viewing. In addition, the EPA has subsidized or assisted local governments in setting up six public recycled aggregates plants in recent years with the prospect to gradually optimize processing facilities and raw material quality. It is expected that the aggregates produced by all public processors will amount to 57% of the total production in Taiwan in 2022, which will be more than the amount produced by all private recycling organizations. They are to be used by each county or city in public construction projects within their administrative districts. The EPA also requires local governments to establish cross-departmental implementation teams that are presided by top county or city officials to coordinate the departments in inventorying the needs of public construction projects within their districts and prioritizing the use of recycled aggregates. \n\nAccording to the EPA, the processing of IBA recycled aggregates involves multiple quality checking procedures and must comply with strict control standards and regulations to ensure quality. When recycled aggregates are to be used in a construction project, multiple conditions such as the applicability and rationality are reviewed in the project’s design and planning stage before handing them over to the project operator. They can be further processed based on the needs of the project and made into materials of diverse uses. There were concerns raised by the public and environmental groups about a case where recycled aggregates were used on agricultural and pastoral land last year. In reality, those aggregates were used as the base layer of mushroom huts, not affecting any part of planting. Since these aggregates were construction materials that did not affect the quality of agricultural production, the use was compliant with the regulations. \n\nThere were also doubts raised by environmental groups about the differences between the domestic quality standards and those of advanced countries. The EPA stated that with reference to the latest standards of Japan and European countries, the government has reviewed the quality standards and the leaching control methods for IBA recycled aggregates and has placed restrictions on their usage locations and purposes. The latest version of the Management Regulations on the Recycling of Incinerator Bottom Ash was promulgated on 1 January 2021 using the Recycled Aggregate Leaching Procedure (NIEA R222) as the leaching testing method. In addition, with reference to domestic groundwater pollution control standards and regulations, a usage location classification management system was set up making the management regulations the most stringent to date. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, September 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "9", "assortment": "environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4078", "title": "Disposal of Food Waste as Pigswill Suspended to Prevent Spread of African Swine Flu ", "preview": "environmental inspection\nDisposal of Food Waste as Pigswill Suspended to Prevent Spread of African Swine Flu \nOn 30 August, the Central Emergency Operation Center for African swine flu announced a temporary ban on food waste entering pig farms: from 1 to 30 September, pig farms shall not use food waste as pigswill. To make sure domestic food waste clearance and disposal operations are not affected by the ban, the EPA preemptively held meetings every day (including holidays) from 26 August with the environmental bureaus of 22 counties and cities to discuss how to improve food waste disposal response measures to ensure regular people, restaurants, government agencies, food waste clearance enterprises and pig farms using food waste as pigswill are minimally affected. \n", "content": "The EPA stated that counties and cities collect food waste via methods adjusted according to local conditions. People are requested to dispose of their food waste according to the methods prescribed by the counties or cities they live in. Restaurants, government agencies, schools, hotels, and community complexes are requested to hand over food waste to the initially commissioned pig farms or food waste clearance enterprises, transporting it to designated locations for free processing. Suppose any pig farms no longer help with the clearance. In that case, people are urged to contact the offices designated by counties and cities to have cleaning squads assist with or commission legal clearance enterprises for the clearance. All environmental agencies will mobilize and do their best to assist with food waste clearance and disposal. \n\nIf relevant entities have questions concerning food waste clearance and disposal, they are welcome to contact the designated line set up by environmental agencies that provide consultation services for people, clearance enterprises, and food waste generating sources, or they can visit the EPA’s website https:\/\/wcds.epa.gov.tw and search for the lists of legal clearance enterprises. \n\nIn response to the change in food waste disposal method, regulated enterprises that shall report their waste flow online under Article 31 of the Waste Disposal Act are exempt from reporting on food waste as of 30 August. The reporting shall be done instead by food waste clearance enterprises through paper documents. The reporting mechanism is thus streamlined since regulated enterprises now only need to confirm with signatures and seals. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, September 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "9", "assortment": "environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4077", "title": "Regulations to Be Revised to Incorporate Carbon Tariff Response Measures", "preview": "climate change\nRegulations to Be Revised to Incorporate Carbon Tariff Response Measures\nTo accelerate carbon reduction, the EPA is revising the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act and had frequent discussions with relevant ministries, non-governmental organizations and industries. After summarizing the suggestions from all sectors, the revision bill was renamed Climate Change Response Act to expand policy coverage. In addition, in view of the fact that international carbon reduction regulations are being set up with economic and trade issues in consideration, in particular, the European Union (EU) is about to implement the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the EPA is monitoring these trends closely and will come up with response measures when the need arises. For example, the collection of carbon fees and the product carbon content calculation and regulation methods have been included as key points of this revision. \n\n", "content": "On 22 April, Earth Day, President Tsai declared that “transitioning to net zero by 2050 is a target of the whole world. It is also a target of Taiwan.” Premier Su of the Executive Yuan also reminded everyone at an Executive Yuan meeting on the same day that \"greater determination and resolve are needed to speed up and aim for 2050 net zero carbon emissions.\" \n\nTo achieve the target of transitioning to net zero, the Executive Yuan has held many “net zero emissions pathway assessment working group” meetings, inviting Academia Sinica and the Industrial Technology Research Institute to provide professional advice. Cross-ministerial technical evaluations based on the four major work circles of \"decarbonized energy\", \"industry and energy efficiency\", \"green transportation and electrification of transportation vehicles\" and \"carbon negative technologies\" were conducted. Pathways were also developed on the basis of short-, medium- and long-term energy and industrial policy planning for 2030, 2040 and 2050, respectively. \n\nIn addition, the EPA has been collaborating with relevant ministries to communicate with members of the public on Vision 2050, discussing key issues such as agricultural and forestry carbon sinks, net zero construction, green transportation, low-carbon industries, and economic tools. Cross-field social dialogues are also promoted to encourage participation from all sectors and investment in the research and development of innovative technologies. \n\nAccording to the EPA, the EU is still reviewing the CBAM bill after it was proposed on 14 July of this year. Some implementation details and calculation methods are still to be formulated. In addition to the EU, the United States, Japan and Canada have also successively announced plans to implement a similar kind of carbon border adjusting mechanism. When the EPA held the meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Chinese National Federation of Industries, Taiwan Steel and Iron Industries Association, Taiwan Cement Manufacturers’ Association, and Petrochemical Industry Association of Taiwan on 2 July of this year, the industrial representatives also recommended revising regulations. In addition to strengthening carbon reduction management in domestic industries, they thought fair competition for products between countries should also be considered and the government should evaluate applying corresponding carbon emission control measures on imported products. \n\nThe EPA stated that it is crucial to revise the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act at this moment. Not only is it to be in line with the international community, it is also to guide policies towards accelerating and intensifying carbon reduction efforts, and to help industries invest in low carbon technologies and economic development so as to lead the country towards sustainable development. In light of the urgency for the whole world to reduce carbon and the export-oriented nature of Taiwan’s economy, the EPA will continue to study and discuss with various agencies and help domestic industries respond appropriately to maintain international competitiveness. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, September 2021\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "9", "assortment": "climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4076", "title": "Ammonium Nitrate and Hydrogen Fluoride Added to List of Concerned Chemical Substances ", "preview": "chemicals\nAmmonium Nitrate and Hydrogen Fluoride Added to List of Concerned Chemical Substances \nThe EPA newly announced ammonium nitrate and hydrogen fluoride as harmful chemical substances of concern, tightening operations such as manufacturing, imports, sales, uses, transportation, and storage, effective immediately. Handlers are to obtain permits, report operating data, and comply with regulations relevant to accident prevention and emergency responses. Sales and trades on online shopping platforms are banned, and hydrogen fluoride-containing products sold on the market must have proper labels. Above all, the measures aim to prevent accidents and harm caused by improper use.\n\n", "content": "These two substances are now announced as harmful concerned chemical substances because of their hazardous characteristics, and the EPA now has heavy penalties in place for mishandling them. Handling either substance without following the relevant regulations will result in fines between NT$30,000 and NT$300,000. Offenders may be sentenced up to seven years or even receive life sentences, along with fines of up to NT$1 million, depending on the extent to which their violations harm human health or cause death. A fine between NT$30,000 and NT$500,000 will be imposed for failing to comply with prevention and response regulations. Violators will be penalized with fines between NT$1 million to NT$5 million for not having third-party liability insurance or for failing to set up response equipment or detection and alarm facilities in accordance with regulations. The EPA pointed out that ammonium nitrate is a substance of high concern internationally. It is not only a precursor substance to the first substance listed by the EPA as a chemical of concern (nitrous oxide or laughing gas), but, for example, its improper storage was also behind the large 2020 explosion in Beirut, Lebanon. As for hydrogen fluoride, its unsafe handling has also caused numerous casualties and deaths. For these reasons these two substances are listed for control. \n\nThe EPA said that products on the market such as cleansers for aluminum alloy, outer walls, and limescale usually contain hydrogen fluoride at a concentration of less than 10%, and may be susceptible to misuse by the public, or cause incidents due to delayed hospitalization. Hence, controls for hydrogen fluoride are to be strengthened in phases. For products with a low concentration (above 0.1% and below 10%), containers and packaging are to comply with relevant regulations and fully display product information to inform users of possible risks and ensure safe use. Meanwhile, a minimum label size has been specified for containers and packaging. For the use of higher hydrogen fluoride concentrations (over 10%), which are extremely dangerous to human health, permits must be applied for and approved. To lower risks, factories, chemical substance retail stores, and other outlets and channels selling hydrogen fluoride solvents must obtain permits before selling them. \n\nTo reduce safety and health risks arising from misuse and abuse of ammonium nitrate and hydrogen fluoride, the EPA has proposed a strategy with five requirements and two bans. Handlers are required to acquire permits, operate only after being licensed, apply proper labels, record all activities online, file monthly reports, carry out prevention and response measures, and comply with bans on online buying and selling. All operations from the start to the end of the industrial chain, including manufacturing, imports, sales, use, and storage, cannot proceed without permits. If the total amount handled exceeds the control levels, operators are to abide by accident prevention and emergency response regulations under the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法). These measures include submitting risk prevention and response plans, acquiring liability insurance, conducting professional training for response personnel, setting up joint prevention entities, preparing response equipment and detection and alarm facilities, and registering transport documents. These measures are aimed at improving the risk management of chemical substances by enhancing accident response, risk prevention, transportation, and safe management of the two substances. \n\nFinally, the EPA further explained that, after ammonium nitrate was listed as a concerned chemical substance, as of 1 October 2021, enterprises are to keep online records of every operation activity and file them every month if the amounts they handle change. The purpose is to obtain storage information in real-time, strengthen response management, and further enhance management of the production sources of laughing gas.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, September 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "9", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4075", "title": "Promoting “Donation Instead of Joss Paper” for Eco-friendly Worship", "preview": "Air\nPromoting “Donation Instead of Joss Paper” for Eco-friendly Worship \nAs Zhongyuan Festival approached, the EPA and local governments took the initiative to promote eco-friendly worship. In 2020, “donation instead of joss paper” was promoted across the country with a collection of more than NT$65 million in donations, approximately seven times the amount in 2017. And after Tainan City, Pingtung County and other local governments successively launched eco-friendly joss paper burners. The amount of joss paper burned in centralized burners in 2020 increased significantly to 1.7 times the amount in 2017, cutting 61 metric tons of PM2.5 emission, equivalent to emissions of 0.7 coal-fired power generator. \n", "content": "The EPA stated that during the pudu (literally “universal crossing” in Chinese) period, households and religious organizations often burn joss paper and incense and set off firecrackers as part of the custom. Since these actions often affect people’s living environments, the EPA and all local governments have been actively promoting eco-friendly worship that takes both the folk culture and the environment into account. For example, using large denominations of joss paper and providing collection and transportation for centralized burning of joss paper, replacing the burning of joss paper with donations or with white rice offerings, or participating in pudu online. \n\nAs the public becomes more environmentally conscious, more and more people are putting eco-friendly worship into practice. Nine counties and cities across the country have promoted “donation instead of joss paper” and the amount of donations collected is increasing yearly. In addition, after Tainan City and Pingtung County launched their eco-friendly burners in 2019 and 2020 respectively, more than 20,000 metric tons of joss paper in Taiwan were sent to incinerators, joss paper burners, or dedicated burners equipped with pollution control equipment in 2020. Moreover, the EPA formulated the Operating Guidelines for the Review and Subsidy for Joss Paper Burner Establishment Projects in May 2021 and expects to allocate NT$10 billion by the end of 2022 to subsidize local governments to set up eco-friendly joss paper burners. \n\nThe EPA noted that to ameliorate the pollutant emission generated from folklore worship, many counties and cities have adopted creative ways to promote eco-friendly worship, providing diverse outlets for people to be environmentally responsible. For example, New Taipei City and Nantou County have promoted online pudu by having people sign up to worship together online and designating locations for centralized collection of joss paper. Keelung City, Hsinchu City and Chiayi County have promoted centralized burning of joss paper combined with burner purifying ceremonies taking into account the pudu ceremonial culture. Taoyuan City has allowed people who adopt eco-friendly worship to participate in lottery activities. Yunlin County works with hypermarkets to encourage eco-friendly worship. Taichung City has invited professional baseball players to support eco-friendly pudu offering ceremonies. Kaohsiung City and Tainan City have worked in conjunction with social welfare organizations to promote “donation instead of joss paper.” \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, September 2021\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "9", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4074", "title": "Draft of Revised Emission Standards for Cement Industry Air Pollutants Preannounced", "preview": "Air\n\nDraft of Revised Emission Standards for Cement Industry Air Pollutants Preannounced\nThe EPA recently preannounced draft revision of the Cement Industry Air Pollutant Emission Standards (the Standards below) (水泥業空氣污染物排放標準). The purpose is to reduce significant emissions of air pollutants from stationary sources, maintain air quality by urging public and private premises to improve the efficiency of air pollution control equipment and facilitate recycling and environmental improvement policies. \n", "content": "The EPA noted that it’s a global trend for the cement industry to be a center for recycling. With diversified fuels and raw materials during the production and improved pollution control technology, various countries across the world have revised emission standards for the cement industry's air pollutants. Taiwan has been promoting recycling policies in stages. The cement industry is one of the significant stationary sources, and the Standards have not been amended since 2003. Evidently, evaluation and revision are necessary, considering the current control status of other countries and the local cement industry's actual emissions.\n\nThis preannouncement includes stricter emission standards for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, newly added emission standards for sulfur oxides (SOx), and reasonable buffer periods provided to existing enterprises after the revisions. NOx emission standards will be implemented in stages, and its emission concentration will come down to no more than 300ppm starting in 2024 and 220ppm in 2026. The tightened standards will be in line with those of other countries worldwide, leading to industry transformation and improvement of control equipment efficiency via the amendments.\nThe main points are as follows:\n1. Definitions are newly added concerning the ignition period, idle period, existing pollution source, and newly installed pollution source.\n2. As seen in the revised tables, unambiguous emission concentration standards are in place concerning air pollutants from raw material mills and chilling clay machines.\n3. Emissions standards for NOx and particulate matter are tightened. Those for SOx are newly added, and reasonable buffer periods are defined for existing enterprises. Also, air pollutant emission standards are added concerning rotating kilns for ignition and idle periods.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, September 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "9", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4073", "title": "Cleaning, Sorting and Stacking of Paper Containers Promoted for Better Recycling", "preview": "Recycling\nCleaning, Sorting and Stacking of Paper Containers Promoted for Better Recycling\nDuring the pandemic, the use of paper tableware continued to increase. In addition to strengthening paper tableware recycling, the EPA also launched trial runs of reusable container rental services aiming to reduce the use of single-use paper tableware in the post-pandemic era. \n", "content": "In recent years, to increase the efficiency of paper container recycling, the EPA has strengthened many measures to promote paper container recycling and sorting, including sending letters to universities, ensuring local cleaning squads to sort paper containers, designing posters and sending them to local implementation agencies to promote paper container recycling and sorting, implementing recycler care programs to increase the subsidy per unit of paper container for self-employed recyclers, and implementing buffet and lunch box friendly store programs to enhance their paper tableware recycling and sorting efforts. With these efforts, paper container recycling efficiency has been increasing over the years. Additionally, to raise the quality of materials recycled so as to enhance resource reutilization, the EPA continues to educate the public to clean, sort and stack paper containers before handing them over to cleaning squads or recyclers. ", "year": "2021", "month": "8", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4072", "title": "Acoustic Camera Enforcement Proven Effective", "preview": "noise control\n\nAcoustic Camera Enforcement Proven Effective\nThe EPA started to implement acoustic camera technology for law enforcement on 1 January 2021. As of the end of June 2021, a total of 45 sets of acoustic camera equipment have been deployed for law enforcement in 17 counties and cities across the country. The target is to raise the number to 100 sets by the end of this year. Over the half year of their use, among the 1,736 cases that were determined to have surely exceeded noise standards, 468 were penalized directly and 493 were notified to undergo inspection. The acoustic camera enforcement has proven to be effective in deterring noisy vehicles, and was welcomed by residents living next to roads, who vie to have acoustic cameras set up on roads near their residences as standard vehicle monitoring equipment\n", "content": "The EPA stated that acoustic cameras have been effective in deterring noisy vehicles, indicated by a drop in the number of reports of noisy vehicles in some counties and cities. Take for example New Taipei City, which has the highest amount of enforcement equipment installed. Through applications of equipment such as license plate recognition systems, nationally-certified Class 1 noise meters and stationary acoustic camera systems, the New Taipei City environmental bureau directly fined vehicles with noise levels exceeding standards or required them to report in-person later for inspection and verification. According to officials, compared with the 2,674 cases of noisy vehicles reported by the public across New Taipei City in 2020, the number of reports was 1,736 in the same period in 2021, a drop of approximately 35%. \n\nLaw enforcement with acoustic camera technology was launched at the beginning of this year. All county and city governments have actively cooperated with the policy in deploying the systems. The EPA convened regular video conferences with all counties and cities to share and discuss their experiences in implementing acoustic camera law enforcement. \n\nSummarizing the characteristics of local law enforcement, six prominent facts were found about acoustic camera law enforcement in the past six months:\n1. Most fines issued: The highest number of fines in Taiwan were issued in Taipei City at monitoring points such as the ones on Yangde Boulevard and Fuxing North Road, accounting for 40% (171 fines) of all fines issued. \n2. Most installations: New Taipei City, with 14 acoustic cameras installed, was the city with the highest number of installed acoustic camera equipment. \n3. Most efficient use: Taoyuan City was the first city to have installed acoustic cameras on roads with two-way lanes for better recording of violators. \n4. Most diverse application: Kaohsiung City not only caught motorcycles with noise exceeding standards, but also checked whether they had exhaust tests done, taking care of excessive noise and air pollution prevention at the same time. \n5. Strongest deterrence: The number of reported cases in Changhua County dropped 84% compared to the same period last year.\n6. Best effectiveness: Hualien County reached zero reported cases for the first time in the first half of this year. \n\nThe EPA stressed that to enhance local law enforcement capacity, it had successfully secured funding for forward-looking technology projects last year and is now purchasing equipment for local authorities to enhance their capacity. It is also seeking funding related to public construction projects. If approved in the future, it can be used to further subsidize local environmental bureaus to purchase law enforcement equipment. The target is to have 100 sets of the law enforcement equipment in operation by the end of this year. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, August 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "8", "assortment": "noise control", "url": "" }, { "no": "4071", "title": "Industrial Waste Management", "preview": "Feature article\n\nIndustrial Waste Management\nAiming for zero waste, the EPA actively implements many reforms in industrial waste control. Programs like industrial waste control and clearance and enhancement of waste reutilization technology are implemented to push local environmental industries to transform their operations. And the development of advanced recycling and reuse technology is encouraged to strengthen reuse management. All measures currently carried out fall under four principles: strengthening reuse control, product flow tracking and control, management of clearance and treatment facilities, and capacity checkup and improvement strategies. \n", "content": "The UN's Earth Summit in June 1992 listed sustainable development as part of Agenda 21, emphasizing that the world should value international environmental conventions and strive toward sustainable development. With rising global attention on related issues, Taiwan finished drafting the Sustainable Development Implementation Guidelines in 2000, which specify zero waste as the highest guiding principle in waste management.\n\nThe Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法) is the legal base for industrial waste recycling and reuse in Taiwan. The following are the four major parts planned under the Act:\n\n A. Strengthening of reuse control\nArticle 39 of the Waste Disposal Act specifies that industrial waste reuse is to be implemented according to the central competent authorities' regulations. By the end of February 2021, 10 government agencies had announced a total of 13 regulations on the reuse of 89 categories of industrial wastes. They included the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Council of Agriculture (COA), the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), the National Communications Commission (NCC), and the EPA.\n \nTo facilitate recycling and reuse as well as meet the needs in actual practice, the EPA revised the Management Regulations for Reuse of Common Industrial Wastes (共通性事業廢棄物再利用管理辦法). In line with the policy of transforming flammable wastes into fuels, the revisions mainly concern waste plastics, which must comply with food safety regulations when reused as food containers. Reuse categories and controls are also added concerning dried waste chemicals in fire extinguishers.\n \nB. Product flow tracking and control\nThe flows of all reuse products are to be registered online, according to the relevant individual or standard regulations of all industry competent authorities like the MOEA, the MOST, the EPA, and the MOHW's permit projects. And based on the MOHW's reuse-related restaurant and medical regulations, the MOI's reuse regulations concerning public sewage, and the NCC's relevant regulations, the sales of reuse products and where they go are to be recorded as well.\n\nArticle 39-1 of the Waste Disposal Act mandates that the EPA should announce the types of wastes whose flows are to be traced and that competent industry authorities are to trace such flows and monitor the wastes if necessary. As a result, a list of industrial waste reuse products whose flows are to be traced was announced by the EPA on 9 January 2018 and became effective 1 August that same year. If coal ash, waste casting sand, electric arc furnace flags from steel refineries are used to make reuse products like pavement materials or base- or bottom-grade aggregate materials or used for these two purposes, the competent industry authorities are to monitor how the reuse is carried out to prevent environmental pollution caused by misuse.\n\nThe EPA continues assessing and formulating new announcements concerning categories of wastes to be traced. On 13 December 2020, controls on reuse of electric sensor furnace slags, chemical steel furnace slags, and waste spray sand were preannounced to avoid misuse or prevent them from contaminating the environment and those with complicated processes and sources reused as controlled low strength materials (CLSMs). As for waste-casting sand and wastes permitted for reuse in certain unique products whose reuse products are utilized as CLSMs, it has been decided that the final flows are to be tracked to ensure proper utilization of relevant reuse products.\n \nC. Management of clearance and treatment facilities \nThere are various measures for complete control of clearance control operations, post-permit controls, facility capacity enhancement, strengthening of reused wastes clearance, and establishing facilities' voluntary management. The EPA is formulating draft guidelines for permit and evaluation concerning government or private waste clearance facilities and designing an assessment system to improve facility management.\n \nCollaboration with local governments in 2020 had helped set up eight treatment facilities, increasing the annual treatment capacity by 300,000 metric tons. By November 2020, there were 190 such facilities with a combined annual capacity reaching 9.12 million metric tons. The EPA will strive for a balance between supply and demand and reasonable pricing in the waste clearance market by continuing to ask the MOEA and other agencies to make available unused land, helping set up other treatment facilities and increase treatment capacities.\n \nA set of guidelines for treatment facilities on regular sludge treatment permits has been announced as a reference for competent authorities to handle and evaluate documents from sludge treatment facilities when they apply for treatment permits. The final goal is to raise the competent authorities’ evaluation standards on applications for waste treatment permits.\n \nD. Capacity check-up and improvement strategies\n \nThe EPA is strengthening collection and statistic research of baseline data by continually taking inventory of industrial wastes. In 2020, 44,304 waste source enterprises of the announced industries registered the waste they produced, which amounted to 20.03 million metric tons. More than 92% of that was regular industrial wastes (18.5 metric tons), and 7.61% was harmful (1.53 metric tons). Flow tracking registration shows reuse as the most significant secondary usages, where 16.94 metric tons (84.58%) of industrial wastes were repurposed.\n \nThe promotion of transforming flammable industrial wastes into energy, resources, and fuels was also carried out in 2020. Flammable organic wastes like waste plastics, fibers (fabrics), and paper mixtures are turned into solid renewable fuels (SRF) for boilers. Meanwhile, the EPA is searching existing industrial boilers and cement kilns to use these SRFs as alternative fuels and helping enterprises set up specialized furnaces or equipment.\n \nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, August 2021\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "8", "assortment": "Feature article", "url": "" }, { "no": "4070", "title": "Win-Win for Environment and Recycling Created by River Patrol Squads", "preview": "environmental inspection\n\nWin-Win for Environment and Recycling Created by River Patrol Squads \nTraditionally, water patrol squads take up river patrolling as their main task, which includes conducting patrols, reporting and cleaning up. However, in recent years river patrol squads have also taken action to facilitate reutilization of livestock manure in line with resource recycling models, thus creating diverse economic benefits. The EPA invited members of the water patrol squad of Linluo Township, Pingtung County to share their experiences and achievements in conducting tasks from river patrolling to helping match farms for the utilization of manure digestate as farmland fertilizer. \n", "content": "Since 2002, the EPA has been promoting public participation in river patrolling, calling on citizens, communities, schools and organizations to join the ranks in protecting water environments. It also promoted patrol squad formation by counties and cities themselves across the country. As of July 2021, the number of water patrol squads across the country had reached 462, with a total of 13,125 members. After nearly 20 years of continuous promotion, there are currently four types of river patrol squads: community, school, industrial and others. They have been gradually developed into patrol squads that integrate local characteristics or professional skills in fields such as community building, environmental education, technological monitoring, culture and history, and ecological monitoring. \n\nIn Pingtung County, where the largest number of pig farms in Taiwan are located, there was often illegal discharge of wastewater from the livestock industry into the Linluo River basin in earlier times. This not only caused serious river pollution, but people nearby were also plagued by the stench of pig manure in the air. In addition to continuous inspection to improve the situation, the environmental bureau of Pingtung County also assisted in the formation of the Linluo Township water patrol squad. To start with, the squad informed livestock enterprises that the patrol team would schedule shifts to monitor the river every day, thus applying pressure on the enterprises. Placed under such continuous inspection and supervision, the enterprises showed goodwill and became willing to enhance the efficacy of pollutant removal at their wastewater treatment facilities. They even expanded their wastewater treatment facilities to develop green power generation capabilities. \n\nThe EPA started to push for the reutilization of livestock manure in 2016, and the Linluo Township water patrol squad became the first team that committed to the cause. The squad members voluntarily offered their own farmlands to be irrigated with livestock manure digestate, and also helped match nearby farmlands in need of fertilizer with digestate suppliers. Their devotion moved the surrounding livestock farmers to also commit together to livestock manure reutilization tasks by providing digestate to local organic farms as fertilizers. The organic farms also provided the fruit they harvested to community care stations for the elderly, forming a cycle of mutual benefit. Although there were only 17 members in the Linluo Township water patrol squad, they have demonstrated the strength of 1+1>2 by creating a multi-win result for the environment, agriculture, and the livestock industry. \n\nThrough the many precious experiences shared by the patrol team chief Mr. Li and the members of the Linluo Township water patrol squad, observers have learned about their persistence and hard work. Now, Pingtung County’s 22 water patrol squads have all, under the coordination of the environmental bureau, committed to act as important intermediaries that match livestock digestate suppliers with farmlands. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, August 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "8", "assortment": "environmental inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4069", "title": "Review of Engineer Certifications Intensified to Ensure Quality ", "preview": "control and evaluation\n\nReview of Engineer Certifications Intensified to Ensure Quality \nThe EPA is intensifying the review of previous certifications performed by professional environmental engineers in accordance with the new mechanism stipulated in the Standard Review Procedures for Professional Environmental Engineer Certifications, which was revised in 2019. \n", "content": "The EPA pointed out that according to the analysis of 2020 review results, common deficiencies in certifications performed by professional environmental engineers include: not listing pollutants such as heavy metals and agrochemicals; using incorrect bases or estimation methods in pollutant discharge calculations; incomplete documents; incorrect basic information; and unmarked pollution sources. In addition to reporting professional engineers who are negligent in upholding standards to the Public Construction Commission of the Executive Yuan (hereinafter referred to as the Construction Commission) for related penalties, additional education workshops will be held to assist professional engineers carry out certification operations correctly. \n\nIn accordance with current regulations, if certified by professional engineers, applications by enterprises for air and water pollution permits can be exempt from review by the relevant competent authorities. Thus in recent years, the number of permit documents certified by professional environmental engineers has been increasing. As of 2020, a total of 3,058 documents had been certified by professional engineers. \n\nTo safeguard the quality of certifications, in addition to conducting reviews of engineer certifications and reporting negligent engineers to the Construction Commission to be penalized, the EPA also completed the revision of the Standard Review Procedures for Professional Environmental Engineer Certifications on 7 Jan 2019 to intensify review operations. \n\nThe EPA pointed out that after intensifying reviews in accordance with the new regulations, among the 80 certifications reviewed in 2019, two were determined to require disciplinary action by the Professional Engineer Discipline Committee of the Construction Commission. As for the 60 certifications reviewed in the second half of 2020, three have been transferred and are currently under evaluation. Compared with the situation in 2018, where one out of the 42 certifications reviewed was determined to require disciplinary action, the revised review mechanism and stricter implementation of engineer certification reviews appeared to be more effective in finding deficiencies in certifications. \n\nAfter the strengthening of standards to determine deficiencies in certification and the intensification of reviews for previous certifications by negligent engineers, if a professional engineer under review is determined to be responsible for a Class 2 or Class 3 deficiency, the engineer will be listed as a target for intensified review in the following year, since the certifications performed by the engineer might also be deficient. Especially for engineers listed as being of the most serious class of deficiency, Class 3, the EPA will not only report them to the Construction Commission for evaluation and discipline, but will also notify local environmental agencies to require enterprises to make improvements as suggested by the review results. The applications for other water pollution or stationary pollution source permit documents certified by these engineers will also be reviewed in accordance with relevant regulations in the Water Pollution Control Act or the Air Pollution Control Act. \n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, August 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "8", "assortment": "control and evaluation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4068", "title": "EPA Begins Legislative Revisions to Expedite Carbon Reduction in Line with EU’s Carbon Bill", "preview": "Climate change\n\nEPA Begins Legislative Revisions to Expedite Carbon Reduction in Line with EU’s Carbon Bill\nOn 14 July, the European Commission announced Fit for 55, a series of legislative proposals that aim to reduce carbon emissions by 55% by 2030. The draft Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) garners the most global attention out of these proposals. The EPA has declared to keep up with the international carbon reduction efforts and that it will, as part of its determination in carbon reduction, put carbon pricing in action, revise the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法), and set up a carbon levy collection system. Another task is to figure out how the CBAM calculates carbon contents in products to help Taiwan's industries understand their products' carbon contents and prepare to adapt to the Mechanism.\n", "content": "Climate change is a global challenge to which every country has to respond. The EU is setting up stricter reduction goals and intensifying reduction efforts. The CBAM's purpose is to urge the EU's trade partners to absorb the exact carbon cost of industries inside the EU to avoid \"carbon leakage,\" where industries move to countries or regions with more relaxed controls on emissions. Not only will it maintain the competitive edge of industries within the EU, but it can also encourage trade partners to lower carbon emissions.\n\nAccording to the EPA, the EU's CBAM would gradually be carried out as trial projects starting 2023 based on the draft. It will be applied only to products with high risks of carbon leakage in the early stage, like imported steels, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, and electricity. Importers will be required to register only the emission amount of imported products (a product's carbon emissions = carbon contents of the product per unit * number of imported units) without paying any fees. After it is officially launched in 2026, importers must purchase CBAM certificates from the EU as fees for imported products' carbon emissions. The CBAM certificates' prices are determined based on the average closing price from the weekly carbon rights auction in the EU's Emission Trading Scheme (ETS).\n \nFrom the explanations above, the lower a product's carbon contents per unit are, the fewer certificates will be required to purchase. Nevertheless, importers are to present documents as proof of their products' carbon contents. A default data set by the EU will be used to determine carbon contents in the absence of such documents. That makes calculating carbon contents in a product a critical task. Moreover, fees are waivered if importers can prove to the EU that their products' carbon cost has been paid in the production countries.\n \nBesides amendments of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act and improvement on the carbon pricing mechanism, the EPA will add provisions concerning authorization for carbon levy collection. Carbon levy will only be used to develop low-carbon technology in Taiwan and help the local industries transition into low-carbon operations, which will help increase their strengths when competing in the world while lessening the CBAM's impacts on them. In addition, the EPA will study the CBAM's carbon calculation formulas to help local industries understand the carbon contents in their products and gradually set up a mechanism that inspects the carbon contents in products made in Taiwan.\n \nThe EPA pointed out that, besides the EU, countries like the US and Japan have expressed the possibility of collecting carbon levies on imported products. Measures to lower the risks of carbon leakage will be inevitable in the future global trades. Therefore, the EPA will closely follow the development of international carbon reduction trends and help local industries prepare by regularly communicating with stakeholders and finding response actions and solutions best suited for Taiwan.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, August 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "8", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4067", "title": "Regulations and Subsidizations Lead to Reduced Pollution from Old Boilers", "preview": "Air\n\nRegulations and Subsidizations Lead to Reduced Pollution from Old Boilers\nTaiwan has been working toward boiler improvement by adopting a dual strategy that combines emission standards and subsidization. The results by the end of 2020 include an annual reduction of SOx emission by 67% (7,138 metric tons), an equivalent of the SOx emission of the Taichung Power Plant in 2020. Also, CO2 emission was reduced by 1.06 million metric tons within a year, an amount equivalent to the total carbon absorbed by 2,717 Daan Forest Parks.\n\n", "content": "The EPA pointed out that the Boiler Air Pollutant Emission Standards (鍋爐空氣污染物排放標準), set in 2018, were adopted in September that year, targeting newly installed boilers. For existing old boilers, the EPA considers factors such as constructions and installation of gas pipelines and hence has local governments grant grace periods for enterprises to improve on a case-by-case scenario. Based on boiler models, subsidies of NT$300,000 to NT$700,000 can be applied during the improvement period. Subsidies will be provided until 15 November 2022.\n\nBesides poor energy efficiency, oil boilers mostly burn heavy oil or coals and often spew black smoke. To combat such a problem, the EPA has worked with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to improve old boilers. The effort is mainly on changing fuels, including switching from heavy oil to gas, coal to gas, or heavy oil to electric heat pumps, and out of those, the switch from coal or heavy oil to natural gas is the most popular. After six years of collaboration, statistics of fuels used by all boilers show the percentage of coal-burning boilers dropped from 3% to 1% and the percentage of heavy-burning ones from 47% to 18%, while the percentage of gas-burning ones rose from 38% to 64%.\n\nAs an attempt to enhance boiler efficiency and cut down air pollution simultaneously, the EPA and the MOEA have provided subsidies and established a platform as a mechanism to help improve boilers by offering pollution reduction practices and experiences. Not only do boilers have better burning efficiency after improvement efforts, but operation environments are also becoming safe with less pollution. This is an outstanding achievement from which the environment, the energy sector, and the economy have all benefitted.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, August 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "8", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4066", "title": "Online Marine Waste Workshop Inspires Youths from Nine Countries to Take Sustainability Actions", "preview": "environmental education\n\nOnline Marine Waste Workshop Inspires Youths from Nine Countries to Take Sustainability Actions\n\nResponding to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the EPA uses Taiwan as a base to help people understand local environmental problems and the various threats the world faces and, in turn, inspire them to find solutions and take action. Therefore, the International Environmental Issues and Education Workshop was held again in 2021 for international students in Taiwan. However, not all event venues were opened to participants because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first stage of the workshop took place on 8 and 9 October, with students from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Poland, Panama, Peru, and Taiwan participating in a virtual classroom to learn about Taiwan’s efforts and environmental education on marine wastes.\n", "content": "Targeting international students studying in Taiwan, the EPA’s International Environmental Education Activities have just entered the second year. It is an important training program of Taiwan as the Asian-Pacific center for the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP). The Taiwan EPA and the USEPA have been pushing the GEEP since 2014, aiming to promote regional and international environmental education and facilitate collaborations to combat environmental challenges that confront all nations. In 2019, the GEEP Asian-Pacific center was set up in Taiwan to promote environmental education work in all Asian-Pacific nations.\n\nThe training activity this year centered around marine waste, a transboundary environmental issue. The idea of a circular economy was also introduced to help international students better understand Taiwan’s experiences, strategies, and feasible solutions in tackling the problem. They would serve as reference cases for other countries when they deal with the same environmental issues, which helps broaden Taiwan’s influence in this area.\n\nThe activity began with a pre-recorded video message from Judy Braus, Executive Director of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). She spoke about the GEEP’s core value and mission before going on to encourage all participants to “believe in the power of education, which can make change for the future.\"\n\nThe online event offered a wide array of courses that included government policy formulation, companies’ strategies to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR), and civil organizations’ promotion of environmental education. Students were able to advance in their knowledge and skills by learning how to deal with marine wastes and relevant practices. Compared to the event in the previous year that proceeded in a conventional model with only one-way communication, this year’s program put attendees in different groups, allowing them to have dialogues with students from different countries and share possible solutions for various environmental issues.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, August 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "8", "assortment": "environmental education", "url": "" }, { "no": "4065", "title": "Air Pollution Emission Report Released to Evaluate Control Results", "preview": "Air\nAir Pollution Emission Report Released to Evaluate Control Results\n\nWith 2019 as the baseline year (TEDS11.0), the Taiwan Emission Data System was published on the EPA’s TEDS website (https:\/\/teds.epa.gov.tw\/) on 1 July for downloads. Compared with TEDS10.1 (with 2016 as the baseline year), the latest report shows a significant decrease in air pollutant emissions.\n", "content": "First compiled by the EPA in 1992, the TEDS is updated every three years (with the first year of the cycle as the data baseline) with reference to the three-year models of advanced nations like the US. With preparation beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019, TEDS11.0 covers every region in Taiwan (the main island, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu). It includes an investigation on emissions from pollution sources in respective industries. The central and local governments collaborated, and together took a year and nine months to complete it, which is a year shorter than the time spent on previous versions.\n\nComparison with the latest TEDS (baseline year in 2019) and the one prior (baseline year in 2016) shows a 26% decrease in particulate matter (PM2.5), a 40% decrease in sulfur oxides (SOx), a 22% decrease in nitrogen oxides (NOx), and a 10% decrease in non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC). Monitoring results also reveal a drop in average annual PM2.5 concentration by nearly 20% (from 20µg\/m3 in 2015 to 16µg \/m3 in 2019). The above reflects outstanding achievements resulted from the EPA’s various air pollution control programs in recent years.\n\nThe purpose of establishing TEDS is to help formulate pollution control strategies in government policies, verify reduction results, and serve as references in the simulation of emission increases from significant pollution sources. Other than updating all emission information at all times, the EPA will adequately implement the air pollution control programs from 2020 to 2023 and work with local governments to carry out 27 measures under four areas: stationary, fugitive, and mobile sources and comprehensive strategies. The end goal is for the average annual PM2.5 concentration to drop to 15µg\/m3 as required by the air quality standards.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, August 2021\n", "year": "2021", "month": "8", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4064", "title": "Revised Authorization, Reservation, Offset and Trading Regulations Announced for Stationary-Source Air Pollutant Reduction Differences", "preview": "Air\nRevised Authorization, Reservation, Offset and Trading Regulations Announced for Stationary-Source Air Pollutant Reduction Differences\n\nSince its implementation in 2015, the total air pollutant quantity control program in Kaohsiung and Pingtung has always had problems with emission reduction differences in terms of circulation and offsets in actual practice. The EPA completed revising the Authorization, Reservation, Offset and Trading Regulations Concerning Stationary Source Air Pollutant Emission Reduction Differences (固定污染源空氣污染物削減量差額認可保留抵換及交易辦法) on 9 July. Revisions included renaming the regulations to Authorization, Reservation, Offset and Trading Regulations Concerning Actual Stationary Source Air Pollutant Emission Reduction Differences (固定污染源空氣污染物實際削減量差額認可保留抵換及交易辦法), with the goals to strengthen Taiwan’s total quantity control system and encourage enterprises with pollution reduction potentials to step up reduction efforts.\n", "content": "d air quality improved with efforts from all sides.\n\nThe following are the main points of the revisions:\n(1) There will be no more designated annual emissions, and the definition of actual emission reduction difference is now specified to ensure proper pollution reduction.\n\n(2) Public and private venues that look to replace old equipment with new ones will be able to apply proposals on utilization of obtained credits and be issued with up to 80% of actual emission reduction credits. This will encourage these venues to cut down pollution by switching to low-polluting productions or adopting the best pollution control technology, achieving a win-win situation that both reduces pollution and helps industries advance.\n\n(3) Regulations are in place to specify applications to obtain actual emission reduction credits when public or private venues plan to jointly enhance pollution control efficiency.\n\n(4) Guidelines are set for competent authorities of municipalities, counties, or cities to issue actual emission reduction credits to urge public and private venues to complete pollution improvement in advance.\n\n(5) The amendments set the valid period of actual emission reduction credits at three years and, for extension applications, issue a maximum of 70% of credits to increase circulation of credits in the market.\n\n(6) When actual emission reduction credits are traded, offsets can only be obtained at a lower percentage, and buyers are required to present a proposal on how to use such credits. Also, it is mandated that reduction credits obtained from trading are for self-use only and cannot be traded again.\n\n(7) Competent authorities at all levels are now also required to take back the actual emission reduction credits held by public and private venues based on the control fee rates for air pollution from stationary sources. Such a move is to address difficulties that public and private venues have encountered in using credits. These difficulties include not trading credits before the required deadlines, credits that are not easily utilized based on proposals.\n\nExcerpt from Major Environmental Policies, August 2021\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "8", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4063", "title": "Deadline Extended for 2021 First Semiannual Registration and Payment of Water Pollution Control Fees", "preview": "Registration and payment of water pollution control fees for the first six months of 2021 was due at the end of July. The EPA has extended the deadline to the end of October to provide ample time for those obligated to pay the fees.", "content": "The EPA pointed out that water pollution control fees are collected from approximately 11,300 enterprises, which are those listed for control under the Water Pollution Control Act and wastewater systems in industrial parks or specifically for certain areas or premises. The fees are paid semiannually, meaning the first registration and payment in 2021 (from January to June) has to be made by the end of July. Considering that enterprises may not be able to make payment on time in the midst of the pandemic, the registration and payment deadline has been moved to 31 October. Enterprises are also reminded to complete the procedure to protect their rights.\n\nIt is mandated by law to collect water pollution control fees, which are used solely for water pollution control tasks. Enterprises, while complying with epidemic prevention measures, are urged to note the deadline, register and pay the fees before it at https:\/\/ https:\/\/wpcf.epa.gov.tw\/.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "7", "assortment": "water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4062", "title": "First Soil Pollution Remediation Site Caused by Disposal Taken Off Control List in 2021", "preview": "The EPA has striven to ensure sustainable and safe soil and groundwater environments across Taiwan. A piece of idle land in Rende District, Tainan, was found to have soil pollution with heavy metals like copper, lead, cadmium, zinc, and nickel as well as illegal waste dumping. Waste clearing and pollution remediation were done under Tainan Environmental Bureaus close supervision, resulting in a restored soil environment.", "content": "On 20 May 2011, Tainan City Hall announced the site as a listed soil pollution control site based on the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act. The EPA later listed it as a remediation site on 18 April 2012. The polluters were ordered by Tainan Environmental Bureau to clear out 734.81 metric tons of wastes and carry out a remediation plan, which lasted eight years. During this period, scholars and experts invited by the Bureau held meetings regularly and followed up on the remediation procedures. The Bureaus inspection in March 2021 found that heavy metal pollutants in the soil were within the soil pollution control limits as well as monitoring limits. The EPA delisted the land on 8 June 2021. This pollution site is an example of compound remediation because of the illegal dumping, and an area of over 2,200 square meters is now restored and cleaned up.\n\nThe EPA stressed that land users, managers, and owners have to step in to uphold environmental quality and shoulder responsibilities of soil management. Only then will the risk of contaminating idle land be lowered and environmental degradation prevented.", "year": "2021", "month": "7", "assortment": "Soil and groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4061", "title": "Deadlines Extended for Soil Pollution Control Fee Payment and Monitoring of Underground Storage Tanks", "preview": "In an attempt to limit unnecessary outings and reduce infection spread, registration and payment of soil and groundwater pollution control fees in 2021s second quarter can be completed by 31 December 2021.\nBecause of the pandemic, the EPA has allowed enterprises of underground storage tanks to complete relevant monitoring by the end of 2021. The registration due in September 2021 can be postponed and done together with the registration due in January 2022.\n", "content": "Originally, online registration (at https:\/\/sgwb.epa.gov.tw\/sgwfundo) and payment of pollution control fees for the second quarter (between April and June) in 2021 are required to be completed between 1 and 31 July. Now the EPA has made it easier and less worrying to follow epidemic prevention measures by extending the deadline to 31 October and waiving fees for late registration and payment. Still, payers are reminded to complete registration and payment before the extended deadline to protect their own rights.\n\nEnterprises of underground storage tanks are to commission testing institutes to conduct monitoring regularly and report monitoring records in the previous four months in January, May, and September. However, enterprises are unlikely to complete monitoring before 31 August and make it for registration in September. Depending on the adopted monitoring methods, enterprises that are supposed to conduct monitoring between 1 May and 31 December can complete it by 31 December. For instance, those using soil vapor monitoring have to do it once every four months, meaning once between 1 May and 31 August and once between 1 September and 31 December. With the EPAs new deadline adjustment, monitoring only needs to be conducted once between 1 May and 12 December in 2021. If it is other types of monitoring with the next monitoring required to be done between 1 May and 31 December, enterprises just need to complete it before 12 December and postpone the registration in September to January next year, completing two registrations at once.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "7", "assortment": "Soil and groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4060", "title": "Video Conference between Taiwan and USEPA Heads Strengthened Partnership", "preview": "On 17 June 2021 Taipei Time, Taiwan EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang recently met virtually with Michael Regan, the USEPA's new administrator, thanking his agency for its long-term cooperation and assistance. Minister Chang stated that staff training and technological exchanges laid the foundation for both countries' positive collaboration, hoping the Taiwan-US partnership will continue and deepen.", "content": "The video conference was hosted by Chen-Chung Deng, Minister Without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan's Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN). Participants from the USEPA included Administrator Regan and Acting Assistant Administrator Jane Nishida. Taiwanese participants were Taiwan's Representative to the US Bi-Khim Hsiao, Minister Chang, and corporate representatives from AU Optronics, Delta Electronics, China Steel Corp. (CSC), and TaiPower. Both sides discussed issues about climate change and environmental protection and hoped to work together on climate change, children's health, and environmental justice under the International Environmental Partnership (IEP) program.\n\nThe conference began with Administrator Regan's introduction of US environmental policies, then went on with Minister Without Portfolio Dengs remarks with mentioned the Biden administration's emphasis on climate change and environmental production. He elaborated on Taiwan's efforts in these areas in recent years. For example, CSC has actively promoted its five major green strategies and made great achievements in developing environment-friendly steel products, which contribute to energy conservation and carbon reduction from raw materials, production, final products, and customer utilization. It not only creates many business opportunities but also enhances its corporate social responsibility. Another instance is TaiPower, which has to develop green energy and smart grid and is even expected to venture into a carbon-capturing power plant that has immense business transformation capacity. All of these reflect the corporations' determination and actions to lower their carbon footprints.\n\nAfterward, Minister Chang noted that the IEP program, jointly promoted by the Taiwan EPA and the USEPA since 2014, has helped Taiwan and other countries to establish bilateral or regional cooperation as well as allowed Taiwan to be of help to the world. Regarding climate change, President Tsai Ing-Wen officially declared on 22 April that Taiwan would aim for zero-emission by 2050. Now the Executive Yuan is coordinating all ministries to research and assess potential access to zero-emission and also accelerating its communication with the private sector.\n\nMany corporations in Taiwan voluntarily take part in many global carbon reduction initiatives. Delta Electronics participated in EV100 and RE100, both international initiatives on electric vehicles and renewable energy, becoming the first high-tech manufacturer in Taiwan that has promised to achieve by 2030 goals set by RE100. Furthermore, it leads enterprises in their own supply chain to jointly work on zero-emission. Meanwhile, AU Optronics has devoted itself to environment-friendly manufacturing by developing innovative technology and a circular economy. It has been on the constituent list of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, one of the world's three major Environment, Sustainability, and Governance indices.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "7", "assortment": "International Cooperation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4059", "title": "Taiwan and EU Jointly Hold Online Seminar on EU's Green Deal ", "preview": "Together with the European Institute for Asian Studies, the Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium held a webinar, The EU Green Deal: Prospects for Taiwan-EU Circular Economy Cooperation.\" The event was hosted by Charles Huang, Director of Circular Taiwan Network, and ended on 16 June 17:00 Taipei time. Minister Zhi-Ching Chang, the Deputy Director-General of the EU Department of Environment Joanna Drake, and Member of European Parliament (MEP) Alexandr Vondra were invited to speak.", "content": "In his opening speech, Minister Chang talked about the close collaboration between Taiwan and the EU in the area of circular economy. Taiwan is currently working on the structure and regulations to promote recycling. As the EU aims to achieve carbon-neutrality in 2050, Taiwan is reviewing and formulating carbon reduction channels to reach zero emission by 2050.\n\nDeputy Director-General Joanna Drake mentioned that Taiwan-EU's collaboration on circular economy which has lasted for years is the core of the conversation with bilateral exchanges as the future focus. Since the European Green Deal is the center of the post-pandemic recovery, she hopes to turn the climate and environmental challenges into opportunities to reach an all-win situation for society, the economy, and the environment. Then MEP Alexandr Vondra, in his speech, said that Taiwan is an ideal partner in the EU's promotion of circular economy because Taiwan is an important supplier in its technology industry, a highly developed county, and is also actively establishing its circular economy. Besides bilateral collaboration, Taiwan and the EU can expand such collaboration into the whole world.\n \nDirector Charles Huang pointed out that, as the linear economy can easily lead to profit privatization and result in the public footing the outer costs, a circular economy ought to be systematically established. This will help enhance resource values and utilization and promote product-sharing services. Everyone should together mitigate climate change and face challenges with cooperation models under a circular economy.\n \nSeveral guests were also invited to speak at the seminar, including Kestutis Sadauskas, Director of Office of Circular Economy and Green Growth under the EU Department of Environment, Ing-Ing Lai, Director of the EPA Department of Waste Management, and Chien-Zhi Chen, Chairman of BenQ Materials Corp. These guests discussed and shared thoughts on issues like \"Green Deal in the EU: New Circular Economy Action Plan,\" \"Taiwan's Promotions and Methods in Circular Economy: In the Case of Plastic,\" and \"Circular Economy and Green Transformation in Industries.\"\n \nDirector Sadauskas brought up the European Green Deal passed in March 2020, with which the EU expects to promote a green economy and develop sustainable technology by 2030 and increase the total GDP in the EU. The policy aims to ensure the minimum requirements in green public procurements so that products made of secondary materials become common in the market. Director Lai mentioned Taiwan's Resource Recycling Action Plan , which promotes recycling in production, consumption, waste management, and secondary product market. With plastic as an example, she cited the Plans promotion of reused plastic materials, reduction and recycling of plastic packaging in retail shops, and circular textiles. And lastly, Chairman Chen talked about the importance of industries' voluntary research of green materials, e-waste management and recycling, and corporate social responsibilities.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "7", "assortment": "International Cooperation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4058", "title": "Founding of the Office of Recycling and the Office of Climate Change", "preview": "Taiwan has been actively working on various resource recycling projects as well as strategic plans for its transformation to zero-emissions. On 1 July 2021, the EPA announced the Office of Recycling and the Office of Climate Change, through which the EPA will build a more sustainable society in Taiwan by thoroughly reviewing policies and regulations, integrating administrative resources, and effectively promoting recycling and carbon reduction measures.", "content": "Aiming at \"maximizing recycling and minimizing waste disposal,\" the Office of Recycling will strive toward total resource recycling, in which all of Taiwan's resources are effectively utilized and waste cut down. Meanwhile, the Office of Climate Change will take a global perspective while working in local communities, and will kick off Taiwan's transformation to zero-emission, joining the world in mitigating climate change.\n\nThe Office of Recycling pushes for total resource recycling\n\nThe EPA noted that the EU, Japan, Korea, and several other nations have actively proposed many action plans and projects in order to fulfill their resource cycling visions in the next decade. Taiwan, facing challenges such as insufficient natural resources, waste disposal and recycling channels, is also seeking revolutionary and effective ways of recycling and reuse. The Office of Recycling will re-organize the framework and delegated authorities under the existing regulations, evaluate and analyze policies and resources, and strengthen regulations on the management of reusable resources. Its responsibilities are to integrate policies and capacities and enhance resource recycling so that reused products can be properly utilized, aiming to ultimately achieve source reduction and resource recycling.\n\nThere are five teams under the Office of Recycling, which respectively work on policy planning, circular industry management, organic resources, inorganic resources, and metal and chemical resources. Taiwan's challenges include the fact that it has insufficient natural resources and imports 76% of needed raw materials. This exposure to risk of its raw resource supplies may lead to economic burdens. To reduce such risk, comprehensive evaluation and analysis is needed regarding disposed resources, reutilization technology, and channels that match resources with suitable technology. Certain types of waste that are difficult to be disposed of or lack reutilization potential also face problems such as quality control and appropriate reutilization channels.\n\nThe \"policy planning\" team will evaluate and implement related policies and set up and utilize a recycling database, while the \"circular industry management\" team is in charge of comprehensive industrial waste management. On the other hand, the \"organic resources,\" \"inorganic resources,\" and \"metal and chemical resources\" teams will evaluate and analyze these wastes and target the recycling operations thereof. They will develop reutilization technology and establish channels to match users with needed technology.\n\nThe EPA said that, through comprehensive reviews of core recycling operations, it would evaluate and revise relevant regulations, expedite budget integration, and establish an economic development model for continuous material recycling and reuse. In the future, the Office of Recycling will strengthen regulatory controls of reusable resources, facilitate recycling and reuse with financial measures, and levy industrial waste fees through legislation. Other responsibilities include adding both quality standards and certification systems for reused products as well as tracking the uses and whereabouts of products. In this way, suitable places will be found for all reusable products. Under such efforts toward a circular economy and waste reduction and reuse, Taiwan will be able to lower the environmental burdens caused by raw material consumption and gradually achieve resource sustainability.\n \nThe Office of Climate Change to Lead Transformation Toward Zero-emissions\nHuman activities and intensity of production across all industries have been much reduced due to lockdowns, remote meetings and limited travel in response to the worldwide pandemic in 2020. However, the EPA pointed out that the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has continued to rise and break historic records. Not only did the UN clearly state that 2021 is a key year for the future survival of all living organisms on Earth, but President Tsai Ing-Wen also declared on Earth Day, 22 April, that \"transformation to zero-emissions by 2050 is the goal of both the world and Taiwan.\" On the same day, Premier Tseng-Chang Su ordered to reevaluate the reduction goals set in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act . Additionally, it is imperative for Taiwan to take on all relevant initiatives now that many countries have adopted various reduction measures. One of those is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which the EU plans to promulgate in 2023.\n\nThe EPA explained that the founding of the Office of Climate Change is Taiwan's response to the international community's expectations regarding climate change mitigation. The Offices establishment also fulfills a promise of the President and the Premier on carbon reduction in Taiwan. The first task of the Office of Climate Change after its founding is to complete the revision of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, followed by more communications about the carbon levy system, about which stakeholders are very concerned. Moreover, the EPA will begin formulating the interdepartmental action plan on climate change mitigation.\n\nThe four teams under the Office of Climate Change will respectively target policy planning, emission management, reduction actions, and climate change mitigation. Main tasks include revising the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, formulating zero-emission measures, setting up a carbon pricing mechanism, and properly dealing with the international border adjustment mechanism. The Office will work on strengthening public awareness and education on carbon reduction, developing reduction measures and adjusting disclosure systems for industries, and integrating interdepartmental mitigation efforts.\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "7", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4057", "title": "Results of 2020 Environmental Agents Inspections Released", "preview": "To ensure that consumers use legal, safe and effective environmental agents, the EPA formulates an annual environmental agent inspection plan and requests through official letters that local environmental bureaus implement it. Inspections in 2021 have resulted in a 98% compliance rate. Most violations are sales of mosquito-repellents and insecticides for cockroaches and ants on e-commerce sites without permits.", "content": "\nIn 2021, a total of 37,247 inspections (on advertisements, labeling, and counterfeits) and sample tests (on active ingredients) have been conducted with a 99% compliance rate. Of the 8,886 environmental agent advertisements inspected, 274 were found illegal, which were mostly people selling mosquito-repellents and insecticides specifically for cockroaches and ants (see Table 1). Just 274 out of 26,854 labels inspected were illegal. For the 129 inspections on active ingredients in environmental agents, two failed to comply with regulations. Not only so, there were 12 counterfeits, four of which were found to contain Mirex, a persistent organic pollutant banned by the EPA and also on the control list of the Stockholm Convention. Cases that failed the inspections were given penalties, taken off shelves, and required to improve within a period of time according to the Environmental Agents Control Act.\n\nAn inquiry system (https:\/\/mdc.epa.gov.tw\/PublicInfo) is in place for those who wish to know if a purchased environmental agent is approved. Users can just type in the product name or permit number. It also provides information on legal pest control operators or environmental agent sellers. Those interested in learning more about safe environmental agents or looking for which environmental agent products do not comply with regulations can visit https:\/\/topic.epa.gov.tw\/evsu\/mp-8.html. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "7", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4056", "title": "Operation Guidelines Announced to Promote Indoor Air Quality Voluntary Control Label", "preview": "The Operation Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality Voluntary Control Labels was announced on 2 July by the EPA to encourage public and private premises to obtain voluntary control labels. The goal is to promote public and private venues to improve indoor air quality and let a wider range of venues to voluntarily participate in maintaining publicly used environments. This will encourage these venues to obtain the label, enhance their corporate image, and safeguard public health.", "content": "With 18 articles in total, the Guidelines specify the categories, applications, evaluations, and use and management of the voluntary control labels for both private and public venues. Those who wish to apply for the labels are to maintain indoor air quality, carry out control plans, and commission the EPA-approved testing analysis institutes to conduct testing based on the Regulations Concerning Announced Venues Indoor Air Quality Testing and Analysis. Only after a report is produced proving that an applicant qualifies for all regulations will the application be proceeded. Use of the label is granted if an applicant complies with all of the Guidelines' requirements and is approved by the municipal, county, or competent city authorities after reviews. Labels can be displayed at the venue entrances and exits to enhance corporate image.\n\nBesides issuing Green Points to encourage private and public venues to be rated \"excellent\" in the label system, the EPA plans to include these venues under competent authorities' evaluation mechanism. These venues will be recognized by the EPA, thereby gaining increased public satisfaction. In addition, if the premises in the first and second announcements under the Indoor Air Quality Act to improve from \"good\" to \"excellent,\" their testing frequency would be decreased down to once every three years. And there would be fewer required number of sampling spots. The aim is to urge all premises to increase voluntary efforts and help protect public health.\n\nThe EPA is currently registering the logo of the voluntary control label system with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA). The \"excellent\" label shows a building with an azure roof and green walls, symbolizing indoor greening. The \"good\" label is a building with orange roof and yellow walls, the upper edge of which has an opening to let in the wind to improve indoor air circulation and ventilation. Both images have a smiley face, showing how much one would enjoy the excellent indoor air quality.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "7", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4055", "title": "Revision Preannounced for Emergency Measures to Prevent Serious Worsening of Air Quality", "preview": "The Regulations Governing Emergency Measures to Prevent Serious Worsening of Air Quality was revised and announced in 2017. In light of improved general air quality, the EPA has begun making amendments to further enhance the effectiveness of response measures. Considerations include the needs of local governments concerning the practices of upwind counties, whose cooperation is needed in order to ameliorate deteriorating air quality over large regions.", "content": "", "year": "2021", "month": "7", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4054", "title": "Motorcycle Exhaust Inspections Postponed to End of 2021", "preview": "In light of the Central Epidemic Command Center raising the COVID-19 alert to level 3 recently, the EPA announced that deadlines for motorcycle exhaust-related inspections are extended to the end of this year. It aims to limit outings and reduce the risks of infections.", "content": "The EPA explained that motorcycles that have registration documents and have been out of the factory for five years or more are to undergo exhaust inspection once a year. And it is to be done within the period from one month before to one month after the month of the original issuance of the registration documents. Those failing the emission standards are to fix the problem and undergo inspection again within a month after the first inspection. However, people may have difficulty completing the inspections by the deadline due to the domestic outbreak of the pandemic when they required to follow disease-related control measures or being quarantined. Therefore, the deadline for inspections and second inspections is moved to the end of 2021. Relevant information can be found on the EPA's website dedicated to motorcycle emission inspection (https:\/\/motor.epa.gov.tw\/).\n\nMotorcycle drivers are advised to wait until the pandemic has relented to finish the regular inspection before the end of 2021. Drivers need to be aware of the following:\n\n1. For motorcycles over five years old with their own registration documents issued between April and October, the deadline for regular air pollutant emission inspections this year is extended to 31 December 2021.\n\n2. For motorcycles that underwent an inspection between 15 April and 30 November 2021 but failed to meet the Mobile Pollution Source Air Pollutant Emission Standards, the deadline for the second inspection is extended to 31 December.\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "7", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4053", "title": "Revisions of Three Water Pollution-Related Regulations Announced", "preview": "On 31 May, the EPA announced the revisions to the Evaluation Regulations Concerning Water Pollution Control Measure Plans and Permit Applications (水污染防治措施計畫及許可申請審查管理辦法), the Water Pollution Control Measures and Test Reporting Management Regulations (水污染防治措施及檢測申報管理辦法), and the Regulations for Determination of Fines Under the Water Pollution Control Act (違反水污染防治法罰鍰額度裁罰準則). The objective is to enhance control of storage systems that may affect water quality.", "content": "Under all the revisions, “oil storage sites” in the original three Regulations are changed to \"storage systems.\" If storing substances announced by the competent central authorities based on the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防制法) Article 33 paragraph 1, the storage systems should comply with relevant regulations. Moreover, based on different categories of storage systems, respective provisions on violations and evaluation points for penalties are newly added.\nIf failing to comply with storage system control regulations, the EPA emphasized that storage systems are deemed not to be fit with facilities to prevent and monitor groundwater pollution, and thus will be penalized for violating the Water Pollution Control Act Article 33. There have also been incidents where oil products leaked out of storage systems due to improper collection or disposal, and then entered soil or groundwater because there were no subsequent maintenance, prevention, or emergency response measures taken. In such cases, offenses will be handled based on the Water Pollution Control Act Article 28, or the Water Pollution Control Measures, or the Test Reporting Management Regulations Article 5.\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "6", "assortment": "water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4052", "title": "Waste Solar Panel Recycling System Established", "preview": "The Bureau of Energy, Ministry of Economic Affairs has cooperated with the EPA to collect recycling and clearance fees for photovoltaic modules. It announced on 1 February 2019 the 2019 Renewable Electricity Wholesale Purchase Rates and Calculation Method, which also sets the recycling fee for photovoltaic modules at NT$1,000\/kw. The collected fees are to be used for the EPA to establish the waste solar panel recycling system or to subsidize clearance and processing, administration, technology research and development and establishment of processing plants. ", "content": "The lifespan of solar panels is 20 years, and currently no large amounts of waste panels are being generated. The EPA is running a demonstration program in which waste solar panels are accumulated until they reach a certain amount before being disposed of and processed. Entities that have installed solar panels or people that have waste panels can follow the four steps to recycle them: ask, gather, fill out, and collect; that is, they can call the dedicated line, 03-8520009, to ask first, gather the waste panels, and then dispose of the panels themselves or commission a qualified public or private waste clearance organization to do so. Alternatively, they can go to the Waste Solar Panels Recycling Service Management Information platform (https:\/\/pvis.epa.gov.tw) to register relevant panel decommissioning information. After the serial numbers and the installation information are checked, a licensed clearance and processing organization will be deployed to dispose of them. In addition, households or low-volume users such as camper vans can also call the dedicated line or ask their local cleaning squad to dispose of them. \nCurrently, there are two licensed processing plants capable of processing waste solar panels in Taiwan. They mainly use a mechanical process to crush the panels and then send the fragments to Japan to be used as slagging agents in copper smelters. In the future, the EPA will continue to monitor the generation of waste solar panels as well as the domestic processing and recycling capacities, so it can plan for the establishment of new waste solar panel processing facilities or assess the feasibility of technology transfers to respond to the rising demand for disposal of waste solar panels in the future. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "6", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4051", "title": "Rules Prohibiting Use of Disposable Tableware May Be Relaxed Due to Covid", "preview": "In response to the COVID-19 epidemic, the EPA indicated that regulated enterprises that are prohibited to use disposable tableware made of various materials can now apply to their local competent authorities to be exempt from this prohibition in accordance with the regulations if they have the need to switch back to using disposable tableware after taking their tableware-washing capability into account. Once approved, they are allowed to use disposable tableware made of materials other than plastics for up to 90 days. When the exemption period is up, they can apply again. ", "content": "In accordance with the announcement above, to ensure food safety and prevent the epidemic from spreading, local competent authorities can allow some or all of the government agencies, public or private schools, department stores, shopping centers or hypermarkets in their jurisdiction to provide disposable tableware within a certain period of time. The permission shall be reported to the central competent authority for reference. \nThe EPA urges all food and beverage enterprises to wash tableware according to the Operating Guidelines for Good Tableware Washing of the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare. When this is combined with environmental cleanup and disinfection, the safety of people eating out can be ensured. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "6", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4050", "title": "Operation Guidelines Announced for Pollution Sites Zonal Improvement and Land Use", "preview": "The EPA has set up the Operation Guidelines for Pollution Site Zonal Improvement and Land Use (污染場址分區改善及土地利用作業原則) in hopes of speeding up clean-up progress and encouraging responsible parties to actively ameliorate pollution. The Guidelines clearly define zonal operations in different phases, allowing areas completing pollution amelioration to be utilized first. A mechanism is also in place to allocate the proceeds from land use into further clean-up efforts to ensure that polluted land is actively improved and adequately managed, resulting in enhanced environmental quality. ", "content": "The EPA noted that the Guidelines serve as reference for local environmental bureaus when they submit applications based on the land reuse regulations under the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act (土壤及地下水污染整治法). Planning of pollution site remediation and utilization should cover the entire area that includes the pollution sites and control areas. Moreover, applications can be submitted only if land utilization can proceed after zonal pollution remediation satisfies the control requirements. This will allow local environmental authorities to evaluate and manage appropriately. A mechanism is also in place to continually allocate proceeds from zonal land use into remediation work, ensuring polluted lands are actively improved and controlled.\nMoreover, due to geological or other factors, there is a consideration that it may take longer to improve certain polluted plots of land until they are compliant with soil and groundwater pollution control standards. As a result, special regulations have been set for use of specific land types and their risk management. The purpose is to safeguard the public from exposure to pollutants via measures such as stopping pollution, limiting activity areas, or banning groundwater use. Also, it can help achieve environmental protection and sustainable land use.\nThe Guidelines include the following focuses:\n1. Stipulation purposes\n2. How remediation plans and goals are formed following land use\n3. Operation regulations on zonal improvement and utilization of pollution sites\n4. Required documents and evaluation standards regarding land use applications\n5. Evaluation procedure for the risk assessment group\n6. Remediation plan evaluation principles\n7. Regulations regarding modification of land development and use after remediation goals are changed\n8. Risk communication after remediation goals are changed\n9. Procedure guidelines after remediation plans are approved\n10. Supervision and audit regulations regarding site risk management (Article 10)\n11. Treatment when remediation is not implemented based on approved plans or when secondary pollution is caused\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "6", "assortment": "Soil and groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4049", "title": "Recycling Fees Increased for Waste Lithium Batteries and Lighting Sources ", "preview": "Starting from 1 July 2021, the EPA will raise the recycling subsidy fee rates for dry batteries such as LiNiCoMnO2 batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries, as well as for light bulbs such as LEDs, straight tubes and non-straight tubes. The increases are made in order to reflect the hike in recycling and processing costs for waste dry batteries and lighting sources, reduce the risks associated with accumulating them, solve related disposal problems, enhance recycling efficiency, and increase the willingness and economic incentives of the processing industry to process such items. ", "content": "The EPA pointed out that there are various kinds of secondary lithium batteries. Currently consumer electronics and home appliances use lithium cobalt batteries, which are still purchased by processors for recycling. But LiNiCoMnO2 batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries are mostly used for electric cars, motorcycles, and energy storage. Since nickel and cobalt contents are low in LiNiCoMnO2 batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries contain only lithium and iron, the materials recovered from these types of batteries are of low value. As a result, recyclers have to pay processors to process them. Currently many vehicles related enterprises recycle secondary lithium batteries and accumulate them on their premises. Since secondary lithium batteries are highly reactive, accumulating them can easily cause fire or other problems. To prevent these hazards, solve disposal problems, and increase the recycling efficiency associated with these types of batteries, the EPA decided to raise the recycling subsidy fee rates for LiNiCoMnO2 batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries. \nIn addition, traditional lighting sources are currently being phased out from the market to comply with mercury-limiting measures mandated by the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The recycling volume is dropping and processing costs going up year after year. As for LED lighting sources, the evolution of their component materials has led to the decline of profits from recycling and processing them. In addition, the labor costs for handling and sorting also went up, resulting in an increase in the cost of recycling and processing. Thus, the EPA is raising recycling subsidy fee rates for traditional straight tubes and non-straight tubes, as well as LED lights, based on cost survey data from 2020. \nThe EPA reminded the enterprises receiving subsidies that after 1 July 2021 they shall apply for and receive their recycling subsidies according to the newly adjusted fee rates. For any related problems, they can call the Resource Recycling hotline (0800-085717) or check with the resource recycling website （https:\/\/recycle.epa.gov.tw）for help. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "6", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4048", "title": "Digital Device Recycling that Guarantees Privacy of Information ", "preview": "The EPA worked with the hypermarket and retailer Carrefour to launch a secure information equipment recycling event, setting up five collecting spots in the northern, central, and southern regions of Taiwan that will operate during May-October 2021. Collected tablets and mobile phones will be destroyed physically to ensure privacy of information, and thus give the public peace of mind when handing over discarded tablets or mobile phones for recycling. Members of the public are urged to go to these designated spots to recycle. ", "content": "The EPA pointed out that the overall recycling rate for electric, electronic and information equipment in 2020 was 71.84%. Considering the concerns, the public have about privacy of information when they recycle these types of equipment, and that these concerns impact their willingness to recycle, the EPA cooperated with enterprises to develop data security equipment and organized events to promote secure recycling of information devices. By using external force to destroy parts where power buttons, SIM cards and charging ports are in waste tablets and mobile phones, the EPA hopes to effectively address people’s privacy of information concerns. The EPA encourages the public to hand over their waste equipment at such sites, so that the component resources can get recycled and thus reduce the need for newly mined resources. ", "year": "2021", "month": "6", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4047", "title": "Measures Devised to Provide Relief and Convenience during the Epidemic", "preview": "The EPA took the initiative to take stock of relevant environmental regulations such as those for permit renewal, regular test reporting, or onsite inspections that cannot be implemented due to the COVID-19 epidemic and may thus cause severe impacts to enterprises, and devised measures to provide relief and convenience to help enterprises survive the impact of the epidemic.", "content": "As the Central Epidemic Command Center raised the national epidemic alert to Level 3 on 19 May 2021, all local governments simultaneously tightened and expanded epidemic prevention restrictions, causing a great impact on people’s daily lives, and making some businesses unable to comply with relevant regulations. Therefore, the EPA is formulating measures to provide relief and convenience for the public, and will soon send notifications to local environmental bureaus and relevant industrial associations to ask them to follow them. \nThe first measure is an extension of the validity periods of permits issued to public or private establishments. If permits expire between 14 May 2021 and 31 December 2021, the expiration dates are uniformly postponed to 31 December 2021. \nThe second measure is to allow the extension of correction periods for applications for all categories of environmental permits during the epidemic. The relevant competent authorities can extend the correction periods according to the needs of individual cases up to a maximum of 90 days. \nThe third measure is to allow new permit or permit change applications to be reviewed mainly through document examination. If applications require review by scholars or experts in person, they may be conducted through video conferencing or recording. In principle, onsite procedures such as inspections or verifications will not be conducted. Because of the epidemic, public or private establishments or enterprises may also be exempt from conducting test runs or functional tests. Reviewing authorities may refer to the application document and approve an application with emissions that are 80% (or specified otherwise) of the estimated pollution emissions. If there is falsified information in the applications submitted by the establishments or enterprises, the reviewing authorities reserve the right to revoke the permits. After the epidemic slows down, relevant pollution emissions shall be verified onsite (such as through onsite auditing or inspection). If emissions are found to be significantly different from the approved levels, the establishments or enterprises will be asked to submit permit modification applications. \nThe fourth measure is related to regular tests. If any control regulations (such as those for air pollution, water pollution or waste) require tests be conducted in the second quarter (April-June) and third quarter (July-September) of 2021, the test results obtained in one of these quarters can be used to represent the results of the other, thus skipping one quarter’s tests. If regulations require tests to be conducted once every half year, the test results obtained in the first half of 2021 can be reported as late as 30 September 2021. \nThe fifth measure is to adjust the timing for the report and payment of pollution control fees. The deadline is postponed one quarter; that is, the report and payment that should normally be done in the second quarter can now take place between 1 July 2021 and 31 October 2021.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "6", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4046", "title": "Feature Article: Improvement and Strengthening of Recycling and Access to Recycling ", "preview": "The Four-In-One Recycling Policy devised first in Taiwan has been implemented for a quarter of a century. Its achievements include, for example, a household garbage recycling rate of 56.4% and a reuse rate of 85.89%. In response to the drastic increase of plastic and paper tableware and utensils since 2020 due to the pandemic, various recycling measures have been adjusted. Through expansion of recycling and raised accountability, and by strengthening recycling channels, Taiwan has enhanced its recycling capacity and continued toward zero waste.", "content": "The EPA has since January 1997 encouraged communities to sort household garbage. A complete recycling network has been established by working with local authorities (cleaning crews), recycling enterprises, and the Recycling Fund to recycle and reduce household-generated small-size waste.\nSince its implementation by the EPA in 2005, mandatory sorting requires all household waste to be sorted into resources, kitchen waste, and garbage, which are then separately taken or disposed of by cleaning crews. In addition, fees are collected for garbage bags used in certain counties, cities, and regions, which helps cut down the amount of garbage and enhances sorting, recycling, and reuse.\nThe results of promoting general waste recycling include recycling up to 5,807,647 metric tons of general waste in 2020 (consisting of 5,278,079 metric tons of recyclables and 529,567 metric tons of kitchen waste). 58.84% of general waste was recycled.\nTaiwan's daily garbage generation per person since 1998 has decreased year after year. By 2020 the drop was 61.12% compared to the year with the highest daily garbage generation. The percentage of recyclables among the garbage also gradually fell, with the recycling rate at 62.71% in 2020.\nWith resource recycling and sustainable use as the policy core, the EPA will keep striving for resource integration by promoting garbage reduction, recycling, and reuse. The following are the improvement measures:\n\nExpanding recycling and raising accountability\n(1) Announcing newly added articles of responsibility\n1. Waste lubricants, plastic lining and foam cases have been announced as recyclables after evaluation. Fees are collected from manufacturers and importers as recycling and disposal costs.\n\n2. Evaluating the expansion of control for refrigerators and freezers as articles of responsibility\nRefrigerators and freezers used in business venues were not listed as articles of responsibility. However, in recent years these items of large capacity (approximately 100 to 200 liters) are often sold directly to the public in retail stores. The EPA has begun evaluating the feasibility of listing them as recyclables in response to the future recycling and disposal requirements of large waste items.\n\n(2) Setting responsible enterprises’ levied fees and streamlining fee collection\nThe rate of levied fees for small-scale responsible enterprises (with levied fees less than NT$100,000\/year) were amended to simplify the process. The EPA first audits and calculates the amount of levied fees and then notifies enterprises of the payment. 95% of the amount of waste audited in the first year is used in fee calculation to simplify the fee collection process. The revised Responsible Enterprise Regulated Recyclable Waste Management Regulations (應回收廢棄物責任業者管理辦法) were announced on 29 June 2020, followed by the announcement of the revised document formats on 13 July 2020. This revision has designed the operation procedures and set-up and thoroughly maintains the operation registration system. A total of 11,261 responsible enterprises benefited in 2020 because of the revised rate of levied fees.\n\n(3) Adjusting subsidy rates for plastic containers and paper tableware in response to the pandemic\nIn order to prevent the short-term decline in raw material prices from affecting the willingness to recycle waste plastic containers, subsidies for specific waste plastic containers were raised in May 2020. Also raised at the same time were the subsidies for waste paper tableware and utensils (from NT$7.25\/kilogram to NT$7.86\/kilogram) in anticipation of increased use amid tightened pandemic control. Both adjusted rates are effective from 1 May to 31 October 2020.\nOn 30 October 2020, it was announced that the adjusted subsidies for PET containers, PP or PE containers, non-foam PS containers and waste flat containers (PET or PVC) would continue until 30 June 2021. Subsidies for waste paper tableware and utensils will not be extended as they were properly recycled and disposed of throughout the pandemic.\n\nStrengthening recycling channels\n(1) Optimizing and building recycling plants\nIn 2020, 69 projects concerning preliminary evaluation, planning, and design of regional storage sites and sorting plants were approved. It included 51 for optimization, 15 for construction, and three for sorting plants. Ongoing planning and detail designs are gradually being completed, and it is estimated 35 construction projects will commence in 2021.\n\n(2) Replacing old recycling vehicles\n\n1. A program was implemented in 2020 to subsidize the replacement of old recycling vehicles. One hundred thirty-six old vehicles were phased out and replaced with diesel-powered ones compliant with Phase-6 emission standards. One-hundred ten more vehicles are expected to be replaced in 2021.\n2. The EPA has also been implementing a major Executive Yuan mandated program to replace old garbage collection and recycling vehicles and purchase special-use machinery and personal safety gear. One-hundred-fifty recycling vehicles in use for over 15 years have been replaced with new ones compliant with Phase-6 emission standards.\n\n(3) Strengthening local recycling\n1. Promoting self-employed recycler welfare by increasing subsidies\nThe upper subsidy cap for individual self-employed recyclers has been raised from NT$3,500\/month to NT$5,000\/month. It is effective from 1 May 2020 to 30 June 2021 to mitigate the COVID pandemic’s economic impact on those working at the front line of recycling. Such subsidies will be extended until 31 December 2021 to take care of all registered self-employed recyclers.\nThroughout 2020, a total of 20,936 people benefited, who had collected 9,215 metric tons of recyclables and 72,800 items (mostly electronics). Compared to 2019, the number of people who benefited grew 6.1-fold (3,444 people), and the number of recyclables 8.9-fold (1,030 metric tons).\n\n2. Assisting recycling participants\nRecycling is promoted by coordinating community residents, recycling enterprises, local cleaning crews, and the Recycling Fund. The results in 2019 and 2020 both exceeded the set goals: 55.14% in 2019 (goal of 53%), 56.96% in 2020 (goal of 53.5%).\nEnhanced supervision and individual assistance have been continually provided to entities with poor recycling performance. A program has been implemented in 2021 to improve these entities’ recycling performance by setting recycling goals, conducting visits to innovative recycling sites, and evaluating performance related to poorly recycled items.\n\n(4) Promoting recycling in apartment complexes within communities\nTo further the four-in-one recycling program and open up diverse recycling channels, the EPA has since 2021 strengthened basic-level recycling capacity by promoting recycling in apartment complexes. Property managers of communities, apartments, and high rises are assisted to set up recycling stations, and their staff are encouraged to work and communicate with cleaning crews. Moreover, guidelines have been set up for random inspections of recycling operations and to carry out mandatory garbage sorting correctly so as to improve recycling performance and sorting quality.\nIt is expected that 64 communities will be established as recycling facility demonstration sites and that they will randomly inspect and assist 809 apartment complexes across Taiwan. The results will be part of the evaluations for recycling in communities, apartments, and high rises.\n\nFuture prospects for reaching the goal of zero waste\nTo pursue sustainability of resources, Taiwan's garbage disposal policies focus on source reduction and recycling. All resources are to be efficiently recycled and reused by applying green production and consumption, source reduction, recycling, reutilization, and renewable use, which will gradually lead to the end goal of 100% garbage recycling and zero waste.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "6", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4045", "title": "Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory and Registration Deadline Extended due to Covid", "preview": "Due to the severity of Covid-19 in Taiwan, the Central Epidemic Command Center recently raised the national epidemic alert to Level 3. To be in line with the nation’s fight against the epidemic and to reduce public outings to lower the risks of infection, the EPA has extended the deadline for greenhouse gas emission inventory and registration to the end of September this year (2021).", "content": "Since the promulgation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act on 1 July 2015, the First Batch of Emission Sources Required to Report Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory and Registration has been announced. Industries including power generation, iron and steel, petroleum refining, cement, semiconductor and thin film transistor liquid crystal display, as well as emission sources with annual emissions of more than 25,000 metric tons of CO2e from combustion of fossil fuels are subject to the regulation. They are supposed to complete the inventory and registration of greenhouse gas emission of the previous year of their entire plant (site) by the end of August every year.\nAccording to the EPA, the average number of enterprises that are required to make inventory and register their greenhouse gas emissions is 288 over the past five years. Among them, direct emission sources included emissions from combustion of fuels (80.70%), emissions from manufacturing processes (18.98%), emissions from fuels used for transportation vehicles (0.03%), and fugitive emission sources (0.29%). Indirect emissions included power consumption (87%) and steam consumption (13%). Ranked by industries, the power generation industry had the highest emission (53%), the second highest are the steel industry (14%), basic chemical material manufacturing (11%), petroleum refining industry (9%), cement industry (4%) and semiconductor industry (2%). Analyzing the changes in manufacturing greenhouse gas emissions in the past five years, the semiconductor industry has the highest average annual growth rate of 6.44%, the paper industry is 1.35%, and the optoelectronics industry is 0.37%; the average annual growth rate of the remaining industries is on a downward trend.\nAs for the electricity industry, the electricity emission factor (the carbon dioxide equivalent emitted per kilowatt-hour of electricity) decreased from 0.525 kg CO2e\/kWh in 2015 to 0.509 kg CO2e \/kWh in 2019; while the greenhouse gas emissions of the power industry decreased from 115.68 million in 2015. The metric tons of CO2e rose to 119.57 million metric tons of CO2e in 2019. Therefore, the electricity emission coefficient decreased in 2019, but the greenhouse gas emissions showed an upward trend. According to statistics from the Bureau of Energy of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the industrial sector accounted for about 56% of the electricity consumption in 2019, and the service industry and the residential sector each accounted for about 18%. This shows that energy-saving in the residential and commercial sector is also an important part of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the power industry. \n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "6", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4044", "title": "Draft Revisions Preannounced for New and Existing Chemical Substances Registration", "preview": "The EPA preannounced revisions to the Regulations for New and Existing Chemical Substances Registration (新化學物質及既有化學物質資料登錄辦法), which will extend the deadline to register existing chemical substances in response to the COVID pandemic. Multiple measures are also in place to optimize registration, evaluation, and application, making the current procedure more efficient.", "content": "The EPA expressed that it started collecting input from all sectors after the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法) was amended and announced on 16 January 2019. Furthermore, after becoming officially effective, the annual application and registration process for existing chemical substances underwent a thorough evaluation based on actual practices observed in 2020. In light of needs arising from implementation and the COVID pandemic, the EPA drafted revisions to the Regulations.\nFor registration of existing chemical substances, all registration deadlines for most enterprises covered in the amendments shall be extended to the end of 2023, as the industry has been hit hard by the pandemic. This provides registrants ample time for preparation. Once finished registering basic information such as registrant and substance data, enterprises are then given a registration code and deadline to complete registration of the remaining information items. However, there is a limit on the use of intermediate substances at certain sites where the risk of exposure can be better controlled, hence the amendments waive such items from registrations of existing chemical substances.\nFor annual registration, the amendments require registrants to input the first year of registration. Moreover, to effectively help registrants complete registration, rectification notifications are supplemented with the Water Pollution Control Measures and Text Reporting Management Regulations (水污染防治措施及檢測申報管理辦法) for reference. If the registered data fail to comply with regulations or are incomplete, registrants will be notified to rectify it before a given date, or face a penalty. \nThe EPA also noted that the amendments simplify many procedures, increasing efficiency. For example, many attached tables are combined, a single effective deadline is set for registering different new chemical substances, and the scope is expanded for substances covered by the part of the Regulations that are no longer applicable. Other changes include adjusting the evaluation period for applications and rectification times, eliminating such requirements as registrants having to keep their application documents, etc.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "6", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4043", "title": "Crackdown on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Leads to Significant Reduction of Emissions", "preview": "", "content": "", "year": "2021", "month": "6", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4042", "title": "Vehicles Handed Over to Tainan to Aid Transport of Digestate from Manure Reutilization", "preview": "The EPA subsidized the Tainan City Government to purchase digestate-collecting and transporting vehicles in 2020. The vehicles will assist livestock enterprises and farmers with the use of anaerobically-fermented livestock manure as farmland fertilizer, helping them to overcome difficulties arranging crop fertilization schedules when these types of vehicles are lacking. On 15 April 2021, two digestate-collecting and transporting vehicles were officially handed over to Tainan City Government to join its fleet of digestate-fertilizing vehicles. ", "content": "The EPA has been promoting the use of livestock manure fermentation digestate as farmland fertilizer. As of March 2021, nationwide there were 1,263 livestock farms permitted to use digestate as fertilizer, 163 farms permitted for agricultural waste reuse and 492 farms with digestate compliant with the Effluent Standards that were allowed to irrigate. The total amount of irrigation water used on farms with digestate has reached approximately 7,600,000 metric tons per year. \n\nIn addition, in 2018 the EPA began to subsidize local governments to purchase agricultural equipment and storage tanks as well as collection and fertilizing vehicles in order to provide better digestate handling services to livestock enterprises and farmers. Livestock enterprises, farmers, or non-governmental organizations can apply to purchase these vehicles and storage tanks to transport and store digestate for farmland fertilization and operate them according to crop fertilization needs. As of March 2021, the EPA had subsidized nine counties and cities, including Yunlin County, to purchase 42 collecting and transporting vehicles, 18 fertilizing vehicles or machines and 103 storage tanks.\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "5", "assortment": "water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4041", "title": "Earth Day Event Focused on Carbon and Plastic Reduction", "preview": "", "content": "", "year": "2021", "month": "5", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4040", "title": "Label Certifying Products Using Recycled Marine Debris Officially Launched", "preview": "With marine waste intensifying as a global issue in recent years, the EPA implemented the 2020 Demonstration and Promotion Plan for Marine Waste High-Quality Recycling and Reuse. Collaboration with local environmental bureaus, civic organizations, industries, and the certification institute will demonstrate the procedures (such as tracing through documents and records) that certify products as containing recycled waste from marine environments. Relevant legislation is also on the way, as the Operation Directions for Recycled Marine Debris Product Label, Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan (the Directions) has been announced on 9 April 2021 to serve as explicit reference for mechanisms that certify products using marine waste and for related labeling regulations. It is suitable for domestic and international companies to apply for the Recycled Marine Debris Product Label, demonstrating active actions and support for preventing the impact of marine waste on the environment. ", "content": "In response to international concerns about marine waste issues, the EPA promotes a Recycled Marine Debris Product Label system, and grants official certification marks to raw materials and products made from recycled marine waste, so that the public is aware of the importance of reducing marine waste. All companies or organizations are welcome to apply for label certification and do their best to fight against marine waste!\n\nThe EPA has established a recycled marine waste product verification mechanism and labeling specifications. On 9th April 2021, it issued the Operation Directions for Recycled Marine Debris Product Label, to promote the Recycled Marine Debris Product Label. The collection, classification, treatment, and production of marine waste products shall establish traceable records. After the certification institutes have issued verification statements and verification reports, the weight of marine waste has reached more than 20%, and an application shall be submitted and a label shall be given after review.\nThere are 16 points in the Directions, which detail the application procedures, evaluation, and management of Recycled Marine Debris Product Label. The primary application documents are audit claims and reports issued by certification institutes which ensure that recycled materials come from coasts or marine environments. Applicants that are initially approved to use the label must then comply with all the Directions and pass the evaluation. The label has been registered after being approved by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). In its design, waves symbolize the ocean while a plastic bottle, the most iconic marine waste item, symbolizes its dual nature as waste and at the same time as a reusable material that can be transformed into various products after being recycled. The circular-shaped waves holding the plastic bottle portray a circular economy.\n\nThe EPA also noted that the multiple marine-waste-related labels in recent years were products of corporations and NGOs. What is unique about the EPA's label is that it will be the first in the world to focus on marine waste, that is supported by government agencies and that certifies strict procedures and protocols. The domestic and foreign certification institutes involved are required to comply with both ISO 17065 and ISO 17021 to certify and approve the label, for use in an open and free certification market.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "5", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4039", "title": "2020 Waste Paper Tableware Amount Hit a Record High Nearly 90% ", "preview": "The EPA has been working to improve the effectiveness of paper tableware recycling through a series of policy measures and public information campaigns. In 2020, 159,897 metric tons of waste paper tableware was recycled, which was nearly double the amount recycled in 2019. The recycling rate increased significantly from 48.31% in 2017 to more than 89% in 2020, reaching a new annual high in the past three years. ", "content": "(1) Put green diet, recycling and sorting into practice\nIn 2020, the EPA implemented the Paper Tableware Recycling Friendly Store Program in conjunction with all local environmental bureaus. The program assists and subsidizes buffet and lunch box store operators to set up dedicated waste paper tableware recycling facilities, place garbage bins and food scrap bins alongside recyclable bins, install automated voice equipment to remind customers, and post awareness-raising posters. The measures guide operators on ways to improve dining environments and increase the quality of collected paper tableware for better recycling. After receiving assistance, 2,900 buffet and lunch box stores (about 80% of the assisted) completed the installation of the equipment.\n\nTo make paper tableware recycling more practicable, on 4 January 2021, the EPA preannounced the draft of relevant regulations, specifying that buffet and lunch box stores shall install a dedicated recycling area for paper tableware. The regulations are expected to become effective on 1 July 2021. At present, assistance is provided so operators can respond early.\n\n(2) Caring for the base-level recyclers and enhancing the recycling system\nTo care for self-employed recyclers, the EPA subsidized local governments to implement the Warm Care Recycling Program, registering self-employed recyclers that collect recyclables. From 1 Aug 2019, the maximum subsidy for each self-employed recycler was raised from NT$2,000 to NT$3,500 per month. As the recycling rate for paper tableware had been low, the unit price for collected paper tableware was increased to NT$18\/kg, much higher than the price for general recyclables (lower than NT$2\/kg), to increase the incentives to boost the recycling rate. In July 2010, self-employed recyclers were matched with buffet and lunch box stores to collect paper lunch boxes. The measure was quite effective, which also helped meet the the welfare needs and rights of self-employed recyclers.\n\n(3) Providing guidance to expand processing capacity and raising processors’ incentives\nThe EPA successfully assisted Cheng Loong Corporation (Zhubei Mill) and Chung Hwa Pulp Corporation (Taitung Mill) to join as waste paper tableware processors in December 2018 and July 2019, respectively. The EPA will continue to provide guidance to add more processors in other counties and cities in order to expand the distribution of operators in the recycling system. Currently, there are three subsidized waste paper container processors in Taiwan. With a total designed processing capacity of 249,600 metric tons per year, they are capable of processing all waste paper tableware collected in the nation. \n\nIn addition, to encourage recycling and sorting, a subsidy rate increase (from NT$7.25 to NT$7.86 per kilogram) for the recycling and processing industry was phased in between 1 May to 31 October 2020. This also helped to raise the recycling volume for paper tableware. \n\n(4) Organizing promotional activities to strengthen the concept of recycling \nThe EPA organized a disposable tableware and beverage cup recycling promotion flash event and a press conference on paper tableware cleaning, sorting and stacking, and invited internet celebrities to shoot promotional videos to be broadcast on online media. In addition, promotional posters were made and sent to all local governments and pre-recorded interviews were broadcast through radio stations to urge people to put “cleaning, sorting and stacking” of paper tableware into practice, raising public awareness of paper tableware recycling. Moreover, the EPA also publishes an online resource recycling newsletter (R-paper), which has about 40,000 subscribers. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "5", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4038", "title": "Feature Article: Marine Waste Control Strategies", "preview": "Since the Taiwan Marine Debris Management Platform was jointly set up by the EPA along with civic environmental organizations in July 2017, Taiwan's management strategies for marine waste have progressed much and matured. The Taiwan Marine Debris Governance Action Plan has four focuses: source reduction; prevention and removal; research and investigation; and expansion of collaboration and participation. Combining with the \"Salute to the Ocean\" policy, the public and private sectors work together to thoroughly clean up marine waste.", "content": "Marine waste is a major ongoing marine environmental problem of concern to all nations. In particular, marine plastic waste has a profound impact because of its slow decomposition in the environment. In September 2020, the Taiwan-US Environmental Protection Technological Collaboration Agreement was signed, and its No. 13 Executive Plan targets marine waste as requiring cross-departmental collaboration. This reflects the significance and urgency of the marine waste problem.\nTaiwan Marine Debris Management Platform, a result of joint efforts by the public and private sectors\nIn July 2017, the EPA and civic environmental organizations set up the Taiwan Marine Debris Management Platform (hereinafter the Platform). and drafted the Taiwan Marine Debris Governance Action Plan (hereinafter the Plan). The Plan's second amended version was completed at the 12th Platform meeting on 30 August 2019. All the Platform members will work on the Plan's four social aspects, covering 76 measures based on the collaboration of both the public and private sectors. The second aspect, prevention and removal aiming to stop garbage from entering oceans, has 33 ongoing and future projects.\nAs for the source reduction strategy, it has 18 ongoing and future projects. Currently, the number of participating civic environmental organizations has reached 12, up from the original eight, while participating government agencies include the Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA), the Fisheries Agency (FA), and the EPA. However, the marine waste issue is complex, and individual agencies or organizations have limited capabilities. With the urgent need to launch conservation work across all aspects, the Platform plans to invite relevant agencies and organizations to its meetings to further influence marine waste stakeholders. It hopes to raise social awareness so everyone can shoulder their responsibility to safeguard the environment by reducing the generation and impact of marine waste.\nThe Taiwan Marine Debris Governance Action Plan has the following four focuses:\n1. Source reduction\n2. Prevention and removal\n3. Research and investigation\n4. Expansion of collaboration and participation\nAction Plan\nI. Source reduction\nStrategy 1: Policy planning\n(1) Ongoing projects\n1. The policy to limit plastic shopping bags and plastic disposable utensils was first formulated in 2002 and expanded in 2017.\n2. Measures were formulated in 2005 to limit over-packaging.\n3. Measures were formulated in 2007 to limit plastic trays, packaging, and containers.\n4. Measures have been implemented since 2011 to reduce single-use beverage cups at source.\n5. Measures were implemented in 2017 to limit cosmetics and individual hygiene products that contain microplastic beads.\n(2) Future projects\n1. To reach the goal of “no plastic” by 2030, measures with corresponding timetables and specific actions will be formulated to reduce or ban single-use plastic products. The public sector is not to use disposable utensils when organizing indoor and outdoor events. Other plastic reduction policies will also continue to be implemented.\n2. The program of Green Mark hotels will be promoted to encourage hotel enterprises to get certified.\n3. To help reduce plastic bottle usage, the EPA aims to enhance the functioning of public water fountains by supervising all city and county governments to maintain water fountains and appropriate equipment and adequately sample and inspect water quality. In addition, there are practical planning programs aimed at increasing water fountain usage. Afterwards, based on actual results, the EPA will formulate other programs to add water fountains in densely populated areas or spots with high potential needs.\n4. There are plans to subsidize commercial spaces or night markets in all counties and cities that are designated plastic reduction demonstration spots.\n5. Oyster farms are encouraged to replace their Styrofoam floating racks, and there are proposals to solve the problem of Styrofoam pieces breaking off from the racks or floating outside the farms and becoming marine waste.\nStrategy 2: Corporations' extended producer responsibilities\n(1) Ongoing projects: There are companies, such as organic food suppliers such as Leezen and Fuyah, that voluntarily reduce plastic or set up systems that demonstrate biodegradable packaging material decomposition.\n(2) Future actions\n1. In the future, the Platform will focus on applying the zero-waste principle in policies and incorporating the principle when designing single-use packaging materials or containers to achieve a circular economy for plastic. There will also be efforts to encourage research of alternative materials and promote relevant technology and regulations.\n2. Corporations are urged to cut down packaging, and to organize events such as the Clean Ocean Industry Expo.\nII. Prevention and removal\nStrategy 1: Effective removal of wastes in hotspots\n(1) Ongoing projects: Some harbors regularly clean up port garbage with machines or human cleaning crews.\n(2) Future actions\nCompetent port authorities are in charge of cleaning and maintaining harbors and cleaning floating garbage by purchasing special machinery or employing a special workforce.\nThere will be programs to encourage vessels and boats to help collect floating garbage. A collection fleet of 2,500 vessels is expected to be assembled.\nPrograms will be in place to train volunteer divers and promote underwater collection of marine waste via correct and safe methods.\nStrategy 2: Stopping waste from entering oceans\n(1) Ongoing programs\nCollection of river garbage interception data\n- regular inspection of garbage treatment facilities and sites (landfills, transfer stations, etc.) along coasts and river banks, and supervising local governments to conduct the closing, equipment maintenance, waste and dumping management at landfills along riverbanks, coasts and areas under the standard flood submerge level\n- assisting local governments with recycling\n- totaling the amount of recycling in fishing (and commercial) ports in cities and counties\n- supervising coastal and seaside environmental bureaus to conduct beach clean-ups\n- urging competent authorities of fishing and commercial ports to clean and maintain harbor environments\n- supervising local governments to set up inspection routines in hotspots for dumping coastal and floating garbage and install collection machinery\n- strengthening supervision for local governments to properly inspect and manage environments and sanitation in commercial (and fishing) harbors as well as to study how vessels entering harbors dispose of waste\n(2) Future programs\n- calculating data on river garbage interception and removal\n- conducting large-size garbage removal\/interception programs\n- enhancing plastic container recycling data\n- transferring offshore island waste back to Taiwan\nStrategy 3: Education and promotion for public participation\n(1) Ongoing programs\nOngoing programs include the national adoption system for coastal maintenance, voluntary civic beach clean-ups, the beach currency system in Siaoliuqiu, Strawless March, and voluntary civic street cleaning events. In addition, the EPA conducts the national adoption system for coastal maintenance, supervising oceanside local environmental bureaus to conduct beach clean-ups, and publicizing well-performing beach adopters every season.\n(2) Future actions\nThe EPA will designate target beaches for stricter management, set up a platform that investigates and announces beaches awaiting clean-ups, and facilitate clean-ups by coordinating civic organizations, adopting organizations or bodies, and city and county cleaning units.\nCivic organizations continue to organize beach clean-up events in pollution hotspots plagued with marine waste.\n\nIII. Research and investigation\nStrategy 1: Understanding coastal and marine pollution in Taiwan via research and monitoring\n(1) Ongoing programs:\n- monitoring and investigations by civic organizations on marine waste\n- investigations of impacts of marine waste on wildlife (such as cetaceans)\n- international investigation of land-to-ocean marine waste\n- phased investigation and monitoring of significant coasts\n(2) Future actions\n- phased investigation and monitoring of sources and composition of major marine garbage\n- the first rapid beach survey on waste across Taiwan in June 2018\n- investigation of impacts on living organisms and ecosystems from marine waste\n- investigation of impacts on human societies and economy from marine waste\n- investigation and calculation of waste from rivers and large ditches\n- Kuroshio's Voyage: Investigation of microplastic beads in Taiwan by sailing around the island\nStrategy 2: Education and promotion for public participation\n- Ocean Love Tour, held by the Taiwan Marine Waste Information Platform\n- continuation and expansion of inviting the public to participate in marine waste monitoring\n- Kuroshio's Voyage Plus: Expositions and speeches across Taiwan\n\nIV. Expansion of collaboration and participation\nStrategy 1: Expansion and strengthening of multilateral collaboration\n(1) Ongoing programs: The Taiwan Marine Debris Governance Platform, and regularly experience exchanges on marine waste control inside and outside Taiwan, such as the 2017 Marine Waste Symposium\n(2) Future actions\nExchanges on marine waste issues with Southeast Asia: Frequent international exchanges, forums, and visits on marine waste issues in Southeast Asia\nOverseas visits: Participation in international marine waste forums or overseas tours, for example Greenpeace, Tse-Xin Organic Agriculture Foundation, and the Society of Wilderness went to the Sixth International Marine Waste Seminar in 2018, and the Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association participated in an international meeting on at-source plastic reduction and zero-waste\n(3) Launch of conversations with China on marine waste management via economic platforms such as Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), city-to-city memorandums, and exchanges and visits among civic organizations\n(4) Strengthening marine waste awareness, training for government officials and civil servants to understand better the severity and urgency of marine waste.\nStrategy 2: Expansion of public awareness and social concerns\n(1) Ongoing programs: Puppet show tours depicting plastic waste in the oceans, garbage discovery tours, and avant-garde beach clean-ups\n(2) Future actions:\nAll organizations' environmental education programs that focus on marine waste are eligible to apply for the EPA's Subsidization and Recruitment Plan for Civic Organizations and Schools to Organize Environmental Education.\n\"Salute to the Ocean,\" an interdepartmental effort\n(1) Clear designation and delegation of coordination and execution responsibilities for coastal cleaning and maintenance to ensure garbage-free beaches\nThe Executive Yuan approved the \"Salute to the Ocean\" Coastal Cleaning and Maintenance Plan (2020 to 2023) on 7 May 2020. The program is jointly carried out by nine government agencies, including the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), the Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC), the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Ministry of National Defense (MND), the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the Council of Agriculture (COA), the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), the Ministry of Education (MOE), and the EPA. The participating agencies: take inventory of work items in the program such as coast clean-ups and source control; collaborate with local governments; and, establish a system consisting of regular, immediate, and emergency clean-ups. It is hoped that every inch of the entire 1,988 square kilometers of coastal lands in Taiwan can be cleaned up via such a system. Both the central and local governments have since 2020 invested labor and budgetary resources to maintain coasts under their respective jurisdiction, resulting in the collection of over 89,000 metric tons of garbage.\n(2) Gradual reduction of coastal garbage via source reduction\nWaste reduction from source includes incentives for recycling fishing nets and tools, reuse of Styrofoam, interception and removal of river waste, etc. The EPA is currently drafting a contract to jointly supply used Styrofoam as oyster racks. It is also setting up channels and mechanisms for proper recycling and reuse (for example making a keyboard and mouse with waste Styrofoam). So far, 5,103 collection spots in artificial facilities, such as pumps, interception gates, bridge piers, and drainage outfalls, have been set up at river sections before waterways join, along with pollution interception ropes in 62 spots in different river sections. In these locations, the EPA has been intercepting and removing garbage and pollution from rivers, resulting in collection of 11,209 metric tons of garbage in 2020, and setting a great example of cutting down marine waste at source.\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "5", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4037", "title": "National Disinfection Crew Intensifies Efforts As COVID Cases Skyrocket", "preview": "The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) recently raised the epidemic alert level to Level 3. In response to the increasing severity, the EPA noted that regional environmental bureaus from 22 cities and counties were called to a video conference on disinfection. Crews are ready at all times and have launched massive and thorough disinfection measures to safeguard public health.", "content": "To date, environmental bureaus across Taiwan have assigned a total of 3,000 personnel to conduct disinfection tasks. Since the pandemic started, disinfection work has continued in public venues where crowds gather. The crews can be seen carrying disinfection equipment, especially during holidays such as Lunar New Year when people travel to their hometowns, or before the start of school and after entrance exams for technical and vocational schools.\nThe COVID pandemic has been on the rise recently, with local cases with unknown sources popping up in several counties and cities. In light of this, the crews dare not let their guard down, doubling disinfection efforts at locations where the known infected cases have been to, in New Taipei City, Taipei City, Yilan County, Kaohsiung City, Changhua County, and Keelung City. Additionally, the Taipei City Environmental Bureau has increased the disinfection frequency from once a week to twice a week. The statistics up to 28 May show that there are 8,065 sites on the list of crowded places under control. Aside from intensified disinfection efforts from local environmental bureaus, the EPA also urges the public to follow the CECC's instructions in this period of heightened pandemic alert.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "5", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4036", "title": "Building Diverse Food Waste Processing Channels and Reducing Swine Flu Risks", "preview": "The EPA has been working to build diverse food waste processing channels. In addition to permitting 694 pig farms to use food waste as pig feed, it has provided over NT$130 billion in subsidies to local governments to install food waste shredding, drying, and high-efficiency composting facilities; establish food waste bioenergy plants; enhance the efficiency of established composting facilities; and purchase collection and transport vehicles. These measures were aimed at making food waste processing more diverse and more effective. ", "content": "The EPA pointed out that to satisfy the needs and development of the pig farming industry, it had approved 694 pig farms to use food waste as pig feed, allowing the traditional practice of using food scraps to feed pigs to continue. However, to prevent the spread of African swine flu via food waste, the EPA is still making every effort to supervise and urge pig farms to implement high-temperature cooking of food waste. According to the EPA’s statistics, 9,279 pig farms have been inspected since 1 Feb 2019, when environmental authorities across the country started vigorous inspections of pig farms to ensure the safety of using food waste as pig feed. \n\nIn addition, after a recent floating dead pig incident in New Taipei City, environmental authorities across the country immediately began to carry out the instructions that the Central Emergency Operation Center ordered in response to the risk of African swine flu, and restarted inspections of the 694 pig farms permitted to use food waste, so as to reduce the risk of disease spreading through food waste. \n\nThe EPA reminded restaurants and enterprises to hand their food waste over to cleaning squads or legal pig farms to be made into pigswill or compost. They are not to hand food waste over to illegal pig farms or discard it randomly. Violators will be punished severely in accordance with the Waste Disposal Act. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "5", "assortment": "Environmental Inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4035", "title": "Label Certifying Products Using Recycled Marine Waste Officially Launched ", "preview": "With marine waste intensifying as a global issue in recent years, the EPA implemented the 2020 Demonstration and Promotion Plan for Marine Waste High-Quality Recycling and Reuse. Collaboration with local environmental bureaus, civic organizations, industries, and certifying institutes will demonstrate the procedures (such as tracing through documents and records) that certify products as containing recycled waste from marine environments. Relevant legislation is also on the way, as the Operation Guidelines for Promoting the Recycled Marine Waste Product Label (the Guidelines) has been announced on 9th April 2021 to serve as explicit reference for mechanisms that certify products using marine waste and for related labeling regulations. The suitable for domestic and international companies to apply, showing active actions and support for preventing the impact of marine waste on the environment. It is suitable for domestic and international companies to apply for the Recycled Marine Waste Product Label, demonstrating active actions and support for preventing the impact of marine waste on the environment. ", "content": "In response to international concerns about marine waste issues, the EPA promotes a Recycled Marine Waste Product Label system, and grants official certification marks to raw materials and products made from recycled marine waste, so that the public is aware of the importance of reducing marine waste. All companies or organizations are welcome to apply for label certification and do their best to fight against marine waste!\n\nThe EPA has established a recycled marine waste product verification mechanism and labeling specifications. On 9th April 2021, it issued the Operation Guidelines for Promoting the Recycled Marine Waste Product Label to promote the Recycled Marine Waste Product Label (figure 1). The collection, classification, treatment, and production of marine waste products shall establish traceable records. After the certifying institutes have issued verification statements and verification reports, the weight of marine waste has reached more than 20%, and an application shall be submitted and a label shall be given after review.\n\nThere are 16 points in the Guidelines, which detail the application procedures, evaluation, and management of Recycled Marine Waste Product Label. The primary application documents are audit claims and reports issued by certifying institutes which ensure that recycled materials come from coasts or marine environments (figure 2 and 3). Applicants that are initially approved to use the label must then comply with all the Guidelines and pass the evaluation. The label has been registered after being approved by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). In its design, waves symbolize the ocean while a plastic bottle, the most iconic marine waste item, symbolizes its dual nature as waste and at the same time as a reusable material that can be transformed into various products after being recycled. The circular-shaped waves holding the plastic bottle portray a circular economy.\n\nThe EPA also noted that the multiple marine-waste-related labels in recent years were products of corporations and NGOs. What is unique about the EPA's label is that it will be the first in the world to focus on marine waste, that is supported by government agencies and that certifies strict procedures and protocols. The domestic and foreign certifying institutes involved are required to comply with both ISO 17065 and ISO 17021 to certify and issue the label, for use in an open and free certification market.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "5", "assortment": "Ecolabeling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4034", "title": "Build A Simple, Green Lifestyle with More Energy-Conserving Offices and Households", "preview": "Earlier this year the EPA worked with the Test Rite Group Shilin Branch, mounting a display in the store to demonstrate how to live an environmentally-friendly life. The branch has been rated excellent on the EPA's Green Store and Green Marketing Evaluation. It allows consumers, while on their shopping trips, to learn about environmentally-friendly behaviors that can be incorporated easily into day-to-day life.", "content": "The EPA and Test Rite Group joined hands on 7 April 2020 to promote the idea of \"Just a Little More Green,\" which improves the living environment through small acts in day-to-day life.\n\"Make a green lifestyle the new normal!\" said the EPA's Executive Secretary, Nien-Ho Ma, encouraging the public to continue building an environmentally-friendly living environment with the EPA via various measures. They include recycling, reducing plastic, carrying one’s own utensils, replacing old motorcycles, cleaning up and greening environments, and buying products with the Green Mark. This year, efforts have been intensified to bring in the public sector at all levels to join in and push for a green lifestyle by encouraging and mobilizing the public.\nThe display section in Test Rite Group Shilin Branch demonstrates what environmentally-friendly offices and households can look like and displays dozens of green products for consumers to choose from. For a green household, one can use products with the Green Mark, pay attention to how much is stuffed in refrigerators, clean air conditioner filters, and properly recycle. Also, clean air and a pleasant indoor environment are easily available by first choosing and then correctly watering and fertilizing plants that purify indoor air. Furthermore, the public is encouraged to support renewable energy, use low-carbon products and those with high energy efficiency, reduce idling time of appliances, and maintain appliance efficiency via constant cleaning. There are other good habits of electricity usage that lower energy consumption and cut utility bills, including replacing old household appliances with more energy-conserving ones, sun- or air-drying laundry instead of using machines, and cooking food after it is thoroughly thawed.\nSeeing itself as an advocate of green consumption, Test Rite Group has been actively introducing various green products for years and in 2009 began applying to become a Green Store, starting by implementing energy conservation in the air conditioning and lighting of its stores. Various environmentally-friendly and energy-saving products are also continuously introduced to consumers, now accounting for 10.2% of total sales revenues. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "5", "assortment": "Ecolabeling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4033", "title": "Ammonium Nitrate and Hydrofluoric Acid Listed for Control as Harmful Concerned Chemical Substances", "preview": "The EPA preannounced in early April 2021 that ammonium nitrate and hydrofluoric acid have been added to the list of concerned chemical substances. Relevant controls concerning handling were announced based on the substances' characteristics and uses in the nation. In addition to listing them as concerned chemical substances with harmful effects, the preannouncement also signals the start to strengthened controls over potential risk areas where accidents may occur, such as the import, manufacture, use, storage, transportation, and sale of these substances.", "content": "The EPA pointed out that with different agencies responsible for managing ammonium nitrate and hydrofluoric acid, tracking of the flow of these substances and accident prevention and response is not well-regulated. After listing the two substances for control, the EPA will track them properly and gather complete data on their importation, transportation after they enter the country, storage, manufacture, use and management by enterprises. The aim is to have all departments working together, with individual delegated responsibilities, to manage the two substances. \nAmmonium nitrate is often used in the production of agricultural fertilizers, dynamite, and explosives for mining. But improper storage and management can lead to accidents, such as the large blast in the port of Beirut, Lebanon in August 2020. Ammonium nitrate is also a raw material for nitrous oxide (laughing gas), the first concerned chemical substance announced and listed for control. Highly pure laughing gas can be generated after ammonium nitrate goes through thermal decomposition, so proper management of ammonium nitrate simultaneously constitutes proper management of a main precursor substance for laughing gas production. \nHydrofluoric acid can be made by adding water to hydrogen fluoride. Due to its corrosive properties, it is widely used in the etching and washing of semiconductor chips and other industrial uses. The solution is also commonly called \"bone-melting water\" or \"white bone acid,\" which erodes and irritates the skin. Dermatological reactions such as pain, whitening, and reddish swelling occur when highly concentrated hydrofluoric acid contacts skin, while more severe effects include blistering and sloughing off of skin. In Taiwan, besides injuries caused by improper use, there have been multiple incidents where highly concentrated hydrofluoric acid was intentionally used in attacks. Once hydrofluoric acid is listed for control, besides the factories that use it, chemical raw material retailers and other channels that sell hydrofluoric acid shall be required to obtain approval documents to handle it in their operations, and thus risks will be reduced. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "5", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4032", "title": "Indoor Air Quality Self-management Label to Be Launched in June", "preview": "The public was concerned about whether small and medium-sized premises such as kindergartens, postpartum nursing centers, childcare centers, long-term care institutions will be included in the third batch of announced indoor air quality management premises and how they should be managed. In response, the EPA held a press conference on 13 April 2021 regarding the progress of indoor air quality self-management promotion and explained to the public that the announcement of the third batch premises would be postponed. Instead, a “self-management” labeling system was to be adopted to encourage these premises to improve their indoor air quality. ", "content": "The label will be launched in June this year, and will comprise two levels: excellent and qualified. Premises that are rated “excellent” will be awarded with extra points for evaluation, have their testing frequency lengthened and testing points halved, in addition to being publicly recognized and honored. \n\nTo improve indoor air quality and safeguard citizens’ health, Taiwan is the second country in the world that has legislated a law to govern indoor air quality. The EPA adopted a gradual control approach, announcing that the first and second batches of premises would be regulated in 2014 and 2017, respectively. Premises that are frequently used by the public or attract large crowds such as train stations, libraries, stadiums, and hypermarkets were gradually regulated. More than 1,500 premises comprising 16 categories are now regulated, accounting for more than 80% of large premises in Taiwan. \n\nIn July 2010, the EPA started to review indoor air quality management operations, and simultaneously conducted research and analysis on the third batch of premises which consisted of small and medium-sized premises to be regulated as well as the promotion of a self-management labeling system. It also held several meetings to gather public opinions. Then on 11 Dec 2010, the EPA preannounced the draft of the regulations governing the third batch of premises that must comply with the Indoor Air Quality Act. In this draft, kindergartens with over 200 students, postpartum nursing centers with more than 20 beds and infant care centers hosting more than 35 infants were to be regulated. Approximately 2,200 premises in total would be affected. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "5", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4031", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Water quality protection", "preview": "", "content": "(1) The Taichung City Lyu-Chuan Canal Improvement Plan was officially completed on 14 April. EPA Deputy Minister Hung-Teh Tsai and Mayor Shiow-Yen Lu were on hand to witness the opening of the area. Taichung City Government implemented the Plan with a NT$34.6-million budget approved by the EPA, aiming to restore the canal to its former glory by improving the deteriorating environment caused by economic development. All household wastewater generated from both shores between Shin-Yi South Street and Da-Ming Road (a 2.4-kilometer-long section of the canal) is now intercepted, with some of the wastewater going to Fu-Tien Water Resources Recycling Center. The rest goes downstream to the gravel contact aeration disposal facilities in Han-Xi Water Park, whose daily capacity of household wastewater treatment reaches 12,000 metric tons. Treated water is then sent back to the canal. Not only so, but pedestrian areas and public facilities on both sides of the canal also went through a makeover to provide the public with easy access to a high quality water environment.\n\n(2) Sheng-Chung Wu, Director General of the EPA’s Department of Water Quality Protection, and Pingtung County Commissioner Men-An Pan were on site for the opening of Fu-Shing Park, the result of the Wannian Stream Riverbank Environment Improvement Plan. The 2.7-hectare park went through a renovation based on urban flood detention, water purification, riverbank ecosystems, and environmental education. The park, whose green space is interspersed along the waterway, can now be accessed by visitors who can enjoy closer interaction with nature. It also helps facilitate development in the surrounding areas and enhance residents’ living quality.\n\n(3) The EPA went to Erlin, Chunghua on 30 April and jointly promoted centralized disposal of livestock excrement with the town’s mayor, as well as visited Brother Livestock Farm. The trip led to cooperation between the EPA and Erlin Town Hall after the EPA explained the government's available subsidies and resources and assisted the progress of the promotion. In addition, Brother Livestock Farm has applied to use biogas slurry to irrigate 1.1 hectares of farmland. As there is still room to expand its irrigation size, the EPA discussed with the farm on opportunities to increase resource utilization.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "water", "url": "" }, { "no": "4030", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Waste management", "preview": "", "content": "(1) A seminar was held on 7 April on legislative revision concerning waste disposal, where participants discussed plans to thoroughly review and amend the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法). Local environmental bureaus were invited to collect opinions from the competent authorities working at the frontline as references for future legislative revisions.\n\n(2) The EPA organized activities on Earth Day (20 April) at the Red House in Ximen, Taipei, including a road run and a street fair. Government agencies, corporations, and NGOs were urged to jointly promote waste reduction, carbon reduction, an environment-friendly lifestyle, resource and plastic recycling, and at-source waste reduction. The purpose was to raise public awareness of environmental protection and green behaviors in everyday life.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4029", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation", "preview": "", "content": "(1) Explanation meetings were held on 9, 20 and 21 April on the operation of the Soil and Groundwater Information Management System – Site Procedure Control System. A total of 60 people attended the meetings to familiarize local environmental bureaus with the operation of soil and groundwater-related systems. Items on the agenda included: site procedure control systems, particular application functions, alert functions, common site cases, 2021 performance evaluation systems, hands-on exercises, and exchange and discussions. The meetings were designed to enhance the administrative efficiency of soil and groundwater-related tasks. \n\n(2) An explanation meeting was held on 26 April on oil product identification technology exchange and promotion of gasoline source-tracking analysis methods. Local environmental bureaus, analysis organizations, and technology consultants were invited to attend. One hundred sixteen people participated in the meeting, which promoted the achievements and emphasized the importance of developing oil product identification technologies. These technologies have been applied at domestic sites polluted by oil products to help with source-tracking and policy-making, enhancing pollution investigation and efficiency of remediation. \n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "Soil and groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4028", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Resource Recycling and Management", "preview": "", "content": "(1) On 9 April, the EPA Operating Guidelines for the Promotion of the Label for Products Made of Recycled Marine Waste was announced. It specifies matters related to the application, review, and management of recycled marine waste products. The main items on application documents are verification statements and verification reports issued by verification agencies, to verify that the waste used to make the products is sourced from coastal or marine environments. The right to use the label is granted once applications meet the regulations specified in the Operating Guidelines and pass reviews. It is hoped that enterprises identify themselves with the concept of marine waste reduction and recycling and apply for the label for their products out of corporate social responsibility. Public support is also needed to demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to protect the oceans. \n\n(2) To monitor the implementation of “cleaning, sorting and stacking” of waste tableware in desert stations and fast food areas set up in the temples along the Mazu pilgrimage route, personnel were sent to Taichung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, and Chiayi County to gain an understanding of the collection and clearance mechanism of lunch box waste generated from the pilgrimage, and to timely remind local environmental agencies to carry out lunch box clearance tasks. \n\nAlong the Mazu pilgrimage route, EPA personnel were sent to Taichung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, and Chiayi County. The personnel monitored implementation of “cleaning, sorting and stacking” of waste tableware in snack stations and fast food areas set up in the temples to gain a better picture of the collection and clearance mechanisms for lunch box waste generated during the pilgrimage. They also gave timely reminders to local environmental agencies to carry out lunch box clearance tasks. It was verified that all relevant counties and cities had set up recycling stations and related sorting facilities at appropriate locations along the pilgrimage route, and that disposable tableware, paper containers, food waste, recyclables, and general waste were sorted and recycled properly. \n\n(3) On 27 April, a press conference was held on the win-win situation achieved by LCD glass and electroplating industries through the use of water resource recycling and the application of nanoporous glass materials. The conference shared information on technology that converts the glass in LCD monitors, which was previously disposed, into high-quality nanoporous adsorption material, a process that can treat massive amounts of electroplating wastewater produced by the electroplating industry. Resource recycling and reuse were emphasized, and electroplating enterprises were encouraged to adopt this technology so as to create multiple types of value jointly with a circular economy. \n\n(4) On 29 April, local environmental agencies and waste processors were issued and notified of the Evaluation Plan for Recycling Enterprises Handling Regulated Recyclable Waste. The onsite evaluation was scheduled to be conducted at the plants of recycling enterprises between June and September 2021. Model enterprises will be selected onsite by evaluation committee members to encourage enterprises in other counties and cities to emulate and for peers to learn from, promoting the further improvement of the recycling industry. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4027", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Sustainable development, technological development, and international development", "preview": "", "content": "The National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) convened three working meetings at the Executive Yuan on 16, 20, and 30 April. NCSD members and representatives from relevant ministries gathered to discuss the implementation of NCSD tasks in the first half of the year, the progress towards sustainable development goals of the current stage, and other related issues. Each task force and project group of the NCSD was asked to submit reports on work progress in the first half of the year.", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "International Cooperation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4026", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Staff training", "preview": "", "content": "(1) Environmental personnel training: to upgrade skills of personnel in all levels of environmental authorities and enterprises, 16 environmental personnel training sessions were held, with 637 people trained on environmental technology, policies and regulations, data applications, administration, and management.\n\n(2) Environmental license training: the EPA conducted air pollution control, and wastewater disposal personnel training for 1,302 people, and 1,024 environmental protection certificates in seven categories were issued. Orientation was conducted for environmental protection personnel and technicians to enable those with certificates that have not used them for over three years to catch up with the latest regulations. A total of 100 people participated in the orientation.\n\n(3) Review for all types of environmental education certification continues: A total of 11,336 people (including 5,041 people certified by the Ministry of Education), 26 institutes, and 209 venues have been certified.\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4025", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Regulation revisions", "preview": "", "content": "(1) On 7 April, an official document (EPA Chemical 1108200208) was issued, ordering to commence the revision of the Toxic Chemical Substances Handling Application and Chemical Substances Registration Fee Standards. \n\n(2) On 16 April, an official document (EPA Water 1101035476) was issued, announcing revisions to the Water Pollution Control Act Enterprise Classification and Definitions.\n\n(3) On 23 April, an official document (EPA Inspection 1108000092) was issued, ordering to commence the revision of the Regulations Governing Motor Vehicle Air Pollutant and Noise Emission Testing Organizations.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4024", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Management of environmental analysis organizations and support for examining important projects", "preview": "", "content": "Applications submitted from environmental analysis organizations were processed: six organizations added environmental test items, three renewed permits, two were newly established, and 23 analysis report signatories were added. In addition, 28 permit and 22 report signatory evaluations were conducted. One hundred thirteen environmental analysis organizations (121 laboratories) and 18 motor vehicle testing organizations (21 laboratories) have obtained permits and are in operation. ", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "Environmental Analysis", "url": "" }, { "no": "4023", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Evaluation and dispute", "preview": "", "content": "A press conference was held on 7 April to promote environment-friendly households and offices and energy conservation. The EPA also worked with Test Rite Group by having an exhibition in the TLW Shilin Branch from 7 to 20 April, displaying various simple actions to achieve a green lifestyle in households and offices and save energy.", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "Control and Evaluation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4022", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Appeals and arbitration", "preview": "", "content": "(1) On 13 April, lawyer Hsiu-chun Chen of Root Law Office was invited to give a speech at the EPA. The speech was titled “administrative sanctions and the difference between public and private contracts - and discussion on the legality of a company (branch) being the target of sanctions.\"\n\n(2) On 19 April, a deliberation meeting was convened concerning damages and compensation over a public nuisance dispute between a fishery and a power generation company.\n\n(3) The Petitions and Appeals Committee conducted its 709th plenary meeting on 23 April, completing deliberation of 28 appeal cases, including six rejected, 21 dismissed, and one withdrawn. The withdrawal rate was 3.57%.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "Control and Evaluation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4021", "title": "New-Generation Air Quality Monitoring and Testing in Taiwan", "preview": "Aiming to enhance air quality monitoring capacity and better provide air pollution information in real-time, in 2013 the EPA launched the New-Generation Environmental Quality Monitoring and Testing Development Plan. Under the program, the air quality monitoring network has been upgraded into its fourth generation, resulting in much-improved air quality. Other than upgrades in hardware such as equipment in national-level monitoring stations, the EPA will keep strengthening the real-time broadcast and notification mechanism and working with the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) to enhance its air quality forecast operations and services. ", "content": "Air quality in Taiwan has shown significant improvement based on the EPA’s annual air quality monitoring report. Comparing data collected by monitoring stations in 2020 with that collected during the past decade, average annual concentrations of major air pollutants being monitored in 2020, such as particulate matters, fine particulate matters (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide, and ozone, are lower than concentrations in 2019.\n\nProgram background\n\nAir quality monitoring is the key foundation for protecting air quality and controlling air pollution. The establishment of an air quality monitoring network went through three generations between 1980 and 2013. Significant steps taken during that period include the National Air Quality Monitoring Network Establishment Plan in 1993 and the Environmental Quality Monitoring Network Phasing Plan in 2005.\n\nThe New-Generation Environmental Quality Monitoring and Testing Development Plan was launched in 2013 in response to climate change and to meet the public demand for information on air quality. Through it, the EPA has hoped to further enhance national capacity in air quality monitoring, better provide air pollution information in real-time, and develop the fourth generation of the air quality monitoring network.\n\nThe new-generation air quality monitoring system strives to achieve four goals: integration of central and regional monitoring capacity; strengthening of pollutant concentration testing capacity; enhancing understanding and handling of regional pollution incidents, and; improving real-time environmental monitoring data broadcasting mechanisms. Significant measures include integrating all types of national monitoring resources under the EPA’s global information website (http:\/\/airtw.epa.gov.tw\/), providing assistance, phasing out of obsolete or old instruments in national-level monitoring stations, establishing a multi-layered air quality monitoring Internet of Things (IoT), and adding standard manual methods for PM2.5 as well as a monitoring network for chemical compounds.\n\nFor the data collection systems of monitoring stations and the air quality monitoring center database, the EPA has also enhanced real-time broadcasting and notification mechanisms and works with the CWB to fine-tune operations and services related to air quality forecasts.\n\nMonitoring instruments, such as the automated ones for PM2.5, that have been upgraded under the New-Generation Environmental Quality Monitoring and Testing Development Plan will no longer undergo calibration based on linear regression. This is because the instruments have already passed the USEPA’s similarity standard methods, as well as meeting the similarity requirements listed in Taiwan’s Regulations Concerning Comparisons Between Manual and Automated In-Air PM2.5 Testing Methods (空氣中細懸浮微粒手動及自動檢測方法比對規範).\n\nIn response to making yearly air quality improvement, in the future, instruments in national-level monitoring stations will undergo upgrades on precision and limits will become more stringent so as to meet environmental monitoring needs concerning low-concentration pollutants. It is hoped this will provide the better information and high-quality monitoring data services needed to formulate control strategies.\n\nFocuses of recent air quality monitoring\n\nRecent air quality monitoring has been focusing on the following two aspects:\n\n1. Strengthening monitoring capacity for low-concentration pollutants\n\nTo meet future needs to monitor air pollutants at lower concentrations, the EPA is paying special attention to the low-concentration monitoring capacity of instruments as they are upgraded. Specification improvements have included the removal of vapor disruption, which effectively led to the setting of record-low detection limits. For instance, instruments can now detect sulfur dioxide as low as 0.3 ppb as opposed to 0.5 ppb previously (a drop in the lower detection limit by 40%), 0.4 ppb of nitrogen oxides as opposed to 0.5 ppb previously (a 20% drop), and 0.5 ppb of ozone as opposed to 1 ppb previously (a 50% drop). These all demonstrate a significant leap in the monitoring capacity of instruments.\n\n2. Integrating capacity of central and regional monitoring networks\n\nThe EPA has developed an integrated national air quality system, which collects and combines data from 218 monitoring stations in Taiwan. They include the EPA’s own 78 stations, 34 stations belonging to regional environmental bureaus, 36 stations belonging to specialized industrial parks, and 70 to large-scale enterprises. In addition, there have been continual efforts in assisting and expanding the collection of data from monitoring stations of other large-scale enterprises. The purpose is to improve comprehensive services to the public including real-time air quality information by facilitating integration of all monitoring stations across Taiwan.\n\n3. Handling of regional pollution incidents\n\nIn order to get the complete picture of the impacts on air quality from regional environmental atmospheric changes, the EPA has built a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) network. The network can monitor altitudes of diffusion layers in the atmosphere in areas prone to poor air dispersion. Another monitoring network has been set up with sensors for long distance visibility and particle size analyzers, so as to simultaneously monitor both visibility and particle sizes and analyze the correlation between visibility and air quality. Core monitoring stations comprising LIDAR, visibility sensors, particle size analyzers, and facilities that monitor PM2.5 components have been set up in three regions to analyze pollution characteristics for future reference. These locations are: Banqiao, New Taipei City, in the northern region; Xitun, Taichung City, in the central region, and; Xiaogang, Kaohsiung, in the southern region.\n\nReplacing and upgrading instruments used in the monitoring network\n\nSignificant achievements in the work of replacing and upgrading monitoring network equipment include:\n\n\n(1) A better understanding of regional pollution characteristics\n\nTo enhance the quality of the national-level air quality monitoring network, the EPA has set up a background monitoring station in Fugui Cape, added six mobile monitoring stations, three mobile photochemical assessment stations, and one stationary station to assess photochemical reactions. Another significant advance was the establishment of the LIDAR monitoring network and set up of optical monitoring bases in the northern, central, and southern regions. Moreover, the EPA has been working on enhancing data collection and transmission management systems. By-the-hour data checking and equipment status analysis are now automated, effectively optimizing data collection and reading.\n\n(2) New equipment for better environmental analysis \n\nAs air quality has improved year after year, there has been a growing need for low-concentration pollution monitoring. Thus, the EPA has replaced old equipment with new, including 90 new analyzers for sulfur dioxide, 90 for nitrogen oxides, 90 for ozone, 80 zero air generators, and 80 gas dilution calibrators. In total, the replacement and upgrades consisted of 1,286 instruments under 35 categories, 26 operation rooms under four types, and two vehicles for quality maintenance and audits. They can all be operated with higher stability and lower malfunction rates, with enhanced performance and 20-50% improvement in their capacity for detecting low concentrations of pollutants.\n\nFuture work and expected results\n\nThe following are focuses and expected results of future air quality monitoring:\n\n1. Establishing the new-generation air quality monitoring network\n\nWith low-concentration pollution more and more common, the EPA will continue to upgrade equipment, enhance detection capacity and removal of interfering data, and lower detection limits. Another focus is to lay the foundation for telecommunications for monitoring in the age of Industry 4.0.\n\n2. Improving understanding of regional pollution characteristics\nThe EPA will be able to better understand regional pollution incidents and, in turn, improve in issuing forecasts and warnings by enhancing its capacity to monitor atmospheric characteristics.\n\n3. Enhancing analysis capacity with new equipment\nMultiple types of environmental quality monitoring and testing equipment have been introduced to better analyze pollution characteristics in the future.\n\n4. Improving environmental monitoring information services\nThe EPA is able to provide better information services to over 20 million viewers every year after upgrading its information system's hardware and software.\n\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4020", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Environmental monitoring and promotion of e-government", "preview": "", "content": "(1) The 100 air sensors donated by the EPA to Vietnam have arrived at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam, and completed calibration. The EPA also organized a teleconference with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vietnam, Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on 20 April. Participants discussed the related training.\n\n(2) On expanding the EPA’s Environmental Project Reports Information System, a column requiring budget items was added to the basic information page in April. It is to help the public understand the status of all operations commissioned by the EPA and in turn, achieve disclosure and transparency of government data.\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "environmental monitoring", "url": "" }, { "no": "4019", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Environmental sanitation and greenhouse gas reduction", "preview": "", "content": "To keep out lumpy skin disease (LSD), the EPA joined hands with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) on 16 April, disinfecting the entrances, exits, and surrounding areas of 11 ports and 13 airports. The competent authorities of these ports and airports were in charge of disinfecting their jurisdictions, whereas the environmental authorities handled surrounding roads and public areas. It was an interdepartmental collaboration that effectively lowered disease-carrying mosquitoes' density and protected the livestock industry through proper disease control measures.", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "" }, { "no": "4018", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Waste Treatment and Environmental Law Enforcement", "preview": "", "content": "(1) To respond to African swine fever and strengthen relevant epidemic prevention measures, on 13 April the EPA held a meeting with environmental bureaus of all counties and cities across Taiwan to remind them to require pig farmers to comply with relevant food waste cooking regulations so as to ensure the safe use of food waste as pig feed. In addition to requiring all environmental bureaus to strengthen the inspection of pig farms that utilize food waste recycling within their jurisdictions and to supervise pig farms to ensure implementation of high-temperature cooking of food waste, the EPA and all environmental bureaus also sent personnel to carry out inspections at the 694 pig farms that had been approved for food waste recycling. A total of 183 pig farms were inspected, and all of them were compliant with the regulations. The EPA and the bureaus’ personnel also joined with representatives from pig farmers’ associations of all counties and cities to carry out patrols and promotion activities in the major food waste recycling pig farms of each county or city. \n\n(2) In light of the trend that environmental crimes are getting more specialized and organized in recent years and having different characteristics in different geographic areas, the EPA invited prosecutors with extensive experience in handling environmental crime cases from local prosecution offices of the Ministry of Justice to serve as advisory members in the “2021 Environmental Crime Investigation Consultation Meeting (Southern Session)” held on 27 April. \n\n(3) On 27 April, the EPA held the “2021 Environmental Crime Investigation Consultation Meeting (Southern Session)”. In light of the trend in recent years of environmental crimes becoming more specialized and organized, with different characteristics in different geographic areas, the EPA invited prosecutors from local prosecution offices of the Ministry of Justice, who have extensive experience in handling environmental crime cases, to serve as advisory members. The meeting aimed to strengthen the communication between environmental and prosecutorial authorities by sharing and discussing environmental law enforcement achievements and conduct in-depth review and analysis of individual cases. It also aimed to reinforce environmental law enforcement capacities so as to deter environmental crimes and illegal behaviors and protect local air quality. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "Environmental Inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4017", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental education promotion", "preview": "", "content": "(1) During April, the EPA held two EIA review committee meetings, one special task group meeting to collect opinions, and 13 preliminary review meetings. A total of 12 development projects were jointly explained and determined whether to undergo EIA. Six projects were approved to modify their EIA documents, while one was rejected. All were based on the Environmental Impact Assessment Enforcement Rules (環境影響評估法施行細則) Article 36, paragraph 2.\n\n(2) The 2020-2021 Caring for the Environment Design Competition was held on 13 April. EPA Deputy Minister Hung-Teh Tsai was the award presenter with Bo Mønsted, Director of the Trade Council of Denmark, in attendance. The first prize went to the TWIST Folding Cup, the second to the Pyupack Environmental System for Urban Beekeeping and Greenhouse Pollination, and the third to the Marine Waste Styrofoam Recycling and Reused. Five awards were also given for excellent designs. Winning works from the competition will be on display in northern and southern Taiwan: at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park Warehouse No. 4 in Taipei from 13 to 15 April, and the National Science and Technology Museum in Kaohsiung from 22 to 27 April.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "" }, { "no": "4016", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau", "preview": "", "content": "(1) On April 7, amendments to “Toxic Chemical Substances Handling Application and Chemical Substances Registration Fee Standards” were promulgated and a press release was distributed for a detailed explanation. \n\n(2) The “Nitrous Oxide Inspection and 2021 Conference on Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Operation and Flow Control and Auditing Project” was summoned on April 13, allowing the Bureau to review and share the nitrous oxide inspection results and to exchange experience with local environmental protection bureaus. Besides, the “2021 Chemical Engineering (Raw) Material Industry Counseling and Field Investigation” and the methods and highlights of the \"Joint Investigation of Chemical Engineering (Raw) Material Industry Operators Concurrently Selling Food Additives” were presented. \n(3) Jointly organized “National Toxic and Chemical Substances Disaster Prevention and Rescue Drill” to simulate the scenario of a toxic substances disaster, based on which a drill was conducted to enhance the Bureau’s overall disaster-relief capacity and to better respond to similar disasters in the future. ", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4015", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Air Quality Improvement", "preview": "", "content": "(1) A press conference was held on 13 April to announce the launch of Indoor Air Quality Voluntary Control Label in June to safeguard the health of sensitive groups. The EPA will promote the Label to encourage venues to establish a healthier indoor environment by voluntarily improving indoor air quality. The EPA will review the system on a rolling basis to better understand the effects of the voluntary control label and make further improvements.\n\n(2) The Regulations Concerning Food and Beverage Industry Air Pollution Control Equipment Management (餐飲業空氣污染防制設施管理辦法) were announced on 5 February. Apart from collecting relevant questions, the EPA organized seminars in the north on 16 April and in the south on 19 April to help answer questions from enterprises in person. Local environmental bureaus have been asked to provide needed assistance and supervise enterprises’ improvement measures. To properly control fugitive air pollution, the EPA will assess the formulation of administrative regulations for special facilities to lower difficulties in actual practice.\n\n(3) A forum was held on 23 April to allow the exchange of ideas on airborne dust control in riverbeds. Approximately 85 people from the MOEA’s Water Resources Agency, River Management Offices, COA’s Forestry Bureau, and local environmental bureaus were in attendance, sharing successful experiences in controlling and improving airborne dust in riverbeds. Participants talked about discovering problems by listening to the locals and overcoming various difficulties via management platforms, joint inspections, response measures, communications, and coordination. Moreover, the forum emphasized the importance of customized measures based on location and time period. For instance, using residual materials from agricultural production as mulch serves multiple purposes, such as effective sand stabilization, a channel for waste disposal, and increasing plant survival rates. In the Zhuoshui River region, the occurrence of airborne dust incidents in 2020 is 85% less than that in 2017, and the average particulate matter concentration in 2020 is a 44% drop from that in 2017. All of that has contributed to a better living environment for local residents.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "4", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4014", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Management", "preview": "", "content": "(1) On 5 February, a consultation meeting of experts on “Review and Analysis of Heavy Metals, pH, Boron and Pesticides in Groundwater” was held. The purpose was to consult and consolidate the opinions of experts and scholars and to review the Groundwater Pollution Monitoring Standards and Groundwater Pollution Control Standards on a rolling basis. The expert members discussed the possibility of listing groundwater-related substances for control and gave suggestions about their follow-up management to improve groundwater pollution management. (2) On 26 February, the EPA held the “Implementation for the Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Facilities on Contaminated Land” meetings in Taoyuan City, Hsinchu City, Taichung City and Changhua County. The EPA has further ascertained the follow-up priority implementation of the counties and cities, the number of interested parties, the area and the implementation timelines. The purpose was to align with the energy policies and promote the installation of solar photovoltaic facilities on polluted land so the multi-win goals of diversified land use, energy policy development and environmental sustainability can be achieved. (2) The EPA held a total of seven meetings to explain the Regulations Governing the Establishment of Pollution Prevention and Monitoring Facilities to Prevent Storage Systems from Polluting Groundwater in the Environmental Protection Bureaus of Tainan City, Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County. Approximately 500 people participated in the events. The meetings were to let enterprises learn more about the details of the amendments to the regulations.", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "Soil and groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4013", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Resource Recycling and Management", "preview": "", "content": "(1) The EPA revised and announced the third guideline of the Recycling Fee Install Payment Implementation Guidelines for Enterprises Responsible for Regulated Recyclable Waste, which became effective from the date of announcement. In response to the continuous impact of Covid-19 and to help responsible businesses maintain normal operations, the EPA implemented corporate payment relief measures to lessen the burdens of responsible enterprises by adding a regulation allowing them to extend the number of recycling fee payment installments from 25 to 36 installments if the recycling fees are more than NT$20 million and corresponding collateral is provided. (2) A meeting on the “2021 Audit and Certification Organization Supervision Plan” was held on February 18 to explain to audit and certification bodies about the supervision plan, the content and key points of external audits, and the corresponding inspection and evaluation items. (3) To thank local environmental bureaus for their hard work in helping to clean up marine waste bottles and to convey to the public the government’s determination to deal with marine waste, the EPA requested the seven environmental protection bureaus that helped in the cleanups to organize “Marine Waste Recycling Product: Shunbaoyi (recycled plastic clothes)” giving ceremonies in the form of press conferences with news releases on 23 February. The events also served to raise awareness of these efforts. Among the conferences, the one held in Taoyuan City was attended by the EPA Deputy Minister Chih-hsiu Shen while the one in Chiayi County was attended by the EPA Recycling Fund Management Board Executive Director Hsu-Ming Yen. They expressed affirmation and gratitude to the environmental protection volunteers and gave them “Shunbaoyi” as gifts. As of 24 February, a total of 46 related news articles had appeared in the media. ", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4012", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Training of Environmental Professionals ", "preview": "", "content": "(1) Environmental professional training: To improve the professional knowledge of environmental protection practitioners at all levels of environmental agencies and enterprises, ten classes on environmental technology, policies and regulations, information application and administration management were held with 420 people trained. (2) Environmental Certification Training: The EPA organized air pollution prevention and wastewater treatment personnel certification training for 173 persons. In addition, 614 certificates of seven types of environmental professional training were issued or renewed. The EPA also conducted environmental protection and technical personnel professional training to update personnel who have not used their certificates for more than three years on the latest relevant laws and policies to avoid disconnection from the current practice. (3) Continuing to conduct reviews for different types of environmental education certifications: A total of 11,246 environmental education personnel (including 5,041 certified by the Ministry of Education), 26 environmental education institutions, and 210 environmental education facilities passed the certification.", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4011", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Regulation Revisions", "preview": "", "content": "(1) Working Guidelines for Developmental Activity Environmental Impact Assessments were revised on 2 February. (2) Management Regulations for Food and Beverage Industry’s Air Pollution Control Facilities were promulgated on 5 February. (3) Regulations Governing the Recycling and Disposal of General Waste were revised on 22 February.", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4010", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Appeals and Rulings", "preview": "", "content": "(1) The 706th appeal committee plenary meeting was held on 26 February, and deliberation was completed for 28 appeal cases, including seven non-accepted, 19 rejected, and two revoked cases. The revocation rate was 7.14%. (2) The lists of new members of the Public Nuisance Dispute Arbitration Committees of Keelung City Government and Kaohsiung City Government were filed for reference. ", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "4009", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Environmental sanitation and greenhouse gas reduction", "preview": "(1) Use of naphthalene-containing mothballs has been banned in over 46,000 public restrooms on the national regulatory list since 1 February in order to protect those with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDD). All local environmental authorities have since stepped up their patrols, requiring the management units of public restrooms to improve within seven days after the use of mothballs is found. Public restrooms failing to do so will find their ratings dropped with their information posted on the EPA website until the situation is improved. (2) The EPA supervised environmental bureaus in 22 counties and cities to disinfect public outdoor space in and around campuses of public high schools and all schools below, including public kindergartens. A total of 4,346 campuses had been disinfected by 21 February.", "content": "", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "4008", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental education", "preview": "", "content": "(1) The revised Regulations Concerning Environmental Impact Assessment Documents Evaluation and Fees (環境影響評估書件審查收費辦法) were announced on 1 February.(2) The EPA announced the revised Regulations Governing Environmental Impact Assessment of Development Activities (開發行為環境影響評估作業準則) on 2 February.(3) The exhibition of Taiwan-Denmark environmental education collaborations and the Index Award (a well-known environmental design contest in Denmark) was organized from 2 to 5 February. The EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang and Director of the Trade Council of Denmark in Taiwan Bo Mønsted presided over the press conference at 14:00 on the opening day. Fifteen pieces on display were the Index Award winners or the finalists in 2015, 2016, and 2019. Others exhibited were the top three local winners of the first to the third Caring for the Environment Design Competition. Some 500 people visited the 4-day exhibition.\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "" }, { "no": "4007", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Environmental Law Enforcement and Cleaning Squads", "preview": "", "content": "(1) With the cooperation of the Irrigation Agency, the EPA conducted analysis via the Internet of Things for Water Resources and ascertained the frequency and timing of illegal wastewater discharges by unscrupulous businesses after more than a month of monitoring. In the early morning of 1 February, with the help of real-time water quality monitoring equipment, the EPA and the Environmental Protection Bureau of the Kaohsiung City Government jointly launched a raid on an electroplating factory in Gangshan District, Kaohsiung City. The factory was caught on the spot discharging untreated strong acidic wastewater from electroplating work through a bypass pipe. Samples were taken at the scene, and the factory was ordered to remove the pump and the bypass pipe. The illegal gains will be pursued in follow-up actions, and fines will be imposed in accordance with Article 36 of the Water Pollution Control Act. When necessary, the factory’s operations will also be suspended according to law. \n(2) As of the end of February, the EPA had organized eight sessions of “Counseling Meetings on Occupational Safety and Health Laws for Law Implementing Agencies” in Yilan County, Hsinchu City, Hualien County, Nantou County, Pingtung County, Yunlin County, Chiayi City and Kinmen County. It was hoped that through these explanatory meetings, counseling, training, occupational safety and health related exercises and other tasks, the occupational safety of cleaning squads would be improved.", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "Environmental Inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "4006", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Evaluation and disputes", "preview": "", "content": "The first stage (six sessions in total) of the 60 sessions document reviews of environmental engineer certification in 2020 were held between December 2020 and February 2021, evaluating the accumulated deficiencies. A review meeting in the second stage is to be held for those with Class 3 deficiency, who will face further discipline in the Public Construction Commission, Executive Yuan, once the deficiencies are confirmed. The goal is to properly manage environmental engineer certification and improve certificate quality.", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "Control and Evaluation", "url": "" }, { "no": "4005", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau", "preview": "", "content": "1. On February 3, the Director General chaired the 2nd Advisory Committee Meeting in 2021 of the National Chemical Substance Management Board. The Board’s experts, scholars, representatives of civil groups and 15 related agencies (units) were invited to the meeting to report and consult with participants for their opinions on four topics: \"Board’s operation mechanism,\" \"importance and implementation of related international conventions,\" \"establishment and flow management of chemical cloud information system,\" and \"toxic and chemical disaster response system.” \n2. On February 7, the EPA conducted a policy campaign for Lunar New Year to ensure the safe use of environmental sanitation agents for disinfection and sterilization, and to promote the correct use of legal environmental sanitation agents in accordance with a product’s labeling (product’s outer packaging). It promoted the \"4 Dos\" for safe use of environmental agents, providing channels for inquiries about legal environmental agents and the government’s public information, and calling for good environmental maintenance to reduce use of environmental agents.\n3. During the 2021 Spring Festival holiday, the toxic and chemical disaster system completed the organization and preparation operations of the TCSB and the consultation and technical teams. During the period, 10 environmental incidents were monitored with no toxic and chemical substance disaster incidents. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "4004", "title": "Major Accomplishments of Air quality improvement", "preview": "", "content": "(1) The Management Regulations for Food and Beverage Industry’s Air Pollution Control Equipment (餐飲業空氣污染防制設施管理辦法) were announced on 5 February. The new regulations require food and beverage enterprises with an area of 1,000 square meters or more or 300 seats or more to install pollution control equipment. All food and beverage enterprises in New Taipei City and Taipei City are specifically included under the new regulations, which are expected to cut down complaints against cooking smoke in densely populated areas. Enterprises are to install smoke-control equipment that can collect and dispose of cooking smoke to cut down emissions and improve air quality. An estimated 1,600 enterprises are expected to properly keep cooking smoke under control from now on. (2) The Emission Standards for Harmful Air Pollutants from Stationary Pollution Sources (固定污染源有害空氣污染物排放標準) were announced on 26 February. The EPA set it based on the existing Emission Channels and Perimeter Standards Concerning Stationary Pollution Source Air Pollutant Emission Standards (固定污染源空氣污染物排放標準之排放管道及周界標準) as well as regulations under the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) that mandate emission standards to be formulated according to health risk assessment and technical feasibility. The Emission Channels and Perimeter Standards screen out harmful air pollutants after examining local information such as emission status and testing data concerning harmful air pollutants from industries. The goal is to carry out measures to reduce harmful air pollutants from stationary sources across the country.", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "4003", "title": "General Waste Disposal Methods Announced", "preview": "In line with the amendments to the Regulations Governing the Recycling and Disposal of General Waste, the EPA announced the General Waste Disposal Methods on 22 February to expand the effectiveness of general waste recycling.", "content": "The EPA stated that in accordance with the authorization of Article 14, Paragraph 2 of the Waste Disposal Act, the General Waste Disposal Methods was announced. The original Article 34, Paragraph 2 of the Regulations Governing the Recycling and Disposal of General Waste, the categories of the general waste to be recycled and the management methods specified in the attached table were all consolidated into the announced regulation. The specified categories and the management methods are for the types of general waste that are of stable nature or the recycling technologies are mature for, including food waste, night soil, waste lubricating oil, waste edible oil, scrap iron, waste paper, waste glass, waste plastic, waste single metal (copper, zinc, aluminum, tin), and waste natural or man-made textiles. General garbage, waste generated in the daily lives by business employees that are of stable nature, and waste that have mature recycling technologies were also included in the regulation to promote the sustainable recycling of resources. ", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "4002", "title": "First Groundwater Remediation Site with Chlorinated Solvent Pollution Delisted in 2021", "preview": "Achievements have been made in the groundwater pollution remediation of the Standard Chem & Pharm’s Plant II. Analysis showed that the concentrations of groundwater pollutants such as vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, dichloromethane and toluene all met the Groundwater Pollution Control Standards. The EPA therefore announced the removal of the groundwater pollution remediation site from the control list on 2 March 2021. This is the first case of delisting of a remediation site with chlorinated organic solvent pollution in 2021.", "content": "To ensure the safety of the nation’s soil and groundwater environment, the EPA conducted an investigation of soil and groundwater pollution at the Standard Chem & Pharm’s Plant II in 2012 and found that the groundwater was polluted with chlorinated organic solvents. In accordance with the regulations of the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act, the Environmental Protection Bureau of Tainan City announced on 6 July 2012 that it was a groundwater pollution control site. After carrying out relevant investigations and necessary response measures, the EPA announced on 27 January 2014 that it was a remediation site.\nThe Tainan City Environmental Protection Bureau asked the company to propose a remediation plan. The pollution remediation continued for the ensuing six years, during which the EPA regularly invited experts and scholars to hold meetings to monitor the progress of the remediation plan. In December 2020, EPA personnel entered the site for verification, and the results showed that the concentrations of groundwater pollutants all met the control standards. As a result, the EPA removed the site from the list of groundwater pollution remediation sites.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "soil & groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "4001", "title": "Ample Processing Capacity Encourages Paper Tableware Recycling ", "preview": "In order to reduce waste at the source, the EPA continues to discourage the use of single-use products and strengthen the recycling and sorting of paper tableware. The effect has been increased significantly. Related information is as follows:", "content": "Paper tableware is not paper. Both paper tableware and paper should be recycled and they should be recycled separately. Paper tableware such as bowls, plates, cups, etc. are announced as recyclable containers. They are manufactured with their surfaces coated with a layer of polyethylene (PE) or wax to be water- and oil stain-proof. Therefore, their processing requires separating the plastic film from the paper and utilizing the plastic pellets (made from the separated plastic film) and pulp separately. The processing procedure is different from that of paper.\nPaper tableware is worth recycling. The recycling and processing industry chain is also in place. After paper tableware is collected, it is sent to one of three professional paper tableware recycling plants. The total processing capacity of the three plants is 249,600 metric tons per year, which is far greater than the 159,897 metric tons of paper tableware recycled in 2020. Therefore, there is still a large remaining capacity for processing collected waste paper tableware. Paper tableware is recycled into plastic pellets and pulp, which can be used to produce plastic and paper products.\nStrengthening the recycling and sorting at the source and promoting the cleaning, sorting and stacking with the Paper Tableware Recycling Friendly Store Program: The EPA continues to strengthen the public’s habit to sort and recycle waste paper tableware. In 2020, it promoted the program with all environmental protection bureaus, assisting and subsidizing buffet and lunch box store operators to set up special waste paper tableware recycling facilities, guiding them on ways to improve the dining environment, and educating the public to recycle. The maximum subsidy is NT$6,500. After the assistance, 2,900 buffet and lunch box stores (about 80% of the assisted) completed the installation of the facilities. In order to make paper tableware recycling more practicable, on 4 January 2021, the EPA preannounced the draft of Scope of Vendors Required to Set Up Paper Tableware Recycling Facilities, Facility Settings, Specifications and Other Compliance Measures, specifying that buffet and lunch box stores shall install a special recycling facility for paper tableware. The EPA’s goal is to promulgate it in the second half of the year.\nCarrying out timely reviews to increase recycling incentives and the amount of recycled paper tableware. To increase the volume of recycled paper tableware, the EPA raised the per capita recycling subsidy for self-employed recyclers in August 2019, increasing the maximum monthly subsidy from NT$2,000 to NT$3,500. From March 2020, with Covid-19 spreading, economic activities and the global demand for crude oil was decreasing, and the decline in oil prices in turn affected the recycling and processing system’s supply chain prices, lowering the industry’s willingness to recycle and process paper tableware. As a result, the EPA raised the maximum subsidy from NT$3,500 to NT$5,000 per person for self-employed recyclers and kept it effective until December 2021. In July 2020, the EPA matched self-employed recyclers with the buffet and lunch box stores to collect paper lunch boxes. In addition, to raise the industry’s willingness to recycle paper tableware, the subsidy rate for the recycling and processing industry was increased from NT$7.25 to NT$7.86 per kilogram from 1 May to October 31 2020. Good results have been achieved in paper tableware recycling. In 2020, the audited and certified amount of recycled paper tableware was 159,897 metric tons, nearly double the amount in 2019 (80,645 metric tons) and the recycling rate has increased significantly from 44% in 2017 to over 85% to date.\nWaste reduction at the source, promotion for the reduced use of single-use products. To reduce the use of single-use tableware at the source, the EPA is promoting “green life for all”, encouraging the use of reusable tableware and promoting rental services and sorting of recyclables in green night markets. It also encourages government agencies to use reusable tableware in meetings and educates people to practice “carrying one’s own, reusing and using less”, the three ways to reduce waste in the daily life.", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "4000", "title": "Large Scale Load Reduction Implemented in Western Taiwan to Cope with Poor Air Quality ", "preview": "On 25 February, with easterly winds in the wind field, low wind speeds coupled with poor vertical diffusion conditions and eddy currents generated off the sea in the north, pollutants were blowing northward, resulting in a rapid deterioration of air quality in the Greater Taipei area. The EPA and various local governments immediately initiated load reduction measures for pollution sources in response to changes in the air quality. At the same time, the EPA requested Taipower to reduce the electricity output from its power plants in the western half of Taiwan by 20% from 5 p.m. of 25 February to 5 a.m. of 26 February. All parties were fully prepared to respond to changes in the air quality.", "content": "The EPA said that upon discovering that the air quality in northern Taiwan was deteriorating that day, it asked Taipower to reduce electricity output. For the next three days, all oil and coal-fired power plants in western Taiwan such as Hsieh-Ho, Linkou, Taichung, Hsinta, and Mailiao had reduced a total of 377 million kWh of electricity, which is equivalent to reducing the emissions from one month of electricity consumption in Kaohsiung City (1.12 million households). As for local governments, in addition to issuing protection advisories and strengthening inspections, Taipei City doubled the number of intercepted high-polluting vehicles, and instructed Neihu, Muzha and Beitou incinerators to reduce their loads by 20%. New Taipei City also instructed Xindian, Shulin and Bali incineration plants to reduce their loads by 20% simultaneously, and required 24 key pollution sources within its jurisdiction to reduce their loads and emissions, among which cogeneration generators should reduce output by 30% per day. Moreover, Taoyuan City notified the factories with emissions that are in the top 50% and 180 construction sites to strengthen their pollution prevention measures. Taichung City notified their top 30 largest factories to reduce their loads on their own, and the 21-power generation and cogeneration generators in Yunlin County implemented friendly output reduction and 18-49% shutdown. Overall, central, and northern Taiwan counties and cities mobilized quickly and actively responded to the poor air quality.", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "3999", "title": "Hazardous Air Pollutant Emission Standards Promulgated for Stationary Sources ", "preview": "On 26 February 2021, the EPA promulgated the Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions Standards for Stationary Sources, giving priority to the regulation of 22 pollutants, and setting standards for the emission channels and peripheral boundaries for seven heavy metals and 15 volatile organic compounds. It is estimated that 89% of the emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from stationary sources across the country can be regulated.", "content": "In addition to setting HAPs emission standards for specific industries (such as solid waste incinerators, power generation, vinyl chloride manufacturing processes, etc.), it was also necessary to strengthen the control of HAPs emitted by the entire stationary pollution sources. The Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions Standards for Stationary Sources were therefore formulated in accordance with Article 20, Paragraph 3 of the Air Pollution Control Act that was revised and promulgated in 2018. It stipulates that HAPs emission standards shall be set based on the results of health risk assessment and the feasibility of prevention technologies. By examining localized data such as the current state of industrial HAPs emissions and testing data in Taiwan, and referring to the carcinogenicity of pollutants, atmospheric concentration and testing methods, the EPA screened out priority HAPs to regulate and set standards for the emission channels and peripheral boundaries to promote the reduction of HAPs from factories across the country. \nThe EPA further stated that most of the pollutants that have not been included in these emission standards are still regulated by the currently effective Stationary Pollution Source Air Pollutant Emissions Standards.", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "3998", "title": "Ozone-depleting Substance Reduction Strategies and Results in Taiwan", "preview": "On its work in controlling ozone-depleting substances (ODSs), Taiwan has always abided by the Montreal Protocol to align with the pace of advanced countries in cutting down ODS production and consumption. Both the government and industries have successfully achieved the protocol's production and consumption limits by formulating reduction strategies accordingly. For instance, Taiwan has reached zero halon (haloalkane) consumption since 1994.", "content": "Reduction plans\nTaiwan has placed on its regulatory list all of the ODSs listed in the Montreal Protocol’s Annexes A, B, C, and E. In 1993, these substances were announced for control in the Regulations Concerning Control of Chemical Substances Listed for Control by the Montreal Protocol (管制蒙特婁議定書列管化學品作業要點) composed by the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).\nChemicals, divided into nine major categories, have also been added to the regulatory list afterwards, based on the Montreal Protocol’s agreements. The Chemical Substances Control List has detailed categorizations, substance names, chemical formulas, and their potential ozone-depleting index.\nOn the production or consumption of regulated chemical substances, the Montreal Protocol sets different reduction plans that include\n＜Baseline level＞ usually, a regulated chemical substance’s production or consumption amount in a specific year\n＜Freezing schedule＞ the time taken to lower a regulated chemical substance’s production or consumption amount to less than the baseline amount\n＜Reduction percentage＞ the time taken to lower a regulated chemical substance’s production or consumption amount to a certain percentage of the baseline amount\n＜Conditions for exemption＞ conditions in which chemical substances can be exempted from production or consumption regulations\nAccording to Montreal Protocol regulations for developed countries (Non-Annex V countries), Taiwan's National Complete Reduction Schedule has been formed based on the focuses above. Other relevant reduction measures are also set based on these focuses.\n\nReduction progress\nOut of the Montreal Protocol’s regulated chemical substances, Taiwan only produces hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in Production Table C under Category 1. The production freezing schedule of substances in this category began in 2004, so Taiwan’s past control of HCFC production complied with the Protocol.\nFormosa Plastics, the only manufacturer of HCFCs in Taiwan, stopped producing HCFC-141b and HCFC-142b in 2004. Its production of HCFC-22 only reached 80 ozone-depletion-potential (ODP) tons of HCFC-22 in 2005, and all production has been terminated as of June 2005. It marked the end of Taiwan’s HCFCs and ODS production in 2006.\nFor consumption, the government and industry have been working hard to meet the Montreal Protocol’s requirements. Consumption goals for many chemical substances were reached before 1996. Significant moments in the reduction journey include:\n halon has been at zero consumption since 1994\n consumption of methyl bromide has been regulated since 1 Jan 1995\n CFCs, carbon tetrachloride, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane have been below-zero consumption since 1996\n HCFC allocations became effective on 1 Jan 1996 to freeze its consumption, set to reach zero by 1 Jan 2030\nReduction results: Analysis of ODS consumption in 2019\nComplying with the Montreal Protocol, Taiwan has reported its ODS consumption data to the UN since 1994, which is the total of imports plus production minus exports.\nTaiwan’s CFC consumption has been at zero since 1996, the level required of parties to the Montreal Protocol. That year HCFC consumption was also frozen, stopping at 84% of Taiwan’s baseline level. National HCFC consumption was 382.51 ODP tons in 2004 (65% of the baseline level required by the protocol), 152.56 ODP tons in 2020 (25%), and 59.35 ODP tons in 2015 (10%). The 63.119 ODP tons of HCFC consumption in 2019 was 0.680 ODP tons less than that in 2018. Image 1 shows Taiwan’s declining consumption of HCFCs over the years.\nMeasures to effectively cut down consumption include allocations and bans for specific uses in different stages. Effective bans so far include: all types of HCFCs in aerosol propellants and foaming agents in manufacturing processes; HCFC-141b in solvents or cleaning agents in the manufacturing processes; filling HCFC-22 coolants in the manufacture of new refrigerating or air conditioning equipment or new construction; and so on. Moreover, HCFCs have been banned since 1 Jan 2020 as coolant fillings in the manufacture of new refrigerating and air conditioning equipment and new construction. The goal was to lower the consumption to 0.5% of the baseline level and restrict its applications. Such practices will result in much fewer imports and limit the demand from domestic refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, leading to further reduction.\nRegarding production of ODSs, Taiwan has stopped producing CFCs since 1996 and HCFCs and all ODSs as of 2006. As for imports in 2019, only 1039.223 metric tons (56.497 ODP tons) of HCFC-22, 320.000 metric tons (6.520 ODP tons) of HCFC-123, small amounts of HCFC-124 (4.360 metric tons, or 0.096 ODP tons) and HCFC-225 (0.250 metric tons, or 0.006 ODP tons) were imported. \nIn 2019, Taiwan exported only 12 metric tons (0.660 ODP tons) of HCFC-22, 7 metric tons (0.385 ODP tons) more than it did in 2018. The continuous export of HCFC-22, even with reduced domestic production, is estimated to be used for maintenance and coolant refills of refrigerating equipment on board fishing vessels operating offshore. On the other hand, methyl bromide imported after 1999 has been used only for quarantine and pre-shipment (QPS) purposes. There were 28.826 metric tons (12.616 ODP tons) imported in 2019, 20.276 metric tons less than in 2018.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "3", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "3997", "title": "Free Recycling for Household Appliances before Lunar New Year ", "preview": "The Lunar New Year Festival is a time when people like to replace old household appliances with new ones. The EPA reminded the public to recycle them in one of the three ways available rather than discard them at will. Statistics show that a total of 3.36 million waste home appliances were recycled in 2020, out of which over 100,000 metric tons of materials were recycled, producing an estimated value of NT$1.3 billion. The EPA urged people to properly recycle waste household appliances to ensure that they enter the legal disposal system instead of being improperly taken apart, which can lead to environmental pollution.\n \n", "content": "According to the EPA, there are three options to recycle home appliances:\n\n1. Buyers of new televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, or air conditioners can hand their old appliances over to the retailers to recycle for free. It is both convenient and environment-friendly. \n\n2. Without buying any new home appliances, those looking to dispose of their old appliances can call the EPA’s recycling hotline (0800-085717) or visit the Recycling Website (https:\/\/recycle.epa.gov.tw) to inquire about recyclers’ contact information. \n\n3. People can contact their local cleaning squad to set up a time and location for their waste appliances to be picked up. People are reminded not to obstruct traffic or pollute the local environment when doing so. \n\nThe EPA noted that proper recycling and disposal of waste electronic household appliances not only reduces carbon emission and resource consumption, the recycled materials have the potential to create huge market values. Statistics show that 3.36 million waste household appliances across Taiwan were recycled in 2020, weighing roughly 120,000 metric tons. And out of these appliances, more than 100,000 metric tons of reusable materials such as copper, iron, aluminum, glass, and plastic were recycled, producing a value of approximately NT$1.3 billion. Under the concept of extended producer responsibility and sustainable materials management, waste household appliance recycling can become a form of urban mining, helping us achieve goals such as resource recycling and reuse, zero waste, energy conservation, and carbon reduction.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "2", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "3996", "title": "International Environmental Collaboration ", "preview": "With support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the EPA has actively facilitated environmental diplomacy and promoted regional bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Programs such as seminars and exchanges are regularly organized under the International Environmental Partnership (IEP), building up Taiwan's experiences and capacity in regional environmental services. The IEP programs that are currently being carried out mainly deal with environmental issues that are of global concern as well as areas where developing nations can benefit from the Taiwan experience.", "content": "Recent implementation results\n1.Bilateral Taiwan-US collaboration\n(1) Signing of the Execution Regulations No. 13 in the Taiwan-US Agreement on Environmental Technology Collaboration\nAfter the Execution Regulations No. 12 ended at the end of 2019, discussions between the Taiwan EPA and USEPA soon followed Regulations No. 13, which includes the priority collaboration areas and potential cross-departmental tasks. Regulations No. 13, signed in September 2020, expands the bilateral cooperation scope between Taiwan and the US. Several emerging regional environmental issues that span across jurisdictions of different departments, such as renewable energy certification, ecological health for children, and marine waste, are covered in the latest Regulations.\n(2) Taiwan-US atmospheric monitoring\nThe Taiwan EPA and USEPA jointly established the Asia-Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN) in 2019. It has assisted partner nations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Mongolia, Nepal, Borneo, and India with mercury wet deposition sampling techniques and mercury analysis of rainwater samples. Taiwan also works with Japan on comparing wet deposition samplers. The Taiwan EPA has also continued working with NASA on the Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) Monitoring Network and Aerosol Automatic Monitoring Network Cooperation Agreement. The NASA-certified lidar station in National Central University is the only standard Lidar station in Asia.\nTaiwan also joined the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Carbon Circulation Greenhouse House Monitoring Network, conducting greenhouse gas monitoring on Lulin Mountain, the Pratas Islands, and the Spratly Islands.\n(3) Studies and practical training in environmental law enforcement\nFor the 2019 IEP programs, the Taiwan EPA and USEPA jointly held a training seminar for Vietnam, inviting director-level officials of the Vietnam Ministry of National Resources and Environment (MoNRE) and its National Assembly delegates.\nThe Taiwan-US Agreement on Environmental Technology Collaboration encompasses air pollution, water pollution, and environmental law enforcement. Representatives of the Taiwan EPA visited the USEPA headquarters in Washington DC and its Region 1 Office in Boston, Massachusetts, to learn from their law enforcement experiences and investigate future cooperation possibilities.\nUSEPA experts were invited to speak at a training course on waste-related law enforcement. Attendees, including prosecutors, members of the 7th Special Police Corps, local environmental bureaus, the EPA Department of Waste Management, and Bureau of Environmental Inspection in Northern, Southern, and Central Branches, shared their valuable experiences in the field.\n2. Taiwan-Japan environmental exchanges and cooperation\nThe 9th Taiwan-Japan Environmental Symposium was held on 4 December 2020 in a video-conference format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following are highlights of the event:\n(1) Collaboration in environmental education: Japan promised to address core matters in the Asia-Pacific region, participate in the 2021 Asia-Pacific Environmental Education Forum, and promote exchanges on environmental education between Taiwan and Japan.\n(2) Greenhouse gas management and climate change mitigation: Both nations shared their carbon reduction objectives and actions and discussed issues such as carbon-neutral policies and financial tools for carbon reduction.\n(3) Exchange and cooperation for air quality monitoring technology\nTaiwan and Japan had an in-depth discussion on recent monitoring issues and regulations concerning photooxidants, including standard modification and pollution warnings.\n(4) Principles for streamlining and updating the EIA process for wind turbines\nThe EPA elaborated on issues encountered during wind turbine EIAs and shared experiences and practices related to their ecological impacts and review processes. \n3. Taiwan-EU environmental exchange\n(1) Participating in the European Commission's National Experts on Professional Training (NEPTs)\nUnder the bilateral talks’ framework between Taiwan and the EU, the European Commission's NEPTs helped Taiwan obtain the EU's approval for Taiwan's participation. Taiwan was one of the very few non-EU member states that took part in the program.\nThe EPA in 2020 had chosen delegates to attend NEPTs. The MOFA sent these recommended delegates' application documents to the Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium, which handed them to the European Commission's Human Resources and Security department for review. The objective is to set up a liaison relationship between the EPA and the EU and conduct various environmental collaborations or exchanges.\n(2) Taiwan-Germany cooperation and exchange on climate change\nThe Taiwan-Germany carbon trading MOU was signed in April 2018. The Taiwan-Germany Carbon Market Capacity Building Collaboration Forum was held in Berlin in June 2019. On 2 October 2019, the second Taiwan-Germany Environmental Forum was organized in Taipei, featuring delegates from different sectors on issues, including circular economy, energy conservation, carbon reduction, climate change, energy transformation, and at-source plastic waste reduction.\n(3) Taiwan-UK exchange during the carbon pricing mechanism workshop\nMr. Josh Burke, an expert on carbon pricing from the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment of the London School of Economics and Political Science, was invited by the British Office Taipei to speak at the Taiwan-UK Carbon Pricing Mechanism and Exchange Workshop, held by the EPA on 25 February 2020. Burke shared the UK's experiences on formulating carbon pricing policies and actual implementation and exchanging with Taiwan's leading scholars, experts, and think tanks concerning greenhouse gas reduction and control policies.\n(4) Environmental cooperation and exchanges with other European nations\nThe EPA's other endeavors with other European countries include collaboration with the Trade Council of Denmark on the INDEX Award, a Danish contest on environmental education innovations and environmental designs; working with the Swedish Trade and Invest Council to promote and exchange electric vehicle technology and garbage collection systems, and; an exchange on carbon pricing with the British Office Taipei. All of the above have greatly benefited the development of environmental protection in Taiwan and cemented Taiwan's partnerships with these European countries through collaboration and experience sharing in various environmental fields. \n4. Environmental exchanges between Taiwan and Israel\nAs the 25th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP25) had its bilateral talk with Israel, the EPA used this opportunity to hold an environmental exchange with Israel via video conference. The two sides exchanged ideas on their respective environmental policies, new green deals, and technology.\n5. Cooperation and exchange between Taiwan and South Korea\nIn December 2019, a South Korean delegation of 15 people comprising South Korean experts, government officials, and academia attended the 10th Steering Committee Meeting and technical forums of the Taiwan-South Korea MOU on Soil and Groundwater Protection. Led by the Director of the South Korean Ministry of Environment Integrated Water Management Bureau, Young-Hoon Kim, the delegation had discussions and shared experiences on: enhancing remediation technology for arsenic and mercury pollution; onsite and offsite remediation technology, and; management of sites polluted by oil. The meeting marked a significant leap in bilateral environmental efforts and contributed to building the foundation for collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region. \n6. Keeping up with the New Southbound Policy\nThe EPA has actively promoted exchanges with the New Southbound Policy's target nations, such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Of these nations, Taiwan has the most frequent exchanges with Vietnam, with which two environmental collaboration agreements have been signed.\nIn 2019, experts and delegates from Taiwan’s environmental analysis institutes went to Vietnam to share environmental testing and analysis technology, while Vietnamese and Thai officials and experts also came to Taiwan for multilateral exchanges, creating an excellent opportunity for Taiwan to showcase the technology and capacity of its environmental analysis system.\nUnder the IEP program, the EPA cohosted the Environmental Training Seminar Vietnam, with attendants including director-level officials from the Vietnam Ministry of National Resources and Environment (MoNRE) and delegates from Vietnam’s National Assembly.\nForums on soil and groundwater pollution remediation technology were held in Taiwan and Vietnam in September and October 2019. Experts and scholars from both nations shared experiences investigating and remediating farmlands with heavy metal pollution and on controls on arsenic pollution in groundwater. Taiwan received valuable information on farmland pollution prevention and remediation in both forums, which marked a promising start for future bilateral collaboration.\nFuture efforts\nYears of promotion efforts have increased the exposure of Taiwan's environmental protection achievements in the world. Taiwan has also strengthened its bilateral ties by helping regional partners improve their environmental quality and has steadily built-up beneficial interactions with these partner countries' top officials.\nTo develop local environmental industries, the EPA will carry out various projects in the future in line with the New Southbound Policy, including gathering information on environmental quality for the last five years in the focus nations (Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia). Data collection will target air quality, waste management, surface water body quality, soil and groundwater pollution, and marine pollution to understand critical environmental issues in these countries better. \n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "2", "assortment": "International Cooperation", "url": "" }, { "no": "3995", "title": "Taiwan-Denmark Environmental Education Collaboration Leads to Exhibition on The Index Award ", "preview": "On 2 February 2021, the EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang and Bo Mønsted, Director of the Trade Council of Denmark in Taiwan, jointly kicked off the Taiwan-Denmark Environmental Education Collaboration and the Index Award Exhibition in Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.", "content": "Director Mønsted said in his speech, \"In the fast-changing world nowadays, cross-national collaboration is the right path to make breakthroughs under the existing framework. The Trade Council of Denmark's greatest mission has always been to promote such collaboration between Taiwan and Denmark. It is wonderful today to see that the EPA has continually worked with the Index Project. It demonstrates Taiwan's non-stop efforts in environmental education and shows Taiwanese people like and accept the Danish way of thinking and environmental designs. We hope that such collaborations can help Taiwan to breed new generations of design talents that can think of new ways to solve the various environmental problems faced by today's society.\"\nMinister Chang also said in the kick-off ceremony, \"This exhibition demonstrates how environmental education in Denmark combines design, innovation, and commercialization in response to global climate change and other sustainability issues. Taiwan has since 2014 held environmental design competitions once every two years. During these four competitions, submissions increased from 513 works in the first competition to 919 in the latest one, touching on local and global challenges such as sustainable development, climate change, air pollution, an aging population, and so on. Award-winning designs such as 'turning diapers to gold,' eco-friendly water treatment systems, and light-weight, energy-conserving bricks have all been commercialized and are already helping to solve environmental problems.\"\nFifteen designs were chosen from among 2015, 2017, and 2019 Index Award winners (final selection) to be displayed during this exhibition. These designs' environmental issue areas included energy, climate change, sustainable development, food security, environmental education, and major illnesses. It is also worth mentioning that all these works centered around the concept of a circular economy, which the EPA has also been promoting in its recent policies. For instance: clothes made from recycled polyesters (named Petit Pli) can be worn repeatedly by children aged from nine months to four years; Plastix is an example of reutilization of marine waste plastics; Pinatex is a fabric made of pineapple leaf fibers; Greenwave shows an innovative model of aquaculture.\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "2", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "" }, { "no": "3994", "title": "Legislative Process Underway to Reform Environmental Analysis Systems", "preview": "On 25 January 2021, the EPA preannounced the draft Environmental Analysis Act and stated that its purpose was to enhance the quality and credibility of environmental analysis data. The legislation's main points included setting up a fund, establishing a management platform, optimizing the management of environmental analysis organizations, and establishing systems for staff certification and equipment inspections.", "content": "Through the Act, the EPA plans to announce individual enterprises related to environmental analysis as designated analysis obligors, who will pay analysis fees into an \"environmental analysis fund.\" An objective third party \"environmental analysis management platform\" will be established to help select highly qualified organizations that EPA can contract to carry out environmental analysis for the obligors and provide independent working spaces for environmental analysis. To further ensure professionalism and quality, and credibility of data, the EPA is also planning to incorporate mechanisms to optimize the permit system and establish certification criteria for environmental analysis personnel and equipment inspection systems. Moreover, the legislation will incorporate clauses for whistleblowers and mechanisms for rewarding people who report violations, confiscation of illegal gains, and; rewarding analysis organizations for good performance or canceling their permits for violating regulations to deter enterprises from evading laws and regulations.\nEnterprises to be regulated will be announced in batches and stages over the years to lessen the impacts of implementing the law. In the first stage, enterprises that can cause more environmental impacts will be announced as designated environmental analysis subjects, including the air and water pollution sources of a specific scale that are listed for control and are required to conduct regular analysis. The legislation is expected to change the current practice where enterprises directly commission organizations to conduct analysis and influence analysis operations and outcomes. After the preannouncement, the EPA will invite relevant ministries, local government agencies, industry representatives, analysis organizations, and other stakeholders for further discussion, opinion gathering, and consensus-building to complete the legislative process and improve the draft.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "2", "assortment": "Environmental Analysis", "url": "" }, { "no": "3993", "title": "Green Eating Promoted to Reduce Food Waste", "preview": "During the Lunar New Year, families in Taiwan usually get together and prepare abundant food to eat together. The EPA urged all to practice \"green eating\" during the festival, starting from food waste reduction at the source. That means eating at home or dining out, and people should cook or order food based on how much they would eat. This will be good for both the environment and human health. Now policies are underway to use food waste to generate electricity, five local governments, including Taichung City, are operating, constructing, or planning for such food waste Reutilization facilities.", "content": "To keep up with the global trend on turning organic waste into bioenergy and diversify reuse channels for food waste, the EPA has been promoting food waste recycling through composting or using it as swine feed after being cooked at high temperatures. A plan to use food waste to generate electricity in bioenergy plants is also underway. To date, there are five local governments, including Taichung City, that are operating, constructing, or planning for such electricity-generating facilities. The total treatment capacity is estimated to be 230,000 metric tons of food waste, generating 41.97 million kWh of electricity, bringing in NT$214.79 million\/year from selling the electricity and cutting carbon emission by 22,000 metric tons\/year. Specifically, Taichung City has been officially operating its bioenergy plant using food waste since 9 July 2019, Taoyuan City has signed contracts on 22 October 2018 and is expected to complete the construction of a plant in July 2021, and Taipei City, New Taipei City, and Kaohsiung City are currently planning for such plants.\nIn order to expand food waste disposal capacity, the EPA is also actively pushing for the co-digestion of food waste with other organic wastes (pig excrement and sewage sludge). Co-digestion is an anaerobic digestion process carried out in closed tanks that can reduce the odor problem that often arises from conventional composting. The Central Livestock Farm in Pingtung County has completed the installation of anaerobic co-digestion tanks and expects to finish co-digestion trial runs in October 2021. Should the trial results prove the method feasible, it will be promoted to other pig farms. Also, the EPA has been working with the Ministry of the Interior's (MOI) Construction and Planning Agency (CPA) to promote the co-digestion of wastewater sludge and food waste. A wastewater treatment plant is expected to be chosen in 2021 as a co-digestion pilot plant. It will be used first to digest only food waste slurry, with wastewater sludge to be gradually incorporated later. The plant is an example of inter-ministerial collaboration to build more diversified food waste disposal channels. \nThe EPA stressed that reutilizing food waste could effectively reduce the amount of waste to be incinerated and increase the green energy supply as it is a form of bioenergy, contributing to building a circular economy. The public is urged to help protect our homeland during the Lunar New Year by recycling food waste and transforming it into useful resources.\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "2", "assortment": "Environmental Inspection", "url": "" }, { "no": "3992", "title": "Revised Working Standards for Development Activity Environmental Impact Assessments Announced", "preview": "On 2 February 2021, the EPA announced the revised Working Standards for Development Activity Environmental Impact Assessments and Article 8 Annex 2. The focuses of this revision included: the requirement to upload the original data from environmental surveys to the EPA website; the stipulation that developmental activities in areas involving indigenous lands, tribes, or the public lands within a certain distance from these lands should be handled in accordance with the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law; the requirement to publish the minutes of public meetings on designated websites and include them in environmental impact assessment (EIA) statements, and; the review and adjustment of several items of development activity environmental surveys in categories such as air quality, hydrology, water quality, and soil. Revisions will take effect six months after the day of the announcement.", "content": "The EPA pointed that the Working Standards require developers to assess their development activities' environmental impacts and formulate preventive measures in advance of making EIA statements and reports. The Working Standards also unify the formats of EIA documents to enhance document quality and EIA review efficiency. The revisions will: allow for better utilization and analysis of environmental quality survey data; strengthen the protection of indigenous peoples' rights, and; enhance the disclosure of EIA information, and better fulfill the right to public participation.", "year": "2021", "month": "2", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "" }, { "no": "3991", "title": "From Farm to Table: Protecting Food Safety ", "preview": " Food safety requires effective and closely coordinated control from farm to table. Since its establishment in December 2016, the EPA’s Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau (TCSB) has been working with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) and Council of Agriculture (COA) to jointly safeguard the food production environment. From the environment and the chemical material industry at the source of the food chain, the agricultural and aquatic products at the production stage, to the products for sale at the market end, the TCSB and its partners endeavor to protect producers’ rights and consumers’ health from farm to table.", "content": "\nThe three agencies jointly hold quarterly Environmental Protection and Food Safety Coordination Meetings, co-presided by the deputy ministers, to discuss up-to-date environmental protection and food safety information. The meetings would decide on what measures to implement in advance in the environmental aspect and what high-risk areas to continue to monitor. Any possible contamination risks found in the environment, agricultural and aquatic products, or food production links will be immediately reported to all three agencies, which will then jointly conduct monitoring, tracing, and sampling, or take emergency measures to ensure safety of food and the food production environment.\n \nConcerning at-source control of chemical substances with potential food safety risks, the EPA had finished inspecting and assisting over 3,000 chemical material enterprises between 2017 and 2020, helping them achieve self-management. Inspection and assistance have also been conducted jointly with other ministries for traditional holiday-related projects. For instance, there was a joint inspection in 2020 targeting 124 chemical material enterprises that sold food additives with high food safety risks.\n \nTwenty chemical substances with potential food safety risks, including rhodamine B and Sudan Red G, have been announced as Class 4 toxic chemical substances. The purpose was to increase the responsibility of upstream enterprises that handle chemical substances with high risk to food safety and further prevent these substances from entering the food production chain. In addition, the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法), revised and announced on 16 January 2019 by the EPA, has been added with a special chapter on “Concerned Chemical Substances”. The EPA will continue to evaluate concerned chemical substances with food safety risks for future control.\n \nTo protect citizens’ health from farm to table, the EPA emphasized that cross-ministerial cooperation will continue in 2021 to strengthen management in all links of the food production chain and avoid food contamination in the production process.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "2", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "3990", "title": "Subsidies Available with Online Application to Replace Large Old Diesel Vehicles", "preview": "For the Subsidizations for Replacing Large Old Diesel Vehicles (大型柴油車汰舊換新補助) and the Subsidizations for Repairing Fuel Injection Systems or Installing Air Pollution Control Equipment on Large Diesel Vehicles (大型柴油車調修燃油控制系統或加裝空氣污染防制設備補助), the EPA has been in charge of handling subsidy applications, reviews, and appropriations from 1 January 2021.", "content": "The EPA said that the online system for applying for all subsidies for Phases 1-3 large diesel vehicles (https:\/\/dvs.epa.gov.tw) has been established to expedite and enhance the processing and reviewing of subsidy applications. Vehicle owners only need to get online to sign up for an account, get a pin code, and upload needed documents and photos for the subsidy applications via mobile devices. All documents and photos to be uploaded must be intact and clear without cut-off corners or edges, or light reflections. In the instance of applying for a subsidy to purchase a new vehicle to replace an old one, uploading just takes a few minutes once all required documents and photos are prepared. In addition, the EPA has set up a single service counter (02-85124402) to provide vehicle owners with information on subsidy or application matters.\n \nVehicle owners are urged to use the online application method when applying for subsidies to save time on mailing, submitting and resubmitting documents. The EPA will continue to optimize the digitization of the application process and improve the quality of administrative operation to protect the rights of vehicle owners with speedy and convenient services. Owners of large diesel vehicles are urged to replace their vehicles as early as possible as the subsidy will be reduced after 10 December 2021.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "2", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "3989", "title": "Public Opinion to Be Referenced in Revision of Offset Principles ", "preview": "On 28 July 2009, the EPA formulated the Offset Principles for the Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions Caused by Development Activities (審查開發行為空氣污染物排放量增量抵換處理原則) for enterprises and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Committee to refer to during reviews. The draft revision, proposed at the end of 2020, followed the approaches of the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣汙染管制法) by removing street cleaning and sweeping offsets and adding a mechanism for obtaining offsets through collaboration with competent authorities as well as industry competent authorities. A triple-win situation for developers, competent authorities, and the environment can be achieved this way. ", "content": "During the last meeting held on 7 December 2020, participating civil organizations worried that offsets across different air quality zones would cause air pollution deterioration in the south and that offsets for emissions calculated with different methods were unfair. The EPA originally proposed the cross-zone offsets on the basis that air pollution flows freely and that cutting down emissions in counties and cities in the upstream air quality zones would not only lower air pollution in these zones, but would also improve air quality in those downstream zones. Considering the concerns raised by the public about cross-zone offsets, the EPA will continue to communicate with concerned parties and not include it in the revision until an agreement is reached on the multiplying factor for reduced emissions and offset methods.\n \nThe EPA stressed that the Principles are merely administrative guidelines, not regulations. The members of the EIA Committee still have the right to require developers to propose more active reduction measures in future EIA reviews, and the Principles will serve only as a reference. In addition, the Principles are still in the formulating and opinion-collecting phase, and the EPA welcomes input from the general public which will be considered in future revisions.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "2", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "3988", "title": "Management Regulations for Food and Beverage Industry Air Pollution Control Devices Announced", "preview": "The EPA announced the Management Regulations for Food and Beverage Industry Air Pollution Control Devices on 5 February 2021, under which enterprises with operating areas exceeding 1,000 square meters or having more than 300 seats are to be regulated. Considering the higher impacts the food and beverage enterprises in densely populated counties and cities can cause on the residents, the Regulations included control zone measures to cover the specific regulatory needs of Taipei City and New Taipei City. Newly established and existing enterprises that are the targets of the regulation must comply with the Regulations from 1 July 2021 and 1 February 2022 respectively by installing, regularly maintaining, and keeping operation records of pollution control devices.", "content": "The EPA noted that majority of complaints against food and beverage enterprises were about cooking smoke pollution, caused by either no installation of or improper operation of pollution control devices. The Management Regulations were therefore formulated to encourage enterprises to carry out pollution prevention measures and properly operate their pollution control devices. The targets of the control were decided after referencing the largest control targets of local governments’ autonomous regulations, which were mostly enterprises located inside hotels, guesthouses, or department stores. Restaurants located inside state or private corporations, agencies and schools will be subject to control if their operations reach the scale required for control by the autonomous regulations.\n \nThe EPA has also taken the high population density in special municipalities into consideration. As both Taipei City and New Taipei City have high density of food and beverage enterprises, there is the need to implement cooking smoke control measures in specific zones. Therefore, the Management Regulations put both municipalities as specific control zones. For Taipei City, control targets include grill restaurants, steakhouses, and enterprises with capital of NT$100,000 or more and an operation area of 100 square meters or more. In New Taipei City, grill restaurants, steakhouses, chain restaurants, and enterprises with an operation area of 100 square meters or more or having over 300 seats are subject to control.\n \nTo ensure cooking smoke is collected by pollution control devices, the Management Regulations require regulated enterprises to install air collection systems within a certain distance from the cooking area. The flow speed for top air collection hoods and side hoods must reach 0.5 meter\/second and 3 meters\/second, respectively. The capacity of smoke treatment equipment shall be greater than that of smoke collection system. In addition, regulated enterprises are required to regularly inspect the operation of pollution control equipment in accordance with the contents specified in the Management Regulations; keep records of the operation, cleaning, and maintenance of the equipment; and save the records for two years.\n \nConsidering that the regulated enterprises need sufficient time to comply with the regulations and update their devices, the Management Regulations have set corresponding grace periods for them to make the needed adjustments. The EPA urged these enterprises to strengthen the inspection of the operation of the pollution control devices to implement smoke pollution prevention during the aforementioned periods. \n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "2", "assortment": "air", "url": "" }, { "no": "3987", "title": "EPA Project Develops Fabrics Made with Plastic Bottles from Beach Cleanups", "preview": "The issue of marine waste has attracted international attention in recent years. Since Taiwan is an island nation surrounded by the ocean, the EPA has been working hard to mitigate marine pollution. On 28 December 2020, the EPA presented Shiun Bao Yi shirts, which had 96% content made from marine waste plastic bottles, to display the concerted efforts of the national team formed by members of domestic recycling and textile industries. It was also to demonstrate the synergies achieved by industry-government cooperation and cross-industry alliances and Taiwan's resolve to protect the ocean.", "content": "In 2020, the EPA implemented the Demonstration and Promotion Project for the High-Quality Recycling of Marine Wastes, putting out a challenge to completely use the waste plastic bottles collected from beach cleanups all over Taiwan and produce clothing fabrics using the highest quality recycling technologies. This project was led by the EPA, which invited local environmental agencies, eight enterprises in recycling, disposal and textile industries, as well as international certification companies to join the efforts.\n\nThe EPA stated that the shirts are called Shiun Bao Yi, a name that carries the meaning of recycling and reuse and emphasizes that the materials come from the ocean or seaside. Except for the necessary elastic fabrics, 96% of the materials used are made from waste plastic bottles collected from the ocean and beaches. They were manufactured with the most advanced technology in the world.\n\nThe project was launched to allow Taiwan's recycling and textile industries to take on and employ more advanced technology currently available. Another reason was to use the credibility of the EPA's Recycling Fund Management Board to establish the world's first marine recycling certification system. The system will allow textile enterprises around the globe to purchase from Taiwanese manufacturers certified recycled materials made from marine waste, or be inspired to use Taiwan's certification standards as a model and join the efforts to protect the ocean. The Shiun Bao Yi certification system entered the review process in November 2020 and is expected to be officially launched in mid-2021.\n\nCompanies that participated in the research and development included Oriental Green Materials, True Young Textile, Tung Ho Textile, and Super Textile, all of which collaborated with German certification institute TV Rheinland. From beach cleanups to storing, sorting, breaking, spinning, and weaving, the Shiun Bao Yi R&D team worked to ensure the input and output records of all stages and the standard operating procedures were compliant to the certification requirements to ensure that the end products were made almost completely with waste plastic bottles sourced from the marine environment.\n\nExcept the elastic yarns added to increase their durability, 96% of the content of the shirts was made from marine waste plastic bottles. The success of the project was mainly due to the collaboration and strength of the recycling and textile industries. The collection of marine waste plastic bottles had become difficult as local governments had fewer beach cleanup events in the first half of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the project was made possible thanks to the environmental bureaus in seven offshore islands, including Lienchiang and Kinmen, and those of the seaside counties and cities who cooperated and continued hiring workers for coastal cleanups, and the coastal watch or patrol volunteers who kept up their cleanup efforts. The marine wastes were collected and handed over to professional processors for crushing. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "1", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "" }, { "no": "3986", "title": "EPA Strives on After 20 Years of Efforts in Soil Pollution Prevention", "preview": "To celebrate the core value of the UN's World Soil Day, the EPA held a seminar on 5 December 2020 to exchange and promote prevention and remediation strategies against soil and groundwater pollutions. Representatives from government agencies, academia and industries were invited to exchange ideas on three major action plans in thanks for what the soil has been providing to humans.", "content": "For two decades, the EPA has been a soil doctor and been through innumerable pollution incidents. Through the implementation of four major policy areas, namely regulations and systems, soil and water management, key technologies, and remediation and rehabilitation, the EPA has provided remediation services all over the nation. As of 31 December 2020, a total of 8,886 remediation sites had been announced, and 7,456 of which had been improved and taken off the control list. These represent a 83.9% improvement rate, and completed the mission to revive the soil. For the next stage, the EPA is aiming to prevent soil pollutions¬, that is to protect soil and keep it from being further harmed.\n\nFor this purpose, the EPA has proposed the following three action plans:\n\nExpediting the push for site improvement and the policy tools for site delisting actively formulating strategies to manage 58 sites that require expedited improvement and conduct site-by-site surveys to assist the site polluters and concerned parties. To date, remediation work has been successfully launched at two sites, and five sites have been included in remediation projects for improvement.\n\nCompiling and promoting soil and water conservation technologies providing a channel for polluted sites to find technically capable, reliable enterprises for remediation through a three-stage process: compilation of technologies used in remediation cases in Taiwan, announcement and certification of the remediation technologies and capabilities, and environmental technology verification. \n\nFarmland pollution prevention strategies integrating cross-ministerial data tools in three aspects: gradually ascertaining the distribution characteristics of the pollution sources, clarifying transmission routes and water quality dynamics and confirming the degree of the impacts on farmlands. The EPA will promote early warning systems for farmland pollution prevention and expects to complete the improvement for all polluted farmlands in Taiwan by the end of 2021.\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "1", "assortment": "Soil & groundwater", "url": "" }, { "no": "3985", "title": "EPA Project Develops Fabrics Made with Plastic Bottles from Beach Cleanups", "preview": "The issue of marine waste has attracted international attention in recent years. Since Taiwan is an island nation surrounded by the ocean, the EPA has been working hard to mitigate marine pollution. On 28 December 2020, the EPA presented Shiun Bao Yi shirts, which had 96% content made from marine waste plastic bottles, to display the concerted efforts of the national team formed by members of domestic recycling and textile industries. It was also to demonstrate the synergies achieved by industry-government cooperation and cross-industry alliances and Taiwan's resolve to protect the ocean.", "content": "In 2020, the EPA implemented the Demonstration and Promotion Project for the High-Quality Recycling of Marine Wastes, putting out a challenge to completely use the waste plastic bottles collected from beach cleanups all over Taiwan and produce clothing fabrics using the highest quality recycling technologies. This project was led by the EPA, which invited local environmental agencies, eight enterprises in recycling, disposal and textile industries, as well as international certification companies to join the efforts.\n\nThe EPA stated that the shirts are called Shiun Bao Yi, a name that carries the meaning of recycling and reuse and emphasizes that the materials come from the ocean or seaside. Except for the necessary elastic fabrics, 96% of the materials used are made from waste plastic bottles collected from the ocean and beaches. They were manufactured with the most advanced technology in the world.\n\nThe project was launched to allow Taiwan's recycling and textile industries to take on and employ more advanced technology currently available. Another reason was to use the credibility of the EPA's Recycling Fund Management Board to establish the world's first marine recycling certification system. The system will allow textile enterprises around the globe to purchase from Taiwanese manufacturers certified recycled materials made from marine waste, or be inspired to use Taiwan's certification standards as a model and join the efforts to protect the ocean. The Shiun Bao Yi certification system entered the review process in November 2020 and is expected to be officially launched in mid-2021.\n\nCompanies that participated in the research and development included Oriental Green Materials, True Young Textile, Tung Ho Textile, and Super Textile, all of which collaborated with German certification institute TV Rheinland. From beach cleanups to storing, sorting, breaking, spinning, and weaving, the Shiun Bao Yi R&D team worked to ensure the input and output records of all stages and the standard operating procedures were compliant to the certification requirements to ensure that the end products were made almost completely with waste plastic bottles sourced from the marine environment.\n\nExcept the elastic yarns added to increase their durability, 96% of the content of the shirts was made from marine waste plastic bottles. The success of the project was mainly due to the collaboration and strength of the recycling and textile industries. The collection of marine waste plastic bottles had become difficult as local governments had fewer beach cleanup events in the first half of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the project was made possible thanks to the environmental bureaus in seven offshore islands, including Lienchiang and Kinmen, and those of the seaside counties and cities who cooperated and continued hiring workers for coastal cleanups, and the coastal watch or patrol volunteers who kept up their cleanup efforts. The marine wastes were collected and handed over to professional processors for crushing. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "1", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "3984", "title": "EPA Offers 20% Rewards for Reporting Recycling Fee Evasion ", "preview": "To encourage the public to report on unscrupulous businesses that purposefully evade their recycling, clearance and disposal fees, the EPA is offering reporters rewards worth up to 20% of the evaded fees pursued by the government. The EPA now offers multiple reporting channels such as a dedicated website and QR code. ", "content": "According to Article 16 of the Waste Disposal Act, the manufacturers and importers responsible for recycling waste based on official announcement shall register with the competent authority, report their manufacturing\/import volumes regularly, and pay the recycling, clearance and disposal fees accordingly. Roughly 30,000 responsible enterprises are registered at the moment. The EPA has found some enterprises that are required to register but have not registered, or have underreported their manufacturing\/import volumes. To prevent underreporting and underpaying the recycling, clearance and disposal fees and ensure fair competition among industries, the EPA not only commissions accounting services to do annual audits but also encourages the public to report on unscrupulous businesses. \n\nThe EPA is giving rewards for public reports that contain detailed information and are further confirmed to be true. The rewards will be 20% of the evaded fees that are pursued by the government. Reports can be done through multiple channels, including fax, mail, in person, online (https:\/\/recycle.epa.gov.tw\/), and QR code. The EPA has received 130 public reports in the past five years and has given out rewards totaling NT$3,300,000. \n\nTo disseminate the information regarding the responsibilities of enterprises that are required to pay recycling, clearance and disposal fees, the EPA has put out special reminders on the Recyclable Waste Volume Reporting System. Any person, either a business owner or an employee responsible for reporting the volume, who submits false reports knowingly or makes false records on business documents purposefully can be punished in accordance with Article 48 of the Waste Disposal Act and the Business Entity Accounting Act.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "1", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "" }, { "no": "3983", "title": "Air Quality Monitoring Shows Lowered PM2.5 and Ozone in 2020", "preview": "The EPA's initial analysis of the 2020 air quality monitoring data shows that the annual average concentrations of all pollutants including PM2.5 had decreased. Ozone concentration went from a slow rise to a slight decrease. The monitoring results indicate that the overall air quality has been improving year after year.", "content": "The EPA says that the percentage of days with good air quality index (AQI) has been on the rise in the past five years. The number of days with good and moderate AQI (AQI 100) accounted for over 90% in 2020. The number of red alerts caused by PM2.5 and detected by monitoring stations throughout the country went from 146 in 2019 to 15 in 2020, displaying a significant air quality improvement.\n\nThe EPA points out that the decrease in the number of days with poor air quality (AQI > 100, orange alerts indicating unhealthy for sensitive groups) year after year has led to changes in the significance of major pollutants. PM2.5 and eight-hour ozone average concentration had both been main indicator pollutants through the years. However, the percentage of eight-hour ozone concentration as the indicator pollutant had surpassed PM2.5 since 2019 and become the main indicator pollutant for poor air quality. In other words, PM2.5 and its impact has continued to drop while the change or decrease in ozone concentrations has been less obvious.\n\nThe percentage of eight-hour ozone concentration as the main pollutant has been on the rise year after year, but in fact the number of orange alert days has gradually decreased in the past two years. Long-term monitoring also shows lowered peak ozone concentrations. A closer look into the changes in ozone concentrations reveals that concentrations of ozone precursors such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic matters have continued to decrease in the past ten years, hence high-concentration ozone was less likely to form and therefore fewer high-concentration ozone episodes occurred. However, lower NOx concentration slowed down ozone depletion causing ozone concentration to increase, and the transboundary ozone has been on the rise, resulting in higher background ozone concentrations.\n\nTo investigate the environmental changes that might be related to the improved air quality, the EPA looked into the monitoring data from the Central Weather Bureau (CWB), which shows that the total rainfall decreased and the total hours of low wind speed increased in 2020. Although this meteorological condition is unfavorable for washing away particulate matter in the air or dispersion, the PM2.5 concentration was still lower in 2020 compared to 2019, reflecting that air pollution control was effective. The monitoring results from CWB also show improved visibility in 2020 than in 2019, consistent with what would be expected with lower PM2.5 concentrations.\n\nThe EPA has been jointly implementing the Air Pollution Control Action Plan () (2020-2023) with local governments and other central departments to reduce emissions of primary particulate matter, sulfur oxides (SOx), NOx, and volatile organic compounds. The implementation of the Plan was focused on four areas: stationary pollution sources, mobile pollution sources, fugitive pollution sources, and comprehensive management. Under the joint effort, the national average PM2.5 concentration was 15.0g\/m3 between 20 January and 20 December 2020, a significant improvement compared to 17.2g\/m3 in the same period in 2019. With such achievement, the EPA is expecting to reach the goal of lowering the annual national average concentration of fine particulate matter to 15g\/m3 by 2023, and the objective of increasing the number of days with good air quality by 1% year to year and decreasing the number of days with poor air quality by half earlier than planned.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "1", "assortment": "Environmental monitoring", "url": "" }, { "no": "3982", "title": "1.          New Measures Effective in January 2021", "preview": "A number of environmental policies and regulations have taken effect since 1 January 2021, including the use of acoustic cameras for noise violation crackdown, more stringent Effluent Standards, addition of above-ground storage tank control regulations, more stringent control on mercury-containing products, and adjusted clearance and disposal rates for certain recyclables.", "content": "Major policies and measures implemented in January 2021 as below:\n1. Enhancing control on vehicle noise with acoustic camera technologies Control on motor vehicle noise is strengthened by using acoustic cameras to catch violating vehicles. Since 1 January 2021, acoustic cameras have been employed in law enforcement to increase control efficiency.\n\n2.Tightening Effluent Standards \nThe Effluent Standards have been tightened since 1 January 2021 with newly added regulations:\n(1) Control standards on nine substances used in technology and petrochemical industries, including acrylonitrile and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), were newly added. \n(2) Control standards on ammonium nitrogen were added for five industries including metal finishing and electroplating, as well as for sewerage systems in industrial parks other than petrochemical industrial parks.\n(3) Control standards on ammonium nitrogen and total nitrogen were added for public sewage systems.\n(4) True color standards were tightened and standards on free residual chlorine were newly added for 23 industries including tannery and industrial park sewage systems.\n(5) Standards on nine heavy metals including cadmium, lead, total chromium, hexavalent chromium, copper, zinc, nickel, selenium, and arsenic have been tightened, and standards on tin have been added for seven industries including wafer manufacturers that handle heavy metals and whose effluents reach a certain scale, and for sewage systems in science parks, petrochemical industrial parks, and other industrial parks. \n\n3. Adding controls for above-ground storage tanks to strengthen soil and groundwater pollution prevention \nThe Installation and Maintenance Regulations Concerning Facilities That Prevent Storage Systems from Polluting Groundwater and Monitoring Facilities have been revised to enhance upper-end pollution prevention for above-ground storage tanks. Provisions were added for pollution-preventing facility installation, regular monitoring, and reporting and reference procedures. Enterprises can conduct the monitoring themselves and reporting the responses to protect soil and groundwater resources. All were effective from 1 January 2021. \n\n4. Strengthening controls on nine types of mercury-containing products \nThe manufacturing and import of nine types of mercury-containing products are banned from 1 January 2021. These include certain batteries, switches, relays, common-use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), common-use straight-tube fluorescent lamps, common-use high-pressure mercury-vapor lamps, fluorescent lamps used in electronic monitoring, cosmetics, insecticides\/bactericides\/partial antibacterial agents, and non-electronic gauging instruments. \n\n5. Adjusting clearance and disposal fee rates for recycling televisions and air conditioning systems \nTelevision set clearance and disposal fee rates will be adjusted from 1 March 2021. As an example, the fee rates for liquid-crystal-display (LCD) televisions over 27 inches will be increased from NT$275\/unit to NT$317\/unit. And the fee rates for air conditioners will be increased from NT$297\/unit to NT$353\/unit.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "1", "assortment": "General policy", "url": "" }, { "no": "3981", "title": "Taiwan Keeps Striving to Reduce Carbon Despite Rankings by Global Performance Index ", "preview": "Germanwatch and Climate Action Network Europe have recently released the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2021. Taiwan’s overall performance was still not satisfactory among the 58 nations that were evaluated, but its climate policy ranking has improved from 40th place last year to 27th this year. In addition, in the 2020 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), Taiwan was ranked 46th in the category of climate change among the 180 countries that were evaluated, just behind Japan in the Asian Pacific region.", "content": "The 2020 EPI, a ranking index with international credibility, was released jointly by Yale University and Columbia University in June 2020. Taiwan was ranked 46th in the climate change category among the 180 countries that were evaluated, and only 2nd to Japan in the Asia-Pacific. Different international climate change performance indexes use different statistics, evaluation categories, evaluation and calculation methods, hence producing varying results. The EPA respects the outcomes of these indexes and will keep up its efforts on carbon reduction.\n\nThe EPA pointed out that Germanwatch was not able to access information on Taiwan from international conventions or the UN system since Taiwan is not a UN member. In 2020 the EPA took the initiative to communicate with Germanwatch and provided it with Taiwan's climate change policies and statistics on greenhouse gas emission for its reference. It resulted in Taiwan's rise of two places in the overall performance ranking and a significant leap in the category of climate policy compared to the year before. However, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea did not fare well in greenhouse gas emission as the rating method was mainly based on the emission per capita and its weight reached as high as 30%. India and China, both with continually rising emission, were ranked 10th and 33rd respectively in this category.\n\nThe EPI 2020, published by Yale University and Columbia University in June 2020, evaluated the average annual growth of the emissions of different greenhouse gases from 2008 to 2017 in the category of climate change, where Taiwan was placed among the middle-upper rankings. In addition, Taiwan was at the top with three other nations in decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions. Together, these put Taiwan at the 46th place out of a total 180 evaluated countries, just behind Japan in the Asian Pacific region, for the overall performance.\n\nFor the renewable energy rankings, the EPI 2020 referenced the statistics from 2018, the year in which Taiwan was affected by a drought and the hydropower generation decreased by 17.7% (970 million kwh). However, solar energy, one of the main renewable energies promoted in energy transition, grew by 62.6% (1.04 billion kwh) in 2018. Therefore, the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix remained at 4.6%, the same as that of 2017. This shows Taiwan had seen initial achievements in energy transition.\n\nAs the regulations and development environment for renewable energy gradually improved, solar energy output continued to grow by 48% in 2019 (1.3 billion kwh) and wind power generation also grew by 10.9% (190 million kwh) following the completion of the first offshore wind farm. Both helped to bring the share of renewable energy up to 5.6% in 2019.\n\nClimate change is a cross-border issue. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change emphasizes the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and individual national conditions, and uses the total global emissions to urge all countries to cut down emissions collectively. Over the years, being outside of international mechanisms, resources or assistance, Taiwan still actively promoted energy transition, pragmatically set the goals for the second phase of emission control, and initiated the revision of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act.\n\nRecently the international community has successively proposed the 2050 net zero greenhouse gas emission targets. Since this is a cross-ministerial and cross-sectorial issue, when the Legislative Yuan reviewed the EPA budget recently, it also made a resolution to request the EPA to invite relevant ministries to jointly investigate the paths and analyze scenarios for Taiwan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA stated that the administration and relevant ministries have started the assessment for the paths and will continue to collect opinions from all sectors.\n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "1", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "3980", "title": "Taiwan and U.K. Join Hands to Launch First Report on Carbon Pricing", "preview": "The EPA cooperated with the British Office in Taipei in July 2020 to commission the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, an internationally renowned think tank specialized in climate policy research, to assess and give suggestions on Taiwan’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction policies and carbon pricing system. The Institute prepared a report titled Carbon Pricing Options for Taiwan, and published it on the website of the London School of Economics and Political Science (https:\/\/www.lse.ac.uk\/granthaminstitute\/publication\/carbon-pricing-options-for-taiwan\/).", "content": "The EPA explains that the cooperation with the international research think tank directly represents Taiwan’s stance on climate change and allows joint evaluation of feasible reduction measures. The EPA will continue promoting future international collaboration on the foundation of this experience. The report adopted a qualitative research approach and covers a comprehensive analysis on Taiwan’s economy and greenhouse gas emissions. The report also evaluates the market readiness of Taiwan’s government and industries, and analyzes the most affected industrial sectors. \n\nAccording to the report, carbon pricing instruments should be gradually implemented as a policy tool in the face of GHG reduction challenges. The report estimates that carbon pricing can contribute to reaching national GHG emission reduction goals and support green growth and transition. The report also indicates that Taiwan can start developing its carbon pricing policies by implementing a carbon levy. It recommends setting a relatively low carbon levy level in the beginning and gradually increasing the price with a clear trajectory to ensure incentives for emission reduction. \n\nIn addition, the report points out that carbon pricing has been widely adopted all over the world. Currently, there are more than 60 countries that are implementing a carbon pricing instrument. If Taiwan was to adopt the policy design for implementing an emissions trading system (ETS) at this juncture, Taiwan may face challenges such as insufficient market liquidity or reduced market competitiveness. On the other hand, imposing carbon levies is comparatively simple and can be executed based on Taiwan’s experiences in energy and environmental taxes. \n\nThe collaboration on the report between Taiwan and the U.K. was brought about by the British Office in Taiwan. Josh Burke, author of the report, was invited to visit Taiwan early this year to share U.K.’s policy making experiences in carbon pricing, which could allow Taiwan to learn and improve its own carbon pricing policies. The EPA anticipates a long-term collaboration between Taiwan and the U.K. in climate change. \n", "year": "2021", "month": "1", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "3979", "title": "Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act to be Amended", "preview": "Since the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act was promulgated in July 2015, the competent authority has been gradually establishing the legislation for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction in accordance with the Act. The competent authority has set GHG reduction goals in five-year phases, formulated GHG reduction implementation plans, developed a system for the inventorying, registration, and verification of industrial GHG emissions, and encouraged businesses to implement off-set projects. ", "content": "Since climate change continues to escalate, the United Nations has requested all member nations to speed up their GHG reduction progress to achieve the long-term goal of carbon neutrality as soon as possible. After evaluating the experience of implementing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, the EPA has decided that adjustments are to be made to enhance regulatory tools, economic incentives, and integration of GHG mitigation tasks. \nTo keep in line with international trends and strengthen the implementation of GHG reduction measures, the EPA is amending the Act to include stipulations regarding carbon reduction measures that are to be implemented by different agencies and their climate change adaptation responsibilities. Additionally, the EPA is establishing a central climate change adaptation reporting mechanism, imposing GHG emission management fees after referencing international carbon pricing practices, and establishing an economic incentive system. The EPA will also develop low-carbon technologies with the GHG Management Fund to promote a low-carbon economy. Other amendments to the Act include: revising the GHG emission performance standard (EPS) to enhance regulatory quality, adding new regulations on climate change adaptation and the required adaptation measures, and establishing climate resilience systems for governments at all levels.\nClimate change adaptation involves a wide range of fields. Not only is it an environmental issue, it is also closely related to future economic development and industrial competitiveness. The EPA will speed up the efforts to implement climate change adaptation tasks by continuing to communicate with all sectors, collect public opinions and actively seek social consensus on relevant matters.\n", "year": "2021", "month": "1", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "" }, { "no": "3978", "title": "EPA Reviews and Supervises Offshore Wind Power Projects", "preview": "Taiwan has started implementing offshore wind power generation plans in recent years, and the EPA has been keeping continuous attention to related environmental issues. The EPA also conducted reviews on the basis of the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) for offshore wind power and has been providing subsequent environmental impact assessment (EIA) supervisions in accordance with the law. Any violations detected during the supervisions are to be reported and penalized accordingly. ", "content": "\nThe EPA explains that to achieve the national renewable energy goals by 2025, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has been implementing its offshore wind power projects in three stages: demonstration projects, potential site selection and block developments. The EPA conducted consultations on the Policy Assessment Report Regarding Offshore Wind Power Block Development submitted by the MOEA on 28 December 2016. Any future EIA reviews for the development projects are to be conducted in accordance with the conclusions from the SEA. The conclusions also incorporated pledges to serve as development standards for developers and basis for EIA supervisions.\n\nThe EPA indicates that offshore wind power generation is different from any other forms of coastal development activities that Taiwan has experienced in the past. Therefore, in the review conclusions, the EPA requested the submission of environmental impact survey reports on bird habitats. In addition, the development projects are to measure underwater noise based on the measuring method devised by the National Institute of Environmental Analysis. The current underwater noise threshold stipulates that the sound exposure level (SEL) shall not exceed 160 dB (average SEL measured within 30 seconds of pile driving) at a distance of 750 meters from the alert zone. Some citizens and private organizations have expressed concern about whether the current threshold is enough to protect Chinese White Dolphins from harmful effects. Hence, the EPA also requested that the EIA documents of individual projects shall stipulate that when the competent authority or the industry competent authority develops stricter underwater noise thresholds, these thresholds shall be adopted accordingly. This way the EPA will be able to carry out supervision based on the stricter thresholds when they come up in the future. \n\nIn addition, the EPA worked with the Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA) and created the Taiwan Cetacean Observer Operation Manual as one of the pledge documents for EIAs in marine ecology and conservation and to provide a consistent standard for developers. The EPA also enhanced EIA supervision on the construction of wind farms through law enforcement technology tools and cross-ministerial cooperation. Moreover, to reduce the environmental impacts of development activities, the EPA arranged assistance from experts and scholars to supervise developers to ensure they carry out environmental protection measures. When any evidence of violation is detected during the supervisions, developers are to be penalized in accordance with the law. The EPA cited the example of the Formosa 1 Offshore Wind Farm in Miaoli County, where the numbers of observation boats or observers were found to be insufficient in 2019. After the violations were confirmed, violators were fined NT$1.5 million, the maximum fine under the Environmental Impact Assessment Act.\n\nThe EPA states that the wind farms that have passed the EIA reviews will start construction in 2021 in the order of their commissioning year. As for the developers who plan to build new wind farms and have started EIA processes, the EPA will conduct EIA reviews in accordance with the proper procedures, and supervise the development projects after they pass the reviews to ensure the implementation of EIA pledges. This way a win-win situation between economic development and environmental protection will be achieved.", "year": "2021", "month": "1", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "" }, { "no": "3977", "title": "Regulations Regarding Prohibited Ingredients in Environmental Agents Amended", "preview": "The EPA amended the Prohibited Components in Environmental Agents and Methods for Their Detection in response to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which has banned the production, import or export of pesticides containing mercury since 2020. Authorized by Article 7 of the Environmental Agents Control Act, the Prohibited Components in Environmental Agents and Methods for Their Detection was amended by adding mercury and methylmercury to be among the prohibited components in environmental agents. The maximum content of these components has been set to be 10 Method Detection Limit (MDL).\n\n", "content": "The EPA points out that there is currently no registered environmental agent in Taiwan that contains mercury. Therefore, banning mercury and methylmercury in environmental agents will not significantly impact the domestic industry. The amendment was to comply with the Minamata Convention on Mercury and be in line with international management practices. It will further ensure public health and environmental safety in Taiwan. \n\n", "year": "2021", "month": "1", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "" }, { "no": "3976", "title": "EPA to Announce Third Batch of Premises Regulated by Indoor Air Quality Act", "preview": "To improve indoor air quality and safeguard public health, the EPA reviews regulated premises and the scope of control on a rolling basis. It also gradually expands the list of regulated premises by prioritizing premises that are frequently visited by people sensitive to air pollution, premises with mass gatherings and heavy foot traffic, as well as public and large buildings. There are currently more than 1,500 regulated premises, and the EPA is planning to announce a new batch of regulated premises to expand the scope of control. ", "content": "Premises that are regulated by the Indoor Air Quality Act are announced in batches. The first and second batch were announced on 1 July 2014 and 11 January 2017, respectively, and included 16 types of premises with a total of 1,500 business entities, among which 80% is large scale premises. \n\nThe new batch includes kindergartens with 200 or more students, postpartum care institutions with 20 or more beds, childcare centers with the approved capacity to care for 35 or more children, local hospitals, some government offices, and gyms with total square footage more than 1,000 square meters but less than 2,000 square meters. The EPA will also combine the first and second batch of the regulated premises into a list to be the basis for regulated targets under the Indoor Air Quality Act. \n\nThe announcement will also include added regulations stipulating that regulated premises shall implement air quality maintenance and management in compliance with the Indoor Air Quality Act. To reduce the impacts caused by the announcement, regulated premises will be given a year to install dedicated personnel for indoor air quality maintenance and management, devise an indoor air quality maintenance and management plan, and perform the first regular indoor air quality testing. The EPA urges premises to take early measures to ensure that they will comply with the Indoor Air Quality Act after the announcement takes effect. ", "year": "2021", "month": "1", "assortment": "Air", "url": "" }, { "no": "3975", "title": "Enforcement with Acoustic Cameras Effective from 2021 ", "preview": "The EPA announced that, from 1 January 2021, acoustic camera technology will start to be deployed to increase the efficiency of law enforcement for cracking down on high-noise vehicles. Vehicles with noise levels exceeding standards will be directly fined on the spot. With all detection systems triply certified and a two-step quality control mechanism for processing violations, all high-noise vehicles that violate noise standards will be caught red-handed in real time, unable to hide their transgressions from the cameras.", "content": "To clamp down on high-noise vehicles, the EPA currently conducts roadside inspections or notifies vehicle owners to go to specific locations to measure stationary noise levels. However, measuring stationary noise can only primarily deal with noise problems caused by improperly modified vehicles; there are cases where noise that vehicles make are loud on the road but are within standards when the vehicles are stationary. This is due to improper driving behaviors of drivers on the road. In light of such scenarios, the EPA referenced the law enforcement model with speed cameras, and has been working on penalizing violators directly on the spot using acoustic camera technology. To have laws to base the penalties on, the EPA has completed the revision or formulations of three laws: Methods for Measuring Motor Vehicle Driving Noise Image-assisted Method was announced on 15 October 2020, and the revised Motor Vehicle Noise Control Standards and the revised Regulations Governing In-Use Motor Vehicle Noise Control were announced jointly with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) on 1 December 2020. \n\nThe EPA pointed out that, to ensure the fairness and objectivity of the acoustic camera systems, it has referenced the experiences of using the interval speed detection systems and require all hardware used for the acoustic camera systems to be triply certified. In addition, it has also instituted a two-step process for verifying violations to ensure the credibility of law enforcement.\n \n1. Triple equipment certifications: Sound level meters need to be certified by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) and should be approved every two years; the acoustic camera systems are required to pass the EPAs comparison tests, and; all hardware is to be calibrated every three days and time-synchronized every five minutes.\n \n2. Two-step process for verifying violations: When a violation occurs, background disturbances are to be removed first (background noise should be adjusted for and weather data such as wind speed or rain should be checked), and other sources of sound are to be clarified (video and audio clips recorded three seconds before and after the incident should be kept to verify the sources of noise). \nAs for public concern about too few acoustic cameras being deployed, the EPA noted that the purpose of law enforcement via such technology is to detect noise violations, and to maximize equipment efficiency, precise enforcement will be carried out in the future. This means road sections with frequent noise complaints will be prioritized for the installation of fixed surveillance equipment for long-term noise monitoring, while mobile surveillance equipment will be used at times and locations that have frequent complaints.", "year": "2020", "month": "12", "assortment": "Noise Control", "url": "V23\/V23-12" }, { "no": "3974", "title": "International Environmental Education Workshop Attracts Students from 16 Countries", "preview": "To echo the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encourage people to make Taiwan as a starting point to understand local and global environmental threats, and subsequently inspire people to find solutions and take actions, the EPA organized for the first time a three-day 2020 International Environmental Issues and Education Workshop that was geared toward foreign students studying in Taiwan. A total of 30 students and young people from 16 countries attended the workshop from 29 November to 1 December to share and exchange experiences.", "content": "Since 2014, the EPA has been implementing jointly with the USEPA the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), which aims to promote regional and global environmental education and facilitate collaboration networks to respond to common environmental challenges. The partnership also established the Asia-Pacific GEEP Center in 2019, allowing Taiwan to take the lead in promoting exchanges and collaborations on environmental education among countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global exchanges were limited in 2020. The EPA therefore took a different approach and organized an international workshop that broke national and geographical barriers to allow Taiwan to continue to exert its influence, and for the world to see Taiwan’s outstanding experience and creative ingenuity in environmental education.\n \nWith the Force of Environmental Action Awakens as the theme, and through courses that combined theory and practice, the workshop covered environmental literacy, initiatives and actions to enhance participants awareness and a toolkit for sustainable development. The workshop played a video that was pre-recorded by Judy Braus, Executive Director of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) which is the GEEP secretariat to explain to all participants the core beliefs and goals of the GEEP. She also encouraged all participants to believe in the power of education for bringing change to the future.\n \nThrough learning about the development of environmental education in Taiwan and various creative strategies for environmental actions and group discussions, the workshop aimed to inspire these 30 young students\/environmental educators to come up with and share solutions for environmental issues that arose in their hometowns. In addition, the workshop took participants, each with their reusable utensils, on a tour to plastic-free night markets to experience green lifestyle in action. Furthermore, the workshop also brought participants to experience in person environmental education courses in Taijiang National Park and Chiaonan Community. They also watched traditional puppet shows that conveyed environmental protection concepts in the community and learned about efforts of locals towards environmental protection. ", "year": "2020", "month": "12", "assortment": "environmental education", "url": "V23\/V23-12" }, { "no": "3973", "title": "EPA Promotes Soil Sustainability on 2020 World Soil Day", "preview": "To celebrate World Soil Day and highlight the important contribution of healthy soil to food, water resources, energy security, biodiversity conservation, climate stability and other aspects of human welfare, the EPA launched a series of events on 5 December 2020 to promote soil and groundwater conservation. Its aims were to spread the seeds for conservation actions and build a public consensus on soil and groundwater protection through education, promotion, expert knowledge and professional training.", "content": " \nThe United Nations has designated 5 December of every year as the World Soil Day, and the theme for 2020 World Soil Day was Keep Soil Alive, Protect Soil Biodiversity. To enhance people’s awareness of soil and groundwater protection and echo the UNs call, the EPA launched promotion events synchronized with other countries to remind the public of the importance of healthy soil. In addition to the premiere of the video Experts Talking about Soil on the day, the EPA also held quiz games on social media platforms that awarded Green Points.\n \nTo strengthen people’s knowledge of farmland protection and to cultivate and enhance the quality of Taiwan’s soil and groundwater conservation professionals, EPA officials recently went on several national radio stations to promote farmland pollution prevention. During the programs, the EPA guests talked with radio show hosts about what farmers should look out for during routine farmland checkups, for pollution prevention, and during farmland sales and purchases. In January 2021 the EPA will also hold a four-day camp to provide training for youngsters to boost their creativity and discover their career potential in soil and groundwater conservation. Courses will include soil and groundwater conservation technologies and applications, actual sampling operations, visits to contaminated sites and more, to connect young students with soil and groundwater related industries. \n\nThe EPA indicated that the Children’s Book Contest on Soil Biodiversity held by the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in 2020 used Keep soil alive, protect soil biodiversity as the motto. The FAO also pointed out that soil biodiversity plays an important role in maintaining human welfare and ensuring future agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.\n \nThe EPA has formulated sustainable soil management strategies, and will increase its efforts in integrating practices of experts and successful experiences of other countries. The EPA will also engage in international collaboration and discussion and strengthen its work on preventing soil pollution and improving the functions and utilization of soil environments. The public is also encouraged to cherish soil Mother Earth herself and protect precious soil resources, with fostering healthy and sustainable soil as the ultimate goal. \n", "year": "2020", "month": "12", "assortment": "soil & groundwater", "url": "V23\/V23-12" }, { "no": "3972", "title": "South-Central Taiwan Joint Inspections with UAVs to Stamp Out Open-Air Burning ", "preview": "In response to the poor air quality in southern and central Taiwan during fall and winter, the EPA conducted joint inspections with 10 city\/county environmental protection bureaus from 9-11 November 2020, carrying out a total of 213 inspections. The joint inspections focused on PM2.5 levels, which is the indicator pollutant for recent pollution, and targeted locations that are prone to fugitive dust pollution. The inspections were performed at 25 construction sites and 59 open-air burning hotspots. A total of 14 violations were detected during the inspections with an estimated fine of more than NT$420,000.", "content": "In addition to poor dispersion of pollutants caused by the northeast monsoon and topographic conditions, open-air burning in rice fields during the harvest season in the south-central regions can further exacerbate the air quality. Therefore, the EPA planned the joint inspections accordingly and carried out a total of 60 inspections with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to enhance the inspection effectiveness. \n\nDuring the three days of inspections, Nantou County focused on constructions such as dredging and regional development activities, while Kaohsiung City conducted inspections on open-air burning activities and construction sites and surveyed the exposed riverbeds in the city. Tainan City inspected the construction sites within the Sinji Industrial Park and found several violations, including uncleaned vehicles, loosened dust covers, and fences that did not enclose the entire construction site. Yunlin County discovered that a tofu skin manufacturing plant had been operating without a permit and piling waste outdoors. Pingtung County inspected 10 open-air burning hotspots with UAVs and detected six violations. Chiayi County, Tainan City, Taichung City, Miaoli County, Yunlin County, Changhua County and the EPAs Bureau of Environmental Inspection also worked together to complete related inspections. \n\nThe EPA stated that 12 open-air burning incidents were detected during the joint inspections, indicating that some citizens still resort to this bad habit to get rid of waste. Since it is currently poor air quality season, the EPA is reminding citizens to avoid outdoor burning. The EPA is also urging industrial parks and factories to implement air pollution control measures in accordance with regulations to prevent further worsening of air quality and safeguard public health. ", "year": "2020", "month": "12", "assortment": "air", "url": "V23\/V23-12" }, { "no": "3971", "title": "Conference Held to Present the Achievements of Cross-ministerial Collaboration in Implementing Minamata Convention on Mercury", "preview": "On 2 December 2020, the EPA, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHW), the Council of Agriculture (COA), and the Ministry of Labor (MOL) jointly held a conference to present the achievements of cross-ministerial collaboration in implementing the Minamata Convention on Mercury. During the conference, experts, scholars, representatives of businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGO) gathered together to share their experiences in mercury pollution control and exchange information. ", "content": "High levels of mercury, commonly known as quicksilver, can cause damage to the brain, the nervous system and organs. To protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury, the Minamata Convention on Mercury was developed by the United Nations and entered into force on 16 August 2017. Before the convention took effect, the EPA had already started to carry out the cross-ministerial Implementation Plan for the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which was passed by the Executive Yuan on 27 June 2016 to reduce the mercury levels in the environment. \n\nAccording to the convention, the control for the following nine mercury-containing products is to be tightened as of 1 January 2021. They include certain types of batteries, switches, relays, compact fluorescent lamps, fluorescent tube lamps, high-pressure mercury lamps, digital fluorescent lamps, cosmetics, insecticides\/fungicides\/antibacterial agents, and non-electronic measuring instruments. With the joint effort of several government agencies, relevant regulations have been amended accordingly to ban the manufacturing and import of these nine products starting from 1 January 2021, which is in line with the stipulation of the convention. \n\nThe cross-ministerial conference started with the EPA introducing the Implementation Plan for the Minamata Convention on Mercury. It was then followed by the MHW, the COA and the MOL sharing their respective management experiences on topics of public concern. The topics included dental amalgams and mercury in Chinese medicines, mercury management and testing in agriculture, and occupational safety and mercury management in the workplace. Lastly, the EPA gave a report on the implementation progress regarding reduction of mercury-containing products, remediation of soil and groundwater pollution control sites, reduction of stationary source emissions, environmental monitoring, development of testing methods, and effluent and water body management.\n\nThe EPA stated that part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is created by the UN in 2015, is to assess global trends in chemical management. Taiwan has made early progress from implementing the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the EPA will continue collaborating with other government agencies, businesses, academia and research institutes to strengthen chemical safety. For more information, please check the EPAs website: https:\/\/topic.epa.gov.tw\/hg\/mp-3.html. ", "year": "2020", "month": "12", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-12" }, { "no": "3970", "title": "EPA Works with Finland and Private Companies to Promote SRF", "preview": "To promote the use of solid recovered fuel (SRF), the EPA held the Turning Waste to Energy: Solid Recovered Fuel press conference on 27 November 2020. The EPA Deputy Minister Chih-hsiu Shen, Representative Mikko Antero Karppinen of Finland Trade Center, representatives of businesses, other government agencies, academia and research institutes attended the conference to demonstrate the determination for the promotion.", "content": "The EPA indicates that waste-to-fuel policies help utilize high calorific value waste and reduce the use of fossil fuel. Take power generation for example, when waste is burned in an incineration plant, the power generation efficiency is roughly 20%. However, when waste is converted to SRF and burned in a specialized furnace, the power generation efficiency can reach more than 30%, which is more energy and economically efficient.\n\nSRF is produced from recycled plastic and biomass (such as waste paper and wood) and other kinds of non-hazardous and combustible materials. SRF has low environmental impacts, costs less, and can be used in high-efficiency boilers and combustion facilities. Compared to coal, SRF as a fuel can also reduce carbon emissions. Moreover, separating combustible waste and turning them into SRF reduces the burden of incinerators. Therefore, the EPA formulated the Solid Recovered Fuel Manufacturing Guidelines and Quality Standards to ensure the manufacturing quality of SRF. The EPA also set the Waste-to-Fuel Implementation Goals, with the amount of waste turned into fuel expected to reach 390,000 metric tons in 2021.\n\nCurrently, the SRF industry in Taiwan mainly consists of the paper manufacturing industry, textile industry and cement industry. Participants of the conference included experts from the Industrial Development Bureau, Green Energy and Environmental Research Laboratories of the Industrial Technology Research Institute, Taiwan Bio-Energy Technology Development Association, and Professor Chiung-fen Chang of Tunghai University. Companies that have been involved in the promotion of SRF were also invited, including Yuen Foong Yu (YFY), Cheng Loong Corporation (CLC), Kuan Yuan Paper (KYP), Dakim Environmental Protection Enterprise, and Li Peng Enterprise.\n\nThe SRF industry in Taiwan currently includes source suppliers, manufactures, equipment providers (boilers\/power plants), and bottom ash reuse organizations. Taiwan has established a supply and demand chain within the domestic SRF industry and created new business opportunities. Businesses involved include paper manufacturing companies, such as YFY, CLC and KYP, and textile companies such as Lealea Group, and cement companies such as Taiwan Cement. Some of these companies produce combustible waste with high calorific value in the operation process and have a demand for boilers, while others are conveniently equipped with cement kilns and readily reuse bottom ash. Aside from the companies that are self-supplied with SRF, there are also companies that professionally manufacture SRF. For example, Dakim Environmental Protection Enterprise uses waste treatment equipment manufactured by the Finnish company BMH Technology. Long-Shun Green Energy Technology, Wanji Technology, and Yong Mao Environmental Tech are also SRF manufacturers that have become source suppliers for companies such as Taiwan Cogeneration Corporation and Ta-Yuan Cogeneration Corporation. \n\nTo encourage domestic businesses to use SRF, the EPA is providing incentives for using renewable energy and reusing bottom ash. Through the conference, the EPA aims to inspire businesses to go green and work jointly with the government towards a circular economy to reduce environmental impacts from industrial development. ", "year": "2020", "month": "12", "assortment": "waste", "url": "V23\/V23-12" }, { "no": "3969", "title": "Quarry Company Prosecuted for Youluo River Pollution ", "preview": "The EPA joined forces with the Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office, the Seventh Special Police Corps, the Hsinchu County Environmental Protection Bureau, and Hsinchu County Police Bureau to crack down on a quarry company for polluting the Youluo River in Hengshan Township of Hsinchu County. After six months of investigation, the company was found in early November to be the culprit that had been polluting the river and commit crimes such as illegal waste dumping and burying.", "content": "The Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office received a civilian report that a quarry company located in Hengshan Township of Hsinchu County was illegally dumping soil, rocks and other wastes into the Youluo River. The company’s action has disrupted the natural flow of the river and can potentially harm the property and physical safety of neighboring residents. On 5 May 2020, relevant government agencies conducted a joint on-site investigation and detected a significant amount of construction waste and waste glass fiber powder that was piled up or refilled into the land along the bank of Youluo River. Subsequently, the Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office initiated a joint investigation with the police and the EPA to crack down on this site.\n\nAfter thorough investigation, the Northern Branch of the Bureau of Environmental Inspection and the Seventh Special Police Corps discovered that while the quarry company was legally registered, it was illegally clearing and disposing of waste for others. It was also making illegal gains by providing land in which random businesses could dump or bury their industrial and construction waste. On 3 November 2020, the Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office and the investigation team found that the quarry company was transporting inorganic sludge containing coagulants off the site via truck for the sludge to be dried. By providing waste storage without approval from competent authorities, the company violated Article 46 of the Waste Disposal Act. In addition, the inorganic sludge found on the site was leaking wastewater into the Youluo River, which could also constitute a violation of Article 46. \n\nThe investigation team excavated eight spots in the quarry and discovered construction waste (including waste plastic, wood, bricks and rebar) that had been refilled into the land. The team also broke some concrete blocks in the quarry and found inside pieces of waste printed circuit boards, plastic and glass fiber powder. This revealed illegal treatment of industrial waste in violation of the Waste Disposal Act. Violators of these laws can be subject to imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to NT$15 million.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "12", "assortment": "Environmental Inspection", "url": "V23\/V23-12" }, { "no": "3968", "title": "EPA Awards Green Mark Accredited Service Enterprises", "preview": "To reward the service industries effort in supporting green consumption, the EPA held the 2020 Green Mark Accredited Service Enterprise Award Ceremony on the main stage of the 2020 ITF Taipei International Travel Fair on 2 November 2020. The awards were personally given out by EPA Minister Tzi-chin Chang to honor the 18 enterprises that received the accreditation between 1 October 2019 and 30 September 2020. The 18 enterprises comprised 16 hotels, one travel agency, and one restaurant. Dedicated to reducing environmental impacts while providing their services, the accredited enterprises were recognized for not only implementing basic environmental protection measures in their facilities, but also voluntarily incorporating them into their business strategies.", "content": "", "year": "2020", "month": "12", "assortment": "Ecolabeling", "url": "V23\/V23-12" }, { "no": "3967", "title": "EPA Launches New Environmental Options on Food Delivery App", "preview": "For the first time, the EPA is collaborating with the food delivery service Foodpanda, the Environmental Protection Bureau of Tainan City Government and reusable container suppliers to organize a trial program that promotes environmentally friendly delivery services. The program is available in Western Central, Eastern and Northern Districts of Tainan City from 9 November 2020 to 4 January 2021. The program allows consumers to opt for reusable containers for their purchases on the ordering page of the Foodpanda app, and return the containers to specified locations to acquire discount codes. ", "content": "Food delivery services have become very popular lately. According to the statistics provided by the National Credit Card Center of R.O.C. (NCCC), the revenue generated by food delivery services exceeded NT$5,000 million in the first half of 2020. During this time, the food delivery services also used 670 metric tons of disposable containers and tableware, putting a significant burden on the environment. To reduce the use of disposal containers and establish a circular model for food container use, the EPA is working with private companies to test the feasibility and applicability of using reusable containers in the food delivery industry.\n\nThe EPA held a Zero-Waste Food Delivery Press Conference in National Cheng Kung University on 9 November 2020 to announce the start of the program. Consumers in the participating districts can first search for the business account Goodtogo on the LINE app and join the membership. They can then opt for reusable containers while purchasing from the 22 participating restaurants. After a meal, consumers are to clean the containers and return them within three days at any of the 30 return locations. The returned containers will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before being reused again to ensure hygienic and environmental health. \n\nThe program is completely voluntary and does not require extra cost to encourage public participation. Any participating consumers, upon returning the containers, can acquire a discount code for a NT$30 discount on a future purchase from Foodpanda.", "year": "2020", "month": "12", "assortment": "waste", "url": "V23\/V23-12" }, { "no": "3966", "title": "Building a Safe Chemical Environment ", "preview": "To build a safe chemical environment, the EPA has announced nitrous oxide as a concerned chemical substance, and will continue to focus its efforts on integrating documents for toxic chemical substance management, promoting collaboration among industries, government agencies, and academia on chemical substance information registration, evaluating and listing toxic and concerned chemical substances, strengthening interdepartmental government response capabilities, and enhancing training capacities for toxic chemical substance disaster prevention and response. All of the above will be carried out in stages with corresponding indicators and targets set up every year.", "content": "Background\nIn light of the disastrous fire that broke out at Jing Pung Factory in Taoyuan City on 28 April 2018, the EPA formulated Building a Safe Chemical Environment Initiative (2020-2023) based on the vision stated in the National Chemical Substances\nManagement Policy Guidelines”. The initiative was approved by the Executive Yuan on 17 May 2019.\n\nRecent achievements\nIn response to the newly stipulated controls in the UN’s Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the EPA announced dicofol as a Class 1 and Class 3 toxic chemical substance on 8 September 2020, and has tightened the control concentrations, bans and limits of several currently listed substances, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), lithium perfluorooctane sulfonate, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), to keep up with the global pace and strengthen toxic chemical substance management in Taiwan.\n\nIn accordance with the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act, which authorizes the formulation of regulations concerning listing concerned chemical substances for control, the EPA preannounced on 21 July 2020 that nitrous oxide was to be listed as a first concerned chemical substance, and officially announced the listing on 30 October. Thereafter, the EPA joined hands with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), and the police authorities to carry out controls, requiring enterprises to acquire permits and also register handling information for production, import, sale, use, and storage of nitrous oxide. Buying and selling nitrous oxide online is also prohibited to enhance the control and deter the improper use or consumption of the substance.\n\nIn accordance with the revised Permit Registration and Approval Regulations for Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances announced on 15 January 2020, the EPA adjusted the way permits and registration documents are issued. Enterprises were previously required to obtain permits separately for handling every single chemical substance, but after the revision, they can handle multiple substances with just one permit. This has saved enterprises the trouble of repeatedly submitting basic information of their handling staff and sites for reviews, and having permits with different validity periods and paying multiple fees for the permits. The revision has substantially reduced handlers’ administrative burden from permit application and streamlined local environmental authorities’ review procedures.\n\nDocument integration began on 1 May 2020. By the end of December 2020, 4,176 enterprises (99.7% of all 4,224 currently listed for control) had completed the renewal of their permits (with 26,388 permits integrated into 4,827 permits). In response to the newly implemented Standard Registration for Existing Chemical Substance, the EPA has designated 106 chemical substances that are widely circulated in Taiwan, have higher potentials to cause harms, and whose information is lacking, and required enterprises that manufacture or import over a metric ton of these substances to submit standard registration information within two or three years.\n\nA Help Desk was set up by the EPA in October 2019 to assist individual enterprises. By the end of December 2020, the Desk had conducted three online and eight in-person explanatory meetings, and assisted 107 enterprises and six relevant organizations. Four of the enterprises have already submitted the standard registration information.\n\nKey areas\n\n1. Continuing to assess and list toxic and concerned chemical substances and strengthen their circulation control\n\nThe EPA announced nitrous oxide as a first concerned chemical substance at the end of October 2020, and will continue to carry out joint inspections with Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) and Bureau of Foreign Trade (BFT) of MOEA, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of MOHW, National Police Agency of Ministry of the Interior, Customs Administration (CA) of the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of Ministry of Labor (MOL), and local governments to stop improper use of nitrous oxide. Listing of hydrogen fluoride (HF) as a hazardous concerned chemical substance is also underway to tighten the source management and circulation control.\n\nAside from the two concerned chemical substances above, the EPA will keep evaluating whether to list for control the following: Substances that pose risks to food safety; narcotic precursor substances; explosive precursor substances; substances that pose higher risks to human health or the environment; substances that are listed as highly concerned or controlled substances by the EU, other countries, or international conventions.\n\nThe EPA expects to complete preliminary investigation on more than 1,000 chemical substances with respect to their physical and chemical characteristics, uses, exposure routes, current handling status in Taiwan, and control status in other countries or in international conventions by the end of 2021. The EPA will then gradually implement the follow-up announcements and listings for control.\n\n2. Integrating documents for handling toxic chemical substances to simplify application and reporting procedures and reduce administrative burdens\n\nDocument integration, where “one permit for one substance” is replaced by “one permit for multiple substances”, is expected to be completed by the end of 2020. Number of issued permits will be reduced from the current 26,388 to approximately 5,000, an 81% reduction. This will effectively cut down the administrative costs for substance handlers and local governments.\n\nIt is often the case that a single substance appears on the control lists of different government agencies at the same time. The EPA is currently evaluating the feasibility of setting a single portal through which enterprises can report all handling records while those that are required to regularly report can be provided with integrated information such as definitions of data to report, reporting fields and frequencies of different agencies to facilitate the reporting process. The agencies will then be able to regularly extract needed data from such database.\n\nThe EPA, MOEA, MOL, Ministry of Education (MOE), and MOI have reached a preliminary consensus to continue to collaborate on harmonizing regulations concerning the single reporting portal.\n\n3. Launching an assistance mechanism and collaborating with industries, governments, and academia on the registration of chemical substances information \n\nIn addition to continuing to assist individual enterprises through the Chemical Substance Registration Help Desk, the EPA will also collaborate with relevant organizations to gradually complete the information collection on 106 chemical substances. Moreover, in light of the major impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on industries in Taiwan and around the world, the EPA will hear from all stakeholders and use their input to evaluate whether to extend registration deadlines and modify how registration is carried out. The EPA will also provide a discount on fees to encourage using non-animal testing to obtain data for the registration.\n\n4. Improving and maintaining a central technical consultation center for toxic chemical accidents and establishing more regional technical teams for accident response\n\nThe technical team in Mailiao, Yunlin County began with two full-time personnel in April 2020 and has been expanded to three full-time personnel since October 2020. Staff from the Yunlin County Environmental Bureau has also been stationed in the technical team’s office and working with the team since January 2020. The Taoyuan technical team was also established in 2020.\n\n5. Enhancing interdepartmental disaster response capacity \nThe construction, staffing and application for the building use permit for the northern resource and materials coordination center is expected to be completed by 2021, and the planning for the subsequent needed resource and materials is also underway.\n\n6. Enhancing the training capacity for toxic and chemical substance disaster prevention and response\nThe construction of the Southern Professional Training Site and Resource Coordination Center was completed on 22 Jan 2020 and was checked and accepted on 19 May 2020. After operation, the site will become the first toxic and chemical disaster response training site in Taiwan and can host training courses for about 2000 people per year, significantly enhancing Taiwan’s toxic and chemical disaster response capabilities. In addition, after the procurement of petrochemical disaster leakage scenario training facilities, the construction of the Central Professional Training Site and Resource Coordination Center was also completed on 26 Oct 2020 and was checked and accepted on 13 Nov 2020. The site will be used first to conduct demonstration training for government agencies in 2021. \n\nFuture prospect\nThrough the implementation of the Building a Safe Chemical Environment Initiative over the years, the EPA expects to achieve the following visions: comprehensive management capability building, improvement of a smart disaster prevention system, and response system integration via technology. And ultimately, the goals of strengthening the capabilities for the control, inspection and testing of chemical substances and enhancing the professional capabilities of environmental disaster response personnel can be achieved.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "12", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-12" }, { "no": "3965", "title": "EPA and Local Governments Hold First Joint Inspections for VOC Emissions", "preview": "In response to seasonal reduced air quality in western Taiwan in the fall and winter, the EPA joined forces with seven cities\/counties to hold the first joint air quality inspections for this year. Participating cities\/counties included Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, and Pingtung County. In light of the fact that ozone often exceeds the recommended limit in October, the inspections were held on 12-14 October 2020 and mainly focused on auditing emission sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are considered ozone precursors. A total of 31 public and private premises across seven cities\/counties were audited. The EPA found three violations during the inspections and estimates that fines totaling NT$1,670,000 will be issued.", "content": "Due to poor dispersion of pollutant emissions caused by the northeast monsoon and topographic effects, air quality in western Taiwan usually worsens during fall and winter months, with increased levels of particulate matter and ozone emissions. The inspections this year focused on ozone precursors and first targeted the petrochemical industry. During the inspections, the Chiayi County Environmental Protection Bureau conducted thorough audits of the air quality deterioration control plans of businesses, such as the Hsinkang Plant of Formosa Plastics Corporation. The Yunlin County Environmental Protection Bureau checked for VOC leaks and implemented comprehensive audits of the Sixth Naphtha Cracking Plant Complex. The Kaohsiung City Environmental Protection Bureau also checked for VOC leaks in government-owned enterprises such as CPC Corporation and discovered two violations (the highest value detected was 67,571 ppm while the limit is 2,000 ppm). The Tainan City Environmental Protection Bureau carried out inspections in eight districts, among which they found a factory in Shanhua District that had been emitting high concentrations of VOCs through illegal channels, and penalties have been issued accordingly. In addition, Chiayi City, Changhua County, Pingtung County, and the EPA’s Bureau of Environmental Inspection completed various other inspections.", "year": "2020", "month": "12", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-12" }, { "no": "3964", "title": "The EPA Wins Presidential Hackathon Award for Its Water Refill Map App ", "preview": "Water The EPA Wins Presidential Hackathon Award for Its Water Refill Map App", "content": "When one is thirsty outside, he or she can open the app “Water Refill Map” on a mobile phone and find the nearest spot where clean drinking water is free to use. Developed by Fong Cha Action, a team formed by the EPA and the social enterprise CircuPlus, the app has won the 2020 Presidential Hackathon Award out of over 300 competitors. The EPA was the only government agency that won the honor this year, and received the award from President Tsai Ing-Wen on 20 September 2020 along with four other winning teams.\nHeading the panel of judges, Minister Without Portfolio Audrey Tang pointed out that the EPA’s advocacy for open data, along with its help coordinating local environmental bureaus to collect data on all drinking water refill spots, have provided a strong footing for Fong Cha Action. Besides collecting the data on existing water stations, the team also initiated multilateral cooperation through crowd sourcing, inviting enterprises, Friendly Stores, and the general public to share information on any drinking water refill spots.\nThe team’s name “Fong Cha”, which means “serve tea” in Chinese, reminds people of well-known Taiwanese hospitality. The entire project is the embodiment of such warmth and willingness to help others, and with the help of open-data technology the app makes finding drinking water much easier for people, while also reducing plastic use and greenhouse gas emissions, which are among the goals of the Green Lifestyle Movement. \nTaiwan consumes a billion bottles of drinking water per year, not counting bottles for other beverages. Cutting the use of bottled water by a mere 1% per year can lower carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 895 metric tons.", "year": "2020", "month": "10", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V23\/V23-10" }, { "no": "3963", "title": "EPA Holds Exhibition to Promote Circular Economy", "preview": "waste EPA Holds Exhibition to Promote Circular Economy", "content": "To promote green industry, the EPA jointly held the 2020 Taiwan Innotech Expo with other government agencies and Academia Sinica at the Taipei World Trade Center on 24 September 2020. The EPA worked with the Industrial Development Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs to organize the “Sustainability Pavilion - Circular Economy” that features both domestic and international circular business models. Revolving around the theme of “Circular Island”, the pavilion aims to stimulate interdepartmental cooperation between businesses, government agencies and academic institutions.\nThe “Sustainability Pavilion” exhibited various innovative technologies and environmental certification systems, and was divided into three sections: highlights, domestic displays, and international displays. One of the highlights, PackAge+ showcased their reusable packaging service for e-commerce, which complies with the “Online Shopping Package Reduction Guidelines” promulgated by the EPA in 2019. By partnering with online shopping platforms and delivery companies to provide the service of reusable shipping packaging for online purchases, PackAge+ created an innovative business model that accomplishes the goal of waste reduction. \nThe domestic and international display areas also exhibited some remarkable inventions. For example, the EPA presented the “resource recycling analysis system”, which utilizes material flow analysis (MFA) to track the flow of substances. Other participating companies that implement circular economy concepts included Covestro, Xibao Green Tech, Eastern Plastic Enterprise, and Wen Ming Fountain Pen MFG.\nAs one of the largest manufacturers for polymer materials in the world, Covestro took the spotlight among the international exhibitors with their innovative products such as shoes and bike tires made of material derived from carbon dioxide. Xibao Green Tech presented their “automatic detergent refilling machine”, an original invention that allows users to refill laundry detergent with their own empty bottles and encourage citizens to carry out reduction at source. Eastern Plastic Enterprise featured their “PE recycled pellets” that are produced using recycled plastic films through intermediate treatment technologies. Wen Ming Fountain Pen MFG brought their “black-faced spoonbill fountain pen” which is made from recycled marine waste, showing the benefits of waste reuse. \nBusinesses are facing immense challenges due to COVID-19. Therefore, the EPA has been striving to promote circular economy measures and stimulate cooperation between different industries and companies. During the three days of this expo, companies showed how they have delivered exceptional results with their innovative products and ideas.", "year": "2020", "month": "10", "assortment": "waste", "url": "V23\/V23-10" }, { "no": "3962", "title": "EPA and Taoyuan City Government Jointly Promote Livestock Biogas for Energy Generation\n", "preview": "waste EPA and Taoyuan City Government Jointly Promote Livestock Biogas for Energy Generation", "content": "The EPA and the Taoyuan City Government worked together to install anaerobic fermentation tanks and biogas collection equipment for power generation. The equipment collects manure from a total of 5,346 pigs located at Hongzhi livestock farm and Hexin livestock farm, and treats it to produce biogas for power generation. The facility where the equipment was installed is the first green energy facility that generates electricity using biogas in northern Taiwan and has been operating since 14 September 2020. It is expected to prevent 160 metric tons of animal waste per day from being discharged into local rivers, helping to improve the water environment and the living quality of the area. \nThe Currently 5,510,000 pigs and 152,000 heads of cattle are kept as livestock in Taiwan. Domestic livestock products play an important role in Taiwan’s food industry. However, releasing livestock waste into the environment can negatively impact river water quality. Therefore, to achieve both industrial development and environmental sustainability, the livestock industry needs to implement pollution management at source, and it can convert waste into valuable resources while doing so. \nThe EPA has been cooperating with the Council of Agriculture to promote power generation using biogas generated from livestock manure. In 2016, the EPA started pushing the recycling of livestock manure through converting the animal waste into farmland fertilizer. The waste-to-resource strategy has increased resource efficiency in rural areas, ameliorated river quality and odor problems near livestock farms, and reduced GHG emissions. By the end of August 2020, permits had been granted to 1,388 livestock farms to use animal manure as farmland fertilizer. These efforts have led to a total of 6,530,000 metric tons of manure being used as fertilizer annually, which amounts to 22.5% of the total volume of manure produced. \nThe livestock manure treatment facility in Hongzhi livestock farm turns the collected manure into biogas through an anaerobic fermentation process. The produced biogas can be used to generate electricity and sold to Taiwan Power Company. In addition, to further carry out circular economy measures, the farm also recycles the nitrogen nutrients contained in the manure by using the digestate sediment and fluid produced from fermenting the manure as organic fertilizers for farmland. Recycling livestock manure has also improved the water quality of Daku River, which is downstream of the farm. Due to these accomplishments, the farm has become an industry role model for livestock manure recycling and green energy generation.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "10", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-10" }, { "no": "3961", "title": "Ban on the Import of Mercury-Containing Products Announced", "preview": "waste Ban on the Import of Mercury-Containing Products Announced", "content": "To align with the international trend in mercury control, which is to gradually limit and eventually ban it, and to comply with the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the EPA announced the Restrictions on the Import of Mercury-Containing Products (限制含汞產品輸入) on 25 August 2020. The new rules tighten mercury control in Taiwan by banning the import of mercury-containing switches and relays, high-pressure mercury lamps, and non-electronic measuring instruments such as barometers, hygrometers, pressure gauges, thermometers, and sphygmomanometers from 1 January 2021. Violators will be fined NT$60,000 to NT$300,000.\nMercury and its compounds are mostly used in measuring instruments, electric appliances, and electronic products, but the use of mercury-containing products has been on a decline with the development of electronic instruments and consumer electronics. Since mercury is persistent and bioaccumulative, once it enters the human body through inhalation or ingestion, it is difficult to be excreted, and may cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Accumulation over a long period can damage the brain, nervous system, and organs like liver, kidneys, and lungs. Without proper collection and treatment, mercury can circulate in the environment, causing pollution and harming humans. For these reasons, the EPA has taken control measures in accordance with the Minamata Convention.\nThe EPA noted that the importation and sales of mercury thermometers have been restricted since 2008. Due to the harm mercury can cause the environment and human health, the Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau further announced the revised Toxic Chemical Substances Listed for Control and Relevant Operations and Management (列管毒性化學物質及其運作管理事項 ) on July 2019, banning the manufacturing of mercury-containing products after 1 January 2021. The announcement this time further imposed the ban on the importation of mercury-containing products after 1 January 2021 to step up mercury control in Taiwan and safeguard the environment and human health.\nFor more information, please visit: \n1. http:\/\/www.mercuryconvention.org\/ \n2. https:\/\/topic.epa.gov.tw\/hg\/mp-3.html (Chinese)", "year": "2020", "month": "10", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-10" }, { "no": "3960", "title": "Current Status on Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control", "preview": "soil & groundwater Current Status on Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control", "content": "Regarding the status of soil and groundwater pollution remediation in Taiwan, a total of 8,794 polluted sites have been announced and listed on the EPA’s control list, and among them 80% have been improved. Among the 1,771 sites that are still on the list, 83% are farmlands and the rest are industrial sites. The majority of the industrial sites are factories and gas stations. The farmlands that are still listed are mostly located in Taoyuan City and Changhua County, and the EPA estimates that all listed farmlands will be fully improved by the end of 2021.\nEnvironmental protection has been pursued for over two decades in Taiwan. Economic development has led to worsening pollution and more strain on the environment. With insufficient waste treatment and disposal facilities, random waste dumping has caused soil and groundwater pollution that society needs to tackle urgently.\nI. Groundwater pollution control strategies\nGroundwater pollution control strategies include promoting the legislation of groundwater pollution regulations, continuing to monitor sites currently undergoing remediation, and encouraging new gas station operators to install groundwater pollution prevention facilities and conduct self-monitoring. The EPA is also subsidizing city and county governments based on the approved plans to set up groundwater monitoring stations, in order to get a basic understanding of regional groundwater background water quality. \nBased on the National Environment Protection Plan (國家環境保護計畫), groundwater protection tasks aim to complete the groundwater protection system and strengthen water quality monitoring and remediation. Groundwater pollution prevention and management tasks, such as groundwater background data monitoring and taking measures that prevent enterprises from polluting groundwater, are implemented in accordance with the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防制法).\nThe Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act (土壤與地下水污染整治法) mainly regulates the remediation and control of groundwater pollution areas. It includes groundwater quality monitoring, investigation, pollution control scope setting, and remediation work. With both the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act and the Water Pollution Control Act, the groundwater protection system can be further refined, and groundwater quality monitoring and pollution remediation tasks can be enhanced. \n1. Current status of listed pollution sites \nBased on the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act, a total of 8,794 sites had been listed for control by 30 September 2020. To date, 7,023 sites (80%) have been improved and delisted, leaving only 1,771 sites (20%) on the list. Among the sites that are still listed, 1,365 sites (77%) are farmlands and 406 sites (23%) are industrial sites. The majority of the industrial sites that are still listed are factories and gas stations.\n2. Pollution site remediation and management\n(1) Farmlands\nThe assessment conducted on all 800,000 hectares of farmland in Taiwan in 2010 showed 21,000 hectares with high heavy metal pollution potential. A total of 1,185 hectares of farmland had been listed for control by 30 September 2020, of which 977 hectares have been improved and delisted. The rest 208 hectares that are still listed are mainly located in Taoyuan City and Changhua County, and are expected to be fully improved by the end of 2021.\n(2) Industrial pollution sites\n1,009 industrial pollution sites, covering 2,088 hectares in total, have been improved and taken off the control list. For the 406 sites (1,381 hectares) that are still listed, individual plans for improvement, control, or remediation based on pollution types have been submitted. Their improvement and delisting will be implemented according to the approved plans.\n3. Control measures\n(1) Color signal control system for industrial parks\nTo enhance regional control of soil and groundwater quality, competent authorities are responsible to regularly monitor pollution trends within their jurisdictions under set regulations. As of August 2020, the monitoring rate reached 99.5% in all of the 160 designated industrial parks in Taiwan. A color signal control system is in place in industrial parks based on current testing status and control results. The latest results showed a red light at five sites, orange at 13 sites, yellow at 25 sites, and green at 117 sites. The percentage of industrial parks with green lights has increased from 69% in 2017 to 74% in 2020, and that of parks with red, orange, and yellow lights combined has decreased from 31% to 26% after years of promoting improvements. The EPA will continue to supervise industrial parks to strengthen pollution prevention and control. \n (2) Storage facility control\nTo prevent above-ground storage tanks from causing soil and groundwater pollution, the EPA added and amended relevant regulations to integrate controls on above-ground and underground storage tanks. This was to enhance the effectiveness of pollution prevention facilities and leakage monitoring to firmly implement pollution prevention tasks. \n(3) Groundwater quality control\nA total of 232 samples were taken from regional monitoring wells from the first quarter to the third quarter of 2020, and the testing results that met the Groundwater Pollution Monitoring Standards (地下水污染監測標準) (Category 2) was 93.1% on average as of the third quarter 2020.\n(4) Sediment quality control \nThe first round of sediment quality testing, conducted on 473 sites that include 83 sites at rivers, 91 sites at lakes and reservoirs, and 299 sites at irrigation ditches, was completed between January 2014 and December 2019. The testing result submissions rate reached 100%. The EPA will keep supervising the second round of testing and report submission. \nIn 2013, the EPA formulated regulations stipulating that the industry competent authority of each water body should regularly inspect the sediment quality of the water body at least once every five years. As of the end of August 2020, 565 water body sediment quality declarations had been completed, which met the target of implementing 500 national sediment quality inspections in 2020 as prescribed in the Taiwan Sustainable Development Goal Corresponding Indicators. The EPA will continue to supervise the sediment inspections and declarations.\nFuture prospects\nBased on the EPA’s announced policies for 2021, the EPA will continue to implement the following measures to promote soil sustainability: expediting restoration of soil and groundwater pollution sites, ensure sustainable use of the Soil Pollution Fund, actively carry out remediation and protection work on polluted soil and groundwater, and keep track of pollutants and sediment quality. ", "year": "2020", "month": "10", "assortment": "soil & groundwater", "url": "V23\/V23-10" }, { "no": "3959", "title": "Follow Me! EPA Promotes Safe Recycling Options for Tablets", "preview": "recycling Follow Me! EPA Promotes Safe Recycling Options for Tablets", "content": "Are you hesitant to recycle your tablets because you worry about data being stolen? Well, rest assured! The EPA has developed data destruction equipment for secure tablet disposal. The EPA also participated in the “2020 Electrical Appliance, Air Conditioner and 3C Show” at the Taipei World Trade Center from 4 to 7 September 2020 to promote the use of the equipment and to encourage tablet recycling.\nAccording to the EPA’s announcement, recyclable information technology equipment includes desktop computers, portable computers (including laptops and tablets), monitors, printers and keyboards. Recyclable household appliances include TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, heaters, air conditioners and fans. Due to the increased participation in recycling from the general population, assistance from recyclers and local sanitation teams, and the implementation of recycling funds, the overall recycling rate reached 64.7% in 2019. The EPA aims to further increase the recycling rate by raising the willingness of people to recycle their old tablets, through raising their awareness of this new method for secure tablet data destruction. ", "year": "2020", "month": "10", "assortment": "recycling", "url": "V23\/V23-10" }, { "no": "3958", "title": "Incineration Plants Awarded for Great Performance in Energy Production and Bottom Ash Recycling ", "preview": "inspection Incineration Plants Awarded for Great Performance in Energy Production and Bottom Ash Recycling ", "content": "On 7 September 2020, the EPA held the 2019 Incineration Plant and Bottom Ash Recycling Evaluation and Awarding Ceremony to recognize the efforts and achievements of local governments towards maintaining incineration plants and promoting the recycling of bottom ash. To reward their accomplishments, the awards were handed to representatives of the plants with outstanding performance by EPA Minister Tzi-chin Chang and the evaluation committee. During the ceremony, the EPA also expressed its respect for first-line workers of the plants who are directly engaged in the operations and who have been devoting their time to protecting the environment. \nThere are currently 24 operating mid- or large-scale waste incineration plants in Taiwan. In 2019, these plants generated a total of 3.459 billion kWh of electricity, which is equivalent to an average of 530 kWh of electricity per metric ton of waste incinerated. Both the total energy generation and operational efficiencies of incinerators in 2019 hit record highs. Approximately 756,000 metric tons of bottom ash was recycled in 2019, which amounts to a recycling rate of 82.7%. The EPA plans to make a few adjustments to the policies regarding waste treatment in incineration plants, including changing quality controls for input materials at the front-end and the management of bottom ash at the back-end. To meet public expectations of incineration plant reforms, the EPA’s goal is to promote mechanical treatment to convert waste to energy, achieve waste homogeneity, transform waste into fuel, and improve the quality of bottom ash while also reducing the total amount of it that is produced. \nThe EPA conducts annual audits to evaluate and reward the performances of local governments. The purposes of the audits are also to ensure that plants operate and carry out maintenance properly, increase the operation efficiency of incineration plants, and promote bottom ash recycling. The evaluation focuses on air pollution prevention upgrades and bottom ash reduction. This year, Keelung City Incineration Plant and Yilan County's Lize Plant won outstanding performance awards for their high energy production and energy utilization efficiency, their continuous efforts in cutting down air pollution emissions, and their active participation in regional cooperation.", "year": "2020", "month": "10", "assortment": "inspection ", "url": "V23\/V23-10" }, { "no": "3957", "title": "EPA Collaborates with ITRI in Green Living and Energy Saving Technologies", "preview": "general policy EPA Collaborates with ITRI in Green Living and Energy Saving Technologies", "content": "The EPA Minister Tzi-chin Chang visited the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) on 8 September 2020 to inspect the progress of multiple green living technologies that the EPA and the ITRI are jointly developing. The projects are mostly low-carbon equipment or products of practical that provide more options for our citizens. Minister Chang indicated that the EPA will continue to promote the New-Generation Environmental Internet of Things (IoT) Technologies and build the Taiwan AI Water Alarm Network to safeguard water resources in Taiwan. \n“Green Living for Everyone” is an important policy the EPA has been promoting. Its main purposes are to encourage public participation in green living, raise public awareness of environmental protection and eco-friendly lifestyles, stimulate development of green industries, and improve energy and resource efficiency. \nTo develop new environmental technologies using smart technologies and provide a better living environment for our citizens, the EPA has been collaborating with ITRI for a number of projects and technologies. They include the New-Generation Pollution Traceability and Predictive Environmental IoT Technologies, the Taiwan AI Water Alarm Network, and Waste Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Recycling Technologies. To date, high-quality glass derived from waste LCD recycling technology has been used as adsorbents in wastewater treatment by electroplating industries in the Changhua Coastal Industrial Park.\nCarbon reduction and energy saving have become two key issues in tackling global warming. Currently, one-third of the world’s energy is consumed by buildings. Hence, ITRI is making it a priority to enhance buildings so as to save energy. Most buildings of the ITRI headquarters are at least 20 years old, among which the oldest dates to 1984. Moreover, to stimulate industrial development while protecting the environment, ITRI launched the Green Campus Program in 2011 and has been inspecting buildings for renovation. \nBuilding 64, where the leading team of the Green Campus Program, the Green Energy and Environment Research Laboratories, is located, was one of the earliest renovated buildings. It was transformed into a building with ultra-low energy consumption with an annual energy use intensity (EUI) of 74 kWh\/m2, which is roughly half of the average energy density of all business buildings in Taiwan. The successful transformation was largely due the application of self-developed energy saving technologies, including high efficiency magnet-bearing centrifugal compressors, the Intelligent Building Energy Management System (IBEMS), human factor lighting technology, and lighting control technology. By employing advanced equipment and innovative technologies, ITRI has achieved an eco-friendly, low carbon campus.", "year": "2020", "month": "10", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "V23\/V23-10" }, { "no": "3956", "title": "EPA Supervises Clean-ups of Dengue Breeding Grounds", "preview": "environmental management EPA Supervises Clean-ups of Dengue Breeding Grounds", "content": "On 26 September 2020, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (TCDC) announced nine new confirmed local cases of dengue fever in New Taipei City due to cluster infection. All nine patients had visited the same bamboo shoot farm in Sanxia District. The EPA dispatched personnel on the day of the announcement to supervise the Environmental Protection Department of the New Taipei City Government while they sprayed insecticide and cleaned up the breeding grounds. Due to the difficulty in drawing water for irrigation, hillside farms often have water stored in different water containers or tanks, which can easily become high-risk places for breeding vector mosquitos. The EPA requested the Environmental Protection Department to strengthen inspections and mobilize community residents to eliminate potential breeding sites. \nThere have been a total of 30 indigenous dengue fever cases – 16 in Taoyuan City and 14 in New Taipei City (13 in Sanxia District and 1 in Zhonghe District). The cases in Sanxia District were all associated with bamboo shoot farms located on Wuliaojian Mountain and Wuliao Village.\nOn 26 September 2020, the EPA sent personnel to accompany Err-Lieh Hsu, Professor Emeritus from the Department of Entomology of National Taiwan University to inspect the breeding sites. Besides giving guidance to the Environmental Protection Department on insecticide spraying, they also reminded local community residents to regularly clean water storage containers that are commonly found in community gardens, including water buckets and water tanks. Water storage containers should also have lids or be covered with a fine mesh to reduce vector mosquito breeding. Since the first case in Sanxia District was reported, the Environmental Protection Department of the New Taipei City Government has employed chemical control strategies in the outdoor environments of the infected villages and the neighboring villages. Three hundred thirty sanitation workers from Yingge District, Sanxia District, and Shulin District were also dispatched. They emptied 1149 containers of standing water and disposed a total of 49 metric tons of trash.", "year": "2020", "month": "10", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "V23\/V23-10" }, { "no": "3955", "title": "Private Sector Green Procurement Spending in 2019 Reached Record High", "preview": "Ecolabeling Private Sector Green Procurement Spending in 2019 Reached Record High", "content": "The EPA held a ceremony on 30 September 2020 to recognize enterprises and organizations that successfully promoted green procurement and green consumption in 2019. As many as 106 private sector entities were recognized. They included 20 entities that have supported the Green Mark system for 20 years, organizations that registered over NT$50 million in green procurement in 2019 and green stores with excellent performances in 2019.\nTo encourage all citizens to practice green consumption, the EPA has since 1992 promoted the Green Mark to make it easier for consumers to identify green products. Currently, there are over 4,700 products with valid Green Mark certification in the market. In addition, since green procurement was one of the focuses of the EPA’s green consumption promotion, the EPA has also been pushing private enterprises and organizations since 2007 to practice and register green procurement. After years of promotion, the 2019 expenditure of private enterprises and organizations on green procurement reached NT$34 billion, with a total of 2,326 private entities having registered the spending. Both the spending and the number of the registered private entities reached record highs. Moreover, in an effort to make it more convenient for consumers to practice green consumption, the EPA has also been promoting the Green Store system since 2008 to encourage the public to buy green products. In 2019, the sales of green products in Taiwan amounted to NT$55.8 billion.\nImplementations of the above policies rely on the support and efforts from the private sector. For instance, Taiwan Green Device Co. and Chen Chi Electro-Chemical Co. have continuously applied for and supported the Green Mark for 20 years and have been manufacturing high-quality green products. Other companies, such as Chung Hwa Pulp Corporation, Far Eastern New Century, and Uni-President, have also been practicing green procurement for years.\nIn addition, green stores like Fuji Xerox (Taiwan), Tatung Consumer Products (Taiwan) Hwashia branch in Kaohsiung, and ELife Mall Digital City Mintsu branch have been actively promoting green products, raising the public’s awareness of environment-friendly products and creating a market for green consumption.\nThe EPA held a ceremony on 30 September 2020 to recognize enterprises and organizations that successfully promoted green procurement and green consumption in 2019. As many as 106 private sector entities were recognized. They included 20 entities that have supported the Green Mark system for 20 years, organizations that registered over NT$50 million in green procurement in 2019 and green stores with excellent performances in 2019.\nTo encourage all citizens to practice green consumption, the EPA has since 1992 promoted the Green Mark to make it easier for consumers to identify green products. Currently, there are over 4,700 products with valid Green Mark certification in the market. In addition, since green procurement was one of the focuses of the EPA’s green consumption promotion, the EPA has also been pushing private enterprises and organizations since 2007 to practice and register green procurement. After years of promotion, the 2019 expenditure of private enterprises and organizations on green procurement reached NT$34 billion, with a total of 2,326 private entities having registered the spending. Both the spending and the number of the registered private entities reached record highs. Moreover, in an effort to make it more convenient for consumers to practice green consumption, the EPA has also been promoting the Green Store system since 2008 to encourage the public to buy green products. In 2019, the sales of green products in Taiwan amounted to NT$55.8 billion.\nImplementations of the above policies rely on the support and efforts from the private sector. For instance, Taiwan Green Device Co. and Chen Chi Electro-Chemical Co. have continuously applied for and supported the Green Mark for 20 years and have been manufacturing high-quality green products. Other companies, such as Chung Hwa Pulp Corporation, Far Eastern New Century, and Uni-President, have also been practicing green procurement for years.\nIn addition, green stores like Fuji Xerox (Taiwan), Tatung Consumer Products (Taiwan) Hwashia branch in Kaohsiung, and ELife Mall Digital City Mintsu branch have been actively promoting green products, raising the public’s awareness of environment-friendly products and creating a market for green consumption.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "10", "assortment": "Ecolabeling", "url": "V23\/V23-10" }, { "no": "3954", "title": "EPA Holds Regional Public Hearings on Amendments to Greenhouse Gas Regulations", "preview": "climate change EPA Holds Regional Public Hearings on Amendments to Greenhouse Gas Regulations", "content": "The EPA is in the process of amending the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act and is currently gathering public opinion from different sources. The EPA has held two regional public hearings on proposed amendments to the Act in Taichung City and Kaohsiung City on the 6th and the 8th of October 2020, respectively. The public hearings were open to the participation of all citizens and groups concerned about climate change issues.\nThe EPA has put great emphasis on public participation in the process of amending the law. This year, the EPA established the “Climate Talk Platform” website (https:\/\/www.climatetalks.tw\/) that provides interactive infographics on the sources of domestic GHG emissions and the implementation progress of GHG reduction action plans from relative government sectors for public reference. The website has collected 3,000 online comments directed towards different government sectors, which will be publicly disclosed on the website along with responses. Furthermore, the EPA has been holding climate dialogues with young adults, businesses, local governments, private organizations, experts and scholars to obtain diverse opinions from a wide variety of sources and to design climate policies that meet public expectations. ", "year": "2020", "month": "10", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "V23\/V23-10" }, { "no": "3953", "title": "Revisions Concerning Toxic Chemical Substances Handling Application and Registration Fee Standards Preannounced\n", "preview": "Chemicals Revisions Concerning Toxic Chemical Substances Handling Application and Registration Fee Standards Preannounced", "content": "On 22 September, the EPA preannounced the revisions of the Toxic Chemical Substances Handling Application and Chemical Substances Registration Fee Standards (毒性化學物質運作申請及化學物質資料登錄收費標準). The revisions will clearly specify the fees for the accreditation of professional response and consulting agencies (organizations) for environmental incidents, and add multiple measures to simplify the application procedures and provide more incentives for the public.\nThe EPA explained that the amended Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act announced on 16 January 2019 added the accreditation system for professional response and consulting agencies (organizations) for environmental incidents. In addition, the Regulations Governing Accreditation and Management of Professional Response and Consulting Agencies (Organizations) for Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances in Environmental Incidents (毒性及關注化學物質環境事故專業應變諮詢機關（構）的認證及管理辦法) was announced on 3 March 2020. The revisions will clearly set the accreditation fees.\nThe revised Permit Registration and Approval Regulations for Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances (毒性及關注化學物質許可登記核可管理辦法), announced on 15 January 2020, amended the way permits, registration documents, and approval documents are approved and issued to “one document with multiple substances”, allowing multiple substances to be registered together with the issuance of a single document. The purpose was to simplify the administrative procedures and reduce the application costs since enterprises that handle multiple chemical substances are required to apply and pay just once for a single document. \nThe EPA also mentioned that the draft revisions added incentives concerning the review fees for registering the handling of chemical substances to encourage enterprises to reduce the use of animals in tests. And after considering the inputs of all stakeholders and evaluating the issues, the revisions also reduced the application fees for extending the confidentiality period of registration information and for renewing the simplified registration.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "10", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-10" }, { "no": "3952", "title": "Revised Air Quality Standards Announced", "preview": "air Revised Air Quality Standards Announced", "content": "The EPA announced the amendments to the Air Quality Standards (空氣品質標準) which were made based on the current air quality levels in Taiwan and the improvement plans of the government. Risks to human health and the standard-setting trends of advanced countries were also taken into consideration. The amendments eliminated the standard for total suspended particulates (TSP) and revised the standards for PM10, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and lead. Stipulations on determining whether the eight-hour average concentration standard for ozone (O3) is met were also added.\nThe EPA explained that, according to the suggestions of the World Health Organization (WHO), national air quality standards should be set based on factors such as the human health risks of local air quality, status of pollution sources, technological feasibility, and social and economic developments. Therefore, the EPA has revised the Standards in line with the suggestions of the WHO as well as in line with the global trends in air quality control and similar regulations in Japan and Korea.\nTaking air quality standards of other countries as references, the amendments lowered the daily average PM10 limit from 125 µg\/m3 to 100 µg\/m3 and reduced the annual average limit from 65 µg\/m3 to 50 µg\/m3. For SO2, the maximum one-hour average concentration was lowered from 250 ppb to 75 ppb and the maximum annual average concentration from 30 ppb to 20 ppb. For NO2, the maximum one-hour average concentration was lowered from 250 ppb to 100 ppb and the maximum annual average from 50 ppb to 30 ppb. And for lead, the air quality standard was set at 0.15 µg\/m3 as a rolling three-month average. Moreover, the EU’s eight-hour concentration standard for ozone is 120 µg\/m3 (equivalent to 61 ppb), which is roughly the same as Taiwan’s 60 ppb. Therefore, the amendments adopted the EU’s determination method on ozone standard compliance, and stipulated that “within a specific region, the highest daily eight-hour average ozone concentrations recorded by each regular air quality monitoring station are arranged in order from the lowest to the highest; the value corresponding to the 93rd cumulative percentage is to be used to calculate the average over three consecutive years”. This will be the way used to determine whether the 8-hour concentrations of ozone meet the standard in Taiwan. \nThe EPA stressed that it will continue to take opinions from all circles, observe the WHO suggestions, and refer to local and international research results and control trends in reviewing the Air Quality Standards, which must be reviewed at least once every four years in accordance with the Air Pollution Control Act ).", "year": "2020", "month": "10", "assortment": "air", "url": "V23\/V23-10" }, { "no": "3951", "title": "Central and Local Governments Share Collaborative Experiences on River Airborne Dust Mitigation\n", "preview": "air Central and Local Governments Share Collaborative Experiences on River Airborne Dust Mitigation\n", "content": "Central and local governments have been collaborating on river airborne dust mitigation to reduce fugitive dust from riverbeds. The EPA recently held the “River Dust Prevention and Mitigation Workshop” to share its successful experiences with local river fugitive dust mitigation. Approximately 150 people were invited to the workshop, including people from the Water Resources Agency (WRA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Forest Bureau of the Council of Agriculture, local governments and environmental volunteers. \nThe central and local governments have produced remarkable results from their collaborative efforts in river airborne dust mitigation. No river dust events have occurred along Da'an River, Dajia River and Wu River since 2014. In the past two years, only two river dust events occurred along Beinan River. In 2019, a total of 29 river dust events occurred along Zhuoshui River, which is a 50% decrease compared to 2017 (59 events).\nSpecial speakers from the 3rd River Management Office of the WRA and the Environmental Protection Bureau of Taichung City Government were invited to the workshop to share their experiences on river dust mitigation, from spotting problems to expanding the scope of collaboration. Through establishing a cooperation mechanism, performing joint inspections and carrying out response measures, they have achieved a record of having zero river dust events along Da'an River, Dajia River and Wu River for six consecutive years. Residents in river areas also reported significant improvements over the years. \nThe 4th River Management Office was also invited to explain how to analyze causes of river dust events and identify potential areas where river dust problems might occur using an integrated river basin management approach. They also covered mitigation strategies in three areas: “water conservation,” “forestation,” and “disaster prevention and response,” and proposed to use measures such as long-term water inundation or vegetation to ameliorate the dust problems that have been pestering the Zhuoshui River area for more than a century. \nThe Environmental Protection Bureau of Taitung County Government also shared its experiences on river dust mitigation along the Beinan River since 2001. Through satellite images, exposed riverbed inspections, a river dust alert system, public information campaigns and other response measures, the Taitung County Government successfully mitigated river dust and was awarded best mitigation performance nationwide in 2017. Its public approval rate also went up as a consequence.", "year": "2020", "month": "10", "assortment": "air", "url": "V23\/V23-10" }, { "no": "3950", "title": "EPA Subsidizes Local Governments for River Restoration", "preview": "water EPA Subsidizes Local Governments for River Restoration", "content": "To properly treat household wastewater and improve river water quality before more homes are connected to the public sewage system, the EPA has been implementing a variety of water treatment projects, including subsidizing local governments to install facilities for gravel contact oxidation treatment, wastewater interception, artificial wetland and overland flow. To improve local water quality and protect river ecosystems and landscapes, the EPA has worked with local governments on a total of 75 water remediation projects, including the Si-Fang-Lin Water Restoration Project. The projects have enabled the treatment of 444,000 metric tons of polluted water per day and helped transform approximately 64.9 hectares of polluted riverbanks into friendly public spaces. \nThe EPA explained that the Si-Fang-Lin Water Restoration Project in Taoyuan City installed a gravel contact oxidation facility to treat wastewater. The method relies on the self-purification function of the river and no chemical additives are used. The facility is capable of treating 2,500 metric tons of household wastewater per day and has a pollutant removal rate of at least 70%. \nThe project has improved the river water quality around the downstream area of Laojie Creek, where the Meiduli Bridge Water Quality Monitoring Station is located, from the moderately-polluted to lightly-polluted level. After the construction of the treatment facility was completed, the land mass above was restored as a park and a croquet court, thus providing nearby residents a better living environment with clean water.\nThe Li-Ming Canal Water Environment Improvement Plan was a joint project implemented by the EPA and the Taichung City Government. The project included installing water quality monitoring equipment and automated control gates to monitor upstream water quality changes and immediately block polluted water from flowing into the Li-Ming Canal system when necessary. The project also established an environmental education explanatory platform, created more biodiverse habitats and allowed local residents to get closer to the rivers. \nThe EPA has been dedicated to the improvement of water environments to provide residents cleaner water and make rivers more accessible. With river restoration as the top priority, the EPA worked to gradually improve river water quality from upstream to downstream, restoring at the same time the species richness and biodiversity in rivers. Riverbanks were also landscaped to provide residents inviting recreational spaces with clean water and thriving ecosystems. ", "year": "2020", "month": "9", "assortment": "water", "url": "V23\/V23-09" }, { "no": "3949", "title": "EPA Promotes Green Travelling with Water Refill Map ", "preview": "water EPA Promotes Green Travelling with Water Refill Map ", "content": "To encourage citizens to reduce plastic use while traveling and support sustainable tourism, the EPA held the “Bring Your Own Water Bottle to Penghu Fireworks Festival – Travel Green on Gaillardia Island” press conference on 24 August 2020 at Penghu County Government Hall. During the press conference, the EPA recommended travelers to take advantage of the drinking fountains and smart recycling bins on the island as a way to go green while travelling. Travelers were also advised to bring their own toiletries and reusable tableware, and travel in the most environmentally friendly way to protect the natural resources on the outlying island. \nThe EPA has been implementing the Plastic-Free and Low-Carbon Island Demonstration Project on Xiaoliuqiu, Pingtung County since 2018, and it has produced significant results. With tourists bringing their own water bottles, and assuming each bottle has a 600 ml capacity, roughly 400,000 plastic bottles have been prevented from being wasted over the past two years. Duplicating the experience of implementing the drinking fountain project in Xiaoliuqiu, the EPA cooperated with Penghu County Government this year to install 15 drinking fountains at 13 sightseeing spots. It also worked with private companies to include the locations of these drinking fountains in the Water Refill Map app to provide tourists with a convenient way to stay hydrated during travel. \nMarine debris near Penghu County has always been an issue of public concern. Thanks to all the beach cleanups Penghu County Government has held, the beauty of Penghu coastlines has been well kept. In addition to the subsidies provided to Penghu County Government for the installation of 15 drinking fountains this year, the EPA also subsidized the installation of five smart recycling bins to offer more recycling channels for tourists to discard their plastic bottles and cups. These policies are to encourage tourists to live out the “eat local, play local and protect local” green lifestyle principles while travelling. Penghu attracts a large number of tourists with its naturally blessed basalt landscape and everchanging international festivals. Hence, the EPA stresses that Penghu’s rare environmental makeup and natural resources should be properly protected by everyone. \nTo encourage the public to take advantage of the drinking fountains, the EPA has launched the “Island jumping with your water bottles” promotion program this year. Travelers can use their cellphones to scan a QR code while visiting Xiaoliuqiu and Penghu and operate the drinking fountains onsite. They will receive 1,000 green points with the use of each fountain and can receive up to 25,000 points.", "year": "2020", "month": "9", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V23\/V23-09" }, { "no": "3948", "title": "Waste Food Waste Repurposed to Achieve a Circular Economy", "preview": "", "content": "The “2030 Future Beyond the Circle, Future All Together”, a four-day exhibition on circular economy, took place on 3-6 September 2020. It featured roughly 50 participating parties in the field of circular economy. To show people how to incorporate the concept of circular economy in their daily lives, the exhibition area was divided into six categories which represented the bare necessities of life. Many participating parties presented products or services that were both innovative and culturally enriching, for example, rental systems. Homeapp123 provides a rental platform for users to rent out their home appliances that are not frequently used. ChingPiao and Good to Go are services that help reduce single-use plastics by offering reusable tableware. Mangodan rented out shelves that are made from recycled plastic. \nThere were also companies that focus on the theme of zero waste and circular economy. For example, Double Dribble turns recycled basketballs into delicate products. Taiwan Banner Bag manufactures products that display Taiwanese culture with recycled flags. Chabuwu promotes creative designs using blue-dye plants and recycled clothing and waste fabric. Village Wu Workshop is a company near a small fishing town that promotes regional revitalization. They make trendy shoulder bags with recycled fishing nets. Other exhibited products that had innovative designs included: Health Life’s 3R green pillow which incorporates the concept of circular economy in the manufacturing process, and the “kitty tea” that is cultivated with compost made from recycled cat litter, forming an endless circle of life.", "year": "2020", "month": "9", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-09" }, { "no": "3947", "title": "EPA Holds Eco-Party in Keelung Night Market", "preview": "Waste EPA Holds Eco-Party in Keelung Night Market", "content": "To promote the environmental concepts of “plastic reduction, low carbon emissions, and clean environment” in night markets, the EPA held an “Eco-chic Party” at Keelung Miaokou Night Market on 9 August 2020. The EPA Minister Tzi-chin Chang, Deputy Mayor of Keelung City Yong-fa Lin, plastic reduction ambassador Sabrina Pai, and environmental social media personality Goldfish Brain all participated and had an eco-friendly night with the citizens of Keelung. \n\nThe “Eco-chic Party – Party on, Night Markets of Taiwan!” was an environmental event jointly held by the EPA and Keelung City Government at Ocean Square in Keelung City. The event featured stalls and sensational performances to promote environmental night markets, and it attracted thousands of participants, who were invited to bring their own tableware and shopping bags to shop around the night market together. \nMinister Chang indicated that environmental protection is not just about cutting emissions from factories and power plants; it should also be implemented in our daily lives, such as conserving energy by turning off lights when you leave a room. He also pointed out that night markets are not only one of the best tourist attractions in Taiwan, but also hangout spots frequented by citizens. Since the coronavirus pandemic has subsided, people have started going back to their favorite night markets again. To create a better and more environment-friendly image for night markets when they completely reopen, the EPA has worked with local environmental protection bureaus, night market associations and vendors to establish 22 eco-friendly demonstration night markets. These night markets are located all over Taiwan and were developed based on the theme of “plastic reduction, low carbon emissions, and clean environment.”\nTo reduce plastic waste, these night markets have switched to using reusable dishware, offering discounts for people who bring their own containers, and sorting garbage into recyclables, food waste, and general waste. To lower carbon emissions, they provide public shuttle services and use energy-efficient LED light bulbs. And in regard to clean environment, concrete measures have been taken, such as installing cooking oil fume-control equipment and oil and water separation equipment, improving wastewater discharge, and maintaining the cleanliness of the general environment in night markets and public restrooms. ", "year": "2020", "month": "9", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-09" }, { "no": "3946", "title": "2030 Future All Together Exhibition a Success", "preview": "general policy 2030 Future All Together Exhibition a Success", "content": "The “2030 Future Beyond the Circle, Future All Together”, a four-day exhibition on circular economy, took place on 3-6 September 2020. It featured roughly 50 participating parties in the field of circular economy. To show people how to incorporate the concept of circular economy in their daily lives, the exhibition area was divided into six categories which represented the bare necessities of life. Many participating parties presented products or services that were both innovative and culturally enriching, for example, rental systems. Homeapp123 provides a rental platform for users to rent out their home appliances that are not frequently used. ChingPiao and Good to Go are services that help reduce single-use plastics by offering reusable tableware. Mangodan rented out shelves that are made from recycled plastic. \nThere were also companies that focus on the theme of zero waste and circular economy. For example, Double Dribble turns recycled basketballs into delicate products. Taiwan Banner Bag manufactures products that display Taiwanese culture with recycled flags. Chabuwu promotes creative designs using blue-dye plants and recycled clothing and waste fabric. Village Wu Workshop is a company near a small fishing town that promotes regional revitalization. They make trendy shoulder bags with recycled fishing nets. Other exhibited products that had innovative designs included: Health Life’s 3R green pillow which incorporates the concept of circular economy in the manufacturing process, and the “kitty tea” that is cultivated with compost made from recycled cat litter, forming an endless circle of life.", "year": "2020", "month": "9", "assortment": "general policy", "url": "V23\/V23-09" }, { "no": "3945", "title": "Central and Local Governments Jointly Launch 2020 Taiwan AI Water Alarm Network", "preview": "environmental monitoring Central and Local Governments Jointly Launch 2020 Taiwan AI Water Alarm Network", "content": "The “2020 Taiwan AI Water Alarm Network” launch event was held in Hsinchu City on 17 August 2020, featuring the official announcement of five types of water quality sensor components and three kinds of (fixed, mobile and handheld) water quality sensors. During the event, the EPA gave 400 sensors to 13 different city\/county governments to jointly establish the water quality sensing IoT (Internet of Things) network in Taiwan. \nTo overcome limitations of the traditional manual sampling method, the AI water alarm network deploys water quality sensors that monitor the pH value, conductivity, temperature and dissolved oxygen level in rivers or other water bodies every minute. The sensors are combined with a GPS system and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor changes in water quality at different times and places. Through the network, the EPA aims to reach to goal of smart environmental enforcement, promote environmental education, and stimulate IoT applications across different industries. \nDuring the trial period of the past four months, the water warning network detected 17 cases of abnormal activities in three different cities\/counties. Two of the cases are under investigation by district prosecutor offices and their illegal gains are being confiscated. This shows how water quality sensors can be very useful for cracking down on unscrupulous enterprises and detecting pollution. The EPA has been working with 13 cities\/counties to install water quality sensors in areas that are frequently reported or crowded with regulated factories, so as to expand the applications of IoT in law enforcement and implement 24-hour continuous monitoring. The network can detect targeted pollution and intelligently dispatch personnel to investigate and deal with it. \nThe EPA pointed out that in addition to smart environmental inspections, with the era of 5G upon us, the sensors can also be used by academia to promote environmental education, research on water body ecology or assist with other courses. The handheld water quality sensors developed by the EPA are inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use, and can be connected to mobile devices. They can also become useful tools to encourage river patrol squad members to participate in patrols, inspections, pollution reporting and debris cleaning, thus further enabling joint cooperation between government and the public for protection of water bodies.", "year": "2020", "month": "9", "assortment": "environmental monitoring", "url": "V23\/V23-09" }, { "no": "3944", "title": "Analysis Capacity Enhanced to Increase Data Credibility", "preview": "Environmental Analysis", "content": "environmental policies. The EPA is carrying out its environmental analysis work with two focuses: strengthening analysis capacity and enhancing the credibility of analysis data. Specific goals include formulating different types of standard analysis methods, strengthening the management of environmental analysis and testing organizations, implementing environmental quality and pollution source sampling and analysis, promoting environmental analysis quality assurance and quality control, and enhancing environmental analysis technologies.\nEnvironmental analysis has always been a critical part of environmental protection. Precise and high-quality data serves as the basis for environmental regulation and standard formulation, environmental impact assessment (EIA) surveying, environmental quality monitoring, and environmental nuisance and pollution inspection and control. To enhance environmental analysis capacity and the credibility of analysis data, the EPA founded the Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL) on 10 January 1990.\n\nThe EAL was established to carry out the overall planning for environmental analysis affairs, standardize analysis methods, enhance analysis technology capacity, ensure the quality of the analysis data, manage environmental analysis and testing organizations, and guide or assist environmental agencies at all levels with their needs.\nIn light of the EPA’s “Be friendly to the environment” policy, there are two important EAL-related measures:\n\nI. Enhancing analysis capacity with technology\n\nI. Actively conducting assessments to better communicate with the public\n\nResidents in the Dalinpu area requested to relocate their village as their health was at significant risk due to their proximity to several industrial areas. Concerned about their health, the EPA conducted for the first time a health risk assessment for the area’s residents based on actual pollutant exposures for a period of four quarters between 2017 to 2018. The EPA subsequently held a press conference on 26 April 2019 and issued a press release to present an assessment report. The entire report and data can be found on the EPA website with a downloadable link.\n \n2. Swiftly identifying pollution sources to dispel public doubts and anxiety\nTo quickly identify the pollution sources and transmission paths when major dioxin pollution incidents happen in the future, the EPA has compiled the original data on dioxin collected by the EAL between 2001 and 2018 and set up a new inquiry and statistics system. \n\n3. Properly using scientific methods to add values to analysis data \n\nThe EAL has since 2016 been working on developing and verifying identification technologies and analysis models concerning rivers and has collected and accumulated water quality and pollution source discharge data on ten rivers in the nation. In 2019, the EPA set up river water environment information and map webpages and established pollution source identifying models to find potentially polluted rivers. This way, the distribution and profiles of materials causing abnormalities can be determined when abnormal discharges or unusual monitoring data appear, and the corresponding discharging industries can be targeted to assist pollution source tracking and containment. \n\nII. Strengthening source control and supervision with environmental analysis and improved data credibility\n\n1. Enhancing inspection and verification by the authorities\n\nSince 2019, the EAL has been working with the Bureau of Environmental Inspection to carry out extensive audits by implementing the Quality Control and Audit Project Concerning Regular Industry Inspection, Reporting and Testing. The operation and testing data of stationary sources are examined to determine whether there are forgeries or false data in past analysis reports. If needed, further examination and comparison of previous records of analysis organizations that carried out the said analyses would be conducted.\n \n2. Harsher penalties for deliberate violations or repeat offenses\n\nThe EAL is revising the Environmental Analysis Organization Management Regulations (環境檢驗測定機構管理辦法) by adding penalties concerning spurious analysis, breaching of analysis methods or management guidelines by analysis organizations, or other major offenses. Stipulations concerning the liability of analysis reports’ signatories were also added. The revised regulations have now entered the legislative procedure. \n \n3. Evaluating the system and amending regulations or formulating special laws\n \nTo improve analysis data’s credibility and establish a comprehensive environmental analysis and testing system, the EAL has drafted the Environmental Analysis Act (環境檢測法) to regulate analysis operation and practitioners. The completed draft has already entered the legislative procedure and will be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review once the Executive Yuan approves it. \n\nFuture perspective\n \nIn line with the Executive Yuan’s mid-term goals and approved budget, the EPA has formulated a policy implementation plan based on the current social condition and the EAL's future development needs. The targets include: \n\n1. Formulating standard environmental analysis methods: adding, revising and announcing standard environmental analysis methods for all types of pollutants. \n\n2. Strengthening the management of environmental analysis organizations\n(1) Managing and assisting environmental analysis organizations to enhance data integrity.\n(2) Promoting the informatization of environmental analysis operations and management of analysis organizations.\n(3) Establishing a task delegation mechanism for laboratories of environmental agencies at all levels to carry out efficient pollution analysis and testing.\n \n3. Implementing environmental quality and pollution source sampling and analysis\n(1) Establishing high-efficiency environmental analysis capacity to carry out analyses based on the EPA’s policies and needs.\n(2) Activating the environmental analysis and response system to provide timely analysis support in times of emergency.\n \n4. Promoting environmental analysis quality assurance and quality control and enhancing environmental analysis technologies\n(1) Promoting a system of environmental analysis quality assurance and quality control and continuing to participate in global certifications to increase public trust in environmental analyses. \n(2) Building the environmental analysis research and development capacity and promoting the collaboration of research institutions at home and abroad.\n\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "9", "assortment": "Environmental Analysis", "url": "V23\/V23-09" }, { "no": "3943", "title": "First Livestock Farm in the Country to Complete Carbon Offset Program Registration ", "preview": "climate change First Livestock Farm in the Country to Complete Carbon Offset Program Registration ", "content": "In addition to be made into fertilizers, pig excrement can be used to generate power that can be exchanged for carbon credits. Hanbao Livestock Farm in Fangyuan Township, Chunghwa County has about 40,000 heads of pig. It treats its pig excrement via anaerobic fermentation and uses the biogas produced from the treatment process to generate electricity. It also installed solar panels on the roofs of pig sheds to generate energy. The farm applied to register for the EPA’s greenhouse gas (GHG) offset program. It completed registration on 20 March 2020 and became the first livestock farm in Taiwan that successfully registered for the voluntary GHG offset program. Its annual GHG reduction is expected to reach 27,541 metric tons of CO2e, and its total carbon credits over the seven-year-long program is estimated to amount to 192,787 metric tons of CO2e.\n\nThe EPA said that currently most of the pig excrement goes through three stages of treatment: solid-liquid separation, anaerobic fermentation, and aerobic aeration. Among these stages, aerobic aeration requires tremendous amount of electricity, and the anaerobic fermentation generates biogas which is rich in methane, a substance with a global warming potential 21 times higher than carbon dioxide and hence contributing more to global warming. Therefore, livestock wastewater treatment processes generate massive amounts of GHG and cause severe impact on the global climate.\n \nHanbao Farm generates roughly 1,810 metric tons of livestock excrement every day. It collects the biogas generated from the anaerobic fermentation and removes the sulfides before using the biogas to generate electricity, reaping double carbon reduction benefits. Reduction of fugitive methane results in lower GHG emission equivalent to 23,900 metric tons of CO2, and using the collected methane instead of fossil fuels for power generation further reduces GHG emission equivalent to 1,930 metric tons of CO2. The farm also installed solar panels on the expansive roofs of pig sheds to generate green energy, further cutting down emission by 1,800 metric tons of COe.\nThe Greenhouse Gas Offset Program Management Regulations (溫室氣體抵換專案管理辦法) was formulated by the EPA to encourage enterprises to adopt reduction measures. Enterprises can apply to register for a GHG offset program with their emission reduction proposals. After the registration is approved, they can further apply for GHG reduction credits based on actual reductions. With measures like collecting biogas for energy generation and solar power in place, Hanbao Farm was able to apply to implement a GHG offset program, which was reviewed and approved. After the registration was completed, the farm has become the first livestock farm in Taiwan that has completed a GHG offset program registration, and is now qualified to apply for reduction credits. \nLivestock excrement can go through ananerobic fermentation to produce digestate sediment and fluid, which can be used to fertilize farmland instead of being discharged directly into surface water bodies. This way not only can river pollution be reduced, the digestate sediment and fluid, which are rich in nitrogen and phosphate and more soil-friendly than chemical fertilizers, can also replace chemical fertilizers and hence help to reduce soil acidification and increase production yields and quality. Every year Hanbao Farm sends its roughly 10,000 metric tons of digestate sediment and fluid via irrigation pipes to fertilize 4.17 hectares of foxtail grass farms. Foxtail grass is a main crop for herbivore livestock like cattle and sheep and is also one of the best fiber supplements for pigs. Moreover, Hanbao Farm treats its solid excrement left behind after solid and liquid separation via aerobic aeration indoors instead of by anaerobic fermentation outdoors. This also lowers the chance of methane escaping into the air and is expected to achieve an annual carbon reduction of 3,158 metric tons of CO2e. The farm has applied for GHG offset program registration for this practice. \n", "year": "2020", "month": "9", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "V23\/V23-09" }, { "no": "3942", "title": "Subsidy Regulations Revised to Encourage Replacing Old Motorcycles ", "preview": "Air Subsidy Regulations Revised to Encourage Replacing Old Motorcycles After having implemented the subsidization policy to phase out old motorcycles for more than half a year, the EPA is actively reviewing the policy on a rolling basis in response to some practical issues brought up by various sectors since the implementation, such as problems concerning the competent authorities in charge and the required application documents. To simplify the implementation and make it easier for the public to apply, the EPA has revised and announced the Regulations Concerning Old Motorcycle Replacement Subsidization.", "content": "The EPA noted that the original version required a subsidy application to be filed with the environmental authorities located in the district the old motorcycle is registered. However, buyers of new vehicles often let the manufacturers or dealers from whom they purchase the vehicles handle the scrappage of old vehicles and the subsidy application. Therefore, the regulations have been revised to stipulate that, from 1 September 2020, when buying new motorcycles while replacing their old ones, buyers are to apply for the subsidies at the environmental authorities of the place where the new motorcycles are registered, while buyers of electric (or power-assisted) bicycles shall apply at the environmental authorities of the place where their households are registered.\nThe original version also required applicants to submit photocopies of vehicle registration change (or scrappage) forms, but the revisions lifted the requirement since the registration information of the old vehicle can be found in relevant information systems. The requirement to submit photos of the new motorcycle was also lifted for buyers because the motorcycle registration documents they are required to submit already contain the relevant information. Yet for electric or power-assisted bicycles, buyers are still required to submit photos as there are no vehicle registrations for these bicycles. The revisions also added that they can submit documents with an embossed image of the serial number on the bicycle frame instead of the photos since it is sometimes difficult to photograph these numbers on certain models. And the requirement of submitting the invoice receipts has been changed to submitting the photocopies of the invoices to cut down administrative costs.\nThe EPA emphasized that the revisions are expected to simplify implementation, make subsidy application easier for the public, and eventually motivate more people to replace their old motorcycles. The public is also reminded that the subsidies will be lowered year by year. The early-bird subsidies of up to NT$5,000 are only available until the end of this year and will drop to NT$3,000 next year. Therefore, the public is encouraged to replace their old motorcycles as soon as possible, as doing so not only helps to reduce air pollution, but also allows them to get a higher subsidy.", "year": "2020", "month": "9", "assortment": "air", "url": "V23\/V23-09" }, { "no": "3941", "title": " Draft Amendments to the Regulations Concerning Indoor Air Quality Analysis Announced", "preview": "Air Draft Amendments to the Regulations Concerning Indoor Air Quality Analysis Announced", "content": "To improve indoor air quality and safeguard public health, the EPA announced the Indoor Air Quality Act (室內空氣品質管理法) on 23 November 2011 and the Regulations Concerning Indoor Air Quality Analysis (室內空氣品質檢驗測定管理辦法) on 23 November 2012 to serve as the basis for analysis, testing, and management of indoor air quality. \nConsidering the problems encountered during the implementation of the Regulations in recent years, the EPA has revised the sampling requirements in the Test Methods for Bacterial Concentrations in the Air (NIEA E301.15C) and Test Methods for Fungal Concentrations in the Air (NIEA E401.15C) requiring at least two sampling spots at each premise to ensure the representativeness of the sampling data. \n\nThe revisions include new additions that take the characteristics of different premises, air conditioning, and pollution sources into account and promote incentives aligned with the Indoor Air Quality Voluntary Control Label system. Specifically, when premises are regulated by the EPA and rated “excellent” in the label system, they can be tested once every three years and the required number of the sampling spots can also be halved. The revisions also simplified the application procedure for installing automatic indoor air quality monitoring equipment, and specified the methods and frequencies for equipment accuracy inspection, the approval of the inspecting agencies, and the equipment maintenance matters. All these will serve as the basis for the announced premises installing automatic monitoring equipment in the future. Revisions of the Regulations were evidently necessary for better management of the announced premises. \n\nThe main points of the amendments are as follows: \n1. Definition of automatic monitoring equipment was added. Relevant terms have been changed to be consistent with the first and second announcements of the premises regulated by the Indoor Air Quality Act. \n2. Inspection and test frequency were set to be once every six months. How to archive the inspection records was also specified. \n3. For regular inspections on the announced premises, follow-up tests on pollutants not meeting the standards shall be conducted. These pollutants shall also be included in the maintenance and control plans of the premises for future improvement. \n4. Premises announced by the EPA and rated “excellent” in the Indoor Air Quality Voluntary Control Label system can undergo testing once every three years, and the required number of the sampling spots can also be halved. \n5. Application procedure for installing automatic monitoring equipment was simplified.\n6. Stipulations concerning automatic monitoring equipment are amended, focusing on the general requirements of the equipment.\n7. Amendments were made on stipulations concerning mandatory accuracy verification or recalibration of automatic monitoring equipment.\n8. In regard to the time limit for the analysis and testing organizations to conduct regular inspections and produce inspection reports, the time for enterprises to submit their inspection results is extended to 45 days. In addition, the stipulation requiring enterprises to report online the results of the continuous monitoring in the previous year was removed. Instead, the stipulation now requires the data of the continuous monitoring be kept for the competent authorities to review.\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "9", "assortment": "air", "url": "V23\/V23-09" }, { "no": "3940", "title": "Environmental Management ", "preview": "Measures Adopted to Ensure Occupational Safety for Cleaning Crews ", "content": "Since 2019, the EPA has been subsidizing local governments to enhance safety in cleaning crews’ work environments by improving their gear and equipment in five areas. They include providing convenient, multi-functional, and easy-to-wear work clothes, installing showers and washing facilities for crew members to clean up after work, purchasing protection gear such as puncture-proof gloves and safety boots, upgrading garbage trucks, recycling vehicles and other machines to achieve better air quality, and providing a safe work environment as well as comfortable resting areas. For the last item, NT$5 billion in total has been appropriated to improve the overall work environment in stages within four years.\nAdditionally, the EPA endeavors to raise cleaning crews’ awareness of occupational safety and supervise local governments by providing necessary education and training. It hopes to ensure that cleaning crews work in a safe manner and occupational accidents are prevented. A meeting used to be held by the EPA every three months for national and regional labor unions of cleaning crews to exchange ideas on issues such as occupational safety and sanitation. Then a set of guidelines was promulgated on 4 June 2020, allowing the central government to establish the Cleaning Crew Occupational Safety and Sanitation Promotion Team, through which the EPA is able to safeguard the cleaning crews by assisting local environmental authorities to properly implement occupational safety and sanitation regulations.", "year": "2020", "month": "8", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "V23\/V23-08" }, { "no": "3939", "title": "Air Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules Amended", "preview": "Heavy Penalties Imposed on Illegal Vehicle Alterations\nThe EPA recently worked with the Department of Environmental Protection of the Taoyuan City Government to crack down on a bus company that illegally altered the emission control equipment on its vehicles. The alteration impaired the emission control system and hence caused air pollution. The bus company was requested to repair the vehicles and ensure that the equipment operated correctly. The company has made improvements and paid its fines in accordance with the law. Any other parties involved in the alteration process will also receive heavy penalties based on current regulations. ", "content": "he EPA explained that vehicles are equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems to reduce NOx emissions. To save expenses on maintenance and repair and to reduce the use of urea, the bus company made unpermitted alterations to their vehicles, which impaired the SCR and hence endangered public health. As a result, the company owners were fined between NT$10,000 to NT$60,000 in accordance with Article 37 paragraph 1 of the Air Pollution Control Act. Any other businesses that assisted in making the alterations to the air pollution control equipment would also be punished as accomplices based on Article 14 of the Administrative Penalty Act.\nMoreover, since the air pollution control equipment was intentionally altered to evade the provisions of the law, the offenders were charged for causing the emission of harmful air pollutants, in accordance with Article 190-1 paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of China. The offenders can be sentenced up to seven years in prison and be imposed with a fine of up to NT$15 million.\nThe EPA stressed that NOx emissions from diesel vehicles are precursors of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3), which have adverse effects on both air quality and human health. To safeguard air quality, the emission control equipment on vehicles shall not be uninstalled or altered and shall remain operative at all times.", "year": "2020", "month": "8", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-08" }, { "no": "3938", "title": "Chemicals", "preview": "2019 Environmental Agent Inspection Results Announced to Promote Legal Sales In an attempt to ensure that consumers use legal, safe, and effective environmental agents, every year the EPA has formulated the Environmental Agent Assessment Plan (環境用藥查核計畫) , which is carried out by local environmental bureaus. In 2019, the EPA conducted a total of 37,247 inspections (on advertisements, labeling, and counterfeits) and sample tests (on active ingredients), and found a 99% passing rate.", "content": "The EPA stated that of the 9,409 environmental agent advertisements inspected, 152 online advertisements were found to be illegal, and total fines of NT$4.69 million were imposed. Illegal advertisements were largely posted by individuals on e-commerce sites advertising sales of mosquito repellant patches imported from Japan. For labeling, 27,379 cases were inspected, with 290 failing the inspections. As many as 137 sample tests were conducted on the active ingredients of environmental agents, and all were found to comply with the standards.\nThe inspections found 32 cases to be counterfeits, ten of which, after testing, were found to contain Mirex, a persistent organic pollutant banned by the EPA that is also on the control list of the Stockholm Convention. Cases that failed the inspections were given penalties, taken off shelves, and required to improve within a period of time in accordance to the Environmental Agents Control Act (環境用藥管理法).\n\nThe EPA reminded that a license is required for online advertisements of environmental agents and that only legal enterprises can advertise the sale of legal environmental agents. All legal environmental agents are to be labeled with EPA-approved serial numbers that indicate whether they are manufactured or imported or are insect repellents. Advertisers are also required to get a sales permit for environmental agents. A fine ranging from NT$60,000~300,000 will be imposed for advertising sales of imported mosquito repellent patches on e-commerce platforms with no permits. To ensure the safe use of environmental agents and prevent the public from breaking the law because of ignorance of the regulations, the EPA will continue to work with e-commerce platforms to inform about the relevant regulations and inspect their websites.\nThe EPA has created an inquiry system for looking up permits for environmental agents and pest control operators (https:\/\/mdc.epa.gov.tw\/PUblicInfo ). Users can simply input the name of the product or permit number to ascertain whether the product has been approved and to find its source. Users can also find information on legal pest control operators or sellers of environmental agents. People interested in learning more about safe environmental agents or finding out which environmental agent products do not comply with EPA regulations can visit https:\/\/evsu.epa.gov.tw\/EVagents\/EVSecruity\/Index.aspx. ", "year": "2020", "month": "8", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-08" }, { "no": "3937", "title": "Environmental Management ", "preview": "“Green Lifestyle for All” Promotes Environment-Friendly Approaches in Daily Life Facing the post-COVID-19 decade in Taiwan, all the departments of the EPA jointly launched the “Green Lifestyle for All” initiative with the purpose of reducing the burden on the environment. Everyone is encouraged to take greener approaches toward eating, clothing, housing, traveling, education, entertainment, shopping and other aspects of daily life. Actions such as eating local produce, buying green products, and promoting domestic travel can make the environment cleaner in Taiwan and also reduce Taiwan’s dependency on foreign materials and food.", "content": "In line with the government’s economic stimulus policy, the EPA has offered a complete package to promote green lifestyles, starting with a bonus system to encourage dining at green restaurants. A billion green points in total, equivalent to NT$10 million worth of bonuses, will be given from 1 July with a maximum of 15,000 green points per person.\nVarious reward programs promoting environment-friendly measures in all aspects of daily life will be launched between 1 July and the end of December 2020. The EPA strongly encouraged citizens to adopt a green lifestyle in the second half of 2020 to display Taiwan’s “green power” to the world alongside its achievements in battling the pandemic. \nThe EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang explained that Taiwan’s outstanding performance in fighting COVID-19 comes from people fully adopting the government’s measures such as mask-wearing and keeping a safe social distance. This shows Taiwanese are responsible people and are capable of outdoing themselves in environmental protection if they have the will. He emphasized that, instead of a one-time event or a short-term effort to boost the economy, the initiative is a social program that brings behavioral changes via shifts in attitudes and habits. Therefore, these rewards will serve as an incentive at the beginning, not merely as subsidies that make people take more environment-friendly actions only when they are rewarded. The ultimate goal is to encourage the public to internalize environment-friendly practices as lifelong habits. \nMinister Chang took eating as an example and talked about the EPA’s past efforts in promoting the recycling of food waste. He thought more should be done to cut down food waste through bagging leftovers when dining out. More waste can be avoided if all parts of produce and food can be used in cooking. Additionally, using local produce reduces carbon emissions due to shorter shipping distances, and use of in-season produce yields the highest nutritional value as well as lowers the use of agrochemicals. \nIn the second half of 2020, the EPA will propose more comprehensive programs to promote green living, such as plastic-reduction initiatives, low carbon and clean air in night markets. The historic Grand Hotel will also take the lead to promote “no leftovers”. Other initiatives include conserving energy when staying home due to the epidemic, air quality improvement with environmental beautification, recycling household appliances and electronic waste, and bartering. \n\nDuring the post-COVID-19 era, the EPA will keep promoting the “Green Lifestyle for All” initiative, which includes six major aspects: “Green Travel”, “Green Eating”, “Green Consumption”, “Green Home Life”, “Green Energy”, and “Green Office”. And with “using local products”, “cherishing resources” and “protecting the environment” as core values, the EPA will collaborate with other agencies, local governments, civic organizations, and corporations to promote environment-friendly approaches in people’s daily lives. ", "year": "2020", "month": "8", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "V23\/V23-08" }, { "no": "3936", "title": "Recycling", "preview": "Reporting Procedures Simplified for Regulated Recyclable Waste Responsible Enterprises The revised Regulated Recyclable Waste Responsible Enterprises Management Regulations (應回收廢棄物責任業者管理辦法) was announced by the EPA to simplify registration and reporting procedures. For responsible enterprises that pay less than NT$100,000 annually, the EPA will provide them with an assessed payment amount so they can report with a single click of the mouse from 1 July 2020. To encourage the use of such a system, a 5% discount will be provided if enterprises choose to use the assessed payment amount when reporting before the end of 2021.", "content": "The EPA stated that the revisions also lowered the threshold for installment payment from NT$300,000 to NT$100,000 and removed the requirements for submitting organization establishment verification documents, reporting forms or payment receipts when applying for new registrations, nullifying registrations or submitting annual reports. Since all this information can be inquired through the public systems of competent authorities responsible for registrations and permit issuance or the EPA database, responsible enterprises no longer need to submit them. \nResponsible enterprises are those that manufacture or import the EPA listed and regulated items, such as containers, motor vehicles, lead acid batteries, tires, electric appliances (TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and fans), electronics (notebook computers, tablets, hard disc drives, computer cases, motherboards, monitors, printers, power supply units, and keyboards), dry batteries, and light sources. Besides registration with the EPA, enterprises are required by the 30th of every odd month to report the operating (or importing) amount and pay the recycling and clearance fees. ", "year": "2020", "month": "8", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "V23\/V23-08" }, { "no": "3935", "title": "Noise contol", "preview": "Draft Amendments of Noise Control Zone Delineation Operation Standards Preannounced \nAfter conducting an overall review and adjustment of noise control zone delineation guidelines of the Noise Control Act (噪音管制法) currently used by local governments and taking recent operating experiences and pubic opinions into account, the EPA preannounced the draft amendments of Noise Control Zone Delineation Operation Standards to ensure peace and quiet in people’s living environments. The draft amendments mostly tighten control and serve as standards for local governments to follow when delineating noise control zones. They will also help improve people’s living quality.", "content": "The Noise Control Zone Delineation Operation Standards has remained the same with no content reviews since its promulgation on 4 September 2009. Thanks to the National Regional Plan (全國區域計畫) announced by the Ministry of the Interior and the National Spatial Plan (全國國土計畫) revised by the Executive Yuan, no areas in Taiwan now are left out of urban or regional planning. Therefore, Article 5 of the Operation Standards must be revised accordingly. \nMoreover, to implement Article 7 of the Noise Control Act, competent authorities in special municipalities, counties, and cities have begun to designate all types of noise control zones, but the guidelines of the current Operation Standards are no longer sufficient. As in some cases, a residential area was designated to more than one noise control zone, a review is indeed necessary to solve such an unreasonable phenomenon. \nThe EPA mentioned that, even though the Operation Standards already provide local governments with guidelines for designating noise control zones, reevaluation and revisions are needed due to many situations that are unreasonable or have become public concerns. With the transportation infrastructure and new construction projects being completed in recent years, local governments often set different buffer distances alongside the traffic systems, split the same construction base into different noise control zones, or designate traffic land as Class 3 noise control zone, which is used for residential and commercial purposes. \nThe EPA noted that ensuring a quiet living environment for people was the main focus of the revisions. In addition to clarifying the principles for delineating general noise control zones, for completed construction bases other than highways, express ways, railroads, high speed rails and other land-based traffic systems, the revised Operation Standards specify that local governments shall strive to keep individual construction bases as a whole when delineating noise control zones. Should a construction base simultaneously fall under different noise control zones, the zone with the stricter noise limits should be the designated zone.", "year": "2020", "month": "8", "assortment": "Noise Control", "url": "V23\/V23-08" }, { "no": "3934", "title": "Climate change", "preview": "Youths Invited to Voice Their Climate Change Views The “Youth and National Climate Change Forum” was organized by the EPA on 29 July 2020, where youth organizations such as the Taiwan Youth Climate Coalition were invited to discuss ideas on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Over 100 representatives from civic groups and government agencies and experts took part and exchanged ideas. In particular, young participants did not shy away from speaking out on the topic of fighting against climate change.\n", "content": "In his opening speech, EPA Deputy Minister Chih-hsiu Shen noted that both central and local governments have since 2015 formulated relevant guidelines and programs in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法) and other regulations. He added that the second phase (2021 - 2025) of greenhouse gas emission control goals for different sectors will also be launched this year. \nIn his opening presentation titled “Between Us and 2°C “, youth group representative Chien-yu Kei gave suggestions on the mitigation and adaptation policies for the next stage. The suggestions included setting long-term reduction goals, establishing an open, transparent, and diverse communication mechanism, and strengthening connections between science, technology, and climate actions. Other advice included climate change related capacity building in public and private sectors, encouraging investment from the private sector, and setting up cross-departmental competent authorities. All these suggestions were based on the six governance elements of the UN’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology, capacity building, and transparency.\n \nMany scholars and experts who had long been involved in climate change issues were also invited to participate. Tzue-luen Lin, vice director of the Office of Energy and Carbon Reduction of the Executive Yuan, pointed out that Taiwan’s youths have achieved excellent results in taking part in international climate actions, their experiences are expected to be passed on so that Taiwan’s efforts can be seen by the world. Both Professor Chien-te Fan of National Tsing Hua University and Sophia Cheng, Chief Investment Officer of Cathay Finance Holdings, expressed that successful carbon reduction requires public consensus and that only with clear and practical support from the government can Taiwan achieve more ambitious reduction goals. Also, Professor Yu-ming Li of National Taipei University took the internationally used Science-Based Targets (SBTs) as an example and elaborated on the carbon reduction targets Taiwanese private enterprises have formulated and their outstanding achievements.\n National Taiwan University Associate Professor Chi-rong Chiou mentioned that Taiwan’s next mission is to systematically train climate change professionals who can later integrate their skills with the industries. Lastly, Director of International Climate Development Institute (ICDI) Gong-yue Chou and Managing Director of KPMG Sustainability Consulting Co. Niven Huang both noted that since climate policies across the world tend to influence each other and have common elements, governments need to focus on jointly tackling the effects and risks of climate change when carrying out policies.\n\nThe passion and creativity of Taiwanese young people were fully displayed when the representatives of the youth groups discussed global environmental issues from science-based angles and provided the government with new ideas for policy planning. As climate issues requires participation from all, the EPA will keep having dialogues with all sectors through the transparent dialogue mechanism provided by the Climate Talks website (https:\/\/www.climatetalks.tw), and strive together with othersfor Taiwan’s sustainable development . \n", "year": "2020", "month": "8", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "V23\/V23-08" }, { "no": "3933", "title": "Recycling", "preview": "Waste Reduction and Resource Recycling To maximize resource recycling and minimize waste disposal, the EPA has been implementing waste reduction and resource recycling measures for both general or industrial wastes. Several ongoing waste reduction measures include source reduction of single-use plastics, plastic waste recycling and reuse, waste solar panel recycling and disposal, cellphone recycling, reuse of inorganic aggregate materials and fly ash.", "content": "Analysis of the current waste data in Taiwan has shown that total waste production in 2019 amounted to 29.45 milliion metric tons, 32.7% of which is general waste (9.64 million metric tons). Within the general waste, 56% were recycled (including 4.86 million metric tons of recyclables and 500,000 metric tons of food waste) and the rest was incinerated or landfilled.\n \nIn 2019, there were a total of 41,531 waste source enterprises in the EPA-announced industries, which reported a total of 19.81 million metric tons of waste output. Statistics on how these wastes were processed show that 83.9% were reutilized (16.62 million metric tons), showing that resource recycling is the primary means to achieve waste reduction, and the EPA’s resource recycling policy is on the right track.\n\nResource recycling structure\n\nTo maximize resource recycling and minimize waste disposal, the EPA has drawn up an implementation structure based on the recycling of the four focused types of resources: organic biological resources, organic chemical resources, non-metal residual resources, and metal resources.\n\nMarine plastic pollution has gained global attention in recent years. The statistics of past coastline cleanups in Taiwan also indicate that single-use plastics are the most commonly found waste items on beaches. In an effort to reduce marine plastic pollution, the EPA and environmental NGOs have jointly established the Marine Debris Management Platform and announced the Taiwan Marine Debris Governance Action Plan. The EPA also focused on the source reduction of single-use plastic products, and formulated implemention schedules to reduce the use of shopping bags, portable tableware, single-use take-out beverage cups and plastic straws in stages.\n\nOn 8 May 2019, the EPA announced The Targets and Implementation Methods of the Single-Use Plastic Straw Ban (一次用塑膠吸管限制使用對象及實施方式), which require the public sector, schools, department stores and shopping malls, and fast-food chain restaurants to stop providing single-use plastic straws from 1 July 2019. The aim was to introduce regulations that motivate enterprises to provide environment-friendly products. \n\nOn 8 August 2019, The EPA revised and announced The Targets and Implementation Methods of the Disposable Utensil Ban (免洗餐具限制使用對象及實施方式), which further prohibits department stores, shopping malls, and hypermarkets from providing disposable utensils made of any kind of materials at their venues where shoppers eat. The regulations also require local industry competent authorities to collect public opinions and propose to the central industry competent authorities the ban implementation dates of the respective industry. The bans will be announced and implemented after they are approved by the central industry competent authorities.\n \nTaiwan is well-known in the world for its night market culture, which is also a focus area of the EPA. From 1 July 2020, the EPA began to work with county and city environmental bureaus and select 22 night markets across Taiwan to be revamped into “plastic-reducing, low carbon, and clean” environment-friendly night markets. The revamping focused on six areas: single-use product reduction, recycling, low carbon and energy conservation, cooking smoke emission control, food-related wastewater treatment, and the cleaning of the market environment and public restrooms.\nFor plastic reduction, vendors are encouraged to switch to utensils that can be washed and reused, provide discounts for those who bring their own utensils, and sort garbage into recyclables, kitchen waste, and general waste. Low carbon measures include promotion of public transportation and switch to energy-conserving LED lights. Cleanliness measures include the installation of cooking smoke control equipment and oil water separation facilities, food-related wastewater discharge improvement, and the maintenance of the market environment and public restroom cleanliness.\n \nIn addition, the EPA collaborated with local governments to promote plastic shopping bag reuse, carry-out beverage cup or utensil rental pilot programs, and the reduced use of single-use products in large events. All these were to motivate the public to gradually change their habit of discard after a single use. \n\nMoreover, to cut down wastes from online shopping packaging, the EPA has been worked with industries, government agencies, academia, research institutes, and environmental organizations to formulate the Online Shopping Packaging Reduction Guidelines (網購包裝減量指引). To encourage voluntary reduction, the EPA has begun to certify online shopping platforms with the reduced packaging label. This ensures that the shipping of goods traded on these platforms will comply with the “reduced packaging, environment-friendly packaging material, or recycled packaging material” principles. \n\nResource recycling and reuse\n\n(1) Enhancing plastic waste recycling and reuse\n \nA. Promoting waste plastic wrapping recycling and reuse\n\nPlastic wrapping used by hypermarkets and logistics enterprises is mostly made of polyethylene and is resistant to oil and other contaminants. A platform has been set up to connect upstream and downstream enterprises to turn the wrapping into recycled plastic feedstock material. Currently, Carrefour has agreed to make its stores into demonstration sites for plastic wrapping recycling. Further tasks are underway to promote plastic wrapping recycling and reuse. \nB. Promoting Bottle-to-Bottle Initiative\n \nTo be part of the global trend and enhance plastic resource recycling, the EPA has been promoting the Bottle-to-Bottle Initiative, which promotes the use of recycled plastic material in manufacturing non-food-use plastic containers. The EPA is targeting enterprises that manufacture non-food-use containers and assessing the use of economic incentives to encourage the the gradual increase of the use of recycled plastic materials in manufacturing non-food-use containers. \n\nC. Recycling and reuse of agricultural mulch films and fishing nets\n\nThe EPA has been working with the Council of Agriculture and the Fisheries Agency on the disposal of agricultural and fishing wastes (such as waste mulch films and fishing nets) that are not biodegradable. Agricultural and fishery authorities are responsible for assisting the production sources and setting up collection and recycling facilities, while the EPA helps to match the source enterprises with the back-end recycling and reuse enterprises. Current demonstration sites for the mulch film recycling are Pingtung County (since July 2019) and Yuchi Township, Nantou County (since December 2019). Assistance is provided to farmers in cleaning and colleting waste mulch films, which are then sent to reuse facilities for processing. Once the whole mechanism can operate smoothly, it will be promoted in other counties and cities to enhance recycling. \n\n(2) Promoting waste solar panel recycling and disposal \n\nWith the EPA’s promotion and assistance to enterprises, a waste solar panel processing facility has been established and another one is being established in Taiwan. It is estimated that there will be four processing facilities by 2020. Should there be too many waste panels for domestic facilities to process in the short run, some panels could be shipped to facilities in Germany or Japan. Additionally, registration to dispose of waste panels has been open since October 2019. A total of 14 enterprises had set up accounts by December 2019, but no waste panels have been disposed of via the mechanism to date.\n\n(3) Promoting cellphone recycling\n\nThe EPA has designated October of every year as Cellphone Recycling Month, and held the first Cellphone Recycling Month event in October 2019. A total of 23,000 cellphones were recycled during this event. This year the activities of Cellphone Recycling Month will be jointly planned by cellphone producers, cellphone retailers, and telecommunications companies under the guidance of Taipei Computer Association. \n\n(4) Turning flammable industrial wastes into solid recovered fuels (SRFs)\n\nTo raise resource use efficiency, the EPA has been promoting the use of flammable industrial wastes as fuels by turning flammable wastes such as waste plastics, fibers (clothing), or paper mixtures into solid recovered fuels (SRFs), which can be used in boilers.\nThe EPA also finds and encourages existing industrial boilers or cement kilns to use high-heating-value wastes such as plastics, rubbers, or SRFs as auxiliary or alternative fuels, and assists them with installation of special boilers or equipment. \n\n(5) Promoting the reuse of inorganic aggregate materials and fly ash\n\nThe EPA has been promoting the reuse of inorganic aggregate materials in public construction projects and has formulated the quality and environmental use standards. Relevant construction guidelines and manuals for these materials have also been revised. In addition, the EPA has announced and promoted fly ash reutilization and management methods. After rinsing, fly ash can be used as alternative raw materials for cement, slagging agents in manufacturing steel, and acid-base neutralizers in high-temperature smelting. All these reutilization methods can divert fly ash from landfills and extend their lifespans.", "year": "2020", "month": "8", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "V23\/V23-08" }, { "no": "3932", "title": "Environmental Sanitation", "preview": "Measures Adopted to Ensure Occupational Safety for Cleaning Crews\n", "content": "Measures Adopted to Ensure Occupational Safety for Cleaning Crews\nSince 2019, the EPA has been subsidizing local governments to enhance safety in cleaning crews’ work environments by improving their gear and equipment in five areas. They include providing convenient, multi-functional, and easy-to-wear work clothes, installing showers and washing facilities for crew members to clean up after work, purchasing protection gear such as puncture-proof gloves and safety boots, upgrading garbage trucks, recycling vehicles and other machines to achieve better air quality, and providing a safe work environment as well as comfortable resting areas. For the last item, NT$5 billion in total has been appropriated to improve the overall work environment in stages within four years.\nAdditionally, the EPA endeavors to raise cleaning crews’ awareness of occupational safety and supervise local governments by providing necessary education and training. It hopes to ensure that cleaning crews work in a safe manner and occupational accidents are prevented. A meeting used to be held by the EPA every three months for national and regional labor unions of cleaning crews to exchange ideas on issues such as occupational safety and sanitation. Then a set of guidelines was promulgated on 4 June 2020, allowing the central government to establish the Cleaning Crew Occupational Safety and Sanitation Promotion Team, through which the EPA is able to safeguard the cleaning crews by assisting local environmental authorities to properly implement occupational safety and sanitation regulations.", "year": "2020", "month": "7", "assortment": "Environmental Sanitation", "url": "V23\/V23-07" }, { "no": "3931", "title": "Air", "preview": "Heavy Penalties Imposed on Illegal Vehicle Alterations The EPA recently worked with the Department of Environmental Protection of the Taoyuan City Government to crack down on a bus company that illegally altered the emission control equipment on its vehicles. The alteration impaired the emission control system and hence caused air pollution. The bus company was requested to repair the vehicles and ensure that the equipment operated correctly. The company has made improvements and paid its fines in accordance with the law. Any other parties involved in the alteration process will also receive heavy penalties based on current regulations. ", "content": "Heavy Penalties Imposed on Illegal Vehicle Alterations\nThe EPA recently worked with the Department of Environmental Protection of the Taoyuan City Government to crack down on a bus company that illegally altered the emission control equipment on its vehicles. The alteration impaired the emission control system and hence caused air pollution. The bus company was requested to repair the vehicles and ensure that the equipment operated correctly. The company has made improvements and paid its fines in accordance with the law. Any other parties involved in the alteration process will also receive heavy penalties based on current regulations. \n\nThe EPA explained that vehicles are equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems to reduce NOx emissions. To save expenses on maintenance and repair and to reduce the use of urea, the bus company made unpermitted alterations to their vehicles, which impaired the SCR and hence endangered public health. As a result, the company owners were fined between NT$10,000 to NT$60,000 in accordance with Article 37 paragraph 1 of the Air Pollution Control Act. Any other businesses that assisted in making the alterations to the air pollution control equipment would also be punished as accomplices based on Article 14 of the Administrative Penalty Act.\n\nMoreover, since the air pollution control equipment was intentionally altered to evade the provisions of the law, the offenders were charged for causing the emission of harmful air pollutants, in accordance with Article 190-1 paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of China. The offenders can be sentenced up to seven years in prison and be imposed with a fine of up to NT$15 million.\n\nThe EPA stressed that NOx emissions from diesel vehicles are precursors of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3), which have adverse effects on both air quality and human health. To safeguard air quality, the emission control equipment on vehicles shall not be uninstalled or altered and shall remain operative at all times.", "year": "hemicals", "month": "7", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-07" }, { "no": "3930", "title": "Chemicals ", "preview": "2019 Environmental Agent Inspection Results Announced to Promote Legal Sales\nIn an attempt to ensure that consumers use legal, safe, and effective environmental agents, every year the EPA has formulated the Environmental Agent Assessment Plan (環境用藥查核計畫) , which is carried out by local environmental bureaus. In 2019, the EPA conducted a total of 37,247 inspections (on advertisements, labeling, and counterfeits) and sample tests (on active ingredients), and found a 99% passing rate. ", "content": "2019 Environmental Agent Inspection Results Announced to Promote Legal Sales\nIn an attempt to ensure that consumers use legal, safe, and effective environmental agents, every year the EPA has formulated the Environmental Agent Assessment Plan (環境用藥查核計畫) , which is carried out by local environmental bureaus. In 2019, the EPA conducted a total of 37,247 inspections (on advertisements, labeling, and counterfeits) and sample tests (on active ingredients), and found a 99% passing rate.\n\nThe EPA stated that of the 9,409 environmental agent advertisements inspected, 152 online advertisements were found to be illegal, and total fines of NT$4.69 million were imposed. Illegal advertisements were largely posted by individuals on e-commerce sites advertising sales of mosquito repellant patches imported from Japan. For labeling, 27,379 cases were inspected, with 290 failing the inspections. As many as 137 sample tests were conducted on the active ingredients of environmental agents, and all were found to comply with the standards.\nThe inspections found 32 cases to be counterfeits, ten of which, after testing, were found to contain Mirex, a persistent organic pollutant banned by the EPA that is also on the control list of the Stockholm Convention. Cases that failed the inspections were given penalties, taken off shelves, and required to improve within a period of time in accordance to the Environmental Agents Control Act (環境用藥管理法).\n\nThe EPA reminded that a license is required for online advertisements of environmental agents and that only legal enterprises can advertise the sale of legal environmental agents. All legal environmental agents are to be labeled with EPA-approved serial numbers that indicate whether they are manufactured or imported or are insect repellents. Advertisers are also required to get a sales permit for environmental agents. A fine ranging from NT$60,000~300,000 will be imposed for advertising sales of imported mosquito repellent patches on e-commerce platforms with no permits. To ensure the safe use of environmental agents and prevent the public from breaking the law because of ignorance of the regulations, the EPA will continue to work with e-commerce platforms to inform about the relevant regulations and inspect their websites.\nThe EPA has created an inquiry system for looking up permits for environmental agents and pest control operators (https:\/\/mdc.epa.gov.tw\/PUblicInfo ). Users can simply input the name of the product or permit number to ascertain whether the product has been approved and to find its source. Users can also find information on legal pest control operators or sellers of environmental agents. People interested in learning more about safe environmental agents or finding out which environmental agent products do not comply with EPA regulations can visit https:\/\/evsu.epa.gov.tw\/EVagents\/EVSecruity\/Index.aspx. ", "year": "2020", "month": "7", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-07" }, { "no": "3929", "title": "Environmental Management", "preview": "“Green Lifestyle for All” Promotes Environment-Friendly Approaches in Daily Life Facing the post-COVID-19 decade in Taiwan, all the departments of the EPA jointly launched the “Green Lifestyle for All” initiative with the purpose of reducing the burden on the environment. Everyone is encouraged to take greener approaches toward eating, clothing, housing, traveling, education, entertainment, shopping and other aspects of daily life. Actions such as eating local produce, buying green products, and promoting domestic travel can make the environment cleaner in Taiwan and also reduce Taiwan’s dependency on foreign materials and food.", "content": "“Green Lifestyle for All” Promotes Environment-Friendly Approaches in Daily Life \nFacing the post-COVID-19 decade in Taiwan, all the departments of the EPA jointly launched the “Green Lifestyle for All” initiative with the purpose of reducing the burden on the environment. Everyone is encouraged to take greener approaches toward eating, clothing, housing, traveling, education, entertainment, shopping and other aspects of daily life. Actions such as eating local produce, buying green products, and promoting domestic travel can make the environment cleaner in Taiwan and also reduce Taiwan’s dependency on foreign materials and food.\n\nIn line with the government’s economic stimulus policy, the EPA has offered a complete package to promote green lifestyles, starting with a bonus system to encourage dining at green restaurants. A billion green points in total, equivalent to NT$10 million worth of bonuses, will be given from 1 July with a maximum of 15,000 green points per person.\nVarious reward programs promoting environment-friendly measures in all aspects of daily life will be launched between 1 July and the end of December 2020. The EPA strongly encouraged citizens to adopt a green lifestyle in the second half of 2020 to display Taiwan’s “green power” to the world alongside its achievements in battling the pandemic. \nThe EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang explained that Taiwan’s outstanding performance in fighting COVID-19 comes from people fully adopting the government’s measures such as mask-wearing and keeping a safe social distance. This shows Taiwanese are responsible people and are capable of outdoing themselves in environmental protection if they have the will. He emphasized that, instead of a one-time event or a short-term effort to boost the economy, the initiative is a social program that brings behavioral changes via shifts in attitudes and habits. Therefore, these rewards will serve as an incentive at the beginning, not merely as subsidies that make people take more environment-friendly actions only when they are rewarded. The ultimate goal is to encourage the public to internalize environment-friendly practices as lifelong habits. \nMinister Chang took eating as an example and talked about the EPA’s past efforts in promoting the recycling of food waste. He thought more should be done to cut down food waste through bagging leftovers when dining out. More waste can be avoided if all parts of produce and food can be used in cooking. Additionally, using local produce reduces carbon emissions due to shorter shipping distances, and use of in-season produce yields the highest nutritional value as well as lowers the use of agrochemicals. \nIn the second half of 2020, the EPA will propose more comprehensive programs to promote green living, such as plastic-reduction initiatives, low carbon and clean air in night markets. The historic Grand Hotel will also take the lead to promote “no leftovers”. Other initiatives include conserving energy when staying home due to the epidemic, air quality improvement with environmental beautification, recycling household appliances and electronic waste, and bartering. \n\nDuring the post-COVID-19 era, the EPA will keep promoting the “Green Lifestyle for All” initiative, which includes six major aspects: “Green Travel”, “Green Eating”, “Green Consumption”, “Green Home Life”, “Green Energy”, and “Green Office”. And with “using local products”, “cherishing resources” and “protecting the environment” as core values, the EPA will collaborate with other agencies, local governments, civic organizations, and corporations to promote environment-friendly approaches in people’s daily lives. ", "year": "2020", "month": "7", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "V23\/V23-07" }, { "no": "3928", "title": "Reporting Procedures Simplified for Regulated Recyclable Waste Responsible Enterprises ", "preview": "Reporting Procedures Simplified for Regulated Recyclable Waste Responsible Enterprises The revised Regulated Recyclable Waste Responsible Enterprises Management Regulations (應回收廢棄物責任業者管理辦法) was announced by the EPA to simplify registration and reporting procedures. For responsible enterprises that pay less than NT$100,000 annually, the EPA will provide them with an assessed payment amount so they can report with a single click of the mouse from 1 July 2020. To encourage the use of such a system, a 5% discount will be provided if enterprises choose to use the assessed payment amount when reporting before the end of 2021.", "content": "Reporting Procedures Simplified for Regulated Recyclable Waste Responsible Enterprises \nThe revised Regulated Recyclable Waste Responsible Enterprises Management Regulations (應回收廢棄物責任業者管理辦法) was announced by the EPA to simplify registration and reporting procedures. For responsible enterprises that pay less than NT$100,000 annually, the EPA will provide them with an assessed payment amount so they can report with a single click of the mouse from 1 July 2020. To encourage the use of such a system, a 5% discount will be provided if enterprises choose to use the assessed payment amount when reporting before the end of 2021.\n\nThe EPA stated that the revisions also lowered the threshold for installment payment from NT$300,000 to NT$100,000 and removed the requirements for submitting organization establishment verification documents, reporting forms or payment receipts when applying for new registrations, nullifying registrations or submitting annual reports. Since all this information can be inquired through the public systems of competent authorities responsible for registrations and permit issuance or the EPA database, responsible enterprises no longer need to submit them. \nResponsible enterprises are those that manufacture or import the EPA listed and regulated items, such as containers, motor vehicles, lead acid batteries, tires, electric appliances (TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and fans), electronics (notebook computers, tablets, hard disc drives, computer cases, motherboards, monitors, printers, power supply units, and keyboards), dry batteries, and light sources. Besides registration with the EPA, enterprises are required by the 30th of every odd month to report the operating (or importing) amount and pay the recycling and clearance fees. ", "year": "2020", "month": "7", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "V23\/V23-07" }, { "no": "3927", "title": "Draft Amendments of Noise Control Zone Delineation Operation Standards Preannounced", "preview": "raft Amendments of Noise Control Zone Delineation Operation Standards Preannounced After conducting an overall review and adjustment of noise control zone delineation guidelines of the Noise Control Act (噪音管制法) currently used by local governments and taking recent operating experiences and pubic opinions into account, the EPA preannounced the draft amendments of Noise Control Zone Delineation Operation Standards to ensure peace and quiet in people’s living environments. The draft amendments mostly tighten control and serve as standards for local governments to follow when delineating noise control zones. They will also help improve people’s living quality.", "content": "The Noise Control Zone Delineation Operation Standards has remained the same with no content reviews since its promulgation on 4 September 2009. Thanks to the National Regional Plan (全國區域計畫) announced by the Ministry of the Interior and the National Spatial Plan (全國國土計畫) revised by the Executive Yuan, no areas in Taiwan now are left out of urban or regional planning. Therefore, Article 5 of the Operation Standards must be revised accordingly. \nMoreover, to implement Article 7 of the Noise Control Act, competent authorities in special municipalities, counties, and cities have begun to designate all types of noise control zones, but the guidelines of the current Operation Standards are no longer sufficient. As in some cases, a residential area was designated to more than one noise control zone, a review is indeed necessary to solve such an unreasonable phenomenon. \nThe EPA mentioned that, even though the Operation Standards already provide local governments with guidelines for designating noise control zones, reevaluation and revisions are needed due to many situations that are unreasonable or have become public concerns. With the transportation infrastructure and new construction projects being completed in recent years, local governments often set different buffer distances alongside the traffic systems, split the same construction base into different noise control zones, or designate traffic land as Class 3 noise control zone, which is used for residential and commercial purposes. \nThe EPA noted that ensuring a quiet living environment for people was the main focus of the revisions. In addition to clarifying the principles for delineating general noise control zones, for completed construction bases other than highways, express ways, railroads, high speed rails and other land-based traffic systems, the revised Operation Standards specify that local governments shall strive to keep individual construction bases as a whole when delineating noise control zones. Should a construction base simultaneously fall under different noise control zones, the zone with the stricter noise limits should be the designated zone.", "year": "2020", "month": "7", "assortment": "Noise Control", "url": "V23\/V23-07" }, { "no": "3926", "title": "Deadline for Subsidizing Non-industrial Boiler Modification or Replacement Extended", "preview": "Deadline for Subsidizing Non-industrial Boiler Modification or Replacement Extended\nOn 11 June 2020, the EPA announced the revised Regulations Governing Subsidies for Modification or Replacement of Boilers (hereinafter referred to as Subsidy Regulations) (改造或汰換鍋爐補助辦法) to be in line with the implementation schedule of the Boiler Air Pollutant Emission Standards (hereinafter referred to as Emission Standards)(鍋爐空氣污染物排放標準). The revisions extended the subsidy deadline with certain conditions and applied to non-industrial boiler operators that have applied for extension to comply with the Emission Standards or did not apply for subsidies by 30 June 2019. They are still eligible for subsidies as long as modification or replacement is completed before approved extended Emission Stanadards compliance deadlines. ", "content": "Deadline for Subsidizing Non-industrial Boiler Modification or Replacement Extended On 11 June 2020, the EPA announced the revised Regulations Governing Subsidies for Modification or Replacement of Boilers (hereinafter referred to as Subsidy Regulations) to be in line with the implementation schedule of the Boiler Air Pollutant Emission Standards (hereinafter referred to as Emission Standards. The revisions extended the subsidy deadline with certain conditions and applied to non-industrial boiler operators that have applied for extension to comply with the Emission Standards or did not apply for subsidies by 30 June 2019. They are still eligible for subsidies as long as modification or replacement is completed before approved extended Emission Stanadards compliance deadlines. To meet people’s growing demands for better air quality in recent years, the EPA has been promoting air quality improvement on multiple fronts. Based on the Air Quality Control Action Plan (空氣污染防制行動方案), the EPA has been working with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) on cutting down air pollution from boilers, adopting administrative control and subsidization at the same time. For control measures, the Emission Standards were promulgated on 19 September 2018 by the EPA, requiring all existing boilers to comply by 1 July 2020.\nSince the announcement of the Subsidy Regulations on 13 April 2017, a total of 1,181 non-industrial boilers had been improved by the end of 2019. Most of the subsidized entities such as schools, medical institutes, and hotel industry had switched to heating equipment using low-polluting fuels or electricity. Since the non-industrial boilers of the above-mentioned entities were mostly located in densely polulated areas, the Subsidy Regulations have effectively motivated the improvement of non-industrial boilers in densely populated areas and ut down emission. As for industrial boilers, they are under MOEA charge and there is a separate set of subsidy regulations for industrial boilers.\nThe EPA pointed out that the originally planned application deadline for non-industrial boiler subsidization was 30 June 2019. Considering that the Emission Standards, effective from 1 July 2020, allow existing boiler improvement projects on private and public premises that need more time to implement to apply for the extension of Emission Standards compliance deadlines, the revisions also allow reasonable subsidies to be offered to those that applied to extend the compliance deadline, as well as those who were unable to apply for subsidies in time but still managed to complete the improvement projects before 1 July 2020. The subsidies are still to cover 49% of the replacement cost, with the maximum subsidies lowered to NT$300,000. However, the maximum subsidies are kept at NT$500,000 if small-scale boilers, mostly in residential areas, are replaced with electric heating equipment that emit no air pollutants.\nThe EPA urged those interested in subsidies to first check their eligibility for the subsidies and pay particular attention to the project completion time and application deadlines. Those who have applied to extend the compliance deadlines according to the Emission Standards Article 6 paragraph 1 can apply for subsidies at local environmental bureaus no later than 21 July 2022, as long as they comlete the improvement projects and comply with the Emission Standards before the approved extended compliance deadline. The rest of the subsidy applicants who are required to complete the improvement projects and be compliant by 1 July 2020 must apply for subsidies no later than 31 December 2020.\nEnterprisers can first use the application evaluation item checklist to ascertain for their eligibility for subsidies before downloading the application forms for the subsidies at the EPA’s Stationary Source Control Website (http:\/\/ernet.epa.gov.tw\/).", "year": "2020", "month": "7", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-07" }, { "no": "3925", "title": "Maximum Fine for Tampering with Monitoring Data Increased to NT$20 Million", "preview": "Maximum Fine for Tampering with Monitoring Data Increased to NT$20 Million\nOn 10 June 2020, the EPA announced the revised and renamed Fine Determination Criteria for Stationary Sources in Private and Public Premises that Violate the Air Pollution Control Act. Depending on the severity of the impacts, penalties are raised for future Air Pollution Control Act violators involved in the following acts: emitting hazardous air pollutants, intensifying air pollution during air quality deterioration periods or in regions with poor air quality, and other malevolent acts such as nighttime violations, weekend and holiday emissions exceeding limits, rerouting and illegal discharges, and providing false information.", "content": "Maximum Fine for Tampering with Monitoring Data Increased to NT$20 Million. The Fine Determination Criteria is the basis that local environmental authorities use to determine the amount of fines. The amendment was based on the revised Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) announced on 1 August 2018, which greatly increased the maximum fine for severe violations, such as tampering with monitoring data, from NT$1 million to NT$20 million. In addition to administrative penalties such as fines, suspension of operations, and termination of business, illegal gains will also be confiscated, and criminal penalties are in place for some major violations. Meanwhile, the lower limit of fines is lowered for minor violations. For example, the minimum fine for open-air burning and other individual behaviors was lowered from NT$5000 to NT$1,200. This was to ensure that penalties are proportionate to the severity of violations. \nThe EPA pointed out that this revision particularly targets the deliberate tampering with data of continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) for stationary emissions, allowing the maximum fine to be imposed in order to deter deception. There have been incidents in which enterprises tampered with CEMS data capturing programs, leading to false monitoring data being reported to competent authorities. Previously, according to the results from the fine calculation formula, competent authorities could only impose a maximum fine of NT$300,000, which was thought to be too light. From now on, competent authorities can directly impose the maximum fine of NT$20 million for such violations. \nThe amendment also increased the penalties for violations concerning discharge of hazardous air pollutants. In addition, “Impact level” was added as a factor in fine calculation, and the weights of penalty factors are to be adjusted according to the severity of the violation. Harsher penalties will be imposed in the future for refusing to cooperate with the implementation of emergency response measures during air quality deterioration periods, or operating pollution sources without first applying for permits in accordance with regulations. \nIn addition, newly added stipulations specify the determining factors that can be used to adjust penalties based on individual cases. Circumstances deserving heavier penalties include nighttime, weekend, or holiday violations, noncompliance with suspension or shutdown orders, and violations in regions of poor air quality. On the other hand, penalties can be lessened for procedural violations not involving pollutant discharges, or circumstances such as first violation in three years, or behavior such as cooperating during inspection, or proactively reporting and improving the problems. \nOn 10 June 2020, the EPA announced the revised and renamed Fine Determination Criteria for Stationary Sources in Private and Public Premises that Violate the Air Pollution Control Act (公私場所固定污染源違反空氣污染防制法應處罰鍰額度裁罰準則). Depending on the severity of the impacts, penalties are raised for future Air Pollution Control Act violators involved in the following acts: emitting hazardous air pollutants, intensifying air pollution during air quality deterioration periods or in regions with poor air quality, and other malevolent acts such as nighttime violations, weekend and holiday emissions exceeding limits, rerouting and illegal discharges, and providing false information.", "year": "2020", "month": "7", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-07" }, { "no": "3924", "title": "Improvement of EIA System in Taiwan", "preview": "EIA Improvement of EIA System in Taiwan \nTo implement its “sustainable generation” policy, the EPA strives to improve Taiwan’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system in four areas: an exit mechanism for approved EIA cases, old EIA case processing guidelines, ensuring timely EIA reviews, and improving EIA supervision for better efficiency of law enforcement. All of the above are expected to open up a new chapter for the EIA system, which has been in operation for over three decades in Taiwan.", "content": "Aiming at the long-term benefits of national development and to ensure that equal importance is placed on both environmental protection and economic development, the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (環境影響評估法), promulgated in 1994, mandates that environmental considerations be included during the planning stage of projects, and prohibits violators from continuing their activities. The goal is to achieve sustainable development.\n\nTo this end, establishing a precise and efficient EIA system is the principal means to reach a “sustainable generation”, one of the EPA’s six policy focuses. Enhancing the functions of screening development activities and the credibility of EIA reviews are essential for an efficient EIA system. Measures that have been implemented or are currently being promoted by the EPA are as follows:\n\n1. Exit mechanism for approved EIA cases\n(1) Developers can submit exit requests: On 2 July 2015, the EPA issued a statement specifying that developers can apply for the annulment of EIA review conclusions according to the Administrative Procedure Act (行政程序法).\n\n(2) Provisions for invalidation of administrative actions stated in review conclusions. According to Article 93 of the Administrative Procedure Act, the review conclusions shall include the following provisions: \"if the development activities of the case have not started within 10 years after the announcement of the review conclusion, the review conclusion shall become null; the developer can extend the validity of the review conclusion once if the case is approved by the industry competent authority and passed on to the EPA; the extended period shall not be over five years.” On 22 May 2019, the EPA sent a mandate concerning this regulation to Taiwan’s local governments.\n\n2. Old EIA case processing guidelines\n\n(1) Strengthening inventory and control: For controversial large-scale projects that have obtained permits but have not initiated development activities for over three years, the competent authorities can, if they deem necessary and based on Article 16-1 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act , request the developers to submit analyses of differences in environmental conditions and reviews of response measure reports.\n\n(2) Measures based on Articles 18 and 23 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act : For EIA-approved projects, competent authorities can, based on the regulations, require developers to submit environmental impact survey reports and response measures if there are environmental impacts that have not been predicted during the EIA or that newly appear. Such requests can be brought up multiple times depending on the particular environmental problems and until such problems are properly handled. Developers not complying with such requests are subject to penalties according to the Environmental Impact Assessment Act.\n\nFor controversial large-scale projects with no development activities for over ten years, the competent authorities can issue requests requiring developers to conduct environmental surveys in advance. They can, according to the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, further ask developers to submit environmental impact survey reports and response measures.\n\n(3) After inventorying, 67 cases were listed as old EIA cases, which were subsequently audited in two phases in 2019. In the first phase, 19 projects that had been suspended (including controversial ones) were audited. In the second phase, 48 projects that had passed the EIA reviews but had not initiated development activities for over ten years and had not obtained permits from the industry competent authorities were audited. The audit results were:\n\nA. Operations resumed: Five projects in total. The competent authorities continued to carry out EIA inspections.\n \nB. Development activities discontinued: 13 projects in total. The developers had been urged to apply for review conclusion annulment as soon as possible. Also, the EPA conducted EIA inspections from time to time in order to urge developers to file applications to be taken off the EIA list. To date, the EPA has announced that review conclusions of two cases have been annulled.\n\nC. Operations continued: 45 projects in total (including 13 projects whose operations were suspended). The developers deemed it necessary to continue development operations after review. EIA inspections will be conducted once a year to assess the development activities. Additional measures include:\n \n(A) For the 13 projects whose operations were suspended, if the operations are resumed, the developers are required to regularly submit environmental impact survey reports in accordance with Article 18 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act. \n\n(B) For the eight projects that had passed the EIA for ten to 15 years but had not obtained permits from the relevant industry competent authorities, should operations take place in the future, developers may be required to submit environmental impact survey reports based on environmental conditions in accordance with Article 18 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act. Such environmental conditions include environmental impacts that newly appear or were not predicted due to insufficient assessment or investigation, such as air or water pollution or unforeseen impacts to ecosystems.\n(C) There were a total of 24 projects that had passed their EIAs but for over 15 years had not obtained any permits from competent authorities. The current environmental conditions surrounding these development sites might be different from those that were present when the original environmental impact surveys were conducted. If the developers resume or start operations in the future, they are to refer to the statement issued by the EPA on 22 May 2019, which stated that review conclusions become ineffective for EIA-approved projects that have not begun operations for over ten years. The developers will then be ordered to regularly submit environmental impact survey reports in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Act Article 18.\n\nD. Developers dissolved: a total of four projects. \n\n3. Ensuring timely EIA reviews\n \n(1) The principle that the project groups shall hold a maximum of three preliminary review meetings to enhance rectification quality and review efficiency was implemented. \n\n(2) The opinion-gathering meetings and onsite observations were carried out. The EIA committee’s project groups went to development sites to conduct onsite observations and hold meetings to fully gather opinions from local residents and civic organizations. The responses of the developers to these opinions were listed and supervised by the EPA.\n\n(3) The 2018-2019 EIA Technology Consulting Organizations Evaluation Plan was implemented to establish an objective and differentiating EIA survey system, enhancing the quality of EIA documents.\n \n4. Improving EIA supervision to increase efficiency of law enforcement \n\nDuring 2019, the EPA conducted EIA inspections by listing EIA cases in different inspection categories, setting up a reporting system, implementing project inspection committees, and organizing expert meetings. Besides employing sounding rockets and other technology for air quality assessment, the EPA held seminars on EIA regulations and operations to inspect and urge developers to adhere to their EIA commitments, and improve professional capabilities and two-way communications. The purpose was to enhance the overall EIA system, and urge developers to properly carry out what is stated in the EIA documents and review conclusions, elevating efficiency of EIA inspections and law enforcement.", "year": "2020", "month": "7", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "V23\/V23-07" }, { "no": "3923", "title": "Extended Subsidies for Replacing Large Old Diesel Vehicles", "preview": "Air Extended Subsidies for Replacing Large Old Diesel Vehicles\nIn response to the economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, the EPA has launched relief packages to help owners of large diesel vehicles scrap and replace their vehicles with new ones. The EPA preannounced draft amendments to the Subsidy Regulations for Scrapping and Replacing Large Old Diesel Vehicles on 19 May 2020. The amendments increased the total subsidy by NT$160 million and extended the subsidy application deadline from 10 December 2020 to 10 December 2021. The amendments also extended the grace period for scrapping and purchasing a replacement vehicle to one year. With the amendments, the EPA aims to relieve the financial burden of vehicle owners and stimulate the incentive to phase out old vehicles. \n", "content": "\nTo clarify any possible misunderstandings that could happen while implementing the subsidy regulations, the EPA has revised the definitions of large diesel vehicle emission standard phases. The amendments also include changes to the required documents and baseline dates when vehicle owners apply for subsidies for scrapping and replacing their Phase 1 to Phase 3 heavy-duty diesel trucks. In addition, according to the amendments, when purchasing used or new vehicles, if the price on the receipt is lower than the subsidy, subsidies will be given based on the actual purchase price. The EPA plans to directly accept vehicle owner’s applications for subsidies beginning 2021 to streamline the application process. \n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "6", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-06" }, { "no": "3922", "title": "Upgraded Environment Info Push App Offers More Personalized Services", "preview": "Environmental Information\n9. Upgraded Environment Info Push App Offers More Personalized Services\nLaunched on 15 May 2020, the 4.0 version of the Environment Info Push App now provides more personalized environmental information for people’s daily lives. In addition to the new warning notifications for ozone levels, the app now offers reminders for regular motorcycle inspections and information on public facilities, such as the locations of public restrooms. The app will continue to provide up-to-date air pollution data to help safeguard public health.\n\n", "content": "The new content of the 4.0 version includes: ozone level warnings, notifications for regular motorcycle inspections, motorcycle inspection sites location search, and public restroom location search. The updated app aims to safeguard public health with its new ozone level warnings, and help citizens save money and be environmentally conscious by not missing inspections with reminders for regular motorcycle inspections.\n\nIn addition to PM2.5, ozone has become another important issue that calls for more attention. Statistics have shown that 359 red alert station-days in 2018 were caused by eight-hour average ozone concentrations exceeding the standards, which surpassed the 277 red alert station-days triggered by excessive concentrations of PM2.5. \n\nIn light of this situation, the EPA proposed the idea of developing a warning system for when ozone levels may exceed the standards during the 2019 Presidential Hackathon. The new ozone level warnings feature in the 4.0 version is Taiwans first forecasting and warning system that uses big data analytics and AI technology to provide prediction and warning services for when the eight-hour average ozone concentrations may exceed the standards. App users can look up the latest hourly air quality monitoring data before going to school or work or pursuing any outdoor activities. They can also make arrangements or take protective measures for any outdoor activities of the day based on the ozone data and warnings provided by the app. The ozone forecasting in the app is achieved by building predictive models based on historical monitoring data, and evaluating the hourly data between 7 am and 6 pm each day to predict if the eight-hour average ozone concentration of the day may exceed the standards. Users of the app can subscribe to the ozone alert service to receive timely ozone level warnings for their locations. \n\nThe 4.0 version also provides reminders for regular motorcycle inspections that give timely notifications based on the data from the Information and Management System for Motorcycle Inspections Website. Compared to the existing method of mailing paper notifications, the apps motorcycle inspection reminder service reduces the chances of missing inspections for vehicle owners. The EPA encourages citizens to subscribe to the service and complete the annual exhaust inspections in a timely manner. \n\nIn addition, with the public facility search engine on the app, citizens can immediately acquire information on the nearest public facilities, which currently include public restrooms and motorcycle inspection sites, and learn their locations through the map. Take public restrooms for example, the app allows users to search for public restrooms. With just a few taps, users can easily switch between categories and find a restroom that accommodates their needs, such as accessible restrooms, family restrooms and all gender restrooms.\n\nThe Environment Info Push App has been downloaded more than 510,000 times with an average of four-star reviews and more than one million views per month. The app is a convenient tool for people’s daily lives and is available on Google Play and Apple store. \n", "year": "2020", "month": "6", "assortment": "Environmental Information", "url": "V23\/V23-06" }, { "no": "3921", "title": "Revisions to Regulations Concerning Toxic Chemical Substances Listed for Control and Relevant Operations and Management Preannounced", "preview": "Chemicals Revisions to Regulations Concerning Toxic Chemical Substances Listed for Control and Relevant Operations and Management Preannounced\nIn response to dicofol and other substances newly listed by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the EPA preannounced dicofol to be listed as a toxic chemical substance. Current regulations for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (POSF), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), lithium perfluorooctane sulfonate, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were also revised as a means to tighten Taiwans controls for toxic chemical substances.\n", "content": "The EPA explained that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are resistant to degradation, capable of long-range transport and bioaccumulation, and are harmful to human health and other living organisms. Therefore, the UN formulated the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants to protect human health and the environment by eliminating, limiting and reducing the release of POPs. In response to recent updates to the Stockholm Convention, the EPA has revised regulations concerning dicofol, PFOA, POSF, PFOS, lithium perfluorooctane sulfonate, and PBDEs.\n\nThe EPA pointed out that dicofol was added to Annex A (elimination) of the Stockholm Convention in 2019. Capable of bioconcentration and being ecotoxic, dicofol meets the characteristics of Class 1 and Class 3 toxic chemical substances listed in the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act. Therefore, dicofol has been added to Class 1 and Class 3 toxic chemical substance lists and its use outside of research, experimental and educational purposes has been banned in accordance with the convention. In addition, the EPA referenced the convention on the regulations concerning PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related substances and announced that PFOA and POSF would be categorized as Class 1 toxic chemical substances. The EPA also revised the control concentration standards of lithium perfluorooctane sulfonate and POSF, and amended the use restrictions for PFOA, PFOS, lithium perfluorooctane sulfonate and POSF.\n\nAn investigation conducted by the EPA regarding the domestic industrial uses of the above-mentioned substances revealed that these substances are primarily used for research, experimental and educational purposes in Taiwan. Due to their limited use in Taiwan, the tightened control on these substances will only have a marginal effect on domestic industries.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "6", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-06" }, { "no": "3920", "title": "EPA Takes Climate Action to Mark World Environment Day", "preview": "Environmental education\n7. EPA Takes Climate Action to Mark World Environment Day\nThis year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. In response to this year’s theme of climate action, the EPA held its environmental education summer events with a focus on sufficiency in life. A retrospective exhibition was held on World Environment Day on 5 June in Tainan to remind citizens that the future environment well be living in depends on our action at present. \n", "content": "The final event was Earth Day 50th Anniversary Environmental Retrospective Exhibition, which took place from 5 June to 7 June 2020 in Tainan. It highlighted major environmental incidents and topics, both globally and domestically, in the past 50 years. The exhibition featured an environmental video zone where the environmental education documentary Taivalu was played daily. On the first day of the exhibition, there was also a Conversation with EPA Minister, in which student representatives from Taiwan and US eco-campuses were invited to discuss about the National Environmental Protection Plans with EPA Minister Tzi-chin Chang. During the activity, the students expressed their opinions on the strategies Taiwan can implement to realize the vision of reducing carbon and disasters, relaxing and breathing well, enjoying clear water, transforming waste to resources, having zero forest loss, and co-existing with wildlife by 2030. \n\nIn the Actions to Protect the Planet Zone, an exhibition featured three types of post cards based on the themes of Earth Day and World Environment Day. When visitors completed the visit, they could obtain a so-called future post card on which they could write down what they promised to do in their daily lives for environmental protection. The post cards would be mailed by the event organizers to the visitors three months after the exhibition as a reminder to examine their actions in light of the promises they have made and reflect on how to protect the environment in their daily lives. \n\nIn addition, stalls were set up outside of the exhibition building representing the Tainan branch of the Society of Wilderness, the Taiwan Ocean Conservation and Fisheries Sustainability Foundation, the Institute of Environment and Resources, and the Environmental Protection Bureau of Tainan City Government. The stalls provided information on environmental protection and helped visitors discover their seemingly negligible habits which in fact hurt the environment. The public was reminded that only by conserving energy and reducing carbon footprint can the environment be saved from the effects of climate change. \n", "year": "2020", "month": "6", "assortment": "Environmental education", "url": "V23\/V23-06" }, { "no": "3919", "title": "Public and Private Sectors Collaborate in Taipei 101 Offset Project", "preview": "Environmental Management\n6. Public and Private Sectors Collaborate in Taipei 101 Offset Project\nOn 12 May 2020, at an EPA press conference at Taipei 101 on the Public and Private Sector Collaboration on Carbon Emission Reduction in the Residential and Commercial Sectors, the EPA pledged to reduce carbon emissions by working jointly with the civic sector. The Department of Environmental Protection of the Taipei City Government also participated in the press conference to recognize the achievements in carbon emission reduction and energy conservation of Taipei 101. The carbon offset project proposed by Taipei 101 management passed a review by the EPA on 20 March 2020, and it completed the registration process in April. This is the first offset project implemented by the residential\/commercial sector and it is estimated to reduce emissions by 2,718 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). Taipei 101 and the Taipei City Government can also apply for reduction credits subsequent to the implementation of the project. \n", "content": "EPA Minister Tzi-chin Chang stated that Taiwan is devoted to energy saving and carbon emission reduction and is one of the few countries in the world that has written greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals into law. Emissions growth in Taiwan has slowed owing to the joint efforts of every government department. However, there is still a small gap to be crossed to reach the Phase 1 emissions control goal of a 2% reduction of domestic GHG emissions by 2020. The Phase 2 goals aim to reduce emissions by 10%. EPA Minister Tzi-chin Chang pointed out that even though emissions from the manufacturing sector make up 52% of total emissions, the residential\/commercial sector still accounts for 20%. Hence, the EPA has reviewed and simplified the application procedures for micro-scale offset projects to encourage participation of the residential\/commercial sector. \n\nAccording to the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection of the Taipei City Government, Ming-lone Liou, the main source of carbon emissions in Taipei City is from the residential\/commercial sector. Due to its hard work to promote energy conservation in this sector, among Taiwan’s six major cities Taipei City is the only one that has accomplished a reduction in electricity use for three years in a row, equaling 2.58% of energy saved. With Taipei 101 leading the way, the commissioner anticipated more residential\/commercial properties will participate, and he encouraged other department stores in Xinyi District to follow suit and make the district a center for carbon reduction. \n\nCommissioner Ming-lone Liou indicated that Taipei 101 not only achieved the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinumstatus as a green building but also assisted the Department of Environmental Protection of the Taipei City Government with air quality monitoring. Taipei City will receive 50% of the reduction credits from this offset project, which can be used to offset the carbon footprint produced in international events in the future.\n\nTaipei 101 President Angela Chang stated that Taipei 101 has been selected as one of the 50 Most Influential Tall Buildings in the world, hence it has the corporate social responsibility to take the lead in environmental protection. Taipei 101 management started with disclosing the buildings carbon footprint and worked with the government to come up with feasible emission mitigation measures. This time, Taipei 101 voluntarily launched the offset project in support of government policies, which makes it the first micro-scale offset project implemented by the residential\/commercial sector. The reduction credits earned can also be used for the New Year fireworks shows. \n\nTo promote emission reduction among the residential\/commercial sector, the Department of Environmental Protection of the Taipei City Government also assisted Taipei 101 to apply to be the first of the residential\/commercial sector micro-scale offset projects. Being an iconic establishment in the residential\/commercial sector, Taipei 101 not only conducted a voluntary GHG inventory, but also disclosed information on its corporate social responsibility (CSR) report. To further reduce emissions, Taipei 101 formulated a new plan last year that entails the replacement of lighting systems in its underground parking lot with 2,841 LED light bulbs. The plan is estimated to save 7.7% of electricity per year, or 510,000 kWh of electricity.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "6", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "V23\/V23-06" }, { "no": "3918", "title": "Revisions Preannounced for Enterprise Classifications and Definitions in the Water Pollution Control Act", "preview": "Water\n5. Revisions Preannounced for Enterprise Classifications and Definitions in the Water Pollution Control Act \nOn 13 May 2020, the EPA preannounced revisions of Paragraph 1 Annex of the Enterprise Classification and Definition of the Water Pollution Control Act. The revised part includes definitions, applicable entities, and implementation dates for enterprise category 64.(2), oil storage sites, and category 64.(5), enterprises whose operation premises have storage facilities that store materials specified by the EPA based on the Water Pollution Control Act Article 33 paragraph 1, and whose combined capacities reach 200 liters or more.\n", "content": "The EPA stated that this revision follows previous amendments of regulations concerning underground storage tanks. The previous amendments incorporated the definition of oil storage sites and regulations concerning the construction of overflow protection dikes into the section dealing with storage facility management, in order to avoid redundant control. The main points of the revision are as follows:\n\n1. Due to the effective date of the Management Regulations Concerning Underground Storage Tank Groundwater Pollution Prevention Equipment and Monitoring Equipment Installation (), regulations concerning enterprise category 64.(2), oil storage sites, will cease to apply from 1 January 2021.\n\n2. Enterprise category 64.(5), enterprises whose operation premises have storage facilities that store materials specified by the EPA based on the Water Pollution Control Act Article 33 paragraph 1 and whose combined capacities reach 200 liters or more, is changed to storage facility. It includes above-ground and underground storage tanks or containers, and excludes storage cans, tanks, or barrels that are sealed, have not been unsealed, or do not leak after placed upside down. Relevant applicable conditions are also deleted, and its effective date is postponed to 1 January 2021.\n\n3. Enterprise category 59, livestock excreta or bioenergy treatment center (or biogas center); category 60, reclaimed water operators; and category 63, steam suppliers; are deleted because their effective periods have ended.\n\nThe EPA stressed that by regulating industrial oil storage facilities that have higher pollution risks, enterprises are thereby obligated to properly install water pollution prevention and monitoring equipment and to have adequate leak prevention equipment in store. They must properly collect and handle any leakage should it occur. Enterprises are urged to abide by regulations, as violations will lead to penalties in accordance with the Water Pollution Control Act.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "6", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V23\/V23-06" }, { "no": "3917", "title": "Use of Food Waste as Fertilizer Promoted for Better Harvests, Cleaner Rivers, and Lower Production Costs", "preview": "Environmental Inspection\n4. Use of Food Waste as Fertilizer Promoted for Better Harvests, Cleaner Rivers, and Lower Production Costs\nIn light of the recent panic buying of chemical fertilizers, the Yunlin County Government held a press conference on May 25 to promote recycling and reuse of digestate fluid and sediment to reduce farming costs. Magistrate Li-Shan Chang, along with the Director of the EPA Department of Water Quality Protection, Sheng-Chong Wu and livestock industry representatives, led a ceremony to promote environmental innovation and show appreciation for the work of farmers. The participants celebrated cooperation between government agencies and the private sector to put policies into action and create win-win situations for the livestock industry, agriculture, and environmental protection. \n", "content": "At the conference, the county government displayed organic matter products made with recycled food waste, digestate fluid for irrigation use and sediment made from livestock manure supplied by certified livestock farms. Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter, both of the above products benefit plant growth and can be used as fertilizer for farmland. Not only do they help satisfy crop growing needs of regular citizens and farmers, their use also serves as an example of collaboration between livestock farms and crop farmers. It is hoped that more livestock farms and crop farmers can join in to reutilize livestock manure and contribute to the remediation and protection of local rivers.\n\nSince 2015, the EPA has been subsidizing the Yunlin County Government to carry out livestock manure reutilization and replace agrochemicals with organic fertilizers in order to increase farm production, reduce soil acidification, and reduce discharges of organic pollutants into rivers. a total of 268 livestock farms have filed applications to reutilize livestock manure; 12 newly purchased irrigation vehicles delivered; ten irrigation vehicle fleets have been set up, and; five projects that use livestock manure processing facilities to treat livestock manure from other farms have been launched. The performance of Yunlin County with respect to manure reutilization ranks first in Taiwan.\n\nBy 31 May 2020, 920 livestock farms in Taiwan have been permitted to use digestate fluid and sediment as farmland fertilizers. In addition, 128 farms have successfully applied for agricultural waste reuse permits, and 292 farms have been permitted to use the recycled waste that meets the Effluent Standards () for crop irrigation. Not including the 38 farms that applied to use recycled manure in both ways, a total of 1,302 livestock farms now practice livestock manure reutilization in Taiwan.\n\nPotential nationwide outcomes of the livestock resource reutilization policies are as follows: 618 metric tons per year of recycled manure waste are permitted for irrigation of 2,949 hectares of farmland. Annual organic pollution discharge to rivers can be reduced by 38,608 kg of BOD (biological oxygen demand), equivalent to the amount of pollution reduction achieved by 705 gravel contact oxidation treatment plants with a daily capacity of 10,000 metric tons. 1,082 metric tons of nitrogen can be spread through the approved irrigation methods, equivalent to using 169,192 bags of Taiwan Fertilizer Co. Heiwan #5 Fertilizer. All of the above would result in cutting fertilizer costs by NT$57.52 million and water pollution control costs by NT$45.44 million, significantly improving river water and air quality.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "6", "assortment": "Environmental Inspection", "url": "V23\/V23-06" }, { "no": "3916", "title": "Management Regulations Announced for the Reuse of Incinerator Bottom Ash", "preview": "Waste\n3. Management Regulations Announced for the Reuse of Incinerator Bottom Ash\nOn 18 May 2020, the EPA announced the management regulations for the reuse of incinerator bottom ash according to the Paragraph 2 of Article 14 of Waste Disposal Act. Referring to Japanese and Dutch practices and experiences, the regulations were based on leaching scenarios and their control when aggregate of recycled bottom ash is used in the environment. The recycled aggregate leaching procedure (NIEA R222) is used as the leaching testing method. And referring to Groundwater Pollution Control Standards classification environmental standards, limitations of usage locations were reviewed.\n", "content": "The main points of this announcement are as follows:\n(1) New uses of aggregate are added, including cement products such as Jersey barriers and road curbs and sanitation landfill construction materials that are not in contact with steel. These uses are classified as fillings for construction foundations, roads and embankments.\n\n(2) Limitations of usage locations were reviewed. Controlled low strength materials used for other purposes cannot be used in sensitive regions, while controlled low strength materials used in ditches and pipes are to be kept out of the sensitive areas in water quality and quantity protection areas.\n\n(3) Environmental standards for recycled incinerator bottom ash aggregates were stipulated. In sensitive areas, aggregates are allowed to be used only for five remanufactured product uses and must comply with Class 1 standards. In regular areas, aggregates can be used for eight unprocessed or remanufactured product uses and must comply with Class 2 standards. For two specific uses in all areas, the use of aggregates must comply with standards set for said specific uses.\n\n(4) If curing is involved, the minimum curing time is increased from a month to 45 days.\n\nThe EPA stated that the new regulations will take effect on 1 January 2021 so that all affected agencies have adequate time to adapt to the new requirements.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "6", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-06" }, { "no": "3915", "title": "The EPA Coordinates Garbage Disposal as Incinerators Undergo Maintenance", "preview": "Environmental Inspection\n2. The EPA Coordinates Garbage Disposal as Incinerators Undergo Maintenance\nHalf of the 24 incinerators in Taiwan will one by one enter a period of major maintenance over the next five years. In addition to coordinating regional garbage disposal, the EPA will continue to actively assist local governments to strengthen temporary garbage storage and other temporary placement measures, and install their own disposal facilities. The purpose is to compensate for the deficiency in garbage disposal capacity that will occur during the maintenance period of each incinerator.\n", "content": "The EPA noted that with reduced garbage disposal capacity during incinerator maintenance periods, proper temporary garbage storage will be necessary to prevent it from scattering. All counties and cities are currently carrying out temporary garbage packing and storing the packed garbage temporarily in legal landfills. Proper packing can therefore reduce the space the garbage occupies while lowering the risk of causing environmental pollution. At the same time, the sorting step prior to the packing can also be used to separate high-heating-value (HHV) materials, which can be used directly as auxiliary fuels.\n\nUnder the EPAs recently launched Diversified Garbage Disposal Plan () launched, the eight counties with no garbage disposal capacity have gradually begun to plan construction of their own disposal facilities, which are expected to be finished within two to three years. These ongoing projects include gasification and high-performance disposal facilities on offshore islands, the collaboration of Hualien County with Taiwan Cement Cooperation to use its cement kilns, high-performance disposal parks planned by Hsinchu County, and Nantou County’s green energy park project. Additionally, the Taitung County Government has decided to relaunch the Taitung Incinerator, which has been idle for years, and is currently going through restart procedures.\n\nThe EPA stated that it has proposed to the Executive Yuan to revise the Diversified Garbage Disposal Plan. It will further invest NT$1 billion to assist local governments to alleviate the piling up of garbage and expand landfill capacities. The EPA also urged everyone to work together during this difficult time to reduce incinerator loads by strengthening waste recycling and reduction.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "6", "assortment": "Environmental Inspection", "url": "V23\/V23-06" }, { "no": "3914", "title": "Recycling Management in Taiwan", "preview": "Recycling\n1. Recycling Management in Taiwan \nThrough the implementation of the 2018-2020 Resource Recycling and Reuse Plan (107109), the EPA expects Taiwan to advance toward a circular economy and achieve the sustainability goal of maximizing resource utilization and minimizing the impacts on the environment. In the future, the EPA will continue to guide enterprises to increase the value of reused resources, assist enterprises in resource recycling and reuse, and promote cooperation between different industries. The EPA is also encouraging industry and academia to invest in technological development and applications to help upgrade the recycling industry.\n", "content": "Launched in 1997, the EPAs Four-in-one Resource Recycling Plan () combines the efforts of four forces: communities, recycling enterprises, local sanitation crews, and the Recycling Fund. Its outstanding results, such as achieving a proper waste treatment rate of over 99%, are recognized by the world.\n\nThe implementation of the general waste recycling and reuse policy focuses on two tracks: resource recycling and reuse and recycling management.\n\n\nStrengthening recycling management\nI. Increasing the recycling volume\n(1) Thirty-three regulated recyclable waste items under 13 categories have been announced by the EPA, and 34,867 enterprises (37,039 registrations) have registered as responsible enterprises. From January to December 2019, the total reported operating volume was 745,316 metric tons with 1,722,378 entries of reported data audited and filed. The goal for the year was to audit the operating volume of more than 4,600 enterprises (20% of the total). From January to December 2019, the EPA completed the audit for the operating volume of 5,994 enterprises (26.5% of the total), exceeding the annual goal by 30.3%.\n\n(2) Construction of sorting sites in 2020: Subsidies have been provided to build sorting and storage sites on offshore islands or in remote areas that need to store recyclables temporarily but have no place to store them.\n\n(3) Enhancing recycling by sanitation crews: Beginning from January 2020, sanitation crews are incentivized to collect and sort 14 materials or items with low recycling rates. Subsidies are calculated based on estimated amounts recycled and sorted as well as set unit prices, so the recycling rates can be raised via goal-oriented management.\n(4) Optimizing recycling and storage sites: Local governments are subsidized to replace old recycling vehicles with new ones and purchase new recycling machinery.\n(5) The Recycling Care Program (), launched in 2019, provides self-employed recyclers who sell recyclables with monthly subsidies of up to NT$3,500 per person. Local environmental bureaus are allowed to subsidize, by themselves or by commissioning welfare organizations, 8,900 registered recyclers. Starting from August 2019, self-employed recyclers are eligible for the subsidies. Additional subsidies are given for less frequently recycled items such as electric fans, laptops, tablets, and keyboards. These measures aim to increase the income of self-employed recyclers as well as the amount of waste recycled.\n\n(6) Under the Circular Economy and Recycling Army Plan (), a monthly average of 3,245 registered recyclers, each working 25 hours\/month, were hired in 2019 to help sort recycled items. Their monthly income was increased by up to NT$3,506.\n\n(7) The EPA has launched the Paper Tableware Recycling-Friendly Shops Subsidization Plan () to encourage proper sorting and recycling of waste paper tableware. From 1 February to 31 December 2020, local environmental bureaus are taking inventory of eateries, providing needed guidance, and listing eateries for management. In addition, more demonstration sites will be set up to observe the recycling and sorting behaviors of the public. The observation will serve as reference for future legislation and policymaking. Meanwhile, authorities are to show target enterprises how the Plan works, offer assistance, and subsidize installation of recycling equipment. Subsidies under this Plan amount to NT$49.04 million in total.\n\nThe Plans first trial run targets self-service restaurants and bento shops, of which 7,210 have been registered. By promoting the setup of waste paper tableware recycling amenities and the clearing, sorting, and stacking recycling steps, the EPA hopes to alter the habits of those who dine out, raise the public’s awareness of waste paper tableware recycling, and increase the recycling rate from the 64% in 2018 to 80% in 2021.\n\n\nFuture outlook: Increasing recycling and reuse\n\n(1) The EPA will assist enterprises to utilize recycled resources in Taiwan instead of exporting them, leading to higher profits and added value for the resources. Differentiated subsidization will be provided to enterprises to encourage technological development and strategy forming, creating positive competition for continuous progress and upgrading of technology.\n\n(2) Collaboration between different industries will be promoted. The EPA will continue to assist waste processors to work with reuse facilities or manufacturers that are able to further increase the value of recycled materials so as to form industry chains. Processing enterprises will also be eligible for higher subsidies once their applications are reviewed and approved by the EPA.\n \n(3) Encouraging technological development and applications\nTo encourage academic institutions and enterprises to invest in the research and development of recycling technologies, attract talent to join the ranks of basic research, and open up more reuse channels, the EPA will publicly solicit innovative plans and R&D projects for the recycling and processing of recyclables, and subsidize public and private universities, research institutes, and waste processors to carry out recycling-related innovation, research and development. The purpose is to combine the forces of industry, government and academia to carry out the effort. \n", "year": "2020", "month": "6", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "V23\/V23-06" }, { "no": "3913", "title": "EPA Strengthens Public Area Disinfection Work during Labor Day Weekend", "preview": "Environmental Sanitation EPA Strengthens Public Area Disinfection Work during Labor Day Weekend\n", "content": "During the Labor Day weekend, the EPA worked with local governments and mobilized the disinfection task force to its full capacity. From 29 April to 4 May 2020, a total of 1,550 public areas had been disinfected, including 320 transit stations, 550 commercial districts or other places that attract large crowds, and 680 parks or popular attraction sites. Local governments adjusted the disinfection frequency based on the number of visiting people to avoid affecting business operations. The EPA also urged the public to take personal measures to protect themselves during the holiday. \n\nThe disinfection task force consists of 3,000 sanitation personnel dispatched from local environmental bureaus, and has disinfected a total of 16,000 public places since it was established on 25 March 2020. During the Tomb Sweeping Festival holiday, the task force disinfected nearly 1,000 public places, among which 11 were popular sightseeing attractions that the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) was alert about and were disinfected within two days.\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "5", "assortment": "Environmental Sanitation", "url": "V23\/V23-05" }, { "no": "3912", "title": "Air Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules Amended", "preview": "Air Air Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules Amended\n", "content": "In response to the revisions to the Air Pollution Control Act promulgated on 1 August 2018 and in light of enforcement experiences from the past, the EPA amended the Air Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules (hereinafter referred to as the Enforcement Rules) on 21 April 2020. To enhance implementation efficiency of the Enforcement Rules for both law enforcement agencies and businesses, the amendments added more explanation and clarification on certain regulations stipulated in the Air Pollution Control Act.\nThe main points of the amendments include: adding stipulations on the required information that should be included in the air pollution control plans formulated by the central competent authority and removing the repetitive stipulations that have been included in other bylaws of the Air Pollution Control Act. In addition, the amendments also stipulate local competent authorities can tighten the emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) based on Article 20 paragraph 2 of the Air Pollution Control Act, but are not allowed to alter the emission limits of HAPs. This way the penalty issuance standards for violations involving criminal charges remain the same. Also, 30% of the fines collected in accordance with the Air Pollution Control Act will be used as part of the air pollution prevention fund.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "5", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-05" }, { "no": "3911", "title": "Regulations Announced for Establishment of Joint Accident Prevention Organizations for Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances", "preview": "Chemicals Regulations Announced for Establishment of Joint Accident Prevention Organizations for Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances \n", "content": "In response to the latest amendments to the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act, the EPA has formulated the Regulations Governing Establishment Plans of Joint Accident Prevention Organizations for Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations) which will take effect in January 2021. Establishing joint accident prevention organizations (hereinafter referred to as joint prevention organizations) for toxic and concerned chemical substances can stimulate business cooperation in the prevention, emergency response and clean-up operations for chemical accidents. With the establishment of these organizations, the EPA aims to enhance accident management and reduce losses caused by chemical incidents.\n\nIn addition to providing the legal basis, the other main points of the Regulations include:\n\ni. Regulations on the classification and establishment of joint prevention organizations\nii. Conditions under which joint prevention organizations are to be established\niii. Application procedures for establishment of joint prevention organizations, required information and other related stipulations for establishment plans\niv. Regulations on effective periods and renewal of joint prevention organizations\nv. Regulations on conditions and procedures for applying for changes to establishment plans \nvi. Joint prevention organizations shall hold and participate in training and drills regularly\nvii. The authority and responsibility of the competent authority for conducting audits on joint prevention organizations\nviii. Assistance responsibilities of joint prevention organizations \nix. Penalties for relevant operators for violating the Regulations\n", "year": "2020", "month": "5", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-05" }, { "no": "3910", "title": "EPA Holds Tour Events to Promote Greening and Cooling of Buildings", "preview": "Environmental Management EPA Holds Tour Events to Promote Greening and Cooling of Buildings\nGiven that global warming continues to affect our living environment, and to support this year’s Earth Day theme of climate action, the EPA cooperated with the Society of Wilderness (SOW, ) to hold an event tour in May. The tour, titled the Earth Day Extra Episode Building Greening and Cooling Achievement Promotion, invited the public to take climate action in their daily lives. \n", "content": "To raise carbon consciousness and mobilize people in Taiwan to improve the environments surrounding their homes, the EPA has been carrying out the Low Carbon and Sustainable Homeland Rating Promotion Program since 2015. A total of 4,374 villages have participated in the program, among which 881 have been certified (including bronze and silver certificates). The program allows communities to design and implement carbon reduction measures based on local conditions. Among the 881 villages that received certificates from the program, 382 have adopted multi-level greening measures such as green roofs, green walls and hedges to mitigate heat. These green structures not only reduce heating of buildings through shading, thermal insulation and evapotranspiration, they also help regulate the microclimate by stimulating air circulation. According to the Green Roof Manual published by the Architecture and Building Research Institute of the Ministry of the Interior, these types of measures can reduce indoor temperature by 3~5, leading to saving 18~30% of air-conditioning energy consumption.\n\nData show that 69 buildings from villages certified with a silver rating save on average four times more energy per year than conventional buildings. In these villages, the use of vegetation plays an important role for heat reduction and energy conservation. Therefore, to further promote building greening, during May the EPA is cooperating with the SOW to hold a series of events in five of the selected low-carbon villages with silver rating. \n\nThe SOW is a domestic organization that is knowledgeable and experienced in different environmental issues, and the EPA has been working with it on holding classes on climate change. The events in May were designed in honor of Earth Day, and the EPA invited professional speakers from the SOW to make simple but effective explanations on heat mitigation for buildings through greening approaches. The events also feature visits to low-carbon facilities and DIY activities to let participants fully experience the beauty of greenery. \n", "year": "2020", "month": "5", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "V23\/V23-05" }, { "no": "3909", "title": "Regulations Governing Subsidies for Repairs and Installation of Emission Control Equipment on Large Diesel Vehicles Amended", "preview": "Air Regulations Governing Subsidies for Repairs and Installation of Emission Control Equipment on Large Diesel Vehicles Amended\n", "content": "The EPA announced the amendments to the Regulations Governing Subsidies for the Repair of Fuel Injection Systems or Installation of Emission Control Equipment on Large Diesel Vehicles on 15 April 2020. The purpose of the amendments is to stimulate mobile source emission reduction by motivating owners of large diesel vehicles to upgrade their fuel injection systems or install emission control equipment, and to raise administrative efficacy at the same time. The amendments include the removal of the requirement of test procedures prior to repair and also removal of the application frequency limit for subsidies of a total amount below NT$50,000. In addition, to strengthen the implementation of smoke emission mitigation measures, such as repairs and the installation of pollution control equipment, the amendments also added regulations on revocation or cancellation of subsidies given to approved auto repair businesses or air pollution control device purchases.\n\nAccording to the survey conducted by the EPA, heavy-duty diesel vehicles contribute to a large portion of emissions in Taiwan, making up 11.2% of the total domestic PM2.5 emissions. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also classified diesel exhaust as a Group 1 Carcinogen in 2012. Therefore, the EPA has given priority to providing diverse assistance programs, focusing on heavy-duty diesel vehicles. The assistance programs include the subsidy programs for vehicle replacement, fuel injection system repairs, and installation of emission control equipment such as particulate filters. Furthermore, the EPA also offers commodity tax deduction, import duty exemption for heavy-duty vehicle components, credit guarantees or low-interest loans for vehicle purchases, and subsidies for vehicle loan interest. With the help of these incentive programs, the EPAs goal is to achieve diesel pollution mitigation with the cooperation of vehicle owners.\n\nPublic cooperation is essential for effective policy implementation. After numerous evaluations and discussions, the EPA has chosen to give more assistance and utilize incentives such as subsidies to speed up the phasing out of old vehicles. The EPA will continue to strive for air quality improvement through effective policy implementation. \n", "year": "2020", "month": "5", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-05" }, { "no": "3908", "title": "Regulations Governing Air Pollution Monitoring for Stationary Sources Amended", "preview": "Air Regulations Governing Air Pollution Monitoring for Stationary Sources Amended\nTo strengthen the management of the continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) for stationary sources, the EPA amended the Management Regulations Governing Stationary Source Air Pollutant Continuous Automated Monitoring Facilities on 8 April 2020 (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations). The purpose of the amendments is to increase the quality and reliability of monitoring data, to reinforce audit capability and efficiency, and to strengthen pollution source control and the management of the monitoring system. \n", "content": "The main points of the amendments are as follows:\n\n(1) The Stationary Sources of Air Pollution Required to Install Automated Continuous Monitoring Facilities and Connect Online to the Competent Environmental Protection Authorities were revised on 13 January 2020. The performance standards for flare towers and online transmission formats were newly added for public and private premises to follow. \n\n(2) To reinforce the management of the data acquisition handling system (DAHS), the amendments added that the DAHS shall be checked and tested by a third-party organization that has been approved by the central competent authority for any illegally hidden programs. The implementation standards will be formulated separately in the future.\n\n(3) To increase monitoring data accuracy and audit quality, the amendment added signal paired comparison testing procedures. Local environmental bureaus are allowed to install signal acquisition equipment on the back end of monitoring equipment either on their own or by requesting public and private premises to do so. By comparing signals received at both sides, the accuracy of monitoring data can be ensured. \n\n(4) To continue strengthening CEMS control and prevent illegal acts, public or private premises that submit a false report involving criminal liability, or which otherwise constitutes a major violation, are to have their monitoring facilities inspected by a third-party organization every two years. \n\n(5) To ensure that public and private premises are monitored at all times, the percentage of effective seasonal monitoring hours is to be increased in stages to eventually reach at least 95%. Public and private premises are allowed to use a certain number of hours each month for the calibration, maintenance and repair of monitoring equipment. \n\n(6) To encourage stationary sources to implement air pollution reduction measures, public and private premises whose reduced emissions meet the stipulated conditions are allowed to use other alternative monitoring methods that have been proven to achieve the same level of processing effectiveness. \n\n(7) To enhance the accuracy of monitoring data, public and private premises are required to transmit minute-by-minute raw data. The calculation principles, measurement range and the full range for both 15-minute and hourly calibrated values have also been added to the Regulations. In addition, the amendments also include calculation methods for the substitution of ineffective data or to account for lost data.\n(8) Identification codes for fire, pausing, annual maintenance, operation suspension, and maintenance periods have been added. Regulations on the priorities and required documents for the codes have also been included. \ni. Gaining an understanding of the operation of stationary sources and monitoring facilities behind each set of monitoring data helps competent authorities in conducting their follow-up checks. \n\nTo continue increasing the quality of monitoring data collected through the CEMS and to strengthen audits and control measures, the EPA is revising regulations governing the CEMS in two stages. The first stage of revisions was announced on 12 April 2019, while the revisions this time belong to the second stage. Since public and private premises will need to replace or upgrade their monitoring and transmission equipment and also submit documents for audits, the EPA is giving them 18 months to 2 years to adapt to the new policies. \n", "year": "2020", "month": "5", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-05" }, { "no": "3907", "title": "EPA Establishes Task Force to Control Dust Pollution in Ports", "preview": "Air EPA Establishes Task Force to Control Dust Pollution in Ports\nThe fugitive particulate matter released while unloading commodities such as imported cement clinker in port zones can easily cause pollution if dust control measures are not properly implemented. Since air quality is typically poor in autumn and winter, the EPA requested the Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) to notify environmental agencies before clinker transport ships arrived at ports during the autumn and winter of 2019. In addition, the EPA and local environmental protection bureaus (EPBs) also conducted more frequent inspections. During this time, a total of 40 inspections were carried out, among which three cases of dust pollution resulting from loading and unloading operations were detected, and were penalized in accordance with relevant regulations. With the implementation of these measures, pollution in port zones has seen significant improvement.\n", "content": "Since ports are often located far from the public eye, private port operators tend to disregard pollution control standards during loading and unloading operations, resulting in worsened air quality. The Public Construction Commission also expressed concerns over this issue and sought assistance from the EPA to reinforce port patrols for dust pollution. In response, the EPA joined forces with other central and local government agencies and established the Cement Dust Pollution Mitigation Task Force to perform joint inspections on loading and unloading operations in ports. Through the establishment of the task force, the EPA has demonstrated its determination in clamping down on improper ship-to-shore transfers. In addition, the implementation of the task force and joint inspections also helps raise awareness and promotes improvements among port operators and management agencies.\n\nTo enhance the implementation efficiency of the task force, each of the TIPC branches works closely with local governments and comes up with several distinctive strategies to assist port operators with pollution mitigation. For example, the Port of Kaohsiung took the lead by holding demonstration workshops on dust suppression using misting systems. To control the fugitive dust that escapes in the process of loading and unloading operations, the Port of Kaohsiung also assisted the installation of more than 50 high efficiency misting systems in ports all over Taiwan. Additionally, the EPA also conducts port patrols to acquire the latest information on dust pollution control. \n\nTo prevent the release of dust from loading and unloading cargos, the Port of Taichung has employed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to gain real-time understanding of port operations. In addition, they also work with the local environmental protection bureau to jointly promote pollution mitigation by holding the Pollution Mitigation for Dust Emissions from Loading and Unloading Operations in the Port of Taichung Workshop. To expand the pollution control capacity of port operators, the TIPC cooperates with the Maritime and Port Bureau to conduct joint inspections of ship-to-shore transfer operations in port zones at random times. They also formulated a set of standard procedures for loading and unloading operations, which is complemented with periodic meetings for rolling evaluations. Port operators are required to improve their existing air pollution control facilities and gradually bring in enclosed equipment to control air pollution at its source. \n\nThe EPA reiterated that port inspections will take place randomly to keep track of progress on air pollution control facility upgrades. The EPA also stressed that while penalty issuance is not the main purpose of the inspections, dust emissions in air pollution control regions that violate the Air Pollution Control Act can be fined up to NT$5,000,000.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "5", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-05" }, { "no": "3906", "title": "Heavier Penalties Planned for Listed Enterprises That Violate the Waste Disposal Act", "preview": "Waste Heavier Penalties Planned for Listed Enterprises That Violate the Waste Disposal Act\nThe EPA preannounced revisions to Article 2 of the Regulations for Determination of Fines of Violations of the Waste Disposal Act to induce waste producers to take responsibilities. Violators financial capacities are to be considered in fine calculation.\n", "content": "The EPA noted that the Regulations for Determination of Fines of Violations of the Waste Disposal Act (hereinafter as the Regulations), announced on 28 May 2019, specify how fines are calculated based on the type of violation of the Waste Disposal Act. The fine calculation methods are clearly stated in Tables 1 to 4 as references for authorities that issue penalties.\n\nThe EPA expressed that, besides issuing fines in accordance with the Regulations, the penalized parties financial resources can also be considered in the fine calculation based on Article 2, paragraph 1 of the Regulations. With greater financial capacities and larger operation scales, exchange or OTC-listed enterprises often have accesses to more social resources and also produce more industrial wastes. For environmental justice and to discourage illegal practices, these enterprises shall shoulder more environmental responsibility.\n\nFor this reason, the EPA preannounced the addition of Paragraph 2 to the Regulations Article 2 to incorporate whether violators are exchange or OTC-listed enterprises as a determining factor in calculating a fine. \n", "year": "2020", "month": "5", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-05" }, { "no": "3905", "title": "Waste Solar Panels Recycling and Disposal Mechanism Launched with Mandatory Registrations", "preview": "Waste Waste Solar Panels Recycling and Disposal Mechanism Launched with Mandatory Registrations\nAlong with Taiwan’s ongoing green energy development efforts, the EPA has established a complete recycling, clearance, and disposal system in anticipation of waste solar panel disposal in the future. The first batch of waste panels, all 50 of them retired from a solar photovoltaic installation in Penghu, was properly disposed of recently.\n", "content": "This recycling, clearance, and disposal system, jointly developed by the EPA and MOEAs Bureau of Energy (BOE), is currently run by Taiwan Photovoltaic Industry Association. Installers of photovoltaic generation equipment pay recycling and clearance fees in advance, and then professional disposal enterprises are commissioned for the recycling work.\n\nLarge-scale photovoltaic power generating enterprises are required to register the serial number of each solar panel with the BOE and also pay the recycling and clearance fees. When panels are to be replaced, enterprises must register online, gather the old panels together in line with regulations, and have clearance enterprise’s disposal of them. Households, campers or those who use a small number of solar panels can also call a dedicated number for disposal-related assistances.\n\nNot only does this system prevent waste panels from being dumped randomly causing pollution, it can also actively promote reutilization, creating a circular green energy economy. Random dumping of waste panels or clearance and disposal by illegal means can lead to penalties of up to NT$ 3 million in fines according to the Waste Disposal Act.\n\nAccording to Taiwan’s green energy policy, photovoltaic generation capacity is set to reach 20 gigawatts in five years. Presuming the life cycle of solar panels is 20 years, there would be over 100,000 metric tons of waste panels per year starting from 2035. Additionally, annual generation of waste panels due to natural disasters is estimated to be about 0.5% of annual panel installation. Random dumping can lead to pollution caused by heavy metals leaked from circuit boards, which is why the EPA has preemptively planned and developed this recycling system.\n\nSolar panels are mainly composed of glass (74.16%), aluminum (10.30%), silicon (3.35%), copper (0.57%), precious metals, and plastics. Many of them can be recycled and reused after proper sorting and dismantling. At present, enterprises use heat treatment (melting or hot knife method) to separate glass and battery sheets and reuse them.\n\nThis recycling system set up by the EPA requires registration from installation to disposal to ensure that every solar panel is properly recycled. Enterprises which registered their solar panels before 18 December 2019 are encouraged to go to the Waste Solar Panels Recycling Service Management Information System to register when disposing them. For those that registered after that date, the BOE will provide the electronic data and import them directly into the Information System.\n\nOnline application is mandatory to dispose of used solar panels. The approval is mainly based on checking the module serial number, supplemented by the case-by-case total quantity control of individual sites. The goal is to ensure that each decommissioned panel can be traced back to the registration of individual sites.\n\nFour steps are required to recycle waste solar panels: asking, filling out, gathering, and collecting. Photovoltaic equipment owners or people who have waste panels can dispose of them by themselves or by commissioning certified publicly or privately run waste clearance enterprises to do so. Also, they can go to the Waste Solar Panels Recycling Service Management Information System (https:\/\/pvis.epa.gov.tw) to register relevant panel decommissioning information. When the number of registered waste panels reaches 50, a case will be set up to deploy clearance enterprises to handle them. Aside from power generating enterprises, households that install small-scale solar panel systems can use the online registration system to properly dispose of their waste panels.\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "5", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-05" }, { "no": "3904", "title": "Illegal Waste Disposal Uncovered in Central Taiwan ", "preview": "Waste Illegal Waste Disposal Uncovered in Central Taiwan\nThe EPA, Taichung District Prosecutors Office, the Seventh Special Police Corps, and Taichung Environmental Bureau jointly busted a waste aluminum reuse enterprise for its illegal waste disposal. In an attempt to cut costs, the violator commissioned enterprises that had not obtained waste clearance and disposal permits to dispose of the waste aluminum slag generated from its operations, as well as dust and ash collected from its air pollution control equipment. At the end of the investigation, relevant enterprises and persons were suspected of violating several administrative penalty stipulations under Articles 46, 47, and 48 of the Waste Disposal Act () regarding illegal disposal and falsifying information. Charges have been brought against them.\n", "content": "Under the pretense of in-factory reuse, the said waste aluminum reuse enterprise did not properly dispose of the waste aluminum slag, dust and ash generated from its operations. Instead, it commissioned unscrupulous parties to transport the waste to enterprises in Shalu and Dadu Districts, Taichung that had not obtained waste disposal permits. Between July 2018 and November 2019, a total of 700 metric tons of such waste had been disposed of by illegal enterprises. As a result, the enterprise saved NT$12.56 million on waste clearance and disposal fees.\n\nWhen waste aluminum slag or dust and ashes from pollution control equipment come into contact with water, chemical changes can easily occur, leading to generation of irritating, harmful ammonia that can affect the bronchi and the respiratory system and even cause damage to the lungs after long-term inhalation. These wastes can also seriously pollute the environment if dumped or buried randomly. Enterprises are urged to avoid causing pollution by commissioning enterprises compliant with the Waste Disposal Act to dispose of their industrial wastes. Moreover, the EPA will continue to crack down on violations by collaborating with prosecutors and police in order to deter environmental crimes and maintain environmental quality.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "5", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-05" }, { "no": "3903", "title": "Water Quality Improvement Projects", "preview": "Water Water Quality Improvement Projects\nIn line with the National Water Environment Improvement Plan(2017 to 2021 ) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the EPA has incorporated waterfront environments into its overall planning to improve the quality of water bodies. Out of the budget for all 67 water environment highlight spots maintained by different agencies, the EPA alone has been allocated over NT$6.4 billion. In addition, NT$3.7 billion has been appropriated for the Sustainable Water Quality Promotion Plan (2020 - 2023) to improve the water quality of seven designated rivers from the seriously polluted category to the moderately polluted category.\n", "content": "Due to peoples increasing concerns and demands on the environment, Taiwan’s current environmental policies are based on maintaining public health and building high-quality living environments with clean air, circular economy, water quality improvement, sustainable generations, environmental friendliness, and life quality improvement as the main focuses. The EPA works with the local governments to implement these policies, among which improving water quality is one of the priorities.\n\n(1) Total amount of water pollution generated in Taiwan\nThe total amount of water pollution generated in Taiwan is approximately 2,075 metric tons\/day (based on the biochemical oxygen demands (BOD5)), including 1,044 metric tons\/day (50.3%) in municipal wastewater, 470 metric tons\/day (22.2%) in industrial wastewater, and 571 metric tons\/day (27.2%) in agricultural wastewater. The wastewater is treated by sewage systems or treatment facilities until it meets the Effluent Standards (), and is then discharged to water bodies. The total pollution reduction is 1,442 metric tons\/day, and the remaining pollution discharged is 634 metric tons\/day, meaning 69.5% of the total generated pollution is removed. In the discharged wastewater, municipal wastewater takes up the highest percentage.\n \n(2) Current implementation of pollution reduction measures\n1. Amendments of water pollution control regulations\nIn 2019, the EPA amended items in the Regulations for Determination of Fines Under the Water Pollution Control Act (), tables and items in the Water Pollution Control Measures and Test Reporting Management Regulations (), and itmes of the Effluent Standards. The EPA also announced revisions to the Water Pollution Control Act Enterprise Classification and Definitions ().\n\n2. Collection and usage of water pollution control fees\nThe collection of water pollution control fees began on 1 May 2015, and the targeted entities included enterprises (including livestock industry) and operators of wastewater systems in industrial parks, as well as operators of dedicated wastewater systems in other designated regions or premises. By 10 February 2020, the total amount collected was NT$1,658,380,000, of which 40% (NT$663,350,000) has been allocated to the EPA and 60% (NT$995,030,000) to local governments.\n\nImproving water body quality\nThe average national river pollution index (RPI) dropped from 3.9 in 2001 to 2.5 in 2019, showing an improvement trend in the river water quality. In 2019, there were nine monitoring stations with average RPI showing severe pollution levels, fewer than that in 2018 and 2017.\n\nReducing household wastewater pollution \nThe EPA has been coordinating with the Construction and Planning Agency, Ministry of the Interior (MOI) and other competent authorities in charge of sewers to expedite public sewage system construction or projects that connect households with sewage systems. Priorities are given to rivers or river sections that are severely polluted with excessive amounts of household wastewater.\n\nFor the watersheds of severely polluted rivers that have yet to connect to public sewage or have public sewage constructed, subsidies have been provided for projects like wastewater interception or onsite purification and treatment. As of the end of 2019, improvement projects had been completed at 151 sites with a daily total capacity of 1,230,000 metric tons of household wastewater intercepted and treated.\n\nReducing enterprise wastewater pollution \nLocal governments are urged to actively investigate major violations such as rerouting discharge or unpermitted discharge, confiscate illegal gains, and punish violators.\n\nAs for regions densely populated with enterprises or with major pollution hotspots, the joint force of the EPAs Environmental Police Unit (EPU), the environmental police of the MOIs National Police Agency, and regional competent authorities, has increased efforts to investigate and stop environmental pollution.\n\nIn addition, the EPA has given top priority to remediating some surface water bodies by selecting key water quality monitoring stations and integrating central and regional resources. Selections are based on river pollution levels and whether theres excessive heavy metals (at rivers and water intake points for different uses).\n\nAnd for severely polluted rivers and water bodies under special protection, the EPA continues to supervise and assist local governments in the implementation of total mass-based control, or works to tighten the Effluent Standards.\n\nReducing livestock wastewater pollution\nFrom 27 December 2017 to 8 March 2019, the EPA revised and announced the Water Pollution Control Measures and Test Reporting Management Regulations () to intensify implementation efforts and reach the set goals faster. The Regulations specify the ratio of livestock wastewater reutilization to encourage small-scale livestock enterprises to adopt reutilization measures, and simplify application and review procedures for enterprises with fewer than 200 pigs. Livestock wastewater reutilization refers to the use of digestate sediment and fluid as farmland fertilizers, animal excreta recycling under the Regulations Governing the Recycled Use of Agricultural Wastes (), and use for plant irrigation that is compliant with the Effluent Standards. By the end of 2019, a total of 1,117 livestock farms had been practicing excreta reutilization.\n\nCollecting, treating, and reutilizing animal excreta from other livestock farms\nOn 23 February 2018, the EPA announced plans to subsidize local governments to install reutilization facilities to treat animal excreta from other livestock farms. The goal is to promote centralization of excreta treatment and reutilization. A total of nine applications had been approved by the end of January 2020, processing excreta from 79,117 pigs and 697 cows in 30 farms.\n\nEasing livestock industry’s burden in transporting digestate fluid and increasing irrigation flexibility\nOn 10 May 2018, the EPA announced plans to subsidize local governments to purchase livestock excreta transporting vehicles, irrigation vehicles and machinery, and storage tanks in farmlands. As of the end of January 2020, local governments had been subsidized to purchase 35 vehicles for transporting and irrigating digestate sediment and fluid and 64 farmland storage barrels.\n\n(3) Future implementation\nA. National Water Environment Improvement Plan\nTo be in line with MOEAs National Water Environment Improvement Plan, the EPA has put waterfront environments in its overall planning consideration. The MOEA has been integrating different agencies resources to work on enhancing water environments, intercepting wastewater, improving sewage systems, and promoting water purification and wastewater treatment facilities. The goal in the first stage (2017-2021) is to create 67 water environment highlight spots covering 305 hectares of waterfront leisure space. The EPA has given top priority to rivers or river sections with medium or worse pollution levels, as well as areas with no sewage systems or whose households cannot be connected to existing sewage systems within a short period of time, and is subsidizing local governments to install water quality improvement equipment such as gravel contact oxidation or aeration facilities so as to enhance wastewater interception and treatment.\n\nThe first stage of the Forward-Looking Infrastructure Plan spanned from September 2017 to August 2021. The National Water Environment Improvement Plans budget for the EPA alone amounts to NT$6.465 billion, 85.1% (NT$5.503 billion) of which are earmarked for expenditure on capital items. The second stage (2019 2020) special budget also allocated a total of NT$2.4 billion to the EPA in 2019.\n\nB. Sustainable Water Quality Promotion Plan\nThe plan specifically targets seven rivers, including Nankan River, New Huwei River, Erren River, Laojie River, Beigang River, Donggang River, and Jishui River. The goal is to lower the percentage of ammonia nitrogen levels and improve the rivers status from severely polluted (>3mg\/L) to moderately polluted (3mg\/L). The percentage of ammonia nitrogen levels lower than 3 mg\/L as determined by station samples is to be raised from 53% to 70%. The plan spans from 2020 to 2023 and was allocated a total budget of NT$3,727,127,000.\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "5", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V23\/V23-05" }, { "no": "3902", "title": "Mask Littering Can be Fined for up to NT$6,000", "preview": "Waste\n11. Mask Littering Can be Fined for up to NT$6,000\nAs most people are wearing masks to protect themselves against the spread of COVID-19, mask littering has also occurred in many different cities and counties. Hence, the EPA is reminding the public that surgical masks fall under the category of general waste and should be properly discarded in regular garbage which is then handed over to garbage trucks. The EPA has raised the minimum fine for mask littering from NT$1,200 to NT$3,600 with a maximum fine of NT$6,000 if seized again.\n", "content": "The EPA has advised the local environmental bureaus to disseminate this information in public places that commonly see discarded masks (such as around entrances and exits of hospitals, MRT stations, train stations, HSR stations, and bus stations). The EPA has also urged the management personnel of public premises to set up mask collecting bins on the premises. A total of 428 mask collecting bins had been set up on public premises by the end of March 2020. \n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "4", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-04" }, { "no": "3901", "title": "Co-firing Ratio and Composition Standards for Fuels Used by Stationary Pollution Sources Announced", "preview": "Air Co-firing Ratio and Composition Standards for Fuels Used by Stationary Pollution Sources Announced\nOn 23 March 2020, the EPA announced the Co-firing Ratio and Composition Standards for Fuels Used by Stationary Pollution Sources (hereinafter referred to as the Standards), which stipulate the composition standards for bituminous coal, fuel oil, petroleum coke and primary solid biofuels used in public and private premises, and also the co-firing ratio limits for waste-derived fuels. The Standards also serve as a basis to approve permit for fuel use by stationary pollution sources. The purpose of the Standards is to strengthen air pollution control at its source and simplify the application procedure. Along with the end-of-pipe emission standards of different industries that must be complied, air pollutant emission can be further controlled and reduced. \n", "content": "The EPA also announced the Fuels Governed by the Co-firing Ratio and Composition Standards for Fuels Used by Stationary Pollution Sources on the same day. Users of the aforementioned fuels are required to apply for a fuel use permit within a year of the promulgation day of the Standards, except those who use petroleum products that are made by petroleum refining enterprises and meet the national standards or those whose planned total annual usage and actual usage is less than 500 kg (or liter). Enterprises that have already obtained a bituminous coal use permit and meet the fuel composition standards are allowed to apply for extension and reissuance of a fuel use permit between three to six months before the original permit expires. ", "year": "2020", "month": "4", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-04" }, { "no": "3900", "title": "EPA Cooperates with Tzu Chi to Promote Environmental Sustainability", "preview": "Environmental Education EPA Cooperates with Tzu Chi to Promote Environmental Sustainability\nEPA Minister Tzi-chin Chang and CEO of the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Bo-Wen Yen signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on environmental cooperation that focuses on the waste prevention and the promotion of a resource-conserving lifestyle. The EPA and Tzu Chi will be cooperating in the promotion of environmental education, energy conservation, carbon reduction, recycling and reuse, circular economy, waste reduction, and a vegetarian diet. Through the signing of the MOU, the EPA aims to promote collaboration with the civil sector and encourage the public to reduce greed in their daily lives and conserve resources.\n", "content": "It has been 33 years since the EPA was founded and 30 years since Tzu Chi started participating in environmental protection. This year (2020) also marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. In the signing ceremony, EPA Minister Tzi-chin Chang mentioned that this year the EPA is holding educational events that advocate the concepts of sufficiency in life and less is more, which can be applied to different environmental issues. With these concepts, the EPA is reminding the public how overconsumption can cause a variety of environmental problems around the world. Moreover, conserving resources can not only give us a sense of mental contentment but also help sustain the environment. ", "year": "2020", "month": "4", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "V23\/V23-04" }, { "no": "3899", "title": "Subsidy Rates Amended to Encourage Scrap Vehicle Recyclers to Improve Processing Efficiency", "preview": "Recycling Subsidy Rates Amended to Encourage Scrap Vehicle Recyclers to Improve Processing Efficiency\nThe EPA amended the End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling, Disassembly, Shredding and Sorting Subsidy Rates to provide economic incentives for end-of-life vehicle (ELV) treatment enterprises to increase the resource recycling rates. The amendments also aim to reduce waste and boost the recycling efficiency of valuable materials (such as shredded steel and waste plastic). The subsidy rates go up as the amount of recycled ELV waste or the recycling rate increases.\n", "content": "To strengthen waste treatment capacity and improve recycling quality with enhanced treatment technology and equipment, the EPA adjusted the subsidy rates for shredding and sorting scrap automobiles. After ELVs are turned in for recycling, they are first dismantled to allow any valuable components to be recycled. Then the scrapped vehicle exteriors are sent to a processing plant to be shredded and sorted. To motivate processing plants to increase sorting efficiency, subsidies are calculated and handed out based on the resource recycling rate and the certified volumes of shredded steel. \n\nMost processing plants have already achieved a resource recycling rate of 76%. To further increase the amount of recycled materials from shredding and sorting processing plants, the revised End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling, Disassembly, Shredding and Sorting Subsidy Rates will be promulgated on 1 May 2020. The revisions added two subsidy categories to incentivize enterprises to increase their resource recycling rate by boosting sorting technology and equipment, or by optimizing processing procedure. In addition, a sunset clause was added to encourage processors to raise sorting efficiency and increase the output of recycled materials. All these are aiming to increase the economic value of the ELV recycling industry. Details on the amended subsidy rates are shown in the chart below. \n", "year": "2020", "month": "4", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "V23\/V23-04" }, { "no": "3898", "title": "Disinfection Task Force Formed to Fight COVID-19\nTo prevent the spread of COVID-19 in crowded public venues during the Tomb Sweeping Festival holiday, the EPA and 22 local environmental protection bureaus mobilized a total of 731 people and disinfected 863 places, including 205 transit stations and 250 commercial spaces.\n", "preview": "Environmental Sanitation\n7. Disinfection Task Force Formed to Fight COVID-19\nTo prevent the spread of COVID-19 in crowded public venues during the Tomb Sweeping Festival holiday, the EPA and 22 local environmental protection bureaus mobilized a total of 731 people and disinfected 863 places, including 205 transit stations and 250 commercial spaces.\n", "content": "223\/25)3,0301,060342\nAs the number of people under home isolation and quarantine continues to grow due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the EPA and 22 local environmental protection bureaus jointly established a disinfection task force on 25 March 2020. The task force focuses on the disinfection in frequently visited public locations and the neighboring areas, including: transit stations (MRT and train stations, bus stops and taxi stands), large scale commercial buildings (department stores, movie theaters and gyms), places that attract large crowds (grocery stores, traditional markets and commercial districts), schools and government buildings. The EPA also requires team members to report daily work progress to strengthen the supervision of the disinfection and ensure public safety. The task force has 3,030 participants, and has deployed 1,060 pieces of disinfection equipment and 342 disinfection vehicles. \n\nThe EPA also urges the management staff of the public premises to disinfect their facilities, especially frequently touched surfaces such as elevator buttons, escalator handrails, floors, gym equipment, entertainment equipment, tables, chairs, phones, and public bathrooms (including faucets, doorknobs, toilet seats and flush levers). The EPA also suggests the management staff to assign a disinfection team and clean at least once a day (increase disinfecting frequency if there are more customers). The EPA also reminds the management personnel of all public premises to follow the stipulations in the management and maintenance guidelines set by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) for public transportation, large scale businesses, and communities.\n\nThe disinfection task force only targets the outdoor public areas. Hence, businesses are recommended to enhance the disinfection of their own business premises according to the business premise disinfection guidelines formulated by the EPA. Also, the EPA aims to fight the virus with public cooperation and hence reminds the public to follow CECCs disease control measures.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "4", "assortment": "Environmental Sanitation", "url": "V23\/V23-04" }, { "no": "3897", "title": "Crackdown on Dumping of Waste Liquid Near Feitsui Reservoir", "preview": "Water Crackdown on Dumping of Waste Liquid Near Feitsui Reservoir\nFeitsui Reservoir is the source of drinking water for the six million residents in the Greater Taipei Area. To protect the water quality and ensure drinking water safety, the Taipei Water Management Office was established under the Water Resources Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Much to the EPAs surprise, barrels of waste liquid were found in the Feitsui Reservoir catchment area. Fortunately, the EPA reacted in a timely manner and apprehended the offenders after a joint investigation with police and the prosecutor’s office. \n", "content": "In September 2019, the EPAs Northern Branch of the Bureau of Environmental Inspection received a report from the Taipei Water Management Office regarding an illegal dumping of roughly 100 barrels of waste liquid in the Feitsui Reservoir catchment area. A team was sent to the disposal site and found 99 20-liter white plastic barrels of liquid waste, five 125-liter blue plastic barrels of waste ink, and 20 large plastic bags of waste fabric. The inspection team immediately determined it as a severe dumping case and coordinated with the New Taipei City Government to transport the barrels to the Taipei Water Management Office. Subsequently, the EPA, the Taipei District Prosecutor's Office, and the Seventh Special Police Corps conducted a joint investigation to crack down on the offenders. \n\nThe test result showed that a portion of the waste liquid contained copper that was nearly three times higher than the hazardous waste leaching standard. Copper poisoning can cause liver cirrhosis and kidney failure, and impair the digestive and nervous systems. Copper can also accumulate in animals and plants, causing green oysters and damaging the food chain and the environment. The dumping location was only three meters from the nearest river. Luckily, none of the liquid leaked out, or it could have seriously polluted the drinking water, endangering six million people in the Greater Taipei Area. \n\nTo find those responsible for the illegal dumping, the EPAs Northern Branch of the Bureau of Environmental Inspection conducted sample tests on the liquid and determined that it was waste developer that contained heavy metals. By using high-tech equipment to restore the deliberately defaced labels on the barrels, the investigators were able to narrow down the source to printing plants in the Zhonghe, Yonghe and Xindian Districts. After six months of tracing, the EPA found roughly ten suspects who were paying a company in Tainan, which did not possess a waste clearance and disposal permit, to dispose of their waste. The company owner surnamed Lin along with an accomplice surnamed Luo dumped the waste liquid and fabrics in the nearby Feitsui Reservoir catchment area to save on the treatment costs. Other suspects involved in the case have been arrested and sent to the Taipei District Prosecutor's Office for further investigation. The offenders in this case can be sentenced for one to five years in prison and any illegal gains will also be confiscated. \n", "year": "2020", "month": "4", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V23\/V23-04" }, { "no": "3896", "title": " Offset Principles for the Increased Greenhouse Gas Emission Caused by the Development Activities Announced", "preview": "Climate Change\n6. Offset Principles for the Increased Greenhouse Gas Emission Caused by the Development Activities Announced\nOn 27 March 2020, the EPA announced the Offset Principles for the Increased Greenhouse Gas Emission Caused by Development Activities (hereinafter referred to as the Principles). The Environmental Impact Assessment Act requires submission of environmental impact assessment (EIA) documents for certain development activities. Among these, the construction or expansion of factories, science parks taking up 50 hectares or more, thermal power plants using fuels other than natural gas, and combined heat and power (CHP) plants are required by the Principles to not only employ the best available technologies, but also offset the increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by the activities. \n", "content": "Currently, GHG reduction work is jointly shared in six sectors: energy, manufacturing, transportation, residential, agriculture, and environment. Among them, the manufacturing sector should contribute to 50% of the reduction. The existing factories reduce emissions by switching boiler fuels, improving the manufacturing process, replacing old equipment, and using low-carbon fuels as alternatives. In 2018, the carbon intensity, which is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced per dollar of GDP, has decreased by 41% compared to 2005. As for new development projects of science parks and factories that require EIA reviews due to the scale of the activities, developers are required to use renewable energy and formulate GHG reduction measures.\n\nTo promote GHG reduction, it has become more important to review the GHG emissions of development activities as a part of EIA, including their GHG reduction technologies and emission offset plans. Therefore, the EPA formulated the Principles to assist the EIA committee in reviewing and provide developers with a clear set of standards for offset planning. The three main principles include:\n\n\n1. Developers shall propose the use of best available technologies based on the type and characteristics of the activities to achieve maximum energy efficiency with minimum emissions, and submit the information to be reviewed by the EIA committee. \n\n2. Developers shall promise to offset the increased GHG emission after the best available technologies were employed during the operation period in compliance with the Principles. The increased GHG emission offset ratio should be at least 10% annually and implemented for 10 years. The ratio is determined by the environmental impact assessment review committee.\n\n3. Offsetting implementation procedure: after the development project passes the EIA review, the developer is required to submit a GHG offset plan. Offsets can be obtained through the GHG offset projects implemented in compliance with the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, or through conducting emission reduction measures outside of the development activities. Examples of these measures include switching the fuel used in the burning equipment from coal or oil to natural gas or methane, improving or replacing existing boilers, using high-efficiency lighting or air conditioning equipment, and replacing old scooters with electric alternatives.\n\nTo encourage developers to provide financial or technological support for emission sources outside of their development activities, developers who help their affiliated enterprises that are not the developers of the activities being reviewed to implement emission reduction measures will receive 1.2 times the reduction credits for the same amount of reduction. This is to promote different businesses to work together for emission reduction. \n\nIn addition, the EPA has established a GHG Reduction Offsets Website (https:\/\/ghgtransaction.epa.gov.tw\/Main\/Index) that updates the latest information on the issuance of reduction credits. The website also provides credit owners and seekers a platform to post their information to allow developers to find suitable partners and obtain offsets in a timely manner. \n", "year": "2020", "month": "4", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "V23\/V23-04" }, { "no": "3895", "title": "Adjustment of Seasonal Air Pollution Control Fee Rates Preannounced", "preview": "Air\n5. Adjustment of Seasonal Air Pollution Control Fee Rates Preannounced\nTo further improve poor seasonal air quality, the EPA intends to raise the seasonal fee rates for air pollution control. This economic incentive can encourage private and public premises to lower air pollutant emission when operators of these premises voluntarily adjust production capacity during the seasons of poor air quality. Not only does this reduce air pollution fee expenditures, but also significantly improves air quality, creating a win-win situation for both the environment and economy.\n", "content": "Taiwan suffers poor air quality from October to March every year. Due to the drop in the mixing layer height and the increase of northeasterly winds, air quality is under greater influence of offshore pollutant transmission, poor dispersion of domestic emission, and secondary pollutants created by ultraviolet photochemical reaction in the atmosphere, all leading to poor air quality.\n\nThe EPA explained that the adjustment raised the fee rates of the winter and the fall seasons (from January to March and from October to December) and lowered the ones of the spring and summer seasons (from April to June and from July to September). This was to enlarge the difference between the fee rates of the poor-air-quality seasons and the ones of the other two seasons. For private and public premises not applicable to the basic fee rates, the fee rates for sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides were increased by NT$1 to NT$2.5\/kg during the poor-air-quality seasons (winter and fall) and decreased by NT$1 to NT$2\/kg for the other two seasons. The fee rates for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were increased by NT$5\/kg during the poor-air-quality seasons and decreased by NT$5.5\/kg for the other two seasons.\n\nFurthermore, the EPA changed the calculation for the baseline year emissions to motivate private and public premises to voluntarily redistribute production capacity to different seasons or raise control equipments efficiency. The new calculation is based on the average emissions of the same season in the three years preceding the declaration. If the emissions of the premises during poor-air-quality seasons are less than those during the same periods of the baseline year, the premises are eligible to apply for a discount in their fee rates. The discount factor was also increased from 20% to 30% as a reward to motivate polluters to take voluntary control measures. This way the air quality will be further improved, and the goal of collecting air pollution fee will be reached. \n", "year": "2020", "month": "4", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-04" }, { "no": "3894", "title": "Stricter Standards for Fuels of Land, Marine, and Air Vessels Effective in July", "preview": "AIr\n4. Stricter Standards for Fuels of Land, Marine, and Air Vessels Effective in July\nOn 20 March, the EPA revised and announced the Standards for Fuel Compositions of Mobile Sources (hereinafter the Standards). The revision added standards for marine vessel fuels and aircraft fuels to the original standards named Standards for the Composition of Automobile Gasoline and Diesel Fuels and tightened the standards for gasoline benzene content and diesel polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content. The new standards, expected to take effect on 1 July 2020, are in line with and, in part, exceed the European and American ones.\n", "content": "The EPA noted that burning fuels leads to generation of pollutants like sulfur oxides and hydrocarbons because of the sulfur and hydrogen contents, and causes problems like odors, acid rains, and smog. Nations are increasingly tightening controls on mobile source fuel contents. Aiming to improve air quality, the EPA amended the existing standards and expanded the control targets so as to strengthen source control.\n\nThe newly added part concerning marine vessel fuels is aimed at the control of sulfur content. Fishing boats and other marine vessels are to switch from previous fuels with maximum 3.5% sulfur content to ones with 0.5% or lower sulfur contents. This move improves air quality and shows Taiwans efforts to voluntarily follow international conventions.\n\nThe Commercial Port Law () has since 2019 mandated that international shipping vessels are required to switch to fuels with 0.5% or lower sulfur contents after entering the international commercial port areas. The data of air quality monitoring stations in Keelung and Siaogang, Kaohsiung show a 29% and 45% drop in sulfur dioxide concentration in the air respectively between 2018 and 2019.\n\nThe Standards, after being in effect, will require all vessels and fishing boats to use fuels of 0.5% or lower sulfur contents, and are expected to cut down sulfur dioxide emission by 5,229 metric tons. The EPA further estimated a 9% and 16% drop in sulfur dioxide concentration in the air of Keelung and Siaogang respectively between 2020 and 2019.\n\nThe EPA stated that it will conduct inspections on all vessels in industrial ports, special loading docks, fishing ports, international and domestic commercial ports and other waters. The operation will be jointly carried out with the Ocean Affairs Council, the Coast Guard Administration, and local environmental bureaus.\n\nThough it is not a member of International Maritime Organization (IMO), Taiwan voluntarily abides by the regulations concerning low-sulfur fuels under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). It has not only significantly improved air quality but also helped Taiwan’s ports maintain excellent reviews among its peers around the globe.\n\nAlso, the Standards has lowered the maximum sulfur content in aircraft fuels from 0.3% to 0.2%, 1\/3 stricter than previously and surpassing the standards of many countries.\n\nAs for gasoline and diesel used in land transportation, the carcinogens benzene and PAHs that can affect the environment and human health are subject to tighter control. The maximum benzene content in gasoline has been tightened from 1% to 0.9%, and the maximum PAH content in diesel from 11% to 8%. The revision was to safeguard air quality and protect human health by reducing the risk of exposure to carcinogens.\n\nThe EPA reminded that, with the Standards for Fuel Compositions of Mobile Sources taking effect in 1 July 2020, CPC Corporation (CPC), Formosa Petrochemical Corporation (FPC), and other fuel providers will begin to provide products compliant to the latest standards. Users of all transportation vehicles are urged to use such products instead of recycled or mixed fuel products of unknown origins to help improve the air quality.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "4", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-04" }, { "no": "3893", "title": "Revisions of the Management Regulations for Reuse of Common Industrial Waste Preannounced", "preview": "Waste\n3. Revisions of the Management Regulations for Reuse of Common Industrial Waste Preannounced\nTo enhance resource cycling and management, the EPA preannounced the revisions to part of the Management Regulations for Reuse of Common Industrial Waste (Revisions of the Management Regulations for Reuse of Common Industrial Waste Preannounced ) and the table in its Article 2. For example, the revisions added uses of waste plastics as solid renewable fuels (SRF) or SRF-related products and added clauses concerning the reuse management of food waste.\n", "content": "The EPA states that the revisions not only modified relevant clauses concerning the integration of reuse check list into the industrial waste clearance plans in the administrative procedure, but also clearly defined that the cross-factory reuse by the same legal body is deemed as self-reuse considering the simple nature of common industrial waste and the available mature reuse technologies. The purpose was to encourage enterprises to voluntarily install reuse facilities, emphasizing the responsibility of production sources, and effectively promote resource reuse.\n\nTo be in line with the policy of transforming flammable wastes into fuels, the revisions added that waste plastics can be reused as raw materials for solid renewable fuels and specified the combusting equipment the buyers of plastic waste SRF products must have when they are using the products as fuels (as mentioned in the table below). Also, the revised regulations clearly stipulate that reuse of waste plastics for food container uses must be compliant with the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation.\n\nWith respect to the reuse of food waste, the revisions added soil improvement uses, and clauses regarding the operation and management of solids and leachate after solid-liquid separation treatment. Concerning the reuse of food waste as fuel materials or fuels for renewable bio-energy, the regulations also stipulate the uses and requirements for the digestate sediment and fluid produced from anaerobic fermentation.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "4", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-04" }, { "no": "3892", "title": "State-Run\/Owned Enterprises Reach Excellent Carbon Reduction Results Under the EPAs Supervision", "preview": "AIr\n2. State-Run\/Owned Enterprises Reach Excellent Carbon Reduction Results Under the EPAs Supervision\nThe EPA continues to cooperate with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) on the inventory of carbon reduction achievement by state-run enterprises. Take Taichung Power Plant as an example, the air pollution emission of this plant in 2018 is 23% less than that in 2016, a result from implementing measures like reducing coal and increasing natural gas use, installing wet electrostatic precipitators on existing coal-burning power generators, improving coal pulverizers, updating gas desulfurization equipment, and improving catalytic denitrification equipment. It is estimated that the reduction in 2020 can reach 48%, which is better than the result from simply cutting down the coal use by 40%.\n", "content": "Besides Taichung Power Plant, the EPA emphasized that Dragon Steel Corporation (DSC) in central Taiwan has also completed projects, including enhanced coke oven gas desulfurization, installation of dust-collection equipment on coke conveyor system, and automatic temperature control projects in hot rolling mills. DSC will continue to work on the projects to bring material piles indoor and improve control equipment.\n\nThrough pollution reduction inventorying, the EPA has promoted various air pollution prevention and control projects in state-run\/owned enterprises, such as TaiPower, China Steel Corporation, China Petroleum Corporation, Dragon Steel Corporation and China Ship Building Corporation. From 2016 to 2019, air pollution reduction of over 9,000 metric tons have been achieved. As a result of these and other pollution measures, concentrations of air pollutants in counties and cities throughout Taiwan were shown to be on a downward trend. In addition, in order to ensure that state-run\/owned enterprises implement air pollution control and improvement tasks according to the planned schedule, the improvement tracking and review meetings originally presided by the MOEA are presided by both the EPA and MOEA from the first quarter of 2020. This was to enhance the administrative supervision and reviewing capacity for strict monitoring of air quality improvement efforts.\n\nPM2.554g\/m310571108593%PM2.5PM2.510521.8g\/m3 10817.2g\/m321%\nTake the air quality in Taichung as an example, the EPA noted that it has seen significant improvement as the number of monitoring stations showing red alert days (average daily PM2.5 concentration54g\/m3) was lowered from 71 stations in 2016 to five stations in 2019, a 93% drop. And the monitoring data has shown the average PM2.5 went down from 21.8g\/m3 in 2016 to 17.2g\/m3 in 2019, a 21% improvement. All show that Taiwan’s air pollution control strategies have been effective leading to continual air quality improvement.\n\nThe EPA emphasized that coal reduction is not the only means to reduce air pollution, and it will continue to strengthen the promotion of different control measures under the authorization of the Air Pollution Control Act. These measures include source control measures such as setting fuel composition standards, management and preventive measures such as improving fuel use permit and stationary source operation permit management, and end-of-pipe control measures such as reviewing and tightening emission standards for different industry categories and pollutant types. Along with these measures the EPA will also promote the best available control technologies and the designated pollutant reduction system for existing pollution sources in Class 3 control regions. The goal is to maximize emission reduction through multiple means and improve overall air quality. By reviewing control measures, the EPA also aims to integrate the capabilities of government agencies and strengthen the cooperation between the central and local governments.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "4", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-04" }, { "no": "3891", "title": "Environmental Resource Surveying and Monitoring", "preview": "Environmental Monitoring\n1. Environmental Resource Surveying and Monitoring\nEnvironmental resource surveying and monitoring is an important foundation for environmental policy implementation. In addition to meteorology, hydrology, geology and mineral resources, resource surveying also covers ecosystems and biological categories and groups. In the future, the surveying of these subjects will be incorporated along with the monitoring of air quality, rivers, groundwater, and marine water quality to build a comprehensive environmental resources onitoring system in Taiwan.\n", "content": "Environmental resource surveying is rudimentary for environmental protection. It helps environmental policy makers by providing information on long-term environmental changes and resource distribution. It is wide-ranging, including biotic and abiotic resources related to the environment. And this information includes not only the conventionally defined environmental quality data such as air and water pollution, but in the future should also cover ecological, conservation, and even socioeconomic and cultural information. This way resource surveys can provide comprehensive support for environmental policy research, analysis, and implementation.\n\nFor years, relevant government agencies have gradually established databases of environmental monitoring as well as biotic and abiotic resources surveying information. The EPA has already set up air and water quality monitoring networks to provide real-time monitoring information. With environmental friendliness as one of the main governance principles of Taiwan, the EPA has the following measures in place:\n\nExpanding monitoring and information services\n1. Strengthening air and water quality monitoring information services\nThe EPA operates a total of 77 air quality monitoring stations, 31 manual PM2.5 monitoring stations, 13 photochemical pollution monitoring stations\/vehicles, six PM2.5 chemical component monitoring stations, and 10 mobile monitoring stations\/vehicles. The EPA also integrates and publicizes air quality monitoring data from monitoring stations of local environmental bureaus, state-run large scale enterprises and special industrial parks. A new version of Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network was launched in April 2020. \n\nIn addition, air quality indexes (AQI) for the future four days are forecast three times a day and an early warning mechanism for offshore pollutants (dust and smog from China) is implemented from November to May of the following year to remind the public to take precaution.\n\nMoreover, the EPA regularly monitors the water quality of rivers, reservoirs, tributaries of reservoirs, and groundwater throughout Taiwan as well as updates the water quality monitoring network to provide the public with visual-oriented and easily searchable water quality information services. All data is also put on the EPAs Open Data Platform and Environmental Info Push App for value-added applications.\n\nExpanding environmental information integration and disclosure services\n(1) Integrating environmental resource information\nThe EPA is promoting the Environmental Resource Database Integration Plan by combining atmospheric, water, earth, forest, and ecological information, developing a diverse information service, and sharing environmental information across different fields through data exchange systems The i-Environmental website has been set up to provide the public with a convenient way to access needed local environmental information.\n\n(2) Improving the Open Data platform for environmental information\nIn line with the Open Data policy, the EPA continuously updates information submitted by the listed pollution sources and their relevant penalties on the Listed Pollution Source Data Search System for public inquiry. A mobile version of the system has been launched online. Moreover, the Environmental Resources Open Data Platform(trial version) was also launched in April 2020. \n\n(3) Improving the Environmental Info Push App\nTo strengthen mobile environmental information services, the EPA launched the Environmental Info Push App which allows the public to browse real-time monitoring information, historical data, forecast data and so on. The app also provides air quality and many other warning notifications and environmental facility inquiry functions, including excessive ozone alert notification, motorcycle periodic inspection notification, motorcycle periodic inspection station inquiry, public restroom inquiry and so on. \n\n\n\nPromoting the establishment and application of Internet of Things (IoT)\n1. Setting up the environmental quality sensing IoT\nThe EPA has been setting up an environmental quality sensing IoT in Taiwan and building a smart operation system for a new generation of environmental law enforcement. The EPA set up air sensors across Taiwan and established a platform for sensor testing and certification as well as a smart environmental sensing data center. The goal is to achieve the vision of optimizing environmental protection via IoT. By the end of 2019, air pollution sensors had been installed in 7,000 spots to cover approximately 55 industrial or science parks and monitor the air quality of the environs of over 50,000 factories. The collected high-resolution sensor information can be used to pinpoint pollution hotspots and time periods after conducting big data analysis.\n\n2. Establishing an environmental monitoring data platform and promoting its use in law enforcement\nThe EPA has completed the infrastructure for the Environmental Monitoring Data Center, which compiles sensor data, collects real-time air quality monitoring data of all levels, and simultaneously connects with Taiwan’s high-speed internet and computing centers providing innovative value-added applications. \n\nFuture planning and objectives\n(1) Short-term: Collecting and integrating surveying information, taking inventory of existing surveying and monitoring systems and fixing important deficiencies to build an integrated environmental resource database. \n\n(2) Mid-term: Continuing to improve the system design, promoting integrated environmental resource monitoring and surveying system, disclosing information and applying big-data analysis technologies, developing environmental service information tools, issuing effective warnings, and promoting applications by external organizations and institutions.\n\n(3) Long-term: Ensuring effective operation of the information management process, continuing to develop the environmental monitoring and surveying system, collaborating with cross-organizational institutions to share data, and reflecting the overall environmental conditions, trends, and improvement results to provide reference for future policy formulation.\n\n\nIn conclusion, the promotion of environmental monitoring and resource surveying requires systematic planning. In addition to meteorology, hydrology, geology and mineral resources, resource surveying also covers ecosystems and biological categories and groups. In the future, the surveying of these subjects will be incorporated along with the monitoring of air quality, rivers, groundwater, and marine water quality to build an integrated environmental resource monitoring system in Taiwan.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "4", "assortment": "Environmental Monitoring", "url": "V23\/V23-04" }, { "no": "3890", "title": "Taichung City Subsidized for Dongda River Water\nEnvironment Improvement\n", "preview": "Water\nTaichung City Subsidized for Dongda River Water\nEnvironment Improvement\nThe EPA is subsidizing the Dongda River Water Environment and Neighboring Area Environmental\nImprovement Project. Hosted by EPA Deputy Minister Hung-Teh Tsai and Taichung City Mayor Shiow-yen\nLu, the groundbreaking ceremony marked the rebirth of Dongda River.\n", "content": "As part of the third phase of the Forward-looking\nInfrastructure Development Program, the Fazi River\nWater Environment Improvement Plan - Dongda\nRiver Water Environment and Neighboring Area\nEnvironmental Improvement Plan has been allocated\na budget of NT$300 million, of which NT$210 million\nis subsidized by the EPA. The EPA plans to install\nan underground gravel contact oxidation treatment\nfacility with a daily water treatment capacity of 10,000\nmetric tons at the area downstream of Tunghai Night\nMarket. Combined with the existing in-situ water\ntreatment facility that can treat up to 2,000 metric tons\ndaily, all upstream wastewater can be intercepted for\ntreatment, which will significantly reduce the water\npollution in Dongda River.\nDongda River, situated in Xitun District, Taichung\nCity, is one of the major branches of Fazi River\nwhich flows through the Tunghai Night Market and\nTaichung Industrial Park. With the growing population\nand the rising industrial and business development\nin the region, the water quality of Dongda River\nand the general environment of the area have been\ngradually deteriorating over time due to increased\nhuman activity. The water quality of the river is\nsignificantly affected by the rainwater runoff from both\nthe industrial park and Tunghai University, as well\nas by wastewater discharge from households and\nbusinesses along the riverbanks.\nTo foster eco-friendly river environments, the\nTaichung City Government has been actively\nreviewing the environmental planning for Fazi River\nand its neighboring areas, and has collaborated with\nthe EPA on the Dongda River Remediation Plan\nsince 2015. This time, as part of the Forward-looking\nInfrastructure Development Program, the remediation\nplan will enter the second phase of implementation\nto further improve river water quality. Since the target\narea covers the campus of Tunghai University, the\nuniversity is also participating in the formulation and\ndesign aspects of the plan to create superior water\nenvironment education venues for its students.\nSince the wastewater discharged from the night\nmarket upstream contains a large amount of\nfatty matter, the EPA is strengthening the grease\nremoval capacity of the pre-treatment unit while also\nenhancing the treatment efficiency of the existing\nfacility. Influent wastewater first goes through the\nprocess of screening, desilting, and grease removal.\nThen, it is transferred to an underground gravel\ncontact oxidation treatment facility for purification\nbefore going back to Dongda River to supplement the\nbase flow, and is used for environmental landscaping\nof the surrounding area. The River Pollution Index is\nexpected to move from being classified as “seriously\npolluted” to “lightly polluted” after the project is\nimplemented. Some of the purified water will also be\ndischarged to a creek in Tunghai University to create\na river park and provide more recreational space for\nthe public.\nThe EPA i s devoted to water environment\nimprovement works and has provided the Taichung\nCity Government with NT$800 million in subsidies for\nimprovements, including: pollution source investigation\nand control, river patrols, pollution emergency\nresponse, pollution source total quantity control,\nand river remediation of Liu-Chuan Canal and Wuqi\nRiver. As a part of the Forward-looking Infrastructure\nDevelopment Program, a subsidy of NT$2 billion has\nbeen approved for the Taichung City Government for\nriver remediation and water quality improvement.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "3", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V23\/V23-03" }, { "no": "3889", "title": "Qiaotou Science Park Enters Second Phase EIA", "preview": "EIA\nQiaotou Science Park Enters Second Phase EIA\nThe EPA recently announced that the development project of the Qiaotou Science Park is to undergo\nthe second phase of environmental impact assessment (EIA). The planned Qiaotou Science Park,\nlocated adjacent to the Chishan Fault and Gunshueiping Mud Volcano, is part of the Kaohsiung Urban\nPlan. The EPA has determined that the project could have “significant adverse impact on environmental\nresources and special environmental characteristics” and might “cause local environmental conditions\nto exceed environmental standards or the carrying capacity of the local environment”. Hence,\nafter careful evaluation of the gathered opinions from the EIA review committee, experts, scholars,\nand other quarters, the EPA has decided that the project is subject to the second phase of EIA.\n", "content": "The following is the list of information to be covered in\nthe EIA report for the second phase of review:\n1. The developers are required to submit a detailed\nreport on the estimation of water and energy\nconsumption and emissions of various types of\npollutants (including air pollutants, wastewater and\nother wastes) based on the type and characteristics\nof the industries to be introduced. Based on the\nestimation, the developers should then estimate\nthe amount of hazardous substances that would be\nreleased by the science park during the operation,\nconduct a health risk assessment, and formulate total\nquantity control and other relevant environmental\nmanagement plans.\n2. The developers are to assess the potential impacts\non air quality during the construction and operation\nperiods and devise air pollutant reduction and\nmonitoring measures accordingly. The calculation\nmethod and control strategies for greenhouse\ngas (GHG) emissions, and the achievable ratio of\nrenewable energy use and implementation plans\nthereof should also be reported to the EPA.\n3. The report should cover water sourcing plans,\nthe feasibility of increasing the wastewater recycling\nrate, wastewater treatment processes, and potential\nimpacts of wastewater discharge on Dianbao River.\nIn addition, the developers should also come up\nwith a thorough plan on the recycling and reuse of\nwastewater.\n4. The developers are to assess the impacts of the\nwaste that would be generated by the science park on\ncurrent waste treatment capacity, set waste recycling\ngoals and devise plans to install treatment facilities.\nInformation on construction spoil calculation methods,\nplanned temporary storage of the construction\nmaterials and other related environmental protection\nmeasures should also be covered.\n5. The developers are to submit an assessment report\non the impacts of the development activities towards\nneighboring drainage systems and on the risk of\nflooding. The report should also include the planning of\ndrainage and flood detention systems, the impacts of\nclimate extremes, as well as adaptation measures and\nemergency response plans.\n6. The developers should investigate the environmental\ncharacteristics of the Chishan Fault and Gunshueiping\nMud Volcano, and perform seismic hazard and soil\nliquefaction assessments for the area.\n7. The developers are to strengthen investigation\nof ecosystems around the area and formulate\nconservation strategies and compensation measures\nfor protected species.\n8. The report should include planning for parking\nservices and facilities and traffic improvements\n(including public transportation and shuttle services\nwhen operational) based on the estimated traffic\nvolume during both construction and operation\nperiods.\n9. The developers are required to conduct polls of\nresidents near and within the planned park location\nand to explain how the project can affect the residents’\nmovement and other aspects of life.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "3", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "V23\/V23-03" }, { "no": "3888", "title": "Loan to Replace Old Trucks Adjusted to Cope with\nCoronavirus\n", "preview": "Air\nLoan to Replace Old Trucks Adjusted to Cope with\nCoronavirus\nIn response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EPA has been working\nwith banks to provide temporary loan relief for new vehicle purchases that have been made to\nreplace old diesel trucks. The relief plan allows vehicle owners who have difficulty meeting these\nloan payments to extend the interest-only payment periods to up to two years, or loan terms to five\nyears. The EPA is prepared to face the current predicament with other enterprises and will continue\nproviding interest subsidies for applicants to the diesel vehicle replacement incentive program.\n", "content": "To encourage the phasing out of old diesel vehicles\nand reduce the financial burden of individuals\nand small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),\nthe EPA amended the Low Carbon Sustainable\nHomeland Program Implementation Guidelines\nRegarding Loans and Guarantees on 28 May 2019.\nThe revised guidelines provide credit guarantees for\nindividuals or enterprises that wish to purchase a new\nvehicle to replace their old diesel trucks categorized\nunder Phase 1 to 3 of the vehicle emission standards.\nFurthermore, the Subsidy Regulations for Replacing\nLarge Diesel Vehicle Loans were promulgated on\n31 May 2019 to subsidize up to one percent of loan\ninterest for vehicle purchases that fall under Phase\n1 to 3 diesel truck trade-ins. As of February 2020,\nthe EPA approved 22 credit guarantees and 105\nsubsidized loan applications.\nSince the recent coronavirus outbreak, many vehicle\nowners are unable to make payments due to the\nloss of income. To cope with this issue, the EPA\nhas sought assistance from all relevant government\nagencies and 12 domestic banks and came up with a\nrelief package that allows those in need to adjust loan\nterms and payment methods..\n", "year": "2020", "month": "3", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-03" }, { "no": "3887", "title": "EPA Conducts Large Pollution Source Joint Inspections\nwith Central and Southern Counties\n", "preview": "Inspection \nEPA Conducts Large Pollution Source Joint Inspections with Central and Southern Counties\nFrom 24 to 26 February, Taiwan was under the influence of easterly wind patterns for three\nconsecutive days causing low wind speeds, poor air dispersion, and increased accumulation of\npollutants in the western half of the island, which led to poor air quality. The EPA issued a warning\nof poor air quality four days in advance and mobilized relevant response measures. In addition, ten\ncounties\/cities south of Miaoli County, along with the central and southern branches of the Bureaus\nof Environmental Inspection, were placed under the EPA’s command in a joint inspection of large\nstationary pollution sources in the central and southern regions. A total of 165 personnel were\ndeployed, who found 14 violations that are expected to result in a total of NT$1.4 million in fines.\n", "content": "Since October 2019, the EPA has regularly held\nthe Inter-regional Cooperation, Prevention, and\nResponse Team Against Air Pollution Meeting with\ncounties and cities in Taiwan in order to coordinate\nlocal environmental bureaus’ response measures.\nThe measures carried out in November and\nDecember 2019 included joint operations such as\ncross-county drone inspections on open-air burnings\nand inspections of large stationary pollution sources.\nThese were the EPA’s first joint operations with\nlocal environmental bureaus south of Miaoli County\nas well as the central and southern branches of the\nBureaus of Environmental Inspection. A total of 165\npersonnel were deployed to carry out joint permit\ninspections and test equipment components used in\n60 processing procedures at 33 public and private\nvenues of 27 industries. The inspections focused on\nstationary sources of large amounts of volatile organic\ncompounds (VOCs), which are PM2.5 precursors. The\ninspections also targeted major construction projects\nprone to emit fugitive dust, in an effort to prevent such\npollution sources from causing more harm in times of\npoor air quality.\nThe EPA stated that the joint inspections found 14\nviolations, which will all be charged and penalized\naccordingly. Seven violations involved operations\nnot in accordance with what is approved under the\nstationary pollution source operating permits. For\nexample, one company in Taichung City installed\nequipment and operated without necessary permits.\nTwo incidents were due to incompliance with pollutant\nemission standards, two failed to keep air pollution\ncontrol or monitoring facilities from operating normally,\nand the rest included three violations against the\nAir Pollution Control Act ( 空氣污染防制法) and the\nWaste Disposal Act ( 廢棄物清理法).\nThe EPA stressed that it is necessary to tighten\ncontrol of all pollution sources because of poor air\nquality as well as poor dispersion commonly seen in\ncentral and southern Taiwan during fall and winter.\nAlso, the recent air quality in central and southern\nTaiwan reached the “orange alert” level, with high\nlevels of VOCs, which are the precursors of PM2.5\nand ozone, both major indicator pollutants of this\nlevel. As a result, enterprises were urged to operate\nin accordance with environmental regulations, and do\ntheir best to protect air quality.\nThe EPA worked with local governments to monitor\nchanges in air quality, and implemented regional\ncontrol and response measures in a timely manner\nbased on the Regulations Governing Emergency\nMeasures to Prevent Severely Deteriorated Air\nQuality ( 空氣品質嚴重惡化緊急防制辦法). These\nmeasures include tightening controls to lower air\npollution caused by major factories and construction\nsites, controlling fugitive dust by covering dumped\nmaterials at major dumping sites and washing and\ncleaning roads, and by patrolling and inspecting\nthe restaurant industry and open-air burning. The\nEPA has also coordinated with Taipower’s Taichung\nand Hsinta Power Plants, both coal-burning power\nplants, to reduce air pollutant emissions in advance.\nResults of all environmental agencies’ measures will\nbe posted on the Severe Deteriorating Air Quality\nWarning Information Platform (https:\/\/goo.gl\/mtRBJ6)\nfor all to see.\nSince a i r q u a l i t y i s g r e a t l y i n f l u e n c e d b y\nmeteorological factors, the EPA cautioned the public\nto keep an eye on the latest air quality information\nas weather conditions are still unstable. People can\nvisit the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network (http:\/\/\ntaqm.epa.gov.tw) and the i-Environment website\n(http:\/\/ienv.epa.gov.tw) to check on the latest air\nquality changes, or set up different alert levels with\nthe “Environment Info Push” app on smartphones for\nbetter protection.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "3", "assortment": "Inspection", "url": "V23\/V23-03" }, { "no": "3886", "title": "Waste Tire Recycling Rate Reaches 93.6%", "preview": "Waste\nWaste Tire Recycling Rate Reaches 93.6%\nWaste tires do not decompose easily in natural environments and are a pollution source if\ndisposed of randomly. The EPA has put much effort into tire recycling, leading to a total of 13\ntire processing enterprises in Taiwan. Between January and November 2019, 133,000 metric tons of\nwaste tires were recycled, achieving a 93.6% recycling rate. The EPA has also worked with industry\nand academia to develop continuous waste tire devulcanization recycling technologies, which could\nto be used in the future to mass produce recycled products and help develop a circular economy.\n", "content": "Taiwan produces roughly 140,000 metric tons of waste\ntires annually. At present there are two types of tire\nrecycling channels, depending on the source. Those\nproduced by the general public, motorcycle shops,\nor bicycle shops are classified as general waste and\ncan be given to local cleaning crews or disposed of\nin accordance with regulations. As for tires produced\nby tire shops and the vehicle maintenance industry\n– which are statutorily designated enterprises – they\nmust be disposed by the enterprises themselves or\nby commissioned enterprises. The EPA Resource\nRecycling Website has been disclosing real-time\nwaste tire recycling and processing capacity in Taiwan\nto facilitate the utilization of disposal channels.\nRecycled tires are shredded and sorted into scrap\nrubber, rubber powder, steel wires, etc. at processing\nplants. Scrap rubber can substitute for coal as an\nauxiliary fuel or be used to produce fuels and carbon\nblack through pyrolysis, while rubber powder is made\ninto secondary raw materials that can be added to\nreclaimed rubber, soundproofing materials, floor mats,\nand various rubber products. Rubber powder can\nalso be used in rubber asphalt road pavement or for\nmaking diving suits. All of the above are examples\nof waste tires being given renewed value through\nprocessing and reutilization technology.\nThe EPA stated that waste tires should be properly\nrecycled as they do not decompose easily in the\nnatural environment and could cause pollution if\ndisposed of randomly. There are a total of 13 disposal\nenterprises currently in operation, which recycled\n133,000 metric tons of waste tires between January\nand November 2019 for a recycling rate of 93.6%.\nDiversification of disposal and recycling channels\nhas been promoted by the EPA. More than 120,000\nmetric tons of secondary raw materials made from\nwaste tires are utilized every year. Moreover, in an\nattempt to improve recycling technology and develop\nhigh-value applications, the EPA has been working\nwith industry and academia on developing continuous\nwaste tire devulcanization recycling technologies.\nThese technologies can be used to produce highquality\nrecycled rubber suitable for making various\nrubber products. The next step is collaborating with\nfactories for mass production to further diversify\nprocessing technologies, increase reutilization values,\nand creating more green business opportunities.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "3", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-03" }, { "no": "3885", "title": "Taiwan’s 2030 Environmental Protection Goals Set In Line\nwith International Sustainable Development Goals\n", "preview": "General Policy\nTaiwan’s 2030 Environmental Protection Goals Set In Line\nwith International Sustainable Development Goals\nThe National Environmental Protection Plan approved by Executive Yuan on 14 February 2020\nwas formulated based on the structure and responsibilities of the Ministry of Environment\nand Resources. Echoing the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, and considering\nthe environmental protection trends and key issues both within and outside of Taiwan, the Plan\nsets out short, medium, and long-term implementation strategies and goals, aiming to achieve the\nvisions of “reducing carbon and disasters”, “relaxing and breathing well”, “enjoying clear water”,\n“transforming waste to resources”, “zero forest loss”, and “co-existing with wildlife” by 2030.\n", "content": "The National Environmental Protection Plan is\nbased on the Additional Articles of the Constitution\nof the Republic of China ( 中華民國憲法增修條文)\nArticle 10 paragraph 2, which states “environmental\nand ecological protection shall be given equal\nconsideration with economic and technological\ndevelopment”, and the strategies under the Basic\nEnvironment Act ( 環境基本法). The Plan was formulated first by bringing relevant departments\ntogether to come up with response strategies and\nmechanisms, with the main focus on the overall\nenvironment and ecosystem. Then these strategies\nwere thoroughly discussed by scholars and experts,\ngovernment agencies, regional governments and\ncivic organizations to reach a consensus. The EPA\nnoted that the Plan addresses 13 environmental\nissues under five areas, namely, climate action,\nenvironmental quality, nature conservation, green\neconomy, and sustainable development partnerships.\nKey performance indicators (KPIs) were set for each\nenvironmental issue to track progress and results and\nto help with implementation of national environmental\nprotection tasks. In the future, it is expected that the\nimplementation results will be disclosed on an annual\nbasis through environmental white papers or other\nsuitable channels.\nSetting 2030 goals\nThe National Environmental Protection Plan will\nbe implemented towards achieving the 2030 goals\nand the visions of “reducing carbon and disasters”,\n“relaxing and breathing well”, “enjoying clear water”,\n“transforming waste to resources”, “zero forest loss”,\nand “co-existing with wildlife” in Taiwan.\nReducing carbon and disasters\nWorking towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions\nby 20% compared to the baseline year 2005\nRelaxing and breathing well\nIncreasing the ratio of days (from 84% to 93%) with air\nquality good enough for outdoor activities\nEnjoying clear water\nLowering the ratio of seriously polluted sections of 50\nrivers from 3.8% to 0%\nTransforming waste to resources\nIncreasing the general waste recycling rate from\n55.69% to 60%\nZero forest loss\nMaintaining the forest coverage rate at 60.7% or\nhigher\nCoexisting with wildlife\nKeeping the percentage of statutorily protected land\narea at 19.2% or higher of the total national land area,\nwith the water quality compliance rate across all marine\nwater quality monitoring stations at 99.7%\nPlanning for the 13 environmental issues under\nfive areas\nPlanning for the short, medium, and long-term\nstrategies and goals for the 13 environmental issues\nunder five areas addressed by the Plan, and setting\nkey performance indicators for tracking.\n‧Climate action: responses to climate change,\nmountain conservation and disaster prevention and\nmanagement\n‧Environmental quality: EIAs, atmospheric\nenvironments, watershed management, chemical\nsubstance management\n‧Green economy: resource recycling, environmental\ntechnology\n‧Nature conservation: terrestrial ecosystem\nconservation, marine conservation, environmental\nresource investigation and monitoring\n‧Sust a i n a b l e d e velopme n t p a r t n e r s h i p :\nenvironmental education, social participation\nFollow-up tasks include inviting relevant ministries\nto hold meetings with local governments to explain\nwhat is approved under the Plan and the actions\nto be taken in the future, and holding seminars in\nnorthern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan\nto help local governments formulate localized\nenvironmental protection plans. The central\ngovernment will join forces with local governments in\nimplementing the environmental actions and regularly\npublish environmental white papers to disclose\nimplementation progress and results in the future.\nThe passing of the National Environmental Protection\nPlan allows government agencies to join forces with\ncorporations, organizations, and the general public in\ncarrying out environmental protection actions, so as\nto advance towards ensured environmental security,\ngreen lifestyles shaped through a circular economy\nmodel, and ultimately a harmonious coexistence\nbetween people and the environment.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "3", "assortment": "General Policy", "url": "V23\/V23-03" }, { "no": "3884", "title": "Promoting Cooperation in International Environmental\nProtection\n", "preview": "International Cooperation\nPromoting Cooperation in International Environmental\nProtection\nThe world is currently wrapped in anxiety over the COVID-19 pandemic, which does not\ndiscriminate according to national borders. Likewise, environmental protection is an issue\nthat knows no borders. Taiwan has to always hold itself to the standards of all international\nenvironmental protection conventions and protocols and has been actively forming bilateral or\nmultilateral agreements with neighboring and developed countries. Taiwan will continue to deepen\nand expand its influence in international environmental cooperation into the future, so as to protect the\nsustainability of the planet and work with other countries towards improving human health and welfare.\n", "content": "The following are the EPA’s continuous efforts in\nadvancing international cooperation for environmental\nprotection:\nI. Signing memorandums of understanding (MOU)\nfor environmental protection exchanges and\ncooperation between Taiwan and Japan\nAn MOU for environmental protection exchanges\nand cooperation was signed by representatives\nfrom both the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association\nand the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association. It\nincludes cooperation on fields such as environmental\neducation, environmental impact assessment (EIA),\nair quality control and monitoring, marine pollution\ncontrol, waste management (including recycling),\nclimate change mitigation and adaptation, and so on.\nAlso, Taiwan and Japan shall take turns holding the\nTaiwan-Japan Bilateral Environmental Meeting every\none or two years.\nII. Promoting International Environmental\nPartnership programs\nThe EPA and USEPA has been promoting the\nInternational Environmental Partnership (IEP) program\nsince 2014. The EPA also cooperates with the Ministry\nof Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to expand environmental\ndiplomacy and promote bilateral and multilateral\ncooperation. By conducting various seminars and\nexchanges under the IEP, Taiwan accumulates\nand builds experience and capabilities in regional\nenvironmental services and exchanges. The ongoing\npartnership programs focus on environmental issues\nthat are of global interest and with which developing\ncountries urgently need Taiwan’s assistance. They\ninclude programs for air quality management,\natmospheric mercury monitoring, e-waste recycling,\nenvironmental education, environmental law\nenforcement, and more.\n(1) The EPA will continue to promote the Asia-Pacific\nMercury Monitoring Network (APMMN) by planning\nmercury monitoring works in the Asia-Pacific region,\nand assisting countries with analyses of mercury wet\ndeposition samples.\n(2) The EPA w i l l continue to promote global\nenvironmental education partnership programs by\nstrengthening the environmental education networks\nin each country and in the region, establishing the\nAsian-Pacific Environmental Education Network and\npromoting regional cooperation. The purpose is to\nstrengthen cooperative relations with other countries\nand carry out Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy with\nrespect to environmental education issues.\n(3) With the 9th International E-waste Management\nNetwork Meeting held, the EPA will continue to\npromote the international e-waste recycling and\nmanagement network, establish e-waste management\npartnerships, develop recycling and management\nsystems, accumulate experience in developing\ninnovative technologies and foster the exchange of\ninternational e-waste management information.\n(4) The 2019 IEP-Vietnam Workshop was held\nto share practi c a l experiences and deepen\nenvironmental law enforcement cooperation in the\nAsian region. The EPA also held the 2019 Taiwan-US\nEnvironmental Protection Technological Cooperation\nAgreement Workshop, during which practices in the\nUS to enforce laws related to waste were elaborated.\nThe participants also received hands-on experience\nwith inspection and sampling equipment.\n(5) The Annual New Southbound Countries Air\nPollution Control Conference was held to discuss,\nexchange ideas and work out a mutually beneficial\ncooperation model to improve control of regional air\npollution in Asia.\n(6) The EPA organized the 2019 International\nChemicals and Mercury Control Seminar, where\nparticipants discussed chemical management policies\nand their implementation, as well as exchange ideas\non future challenges and developments.\n(7) The 2019 Asia-Pacific Seminar for Environmental\nHealth for Children took place for medical, healthcare,\npublic health, and environmental protection personnel\nto exchange ideas with each other. The goal was\nto raise public understanding and awareness of\nenvironmental health for children.\n(8) With the EU, the EPA co-hosted the 2019 Taiwan-\nEU Circular Economy Seminar, sharing experiences\nand achievements in plastic recycling, solar panel\ndesign and recycling and circular construction.\nIII. Promoting environmental cooperation with\ncountries targeted in the New Southbound\nPolicy\nTaiwan-Vietnam Environmental Education Youth\nExchange activities were organized. Participants from\ndifferent backgrounds exchanged their expectations\nand responses related to environmental issues,\nlearned from each other, shared cross-country and\ncross-field knowledge, and created openings for future\ncooperation.\nCourses on “Responding to Climate Change for\nSustainable Development” were organized to\npromote the government’s New Southbound Policy,\nstrengthen exchanges on environmental protection\nbetween Taiwan and Vietnam, and improve regional\nenvironmental quality.\nIV. Taiwan-Germany Environmental Forum\nThe second Taiwan-Germany Environmental Forum\nwas held to discuss issues such as circular economy,\nenergy conservation and carbon reduction, climate\nchange and energy transformation, and source\nreduction for plastic wastes. The forum provided\nan opportunity for representatives from industry,\ngovernment, academia and the research community\nto exchange ideas, and allowed Taiwan to learn\nfrom the experience of and approaches adopted by\nGermany. It also helped to strengthen cooperation\nbetween the two countries in the environmental\nfield.\nV. International Conference on Sustainable\nDevelopment Goals (SDGs)\nThe International Conference on a Sustainable\nTaiwan: Accelerating the Localization of UNSDGs,\nwas held to address three main topics: SDG\npromotion, SDG promotion strategies and result\nassessment, and social consensus building. Via\ndiscussions and experience sharing, the international\ncommunity, central and regional governments,\nindustry, academia, the research community and civic\norganizations worked together to formulate a new\nvision for the new generation.\nOutlook\nAs a member of the global village, Taiwan strives to\nplay its part alongside all other countries to promote\nworld peace, pursue sustainable development\nand contribute to maintaining the global ecological\nbalance. With a total of 12 conferences or events\norganized under IEP in 2019, as well as events\nscheduled for the years to come, initial progress\nhas been made in raising the level of Taiwan-US\ncooperation, solidifying cooperation objectives and\nexpanding international participation. Not only will the\nEPA continue showcasing Taiwan’s environmental\nprotection achievements to the international\ncommunity, it will strengthen relationships with\nother countries through assisting regional partners\nwith improving environmental quality, gradually\nestablishing positive interactions with high-level\nofficials in partnering countries and building mutual\ntrust.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "3", "assortment": "International Cooperation", "url": "V23\/V23-03" }, { "no": "3883", "title": "Waste Paper Tableware Requires Separate Recycling", "preview": "Recycling\nWaste Paper Tableware Requires Separate Recycling\nMany Taiwanese dine out frequently; hence, disposable tableware is used extensively. A common mistake\npeople make while recycling is they often dispose of it as general waste or put paper tableware together\nwith other regular paper waste. The EPA reminds the public that disposable tableware (cups, plates, bowls,\nboxes) should be recycled as “paper containers” and not be mixed with general paper waste.\n", "content": "The EPA points out that disposable paper tableware\nare treated with a layer of polyethylene (PE) or wax to\nincrease water and oil resistance. Therefore, they are\nsent to professional waste paper container recyclers,\nwho would recycle and regenerate them into pulp\nand plastic pellets to level up the recycling rate. If the\ndisposable paper tableware is mixed in with other\npaper waste and transported to regular paper mills for\nrecycling, as their recycling process is different from\ngeneral waste paper (such as photocopying paper,\nnewspapers, magazines, cartons, paper boxes, etc.),\nmost of them will be considered as general waste\nand sent to an incinerator or boiler accruing higher\ntreatment cost.\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3882", "title": "Responsible Enterprise Regulated Recyclable Waste\nManagement Regulations Amended\n", "preview": "Waste\nResponsible Enterprise Regulated Recyclable Waste\nManagement Regulations Amended\nThe Responsible Enterprise Regulated Recyclable Waste Management Regulations have gone through three\nrevisions since being promulgated and were last updated in the end of 2011. Since most of the enterprises\nresponsible for recycling are small-scale companies, the EPA has drafted the amendments to simplify the fee\npayment procedure for the convenience of responsible enterprises.\n", "content": "The EPA points out that there are currently more\nthan 36,000 registered responsible enterprises,\namong which 90% pay less than NT$100,000 of\nannual recycling fees. Considering that smaller\nresponsible enterprises usually pay lower fees, the\nEPA has proposed amendments to simplify the\npayment procedure of recycling, clearance, and\ndisposal fees to reduce interference in their business\noperation. According to the current regulations, the\nfee rate is decided based on the operating or import\nvolume regularly reported by the enterprises. In the\namendments, the EPA has added a new stipulation\nthat exempts small-scale responsible enterprises from\nregular reports, in which case the operating or import\nvolume will be assessed, designated and provided by\ncompetent authorities.\nCorresponding to technology and the internet's\nadvances, parts of the regulations were also reviewed\nand updated. For example, data and application can\nnow be submitted online.\nThe main points of the amendments are as follows:\n1. Responsible enterprises that have already been\nregistered in compliance with the Company Act,\nthe Business Registration Act, and the Valueadded\nand Non-value-added Business Tax Act, and\ntheir company information is accessible as public\ninformation provided by the Ministry of Economic\nAffairs or the Ministry of Finance, are exempt from\nsubmitting the information.\n2. Photocopies of relevant company or commercial\nregistration documents or identification documents\nissued by the industry competent authority are\nno longer required when enterprises apply for the\ncancellation of the responsible enterprise registration.\nIn addition, documents regarding the payment\nof recycling, clearance, and disposal fees will be\nprovided by the custodian bank of the Resource\nRecycling Fund and, therefore, will no longer be\nrequired.\nThe operating or import volume shall be reported\nonline. Specifics will be stipulated in newly added\nclauses.\n3. Operating or import volume criteria and calculating\nmethods were added for small-scale responsible\nenterprises eligible to pay recycling, clearance\nand disposal fees using the EPA designated rates.\nPayment will be exempt if the calculated fee is under\nNT$100. A 5% discount on the fees will also be given\nafter using the designated volume for 1.5 years.\n4. Guidelines are added for when enterprises using\nthe designated operating or import volume experience\nsignificant operation changes or when industry\ncompetent authorities find the enterprises underreport\nthe volume.\n5. The annual declaration application should be\nsubmitted with the declaration form and payment\nproof was deleted, the related procedures can be\napplied online instead.\n6. After obtaining the approval of competent\nauthorities, fees over NT$100,000 can be paid in\ninstallments.\n7. Responsible enterprises who have accidentally\nor intentionally underreported the operating volume\nshall be punished based on the Regulations for\nDetermination of Fines for Violations of the Waste\nDisposal Act ( 廢棄物清理法).\n8. Responsible enterprises not eligible to make\npayments based on the designated ratio shall report\ndata on operation and import value and pay the fees\nwithin the deadline given by competent authorities.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3881", "title": "Electroplating Firm Receives Severe Penalties for Illegal\nWastewater Discharge\n", "preview": "Inspection\nElectroplating Firm Receives Severe Penalties for Illegal\nWastewater Discharge\nA t the end of January 2019, the EPA joined forces with the Taichung City Environmental Protection Bureau\nand the Taichung District Prosecutors Office, and cracked down on an electroplating factory for illegal\nwastewater bypass. The three owners of the factory, who claimed to have recycled all their wastewater, were\ncharged under the Water Pollution Control Act ( 水污染防治法) and the Criminal Code ( 刑法） of the Republic\nof China.\n", "content": "Recycling 100% of wastewater and leaving zero\ndischarge requires a high cost and advanced\ntechnologies. Wastewater produced by electroplating\nbusinesses normally contains high concentrations\nof substances harmful to human health. Therefore,\nwastewater collection and treatment facilities should\nbe properly installed and carefully maintained in\nelectroplating enterprises.\nThe electroplating factory obtained their water pollution\ncontrol permit by falsely claiming that they recycled\nall their wastewater. However, the EPA discovered\nt h a t t h e r e p o r t e d a m o u n t s o f w a t e r u s a g e ,\nwastewater production and recycled wastewater\nwere unbalanced. After using IoT sensors to monitor\nthe surrounding drainage channels of the factory,\nthe EPA obtained evidence of illegal discharge\ncontaining a nickel concentration 330 times higher\nthan the standards.\nIn the early morning of 26 January 2019, the EPA,\npolice and prosecutors office carried out a joint\ninspection on the illegal effluent. They discovered\nthat the company had been bypassing heavy metalcontaining\nwastewater through storage tanks and\nducts hidden underground to reduce the cost of\nwastewater treatment and using groundwater to\nmake up for the water needed in the manufacturing\nprocess.\nIn addition, the EPA found that several wastewater\ntreatment facilities and procedures in the factory failed\nto meet the requirements specified in the permit.\nBecause of the improper collection of wastewater\nand poorly maintained transportation and storage\nequipment, highly acidic wastewater was discharged\ninto the adjacent water bodies. The owners of the\ncompany have been charged with serious violations\nunder the Water Pollution Control Act. The company's\noperation has also been suspended, and the owners\nwill be facing an expensive penalty and confiscation of\nillegal gains that amount to roughly NT$25 million.\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Inspection", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3880", "title": "Regulations for Handlers of Certain Toxic Chemical\nSubstances to Install Detection and Alerting Equipment\n", "preview": "Chemicals\nRegulations for Handlers of Certain Toxic Chemical\nSubstances to Install Detection and Alerting Equipment\nOn 9 January 2020, the EPA announced the Handlers of Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances\nRequired to Install Automated Detection Equipment with Online Connection to Competent Authorities.\nThe regulation mandates operators of facilities handling Class 1 to Class 3 toxic chemical substances or\nhazardous concerned substances announced by the EPA to install automated detection equipment that records\nand shares data with local environmental bureaus. The announcement will take effect on 31 December 2021.\n", "content": "Phosgene and hydrogen cyanide are highly toxic\ngases with low IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life\nand Health) values. Inhalation of either gas can cause\nimmediate health impacts or even death. Hence, to\nincrease handling security of the two gases, handling\nfacilities are required to directly transmits monitoring\ndata to local competent authorities. The system\nallows competent authorities to perform immediate\nemergency response in the event of leakage or other\naccidents.\nIf the handling facilities meet the following criteria, the\nannouncement will take effect on 31 December 2021,\nand operators are required to submit online connection\nverification reports and complete the connection prior\nto the promulgation date.\n1. Facilities where phosgene is manufactured, used or\nstored.\n2. Facilities where hydrogen cyanide is manufactured,\nused or stored, with a total quantity reaching 100 kg\non any given day.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3879", "title": "Principles for Screening and Classifying Toxic Chemical\nSubstances Amended\n", "preview": "Chemicals\nPrinciples for Screening and Classifying Toxic Chemical\nSubstances Amended\nThe Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (hereinafter referred to as the Act) ( 毒\n性及關注化學物質管理法) amended on 16 January 2019 added concerned chemical substances\nas a new category of substances to be regulated. Accordingly, the Principles for Screening and\nClassifying Toxic Chemical Substances have been revised and renamed as the Principles for\nScreening and Classifying Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances (Hereinafter the Principles).\n", "content": "The purpose of the revision was to expand the source\ncontrol of chemical substances. Conforming to the\ndefinition of Class 4 toxic chemical substances, the\nPrinciples add concerned chemical substances as a\nnew category, expand the data sources of chemical\nsubstance lists and stipulate relevant classification\nprinciples. In addition, the Principles stipulate that\na chemical substance reaching a certain risk level\nbased on the hazard classification in CNS 15030 can\nbe classified as a hazardous concerned chemical\nsubstance.\nThe EPA stresses that the process of screening,\nclassifying, and announcing a toxic and concerned\nc h e m i c a l s u b s t a n c e t o r e g u l a t e c a n b e v e r y\ntime-consuming. It involves consulting experts\nand scholars, industry competent authorities\nand stakeholders while taking the substance’s\ncharacteristics and its international and domestic\ncontrol status into account. Hence, to increase\ncontrol efficiency, stipulations have been added to the\nPrinciples that allow the assessment procedure to be\nsimplified when the control status of the substance is\nclear both internationally and domestically or when\ndifferent industries have reached a consensus on the\nclassification of the substance.\nThe screening and classifying procedures for toxic\nand concerned substances are as follows:\n1. Establishing a list of data sources for chemical\nsubstances by referring to domestic and international\nregulations and scientific articles.\n2. Creating a watch list of chemical substances based\non chemical and physical characteristics, toxicity,\nenvironmental impacts and consumption issues.\n3. Listing substances as prospective toxic and\nconcerned substances based on the classification\nprinciples of each category, consultation meetings\nwith experts and scholars, and opinions of industry\ncompetent authorities, relevant industry associations,\nor stakeholders.\n4. Recommending a list of substances to be regulated\nafter evaluating the current handling and regulating\nplans for prospective substances.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3878", "title": "Mercury-Containing Import Ban Planned for January 2021", "preview": "Waste\nMercury-Containing Import Ban Planned for January 2021\nDue to the harm caused by mercury to the environment and human health, along with the recent\ndecrease in demand for mercury-containing products, the EPA preannounced that starting\non 1 January 2021, the import of mercury-containing switches and relays, high-pressure mercuryvapor\nlamps for common lighting, and non-electronic measuring instruments will be banned.\n", "content": "The global trend in mercury control is to gradually limit\nand ultimately ban mercury-containing products. The\nUN’s Minamata Convention on Mercury took effect\non 16 August 2017, banning the manufacture, import\nand export of mercury-containing switches and relays,\nhigh-pressure mercury-vapor lamps for common\nlighting, and non-electronic measuring instruments\nsuch as barometers, hydrometers, pressure gauges,\nthermometers and sphygmomanometers by the end\nof 2020, as stipulated by Article 4 paragraph 1 and\nAttachment A.\nThe EPA announced the Restrictions on the Import\nand Sale of Mercury Thermometers in 2008. Based\non the Regulations Concerning Toxic Chemical\nSubstances Listed for Control and Relevant\nOperations and Management announced and\nrevised by the Toxic and Chemical Substances\nBureau on 5 July 2019, mercury can no longer be\nused to manufacture switches, relays, high-pressure\nmercury-vapor lamps for common lighting, and nonelectronic\nmeasuring instruments such as barometers,\nhydrometers, pressure gauges, thermometers, and\nsphygmomanometers, starting 1 January 2021. With\nthe schedule for banning the manufacture of mercurycontaining\nproducts already announced, further\ncontrols on imports are still required.\nDue to the hazards mercury poses to the environment\nand human health, as well as the falling need for\nmercury-containing products owing to advances in\nelectronic instruments and consumer electronics,\nthe EPA preannounced the import ban of the\naforementioned products so as to strengthen controls\nstarting in 2021, in compliance with the Minamata\nConvention on Mercury.\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3877", "title": "Revisions to Allow Public Scrutiny in Operation\nResumption of Suspended Stationary Sources\n", "preview": "Air\nRevisions to Allow Public Scrutiny in Operation\nResumption of Suspended Stationary Sources\nOn 31 January 2020, the EPA announced revisions to the Management Regulations Concerning\nOperation Resumption and Trial Run Evaluation for Stationary Pollution Sources in Public and\nPrivate Premises (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations). The revisions stipulate the guidelines the\nstationary pollution sources that have been suspended by competent authorities for major violations to\nthe Air Pollution Control Act shall follow when resuming their operation. The revisions also include a new\nrule requiring public and private premises to make their trial run plans available online for public scrutiny.\n", "content": "In addition, the amended regulations also require city\nor county competent authorities to take opinions of\ninterested parties and non-profit organizations into\naccount while reviewing the trial run plans submitted\nby the public and private premises. The minutes of the\nmeetings for the review of trial run plans shall also be\nmade public on the website designated by the central\ncompetent authority.\nAmendments to the Air Pollution Control Act\nannounced on 1 August 2018 added stipulations\nconcerning stationary sources with major violations.\nThey authorize competent authorities to shorten\nthe permit duration at permit renewal, to order the\nviolators to cease operation or close down, to annul\nthe operation permit, or to impose other severe\npenalties when necessary. In order to perfect the\nregulation and strengthen the enforcement, the\nRegulations were formulated with reference to the\naforementioned amendments and suggestions\nbrought up in the National Affairs Conference on\nJudicial Reform. They have increased information\ntransparency and the public’s right to know as\nsuggested.\nIn the future, major violators applying for resumption\nof business shall make legally designated documents\naccessible for the public to view and provide opinions.\nTo increase review credibility, city or county competent\nauthorities are also required to provide on-site\nsupervision in relevant processes. The Regulations\nwere developed after comprehensive reviews and\nadjustments and are an important puzzle piece for\ncompleting the guidelines for stationary pollution\nsources with major violations to follow when applying\nfor operation or business resumption.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3876", "title": "Supplemental Air Pollution Restrictions During Specified\nDeteriorated Air Quality Advisory Period Announced\n", "preview": "Air\nSupplemental Air Pollution Restrictions During Specified\nDeteriorated Air Quality Advisory Period Announced\nOn 6 February 2020, the EPA announced the Air Polluting Acts During the Specified Deteriorated Air\nQuality Advisory Period, which stipulates that during specified deteriorated air quality advisory periods,\nwhen particulate matter or fine particulate matter concentration reaches the criteria for Level 1 Alert for\ntwo consecutive days or longer, controls on seven potentially air-polluting activities will be intensified.\n", "content": "The EPA pointed out that air quality monitoring data\nover the years shows PM2.5 as one of the major\ncauses of poor air quality index (AQI) readings in\nTaiwan. Besides particulate pollutants, VOCs are also\nprecursors and sources of PM2.5. To take preventive\nactions ahead of issuing alerts for deteriorated air\nquality, several air-polluting acts are announced as\nsubjects for control. These include using leaf blowers\nat roadsides and parks, mixing asphaltic concrete,\nscraping and paving roads, demolishing buildings,\nloading and unloading concrete materials in a nonclosed\nmanner at ports, open-air spray (or sand)\npainting at construction projects, and cleaning boilers\nand the petrochemical industry’s organic liquid\nstorage tanks.\nIn Taiwan, from approximately 1 October to 31\nMarch the following year, due to meteorological and\ngeographic factors, air pollutants tend to accumulate\nin the atmosphere and deteriorate air quality.\nAccording to the control principles specified in the\nRegulations Governing Emergency Measures to\n1. Some uses are excluded in the calculation of\nnational consumption of HCFCs.\n2. HCFC uses in the manufacturing of rocket engines\nand aerosol propellants used in treatments for burns\nare exempted. For refrigeration and air conditioning\nsystem maintenance, the revision only restricts the\nallocation schedule accordingly.\n3. Following the policy to lower national annual\nconsumption, allocation calculation standards are set\nrespectively for manufacturers and suppliers already\nqualified for allocation and those that newly apply for\nthe allocation.\n4. Based on the Montreal Protocol’s exemptions on\nallowed uses, regulations on exempted uses and\ncomplementary measures are newly added.\n5. To deal with situations in which manufacturers\npermitted to use HCFCs cannot sell their unused\na l l o c a t i o n s , r e v i s i o n s w e r e m a d e t o a l l o w\nmanufacturers to sell HCFCs in stock back to their\nsuppliers after obtaining the central competent\nauthority’s permission.\n6. A revision was added to stipulate that when\nimporters violate Article 7 of the HCFC Consumption\nManagement Regulations by bringing in products\nand equipment that contain HCFCs without being\npermitted to do so, but do not commit concealment or\nfalse reporting violations, the importers must return\nand ship out the items within the period required by\nthe Customs Act ( 關稅法).\nPrevent Serious Worsening of Air Quality ( 空氣品\n質嚴重惡化緊急防制辦法), to ameliorate conditions\nwhen air quality reaches critically poor levels, air\npollution-reducing measures shall be implemented.\nHence, suspension of the aforementioned air\npolluting activities during specified periods were\nannounced.\nUsing Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network (https:\/\/\ntaqm.epa.gov.tw\/taqm\/tw\/AqiForecast.aspx) reports\ngiven daily at 10:30 AM, the EPA continually monitors\nthe three-day outlook for air quality factors. If the\nforecast is determined to meet certain conditions,\nalerts will be issued on the Air Quality Improvement\nand Maintenance Information Website (https:\/\/air.epa.\ngov.tw\/). City and county environmental bureaus are\nthen asked to issue alerts on their official websites\nby the end of the same day, notifying those in their\njurisdictions that engage in the seven air-polluting acts\nto suspend such acts during the control periods.\nThose notified but failing to comply will be fined\nVol. XXIII Issue 2, 2020 Electronic Environmental Policy Monthly\n6\nbetween NT$1,200 and NT$100,000. If the violator\nis at an industrial or commercial site, the fine may\nrange from NT$100,000 to NT$5 million. If air quality\nimproves and no longer meets the alert conditions,\nalerts will be withdrawn and notifications sent in the\nsame way they are issued.\nMixing asphaltic concrete is a major air-polluting act.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3875", "title": "D r a f t P r e a n n o u n c e d f o r R e v i s i o n o f t h e\nHydrochlorofluorocarbon Consumption Management\nRegulations\n", "preview": "Air\nD r a f t P r e a n n o u n c e d f o r R e v i s i o n o f t h e\nHydrochlorofluorocarbon Consumption Management\nRegulations\nAfter five revisions, the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Consumption Management Regulations\n( 氟氯烴消費量管理辦法) will undergo another amendment to comply with the control schedule\nset by the Montreal Protocol. The Protocol requires lowering the consumption to 0.5% of the\nbaseline level by 1 January 2020. The upcoming revision will amend the regulation accordingly.\n", "content": "To comply with the Montreal Protocol, the EPA\npromulgated the HCFC Consumption Management\nRegulations on 15 January 2003 to control the\nproduction, import, export, and use of HCFCs listed\nunder the Montreal Protocol.\nThe EPA noted that this revision is to comply with\nthe Montreal Protocol’s HCFC control schedule that\nrequires lowering the consumption to 0.5% of the\nbaseline level by 1 January 2020. It also complies with\nthe Protocol’s newly added decision that HCFCs shall\nonly be used for the maintenance for refrigeration,\nair conditioners, or fire extinguishing equipment\nand systems in existence as of 2020, as well as for\ncleaning usages in rocket engine manufacturing or in\nthe production of certain treatments for burns.\nThe revision will affect Taiwan’s annual usage of\nabout 45 Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) tons of\nHCFCs for the maintenance of refrigeration and air\nconditioning equipment. Handheld fire extinguishers\nare already manufactured with alternative chemicals,\nand there is no need for HCFCs in Taiwan for\ncleaning usages in rocket engine manufacturing or\nin producing treatments for burns. Adding the new\nexempted uses with this revision updates Taiwan’s\nregulations to international standards.\nThe main points of the revision are as follows:\nVol. XXIII Issue 2 Electronic Environmental Policy Monthly February 2020\n5\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3874", "title": "Motorcycle Control Measures", "preview": "Air Motorcycle Control Measures\nMotorcycles are fast-running, economical, easy to operate and have more parking spaces available\nto them. They are thus very suitable for short-distance travel. Due to Taiwan’s limited land and high\npopulation density, motorcycles have become the most common means of transportation, numbering 13.73\nmillion in total. To control pollution from motorcycle emissions, the central government is currently taking\nmeasures in the following four areas: phasing in tightened emission standards on new vehicles, establishing\ninspection and testing systems, promoting clean fuels, and phasing out old motorcycles. Together, the\nmeasures will provide comprehensive control of motorcycle pollution emissions from the design and production\nstages all the way to end-use, effectively reducing air pollution from mobile sources and improving air quality.\n", "content": "I. Tightening emission standards on new\nvehicles in phases\nThe EPA’s control of motorcycle emissions began\nover 30 years ago on 1 January 1988 with Phase\n1 emission control standards, while Phase 6\ncommenced on 1 July 2017. To keep up with global\nmotorcycle technology development trends and\nFeature Article\nElectronic Environmental\nPolicy Monthly\nvehicle emission regulations, Phase 7 air pollutant\nstandards for motorcycle emissions are to be\nimplemented on 1 January 2021.\nControls on new vehicles include new model approval\ninspections, new vehicle random inspections, and\ninspections on pollution emitting components.\nMotorcycles are the most common means of\n2\ntransportation in Taiwan, and their large numbers\nmake them a major air pollution source. Besides\nmeasures such as periodic exhaust inspections,\nroadside inspections, and incentives to phase out old\nmotorcycles, it is also necessary to gradually tighten\nemission standards for new motorcycle models.\nII. Establishing inspection and testing\nsystems\nA. Regular inspections\nMotorcycles over five years old shall be brought to\nmotorcycle emission inspection stations every year\nfor inspection, within the period from one month\nbefore to one month after the anniversary month of\nthe original issuance of the driver's license. If the\ninspection results do not meet the emission standards\nset out in Article 36 paragraph 2 of the Air Pollution\nControl Act ( 空氣污染防制法), the motorcycle shall\nbe repaired and undergo a second inspection within\none month.\nB. Random and roadside inspections\nAccording to the Air Pollution Control Act, industry\ncompetent authorities of different levels can perform\nrandom emission testing or inspections on in-use\nmobile pollution sources at train stations, airports,\nroadsides, ports, water bodies or other suitable\nplaces. They can also notify the owners of vehicles\nwith high pollution risk to bring their vehicles to\ndesignated places for inspection within a given\nperiod. The authorized random testing or inspection\nat suitable places ensures that motorcycles meet\nemission standards even after being used for a period\nof time and increases drivers’ awareness to regularly\nmaintain their vehicles.\nIII. New vehicle approval inspection, recall,\nand correction\nControls on new vehicles include new model approval\ninspections, new vehicle random inspections, and\ninspections on pollution emitting components.\nW h e t h e r v e h i c l e s a r e m a d e d o m e s t i c a l l y o r\nimported, enterprises are required to apply for\na Compliance Certification for Gasoline Vehicle\nEmissions Inspections from the EPA. They have to\nsubmit all documents for the new models and test\nreports showing compliance with emission, on board\ndiagnostic, and endurance standards. Only when\nreviews are complete and the certification is granted\ncan sales of new models commence. Moreover,\nthe EPA mandates enterprises that have obtained\nemission certificates to set up a complete quality\nIn the past five years, the number of two-stroke\nmotorcycles in Taiwan has decreased significantly\n3\ncontrol system. Sample testing for emission pollution\nare to be conducted randomly on vehicles, whether\nfrom assembly lines or imported, at a ratio required by\nlaw. Quality control test results, production and sales\ninformation shall also be submitted to the EPA on a\nmonthly basis.\nAnnual random testing is conducted by the EPA\non manufacturers' or importers’ new motorcycles.\nRandomly chosen motorcycles are sent to designated\ntesting facilities for emission tests to ensure\nmotorcycles meet standards. If test results show\nincompliance, the models’ emission compliance\ncertificates will be revoked. All potentially noncomplying\nmotorcycles that have been sold must be\nrecalled for correction within a given period of time.\nNot only are new motorcycles required to meet\nemission standards, motorcycles within their durability\nwarranty period must also comply with the same\nemission standards. According to the regulations, the\ndurability warranty period for Phases 6 and 7 emission\nstandards is five years or 20,000 km of travel for\nmotorcycles whose maximum speed is under 130 km\/h,\nor five years or 35,000 km of travel for motorcycles\nwhose maximum speed is 130 km\/h or more.\nFor in-use motorcycles, the EPA also conducts annual\ntesting for recalls and correction, choosing vehicles\nwithin their durability warranty periods and testing\ntheir pollution emissions. This is to ensure that inuse\nmotorcycles within their durability warranty period\nare compliant with emission standards. Should any\nmotorcycle fail the testing, manufacturers or importers\nwill be mandated to recall potentially non-complying\nvehicles that have already been sold to undergo\ncorrection within a given period of time. Through the\nabove measures, comprehensive controls at all stages\nfor motorcycle pollution emissions – from design and\nproduction to in-use – are implemented.\nIV. Proactive actions: expediting the\nphasing out of old motorcycles\nDue to Taiwan’s limited land and high population density, motorcycles have\nbecome the most common means of transportation, numbering 13.73 million.\n4\nTo expedite the phasing out of old and high-polluting\nmotorcycles, in 2008 the EPA began to subsidize the\nphasing out of two-stroke motorcycles. It also started\nto subsidize the trade-in of two-stroke motorcycles\nfor electric ones in accordance with the Electric\nMotorcycle Industry Development and Promotion Plan\n(2009-2013) approved by the Executive Yuan. A few\nyears later, the EPA combined the related programs\nand increased the subsidy for electric two-wheeled\nvehicles (electric motorcycles, electric bicycles and\nelectric-assisted bicycles) and promulgated the\nRegulations Governing Subsidies for Scrapping\nTwo-Stroke Motorcycles and Purchasing New Twowheeled\nElectric Vehicles on 20 July 2015, in a\nfurther attempt to encourage the scrapping of twostroke\nmotorcycles and promote two-wheeled electric\nvehicles. Furthermore, in a multi-pronged approach\nto speed up the replacement of old motorcycles,\nthe EPA expanded subsidization for trade-ins of\nmotorcycles manufactured before 30 June 2007 for\npetrol-fueled environmentally friendly motorcycles or\nelectric two-wheeled vehicles from 2020, and targeted\nold motorcycles as the main focus for inspection and\ncontrol.\nV. Future Outlook\nThe vehicle emission control system with respect\nto motorcycles is fairly established in Taiwan at this\nstage. On this basis, promoting the use of the mass\ntransportation system and reducing the use of private\nvehicles will reduce pollution from motor vehicles\nmore effectively. Henceforth, the EPA will keep\npushing for the use of clean vehicles and clean fuels,\nwith planning and utilization of the mass transportation\nsystem as the medium-term goal. Moreover, as a\nlong-term sustainable development goal, it will seek\nto reduce the use of private vehicles in order to lower\npollution from traffic and move toward a truly clean\nplanet.\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3873", "title": "2019 Circular Economy Evaluation Results", "preview": "Waste\n2019 Circular Economy Evaluation Results \n\nTo encourage businesses that actively support waste utilization and reuse, the EPA focused on plastics in 2019 and did an evaluation of renewable resource utilization, aiming to promote a circular economy. Many excellent examples were used to help other businesses improve technology and enhance reuse of renewable resources. A seminar was held on 31 December 2019 to exchange experiences as well as commend outstanding businesses. \n", "content": "In response to international concern for plastic waste, the EPA carried out an evaluation of plastic waste in 2019. The following were listed as evaluated targets: waste utilization and disposal operators, businesses disposing of regulated recyclable wastes, and reuse operators approved by the EPA. There were seven major areas and 16 detailed indices under three major categories for evaluation, including core, comprehensive, and extra-point indices, while experts and scholars were invited as evaluators who checked submitted data, reviewed documents, and conducted onsite inspections. Three businesses received a twos-tar (excellent) rating, and two a one-star (very good) rating. \n\nAll businesses under evaluation had merits of their own. For instance, the two-star Chung King Enterprise Co., Ltd. is the first in Taiwan to recycle, clean, and reuse wafer carriers instead of manufacturing disposable carriers. Chang Chun Group’s artificial resin factory in Hsinchu, which received a one-star rating, turned waste plates used for drilling in manufacturing printed circuit boards into raw materials for phenolic molding powder. \n\nOther commended businesses were those handling waste plastic for common reuse, such as Horng En Plastics (two-star), Fang Tai Plastics (two-star), and Hong Sheng Environmental Technology (one-star). They were chosen for efforts to improve renewable resource quality by setting their own quality control lab, getting verified by a third party, or becoming certified home and abroad. Their performances on localizing manufacturing, research and development of technology, and opening new channels for renewable products earned high praise from evaluation members. The EPA expressed its hope that businesses will continue to properly collect, utilize and reuse wastes generated from the industrial manufacturing process via systematic planning and design. As circular economy and enhancement of resource utilization efficiency is a global trend, all should aim for sustainable and circular use of resources by gradually elevating circular economy values, collaborating among different industries, and sharing environmental resources \n\n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1)\n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3872", "title": "New Regulations, Major Policies, and Major Construction\nto Be Completed or Commenced in 2020\n", "preview": "General policy\nNew Regulations, Major Policies, and Major Construction\nto Be Completed or Commenced in 2020\nTo simplify administration for the public’s convenience, the EPA announced a raft of new environmental measures that entered into effect on 1 January 2020. These include (shown in the below table):\n", "content": "Items Contents\n1. Onsite collection will be fully implemented by the Recycling Care Program in 2020 ˙ To lessen individual businesses’ burdens and expedite cleaning speed, the EPA has asked all county and city environmental bureaus to provide onsite collection at individual businesses’ storage sites that need assistance.\n˙ The measure above will take effect starting 1 January 2020.\n2. The Subsidization Method for Replacing Old Motorcycles With New Ones (機車汰舊換新補助辦法) will be implemented. ˙ Subsidies will be expanded for replacing old motorcycles (manufactured before 30 June 2007) with electric motorcycles or fuel-burning motorcycles that comply with the seventh emission standards.\n˙ NT$1 billion is expected to be set aside to reduce air pollution generated by old vehicles. Purchase of large heavy electric motorcycles or fuel-burning motorcycles that comply with the seventh emission standards to phase out old motorcycles will be subsidized with NT$5,000 in 2020 and NT$3,000 in 2021. Purchase of electric motorcycles or electric-power auxiliary bicycles, except for large heavy types, is subsidized with NT$3,000 in 2020 and NT$1,000 in 2021\n˙ Subsidization will be available between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021.\n3. Sales of toxic and concerned chemical substances are banned in online stores ˙ It is prohibited to sell or transfer announced toxic or concerned chemical substances via online shopping or trading platforms that do not show client identification. Liabilities are added for platform businesses that violate the rules.\n˙ The ban will take effect on 16 January 2020.\n4. Gravel-contact treatment project in Jingtong, Yunlin ˙ By using natural purification of water cycle, the project aims to cut down water pollution in Shinhuwei Stream in order to provide residents with leisure areas. Treated water can be used for irrigation. The project is expected to complete in February 2020.\n5. Based on the revised Targets and Implementation Methods for Single-use Utensil Ban (免洗餐具限制使用對象及實施方式) announced on 8 August 2019, department stores, shopping malls, and retail stores (not including chain convenience stores and chain fast food restaurants) are not to provide any single-use utensils made of any materials (including cups, bowls, plates, saucers, meal boxes, plates placed inside meal boxes to contain food, chopsticks, spoons, knives, forks, and stirrers) when consumers eat at the provided food venues. Food is not to be placed in plates that have plastic bags over. Regional competent authorities will first submit proposed implementation dates. The measures above will take effect after the dates are approved by the central government. ˙ Effective starting 1 January 2020 in department stores and shopping malls in Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Taichung City, Tainan City, Penghu County, Yilan County, and Hualien County.\n˙ Effective starting 1 February 2020 in the retail industry, department stores and shopping malls in Taitung County. \n˙ Effective starting 1 March 2020 in department stores and shopping malls in Kaohsiung City.\n˙ Effective starting 1 May 2020 in department stores and shopping malls in Hsinchu City.\n˙ Effective starting 1 July 2020 in department stores and shopping malls in Keelung City.\n˙ Effective starting 1 January 2020 in the retail industry in Yilan County and Hualien County.\n˙ Effective starting 1 May 2020 in the retail industry in Taipei City, New Taipei City, Kaohsiung City, Taoyuan City, and Hsinchu City..\n˙ Effective starting 1 July 2020 in the retail industry in Changhua and Keelung City.\n\n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1)\n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "General policy", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3871", "title": "Toxic Chemical Substances Labeling Regulations Amended", "preview": "chemicals\nToxic Chemical Substances Labeling Regulations Amended\n\nAccording to the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法」) amended and promulgated on 16 January 2019, the EPA, after considering the implementation for advanced practices and responding to the newly added concerned chemical substances, amended the Toxic Chemical Substances Labeling and Materials Safety Data Sheets Regulations ( 毒性化學物質標示及安全資料 表管理辦法). Furthermore, the name of the Regulations was also changed to the Toxic Chemical Substances Labeling and Materials Safety Data Sheets Regulations ( 毒性及關注化學物質標示與安全資料表管理辦法). \n", "content": "The EPA stated that in case containers and packaging of items are not suitable for labeling due to special factors such as area, shape or material, the alternatives of folding, hanging or labeling on the outer packages were added in the regulations. Relevant labels and safety data sheets of the toxic and concerned chemical substances should be in Chinese to display information that is readable and fully comprehensible by the public to ensure transmission in between the supply chains. Meanwhile, given the Ministry of Labor's Hazardous Chemicals Labeling and General Rules (危害性化學品標示及通識規則), it is now mandatory for handlers to frequently review data sheet contents, update them at least once every three years, and keep previous sheets as record for future reviews. \n\nThe EPA stressed that to reduce the administrative work of repeatedly setting up announcement boards or preparing safety data sheets, the announcement boards and contents, if also required by other regulations for these substances, must be set up together accordingly. The same safety data sheets can be used for toxic and concerned chemical substances, whose hazardous ingredients, uses, and hazards are the same even though they have different concentrations. Concerning revisions for mandatory labeling and safety data sheets, a one-year buffer period is given. \n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1) \n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3870", "title": "Taiwan and Korea Combine Efforts in Soi l and Groundwater Protection Expo", "preview": "Soil and groundwater\nTaiwan and Korea Combine Efforts in Soi l and Groundwater Protection Expo \n\nA 15-member delegation from South Korea was in Taiwan from 16 to 20 December 2019 for events related to the Taiwan-South Korea Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Soil and Groundwater Protection. Events included the MOU’s 10th Steering Committee Meeting and technical forums. Led by Young-Hoon Kim, Director of South Korean Ministry of Environment (MOE) Integrated Water Management Bureau, the delegates included Korean experts and scholars of soil and groundwater protection from both the public and private sectors. This bilateral MOU has set a foundation for international cooperation among different markets and regions. \n\n", "content": "The EPA and the South Korean MOE signed the Taiwan-South Korea MOU on Soil and Groundwater Protection on 27 August 2012. It has opened up opportunities for technological exchanges on soil and groundwater protection issues and built a mutually beneficial cooperation mechanism in the international market. \n\nEPA Executive Director Huichen Chien noted that, in regard to Taiwan-South Korea technological cooperation on soil and groundwater protection, the annual steering committee meeting continued to create win-win situations via this platform. Moreover, it further strengthened official relations and facilitated exchanges and sharing of environmental policies and technological innovations on both sides. In the meantime, both the EPA and the MOE have jointly promoted multiple industrial and academic cooperation programs that cover diverse pollution sites’ management, gas station pollution remediation, onsite and offsite remediation for petroleum products, and remediation and control of heavy metal pollution of groundwater. Both sides have also gone from learning from each other to progressing together. The ongoing joint research on smart groundwater control is a good example of this. \n\nAs of the end of November 2019, there were a total of 8,713 polluted sites in Taiwan, and 5,980 sites, accounting for 69%, have completed remediation and been taken off the control list. The remaining 2,733 sites (31%) are still on the pollution control list. Furthermore, 2,349 sites under control are farmlands. All polluted farmlands are expected to be delisted by the end of 2021. The regional competent authorities are in charge of supervising businesses on their remediation work at industrial pollution sites based on the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act. \n\nThe 2019 exchange activities began in the morning on 17 December with Executive Director Huichen Chien and Director Young-Hoon Kim going through the items on the MOU together. On 18 December, Taiwanese and Korean experts and scholars attended the technological forum and had extensive discussions on academic and industrial cooperation programs, innovative technology of soil and groundwater investigation and remediation. Both countries are able to combine their respective research capacity via the forum. For instance, Taiwan has expertise in onsite remediation technology, while South Korea’s strength lies in offsite treatment, and such occasions offered a chance to find ways to cooperate and mutually benefit each other. Finally, under the MOU structure, Taiwan and South Korea have gained understanding of each other to an extent by exchanging experiences on soil and groundwater protection management, policies and technology. It is hoped that both countries’ capacity in pollution remediation will increase, and these long-term bilateral achievements will make a solid foundation for potential regional cooperation in the future. \n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1) \n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "Soil and groundwater", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3869", "title": "World Soil Day Calls for Care and Protection of Taiwan’s Treasure ", "preview": "Soil and groundwater\nWorld Soil Day Calls for Care and Protection of Taiwan’s Treasure \nThe fifth of December is World Soil Day, a day the world pays tribute to the importance of soil. Soil is the most precious environmental resource on Earth. Taiwan possesses abundant and diverse soil resources, which act as a key player in climate change mitigation. To achieve sustainable soil utilization, the EPA has been improving soil pollution and protecting soil quality while encouraging public engagement on World Soil Day. This is also in line with the UNFCCC’s value of building healthy soil, ultimately for sustainable development and its key mitigating functions. \n", "content": "The EPA expressed that despite Taiwan’s small area, there are unique and diverse factors that form a multitude of different kinds of soil. In fact, Taiwan can be seen as the world’s soil museum for being home to 11 out of the 12 soil orders under the USDA Soil Taxonomy. However, this spectacular world of soil is little known to the public. Rarely do people realize that one centimeter of soil takes thousands of years to form. However, the soil that’s 100 centimeters under human feet in areas where major human activities are carried out is easily prone to pollution from human action. \n\nAccording to the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act passed in 2010, the EPA has investigated potentially risky areas that include farmlands, gas stations, large storage tanks, illegal dumping sites, and abandoned factories. The investigation is followed by remediation work to ensure and maintain soil quality. It all aims to prevent soil and groundwater pollution, achieve sustainable resource utilization, and safeguard public health. In the meantime, the EPA has been working hard to remediate pollution sites. By 31 October 2019, a total of 8,702 sites had been listed, and 68% of that (5,935 sites) had been improved and delisted. It surely is an encouraging result as the EPA continues the work of protecting soil quality. \n\nSoil is closely connected to people’s lives, and for years the EPA, through various campaigns, has been reminding the public to care for and protect it. The EPA emphasizes that for policy guidance there is the UNFCCC, the ongoing global action against climate change, and also the Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Soil Management published in 2017 by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Besides listing soil pollution prevention or reduction as one of the nine sustainable soil management indices, the guidelines point out that healthy soil is significant in increasing carbon absorption, lowering greenhouse gas levels, ensuring food production safety, and improving water resource management. After combining relevant conventions and content discussed among signatories, the EPA is striving towards promoting soil’s function of mitigating climate change and designing sustainable management strategies based on each department’s implementation and resources. Moreover, col laboration and research with other countries is underway, with more international experts involved and measures implemented in other countries as references, aiming to intensify soil pollution prevention and promote its environmental functions and utilization. Finally, the EPA is calling on the public to protect this most precious resource and ultimately maintain and foster sustainable and healthy soil. \n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1) \n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "soil and groundwater", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3868", "title": "Results of Food Safety Policies Examined to Enhance Control", "preview": "chemicals\nResults of Food Safety Policies Examined to Enhance Control \n\nOn 10 December 2019, the Executive Yuan’s Office of Food Safety held a meeting to review the results of five major food safety policies and enhance Taiwan’s mechanisms for food safety management. Suggestions from all sides were collected in order to improve relevant policies and maintain food safety for the public. \n", "content": "The meeting was also attended by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Council of Agriculture, the EPA, and the Ministry of Education. Other invitees included members of the Executive Yuan Food Safety Committee, experts, scholars, legislators, as well as representatives from civic and industry organizations. \n\nLooking back on the 2018 meeting, policies concerning care and handling of eggs, ingredient control for liquid eggs, use of domestically produced, traceable produce and food for school lunch were all well recognized by the attendees. Many suggestions as well as references for future policies were offered. \n\nThere were many exchanges in this year’s meeting concerning the following: reviewing the five major food safety policies’ implementation and results, sanitary control for the breakfast industry, and strengthening source control in agriculture. Other topics included pushing f o r expedited mass spectrometry, school lunch quality control measures and future improvement, source control and risk communication for chemical substances with potential risks on food safety. All participants showed determination to safeguard Taiwan’s food safety. \n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1) \n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3867", "title": "Illegal Gains from Violating the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act Now Collectible ", "preview": "chemicals\nIllegal Gains from Violating the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act Now Collectible \n\nThe newly added regulation in the revised Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法), announced on 16 January 2019, sets in place the appropriation of illegal gains obtained from violating the Act, on top of fines. Hence, the EPA accordingly has formulated the Regulations Concerning Calculation and Estimation of Illegal Gains from Violating the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (違反毒性及關注化學物質管理法所得利益核算及推估辦法). It will serve as a calculating and estimating reference for competent authorities, to help uphold justice and confiscate illegal gains. \n", "content": "The EPA explained that fines have been the most commonly applied penalty for past violations of environmental regulations. Fine amounts are based on Article 18 Paragraph 2 of the Administrative Penalty Act Illegal gains could be considered fines if they exceed the maximum fine. Yet this method lessens or spares penalties for the violators, even though the illegal gains are in fact confiscated. Not only is it in no way environmental justice, but it also does not lead to fair corporate competition. For cases involving long-term or major violations, there may be conspicuous benefits in terms of assets (such as profiting from the use of toxic chemical substances whose use is restricted or banned pursuant to the Act) as well as inconspicuous benefits, or the costs that should have been incurred but were avoided. If these gains are not confiscated, there would be loopholes when penalties are imposed. Enterprises would then calculate the act of violating regulations to be more profitable, further leading to repeated offenses that cannot be deterred. \n\nThe EPA emphasizes that for policy guidance there is the UNFCCC, the ongoing global action against climate change, and also the Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Soil Management published in 2017 by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Besides listing soil pollution prevention or reduction as one of the nine sustainable soil management indices, the guidelines point out that healthy soil is significant in increasing carbon absorption, lowering greenhouse gas levels, ensuring food production safety, and improving water resource management. After combining relevant conventions and content discussed among signatories, the EPA is striving towards promoting soil’s function of mitigating climate change and designing sustainable management strategies based on each department’s implementation and resources. Moreover, collaboration and research with other countries is underway, with more international experts involved and measures implemented in other countries as references, aiming to intensify soil pollution prevention and promote its environmental functions and utilization. Finally, the EPA is calling on the public to protect this most precious resource and ultimately maintain and foster sustainable and healthy soil. \n\nThe EPA went on to elaborate on the contents of the Regulations, which include reminding competent authorities of violations for illegal gains are to be confiscated; and the types, calculation, and estimation of conspicuous, inconspicuous, and total profits. Other than data for references, information sources, and confiscation periods, the Regulations also concern the burden of proof, relevant authorities’ responsibilities to assist in investigations, experts as assistant auditors, coordination mechanisms, and more. All of the above can serve as bases for competent authorities to confiscate illegal gains and make calculations based on the actual circumstances of individual cases. \n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1)\n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3866", "title": "EPA and MOEA Continue to Reduce Air Pollution of State-run Industries ", "preview": "Air\nEPA and MOEA Continue to Reduce Air Pollution of State-run Industries \nThe EPA and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) have been working together to reduce air pollution from state-run industries since 2015. Measures include urging coal-fired power plants to use less coal and more natural gas, installing wet electrostatic precipitators (WESPs) on existing coal-fired generating units, improving coal pulverizers and catalytic reduction equipment, and phasing out flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) facilities. Compared with the total air pollutants emitted by state-run industries in 2016, the emission level in 2018 was 18.2% lower. All programs to ameliorate state-run industries’ air pollution are now activated and will be completed between 2020 and 2024, which is estimated to reduce total air pollution by 49.2%.\n", "content": "The EPA said that under its joint efforts with the MOEA, state-run industries have seen reduction of their air pollution. Compared with emissions in 2016, reductions of Taichung Power Plant’s emissions reached 24.2% in 2018 and are expected to reach 71.3% when all improvement programs are completed in 2024. As the plant follows steps to decrease the use of coal and increase that of natural gas, the four existing coal-fired generating units will be used only as backup in the future, and the total air pollutant emissions are estimated to go down by 78% once the two units using natural gas begin operation in 2025.\n\nFor Hsinta Power Plant, emissions were down by 25.2% and are expected to reach 34% when all improvement programs are completed in 2021. With less use of coal and more of natural gas, and by also assigning coal-fired generating units as backup, air pollutant emissions in 2028 are estimated to see a 90% reduction. After seeing reduction by 14.8% in 2018, China Steel Corp. (CSC) expects to reach for drilling in manufacturing printed circuit boards into raw materials for phenolic molding powder. Other commended businesses were those handling waste plastic for common reuse, such as Horng En Plastics (two-star), Fang Tai Plastics (two-star), and Hong Sheng Environmental Technology (one-star). They were chosen for efforts to improve renewable resource quality by setting their own quality control lab, getting verified by a third party, or becoming certified home and abroad. Their performances on localizing manufacturing, research and development of technology, and opening new channels for renewable products earned high praise from evaluation members.\n\nThe EPA expressed its hope that businesses will continue to properly collect, utilize and reuse wastes generated from the industrial manufacturing process via systematic planning and design. As circular economy and enhancement of resource utilization efficiency is a global trend, all should aim for sustainable and circular use of resources by gradually elevating circular economy values, collaborating among different industries, and sharing environmental resources\n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1)\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3865", "title": "Climate change", "preview": "Climate change Taiwan Shares Expertise at COP25\nThe 25th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP25) commenced on 2 December 2019 in Madrid, Spain and ended on 15 December with the last piece of the Paris Agreement Rulebook uncompleted. Key issues such as Article 4 (Response Measures), Article 6 (International Carbon Market Mechanisms), and Article 8 (the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage) remained unresolved. They will continue to be negotiated at the COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, in November 2020. With efforts from the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Spain, the EPA’s 2019 delegation, led by Minister Tzi-Chin Chang, successfully promoted Taiwan’s endeavors in climate change and energy transformation. Delegates from relevant departments, regional governments, and civil organizations also actively took part in several side events. Keeping their feet on the ground and doing their part, everyone eagerly participated in the climate change battle and made contributions to the world by offering their expertise.\n\n", "content": "COP25 was originally set to be hosted by Chile in Santiago, but the organizer made a sudden decision to change the convention location to Madrid, Spain in November 2019. Nonetheless, over 20,000 people from around the globe attended and Taiwan governmental offices were also able to finish their preparation work on time. The representative Der-Li Liu and fellow colleagues from TECO in Spain launched a creative promotional campaign themed“Combating Climate Change, Taiwan Can Help”displaying trams and minibuses painted with Taiwan relevant images, such as wind turbines, tung tree blossoms, and paper mulberry around the convention venues. The campaign attracted attention and was positively responded to by all. \n\nNations with diplomatic ties offer encouragement and support Taiwan to participate in UNFCCC events\n\nThirteen nations with diplomatic ties with Taiwan– Belize, Eswatini, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Paraguay, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tuvalu – spoke up or issued statements during the convention, urging that Taiwan should not be excluded from the UNFCCC events. Moreover, legislators of 12 of these diplomatic allies expressed their support for Taiwan’s participation by issuing statements to the UNFCCC Secretariat, questioning the UNFCCC administration, or by posting opinions on social media.\n\nDuring the event, Taiwan legislators Yi-Jin Yeh ( 葉宜津), Wen-Ju Yu ( 余宛如), and Man-Li Chen ( 陳曼麗) attended relevant diplomatic activities on behalf of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan. The MOFA held more than 40 bilateral meetings with diplomatic allies and countries friendly with Taiwan, carrying out more intensive interactions with the international community. The Prime Ministers of Tuvalu and of Eswatini, as well as environmental ministers and legislators from many nations all took part as guests in these meetings. Several international media, such as Deutsche Welle and major Spanish newspapers ABC and La Razón, also exclusively interviewed EPA Minister Chang, who spoke about Taiwan’s efforts in energy transformation and specific carbon reduction strategies. He expressed that, although nota signatory to UNFCCC agreements, Taiwan is willing to contribute to the battle against climate change. When asked about how to reduce marine waste, Minister Chang gave a detailed response about sharing Taiwan’s experiences in global environmental issues with the international community.\n\nAt exhibition booths or side events at the venue, there were also experts in different fields from Taiwan who spoke about Taiwan’s climate efforts. These included representatives from the Industrial Technology Research Institute, the Taiwan Research Institute, the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy, the Environmental Quality Protection Foundation, the Foundation of Taiwan Industry Service, the Taiwan Carbon Capture Storage and Utilization Association, Mom Loves Taiwan, the Taiwan Youth Climate Coalition, Delta Electronics Foundation, and the Taiwan Association of Sustainable Ecological Engineering Development. There were also representatives from New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, and Tainan City. All answered the UNFCCC’s call and strove together, combining efforts of the central government with those of the private and non-governmental sectors in response to climate change. \n\nEnergy transformation is making Taiwan a green energy country \n\nJoining the global movement towards carbon reduction, Taiwan approved the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Promotion Program ( 溫室氣體減量推動方 案) in 2018, specifying the reduction responsibilities shared by the energy, manufacturing, transportation, commercial and residential, agricultural, and environmental sectors. In September 2019, 22 municipalities, county and city governments submitted plans under the Greenhouse Gas Control Implementation Plan ( 溫室氣體管制執行方案), which were adopted for their own districts. These actions were in line with the UNFCCC’s call to make clear and transparent national contributions. \n\nTaiwan’s policy on energy transformation is based on the principle of developing green energy, increasing the use of natural gas and reducing reliance on coal. The first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, located off the coast of Miaoli, officially started operation on 12 November 2019 and is able to generate power for 128,000 households annually. It shows that Taiwan has progressed from planning to gradually reaching its goal of increasing the renewable energy share to 20% by 2025. Furthermore, Taiwan has already begun to map out the 10-year-10-gigawatts renewable energy development policy for the decade between 2026 and 2035, to ultimately become a green-energy country. Passed in 2015, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act ( 溫室氣體減量及管理法), specifies the long-term national carbon reduction goal, which is to reduce emissions to at least 50% of the 2005 emission level by 2050. 2015 was also the year Taiwan declared its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which requires Taiwan to reduce its emission level to 20% below that of 2005 by 2030. In fact, Taiwan is one of very few nations in the world that have legislated long-term reduction goals. \n\nLooking back at four years of implementing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, it is apparent that more control mechanisms and incentive systems are needed. The EPA will therefore initiate reviews and revisions of the Act and focus on strengthening reduction management mechanisms for each sector, improving controls on large emission sources and reporting methods, putting the polluter-pays principle in practice, and reinforcing climate change adaptation actions. In the short term, reduction responsibilities for the second reduction stage (from 2021 to 2025) will be delegated to each sector, and public participation will be ensured throughout the process.\n\nOn the same trip, Minister Chang attended the EU-Taiwan Circular Economy Seminar, co-organized by the EPA and the EU, in Brussels, Belgium on 9 December 2019. Besides presiding over the opening with Mr. Timo Pesonen, EU Director-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Minister Chang also visited Ms. Joanna Drake, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for the Environment. Both exchanged experiences and results regarding plastic recycling, design and recycling of solar panels, and circular economy construction. \n\nFuture Outlook\n\nThe EPA has planned to hold a series of events in 2020, such as EU Innovation Week and Circular Economy Week, and will invite top EU officials to Taiwan to participate. It will also promote cooperation between industries in Taiwan and the EU and work towards making Taiwan an island with a circular economy. \nIn the international community, Taiwan is a sincere and responsible friend that is eager to contribute. For years Taiwan has been providing needed assistance to and exchanging experiences with others on public health, medicine and healthcare, agricultural technology, and pollution control. In the future, Taiwan will continue to actively contribute and participate on global issues such as climate change and environmental governance to fulfill its responsibility as a member of the international community. In this way Taiwan will reach out towards the world while letting the world come to Taiwan.. \n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1)\n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3864", "title": "Taichung City Subsidized for Dongda River Water\nEnvironment Improvement\n", "preview": "Water Taichung City Subsidized for Dongda River Water\nEnvironment Improvement\nThe EPA is subsidizing the Dongda River Water Environment and Neighboring Area Environmental\nImprovement Project. Hosted by EPA Deputy Minister Hung-Teh Tsai and Taichung City Mayor Shiow-yen\nLu, the groundbreaking ceremony marked the rebirth of Dongda River.\n", "content": "As part of the third phase of the Forward-looking\nInfrastructure Development Program, the Fazi River\nWater Environment Improvement Plan - Dongda\nRiver Water Environment and Neighboring Area\nEnvironmental Improvement Plan has been allocated\na budget of NT$300 million, of which NT$210 million\nis subsidized by the EPA. The EPA plans to install\nan underground gravel contact oxidation treatment\nfacility with a daily water treatment capacity of 10,000\nmetric tons at the area downstream of Tunghai Night\nMarket. Combined with the existing in-situ water\ntreatment facility that can treat up to 2,000 metric tons\ndaily, all upstream wastewater can be intercepted for\ntreatment, which will significantly reduce the water\npollution in Dongda River.\nDongda River, situated in Xitun District, Taichung\nCity, is one of the major branches of Fazi River\nwhich flows through the Tunghai Night Market and\nTaichung Industrial Park. With the growing population\nand the rising industrial and business development\nin the region, the water quality of Dongda River\nand the general environment of the area have been\ngradually deteriorating over time due to increased\nhuman activity. The water quality of the river is\nsignificantly affected by the rainwater runoff from both\nthe industrial park and Tunghai University, as well\nas by wastewater discharge from households and\nbusinesses along the riverbanks.\nTo foster eco-friendly river environments, the\nTaichung City Government has been actively\nreviewing the environmental planning for Fazi River\nand its neighboring areas, and has collaborated with\nthe EPA on the Dongda River Remediation Plan\nsince 2015. This time, as part of the Forward-looking\nInfrastructure Development Program, the remediation\nplan will enter the second phase of implementation\nto further improve river water quality. Since the target\narea covers the campus of Tunghai University, the\nuniversity is also participating in the formulation and\ndesign aspects of the plan to create superior water\nenvironment education venues for its students.\nSince the wastewater discharged from the night\nmarket upstream contains a large amount of\nfatty matter, the EPA is strengthening the grease\nremoval capacity of the pre-treatment unit while also\nenhancing the treatment efficiency of the existing\nfacility. Influent wastewater first goes through the\nprocess of screening, desilting, and grease removal.\nThen, it is transferred to an underground gravel\ncontact oxidation treatment facility for purification\nbefore going back to Dongda River to supplement the\nbase flow, and is used for environmental landscaping\nof the surrounding area. The River Pollution Index is\nexpected to move from being classified as “seriously\npolluted” to “lightly polluted” after the project is\nimplemented. Some of the purified water will also be\ndischarged to a creek in Tunghai University to create\na river park and provide more recreational space for\nthe public.\nThe EPA i s devoted to water environment\nimprovement works and has provided the Taichung\nCity Government with NT$800 million in subsidies for\nimprovements, including: pollution source investigation\nand control, river patrols, pollution emergency\nresponse, pollution source total quantity control,\nand river remediation of Liu-Chuan Canal and Wuqi\nRiver. As a part of the Forward-looking Infrastructure\nDevelopment Program, a subsidy of NT$2 billion has\nbeen approved for the Taichung City Government for\nriver remediation and water quality improvement.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "3", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V23\/V23-03" }, { "no": "3863", "title": "Qiaotou Science Park Enters Second Phase EIA", "preview": "EIA Qiaotou Science Park Enters Second Phase EIA\nThe EPA recently announced that the development project of the Qiaotou Science Park is to undergo\nthe second phase of environmental impact assessment (EIA). The planned Qiaotou Science Park,\nlocated adjacent to the Chishan Fault and Gunshueiping Mud Volcano, is part of the Kaohsiung Urban\nPlan. The EPA has determined that the project could have “significant adverse impact on environmental\nresources and special environmental characteristics” and might “cause local environmental conditions\nto exceed environmental standards or the carrying capacity of the local environment”. Hence,\nafter careful evaluation of the gathered opinions from the EIA review committee, experts, scholars,\nand other quarters, the EPA has decided that the project is subject to the second phase of EIA.\n", "content": "The following is the list of information to be covered in\nthe EIA report for the second phase of review:\n1. The developers are required to submit a detailed\nreport on the estimation of water and energy\nconsumption and emissions of various types of\npollutants (including air pollutants, wastewater and\nother wastes) based on the type and characteristics\nof the industries to be introduced. Based on the\nestimation, the developers should then estimate\nthe amount of hazardous substances that would be\nreleased by the science park during the operation,\nconduct a health risk assessment, and formulate total\nquantity control and other relevant environmental\nmanagement plans.\n2. The developers are to assess the potential impacts\non air quality during the construction and operation\nperiods and devise air pollutant reduction and\nmonitoring measures accordingly. The calculation\nmethod and control strategies for greenhouse\ngas (GHG) emissions, and the achievable ratio of\nrenewable energy use and implementation plans\nthereof should also be reported to the EPA.\n3. The report should cover water sourcing plans,\nthe feasibility of increasing the wastewater recycling\nrate, wastewater treatment processes, and potential\nimpacts of wastewater discharge on Dianbao River.\nIn addition, the developers should also come up\nwith a thorough plan on the recycling and reuse of\nwastewater.\n4. The developers are to assess the impacts of the\nwaste that would be generated by the science park on\ncurrent waste treatment capacity, set waste recycling\ngoals and devise plans to install treatment facilities.\nInformation on construction spoil calculation methods,\nplanned temporary storage of the construction\nmaterials and other related environmental protection\nmeasures should also be covered.\n5. The developers are to submit an assessment report\non the impacts of the development activities towards\nneighboring drainage systems and on the risk of\nflooding. The report should also include the planning of\ndrainage and flood detention systems, the impacts of\nclimate extremes, as well as adaptation measures and\nemergency response plans.\n6. The developers should investigate the environmental\ncharacteristics of the Chishan Fault and Gunshueiping\nMud Volcano, and perform seismic hazard and soil\nliquefaction assessments for the area.\n7. The developers are to strengthen investigation\nof ecosystems around the area and formulate\nconservation strategies and compensation measures\nfor protected species.\n8. The report should include planning for parking\nservices and facilities and traffic improvements\n(including public transportation and shuttle services\nwhen operational) based on the estimated traffic\nvolume during both construction and operation\nperiods.\n9. The developers are required to conduct polls of\nresidents near and within the planned park location\nand to explain how the project can affect the residents’\nmovement and other aspects of life.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "3", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "V23\/V23-03" }, { "no": "3862", "title": "Loan to Replace Old Trucks Adjusted to Cope with\nCoronavirus\n", "preview": "Air\nLoan to Replace Old Trucks Adjusted to Cope with\nCoronavirus\nIn response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EPA has been working\nwith banks to provide temporary loan relief for new vehicle purchases that have been made to\nreplace old diesel trucks. The relief plan allows vehicle owners who have difficulty meeting these\nloan payments to extend the interest-only payment periods to up to two years, or loan terms to five\nyears. The EPA is prepared to face the current predicament with other enterprises and will continue\nproviding interest subsidies for applicants to the diesel vehicle replacement incentive program.\n", "content": "To encourage the phasing out of old diesel vehicles\nand reduce the financial burden of individuals\nand small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),\nthe EPA amended the Low Carbon Sustainable\nHomeland Program Implementation Guidelines\nRegarding Loans and Guarantees on 28 May 2019.\nThe revised guidelines provide credit guarantees for\nindividuals or enterprises that wish to purchase a new\nvehicle to replace their old diesel trucks categorized\nunder Phase 1 to 3 of the vehicle emission standards.\nFurthermore, the Subsidy Regulations for Replacing\nLarge Diesel Vehicle Loans were promulgated on\n31 May 2019 to subsidize up to one percent of loan\ninterest for vehicle purchases that fall under Phase\n1 to 3 diesel truck trade-ins. As of February 2020,\nthe EPA approved 22 credit guarantees and 105\nsubsidized loan applications.\nSince the recent coronavirus outbreak, many vehicle\nowners are unable to make payments due to the\nloss of income. To cope with this issue, the EPA\nhas sought assistance from all relevant government\nagencies and 12 domestic banks and came up with a\nrelief package that allows those in need to adjust loan\nterms and payment methods..\n", "year": "2020", "month": "3", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-03" }, { "no": "3861", "title": "EPA Conducts Large Pollution Source Joint Inspections\nwith Central and Southern Counties\n", "preview": "Inspection\nEPA Conducts Large Pollution Source Joint Inspections\nwith Central and Southern Counties\nFrom 24 to 26 February, Taiwan was under the influence of easterly wind patterns for three\nconsecutive days causing low wind speeds, poor air dispersion, and increased accumulation of\npollutants in the western half of the island, which led to poor air quality. The EPA issued a warning\nof poor air quality four days in advance and mobilized relevant response measures. In addition, ten\ncounties\/cities south of Miaoli County, along with the central and southern branches of the Bureaus\nof Environmental Inspection, were placed under the EPA’s command in a joint inspection of large\nstationary pollution sources in the central and southern regions. A total of 165 personnel were\ndeployed, who found 14 violations that are expected to result in a total of NT$1.4 million in fines.\n", "content": "Since October 2019, the EPA has regularly held\nthe Inter-regional Cooperation, Prevention, and\nResponse Team Against Air Pollution Meeting with\ncounties and cities in Taiwan in order to coordinate\nlocal environmental bureaus’ response measures.\nThe measures carried out in November and\nDecember 2019 included joint operations such as\ncross-county drone inspections on open-air burnings\nand inspections of large stationary pollution sources.\nThese were the EPA’s first joint operations with\nlocal environmental bureaus south of Miaoli County\nas well as the central and southern branches of the\nBureaus of Environmental Inspection. A total of 165\npersonnel were deployed to carry out joint permit\ninspections and test equipment components used in\n60 processing procedures at 33 public and private\nvenues of 27 industries. The inspections focused on\nstationary sources of large amounts of volatile organic\ncompounds (VOCs), which are PM2.5 precursors. The\ninspections also targeted major construction projects\nprone to emit fugitive dust, in an effort to prevent such\npollution sources from causing more harm in times of\npoor air quality.\nThe EPA stated that the joint inspections found 14\nviolations, which will all be charged and penalized\naccordingly. Seven violations involved operations\nnot in accordance with what is approved under the\nstationary pollution source operating permits. For\nexample, one company in Taichung City installed\nequipment and operated without necessary permits.\nTwo incidents were due to incompliance with pollutant\nemission standards, two failed to keep air pollution\ncontrol or monitoring facilities from operating normally,\nand the rest included three violations against the\nAir Pollution Control Act ( 空氣污染防制法) and the\nWaste Disposal Act ( 廢棄物清理法).\nThe EPA stressed that it is necessary to tighten\ncontrol of all pollution sources because of poor air\nquality as well as poor dispersion commonly seen in\ncentral and southern Taiwan during fall and winter.\nAlso, the recent air quality in central and southern\nTaiwan reached the “orange alert” level, with high\nlevels of VOCs, which are the precursors of PM2.5\nand ozone, both major indicator pollutants of this\nlevel. As a result, enterprises were urged to operate\nin accordance with environmental regulations, and do\ntheir best to protect air quality.\nThe EPA worked with local governments to monitor\nchanges in air quality, and implemented regional\ncontrol and response measures in a timely manner\nbased on the Regulations Governing Emergency\nMeasures to Prevent Severely Deteriorated Air\nQuality ( 空氣品質嚴重惡化緊急防制辦法). These\nmeasures include tightening controls to lower air\npollution caused by major factories and construction\nsites, controlling fugitive dust by covering dumped\nmaterials at major dumping sites and washing and\ncleaning roads, and by patrolling and inspecting\nthe restaurant industry and open-air burning. The\nEPA has also coordinated with Taipower’s Taichung\nand Hsinta Power Plants, both coal-burning power\nplants, to reduce air pollutant emissions in advance.\nResults of all environmental agencies’ measures will\nbe posted on the Severe Deteriorating Air Quality\nWarning Information Platform (https:\/\/goo.gl\/mtRBJ6)\nfor all to see.\nSince a i r q u a l i t y i s g r e a t l y i n f l u e n c e d b y\nmeteorological factors, the EPA cautioned the public\nto keep an eye on the latest air quality information\nas weather conditions are still unstable. People can\nvisit the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network (http:\/\/\ntaqm.epa.gov.tw) and the i-Environment website\n(http:\/\/ienv.epa.gov.tw) to check on the latest air\nquality changes, or set up different alert levels with\nthe “Environment Info Push” app on smartphones for\nbetter protection.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "3", "assortment": "Inspection", "url": "V23\/V23-03" }, { "no": "3860", "title": "Waste Tire Recycling Rate Reaches 93.6%", "preview": "Waste\nWaste Tire Recycling Rate Reaches 93.6%\nWaste tires do not decompose easily in natural environments and are a pollution source if\ndisposed of randomly. The EPA has put much effort into tire recycling, leading to a total of 13\ntire processing enterprises in Taiwan. Between January and November 2019, 133,000 metric tons of\nwaste tires were recycled, achieving a 93.6% recycling rate. The EPA has also worked with industry\nand academia to develop continuous waste tire devulcanization recycling technologies, which could\nto be used in the future to mass produce recycled products and help develop a circular economy.\n", "content": "Taiwan produces roughly 140,000 metric tons of waste\ntires annually. At present there are two types of tire\nrecycling channels, depending on the source. Those\nproduced by the general public, motorcycle shops,\nor bicycle shops are classified as general waste and\ncan be given to local cleaning crews or disposed of\nin accordance with regulations. As for tires produced\nby tire shops and the vehicle maintenance industry\n– which are statutorily designated enterprises – they\nmust be disposed by the enterprises themselves or\nby commissioned enterprises. The EPA Resource\nRecycling Website has been disclosing real-time\nwaste tire recycling and processing capacity in Taiwan\nto facilitate the utilization of disposal channels.\nRecycled tires are shredded and sorted into scrap\nrubber, rubber powder, steel wires, etc. at processing\nplants. Scrap rubber can substitute for coal as an\nauxiliary fuel or be used to produce fuels and carbon\nblack through pyrolysis, while rubber powder is made\ninto secondary raw materials that can be added to\nreclaimed rubber, soundproofing materials, floor mats,\nand various rubber products. Rubber powder can\nalso be used in rubber asphalt road pavement or for\nmaking diving suits. All of the above are examples\nof waste tires being given renewed value through\nprocessing and reutilization technology.\nThe EPA stated that waste tires should be properly\nrecycled as they do not decompose easily in the\nnatural environment and could cause pollution if\ndisposed of randomly. There are a total of 13 disposal\nenterprises currently in operation, which recycled\n133,000 metric tons of waste tires between January\nand November 2019 for a recycling rate of 93.6%.\nDiversification of disposal and recycling channels\nhas been promoted by the EPA. More than 120,000\nmetric tons of secondary raw materials made from\nwaste tires are utilized every year. Moreover, in an\nattempt to improve recycling technology and develop\nhigh-value applications, the EPA has been working\nwith industry and academia on developing continuous\nwaste tire devulcanization recycling technologies.\nThese technologies can be used to produce highquality\nrecycled rubber suitable for making various\nrubber products. The next step is collaborating with\nfactories for mass production to further diversify\nprocessing technologies, increase reutilization values,\nand creating more green business opportunities.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "3", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-03" }, { "no": "3859", "title": "Taiwan’s 2030 Environmental Protection Goals Set In Line\nwith International Sustainable Development Goals\n", "preview": "General Policy\nTaiwan’s 2030 Environmental Protection Goals Set In Line\nwith International Sustainable Development Goals\nThe National Environmental Protection Plan approved by Executive Yuan on 14 February 2020\nwas formulated based on the structure and responsibilities of the Ministry of Environment\nand Resources. Echoing the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, and considering\nthe environmental protection trends and key issues both within and outside of Taiwan, the Plan\nsets out short, medium, and long-term implementation strategies and goals, aiming to achieve the\nvisions of “reducing carbon and disasters”, “relaxing and breathing well”, “enjoying clear water”,\n“transforming waste to resources”, “zero forest loss”, and “co-existing with wildlife” by 2030.\n", "content": "The National Environmental Protection Plan is\nbased on the Additional Articles of the Constitution\nof the Republic of China ( 中華民國憲法增修條文)\nArticle 10 paragraph 2, which states “environmental\nand ecological protection shall be given equal\nconsideration with economic and technological\ndevelopment”, and the strategies under the Basic\nEnvironment Act ( 環境基本法). The Plan was formulated first by bringing relevant departments\ntogether to come up with response strategies and\nmechanisms, with the main focus on the overall\nenvironment and ecosystem. Then these strategies\nwere thoroughly discussed by scholars and experts,\ngovernment agencies, regional governments and\ncivic organizations to reach a consensus. The EPA\nnoted that the Plan addresses 13 environmental\nissues under five areas, namely, climate action,\nenvironmental quality, nature conservation, green\neconomy, and sustainable development partnerships.\nKey performance indicators (KPIs) were set for each\nenvironmental issue to track progress and results and\nto help with implementation of national environmental\nprotection tasks. In the future, it is expected that the\nimplementation results will be disclosed on an annual\nbasis through environmental white papers or other\nsuitable channels.\nSetting 2030 goals\nThe National Environmental Protection Plan will\nbe implemented towards achieving the 2030 goals\nand the visions of “reducing carbon and disasters”,\n“relaxing and breathing well”, “enjoying clear water”,\n“transforming waste to resources”, “zero forest loss”,\nand “co-existing with wildlife” in Taiwan.\nReducing carbon and disasters\nWorking towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions\nby 20% compared to the baseline year 2005\nRelaxing and breathing well\nIncreasing the ratio of days (from 84% to 93%) with air\nquality good enough for outdoor activities\nEnjoying clear water\nLowering the ratio of seriously polluted sections of 50\nrivers from 3.8% to 0%\nTransforming waste to resources\nIncreasing the general waste recycling rate from\n55.69% to 60%\nZero forest loss\nMaintaining the forest coverage rate at 60.7% or\nhigher\nCoexisting with wildlife\nKeeping the percentage of statutorily protected land\narea at 19.2% or higher of the total national land area,\nwith the water quality compliance rate across all marine\nwater quality monitoring stations at 99.7%\nPlanning for the 13 environmental issues under\nfive areas\nPlanning for the short, medium, and long-term\nstrategies and goals for the 13 environmental issues\nunder five areas addressed by the Plan, and setting\nkey performance indicators for tracking.\n‧Climate action: responses to climate change,\nmountain conservation and disaster prevention and\nmanagement\n‧Environmental quality: EIAs, atmospheric\nenvironments, watershed management, chemical\nsubstance management\n‧Green economy: resource recycling, environmental\ntechnology\n‧Nature conservation: terrestrial ecosystem\nconservation, marine conservation, environmental\nresource investigation and monitoring\n‧Sust a i n a b l e d e velopme n t p a r t n e r s h i p :\nenvironmental education, social participation\nFollow-up tasks include inviting relevant ministries\nto hold meetings with local governments to explain\nwhat is approved under the Plan and the actions\nto be taken in the future, and holding seminars in\nnorthern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan\nto help local governments formulate localized\nenvironmental protection plans. The central\ngovernment will join forces with local governments in\nimplementing the environmental actions and regularly\npublish environmental white papers to disclose\nimplementation progress and results in the future.\nThe passing of the National Environmental Protection\nPlan allows government agencies to join forces with\ncorporations, organizations, and the general public in\ncarrying out environmental protection actions, so as\nto advance towards ensured environmental security,\ngreen lifestyles shaped through a circular economy\nmodel, and ultimately a harmonious coexistence\nbetween people and the environment.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "3", "assortment": "General Policy", "url": "V23\/V23-03" }, { "no": "3858", "title": "Promoting Cooperation in International Environmental\nProtection\n", "preview": "International Cooperation\nPromoting Cooperation in International Environmental\nProtection\nThe world is currently wrapped in anxiety over the COVID-19 pandemic, which does not\ndiscriminate according to national borders. Likewise, environmental protection is an issue\nthat knows no borders. Taiwan has to always hold itself to the standards of all international\nenvironmental protection conventions and protocols and has been actively forming bilateral or\nmultilateral agreements with neighboring and developed countries. Taiwan will continue to deepen\nand expand its influence in international environmental cooperation into the future, so as to protect the\nsustainability of the planet and work with other countries towards improving human health and welfare.\n", "content": "The following are the EPA’s continuous efforts in\nadvancing international cooperation for environmental\nprotection:\nI. Signing memorandums of understanding (MOU)\nfor environmental protection exchanges and\ncooperation between Taiwan and Japan\nAn MOU for environmental protection exchanges\nand cooperation was signed by representatives\nfrom both the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association\nand the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association. It\nincludes cooperation on fields such as environmental\neducation, environmental impact assessment (EIA),\nair quality control and monitoring, marine pollution\ncontrol, waste management (including recycling),\nclimate change mitigation and adaptation, and so on.\nAlso, Taiwan and Japan shall take turns holding the\nTaiwan-Japan Bilateral Environmental Meeting every\none or two years.\nII. Promoting International Environmental\nPartnership programs\nThe EPA and USEPA has been promoting the\nInternational Environmental Partnership (IEP) program\nsince 2014. The EPA also cooperates with the Ministry\nof Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to expand environmental\ndiplomacy and promote bilateral and multilateral\ncooperation. By conducting various seminars and\nexchanges under the IEP, Taiwan accumulates\nand builds experience and capabilities in regional\nenvironmental services and exchanges. The ongoing\npartnership programs focus on environmental issues\nthat are of global interest and with which developing\ncountries urgently need Taiwan’s assistance. They\ninclude programs for air quality management,\natmospheric mercury monitoring, e-waste recycling,\nenvironmental education, environmental law\nenforcement, and more.\n(1) The EPA will continue to promote the Asia-Pacific\nMercury Monitoring Network (APMMN) by planning\nmercury monitoring works in the Asia-Pacific region,\nand assisting countries with analyses of mercury wet\ndeposition samples.\n(2) The EPA w i l l continue to promote global\nenvironmental education partnership programs by\nstrengthening the environmental education networks\nin each country and in the region, establishing the\nAsian-Pacific Environmental Education Network and\npromoting regional cooperation. The purpose is to\nstrengthen cooperative relations with other countries\nand carry out Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy with\nrespect to environmental education issues.\n(3) With the 9th International E-waste Management\nNetwork Meeting held, the EPA will continue to\npromote the international e-waste recycling and\nmanagement network, establish e-waste management\npartnerships, develop recycling and management\nsystems, accumulate experience in developing\ninnovative technologies and foster the exchange of\ninternational e-waste management information.\n(4) The 2019 IEP-Vietnam Workshop was held\nto share practi c a l experiences and deepen\nenvironmental law enforcement cooperation in the\nAsian region. The EPA also held the 2019 Taiwan-US\nEnvironmental Protection Technological Cooperation\nAgreement Workshop, during which practices in the\nUS to enforce laws related to waste were elaborated.\nThe participants also received hands-on experience\nwith inspection and sampling equipment.\n(5) The Annual New Southbound Countries Air\nPollution Control Conference was held to discuss,\nexchange ideas and work out a mutually beneficial\ncooperation model to improve control of regional air\npollution in Asia.\n(6) The EPA organized the 2019 International\nChemicals and Mercury Control Seminar, where\nparticipants discussed chemical management policies\nand their implementation, as well as exchange ideas\non future challenges and developments.\n(7) The 2019 Asia-Pacific Seminar for Environmental\nHealth for Children took place for medical, healthcare,\npublic health, and environmental protection personnel\nto exchange ideas with each other. The goal was\nto raise public understanding and awareness of\nenvironmental health for children.\n(8) With the EU, the EPA co-hosted the 2019 Taiwan-\nEU Circular Economy Seminar, sharing experiences\nand achievements in plastic recycling, solar panel\ndesign and recycling and circular construction.\nIII. Promoting environmental cooperation with\ncountries targeted in the New Southbound\nPolicy\nTaiwan-Vietnam Environmental Education Youth\nExchange activities were organized. Participants from\ndifferent backgrounds exchanged their expectations\nand responses related to environmental issues,\nlearned from each other, shared cross-country and\ncross-field knowledge, and created openings for future\ncooperation.\nCourses on “Responding to Climate Change for\nSustainable Development” were organized to\npromote the government’s New Southbound Policy,\nstrengthen exchanges on environmental protection\nbetween Taiwan and Vietnam, and improve regional\nenvironmental quality.\nIV. Taiwan-Germany Environmental Forum\nThe second Taiwan-Germany Environmental Forum\nwas held to discuss issues such as circular economy,\nenergy conservation and carbon reduction, climate\nchange and energy transformation, and source\nreduction for plastic wastes. The forum provided\nan opportunity for representatives from industry,\ngovernment, academia and the research community\nto exchange ideas, and allowed Taiwan to learn\nfrom the experience of and approaches adopted by\nGermany. It also helped to strengthen cooperation\nbetween the two countries in the environmental\nfield.\nV. International Conference on Sustainable\nDevelopment Goals (SDGs)\nThe International Conference on a Sustainable\nTaiwan: Accelerating the Localization of UNSDGs,\nwas held to address three main topics: SDG\npromotion, SDG promotion strategies and result\nassessment, and social consensus building. Via\ndiscussions and experience sharing, the international\ncommunity, central and regional governments,\nindustry, academia, the research community and civic\norganizations worked together to formulate a new\nvision for the new generation.\nOutlook\nAs a member of the global village, Taiwan strives to\nplay its part alongside all other countries to promote\nworld peace, pursue sustainable development\nand contribute to maintaining the global ecological\nbalance. With a total of 12 conferences or events\norganized under IEP in 2019, as well as events\nscheduled for the years to come, initial progress\nhas been made in raising the level of Taiwan-US\ncooperation, solidifying cooperation objectives and\nexpanding international participation. Not only will the\nEPA continue showcasing Taiwan’s environmental\nprotection achievements to the international\ncommunity, it will strengthen relationships with\nother countries through assisting regional partners\nwith improving environmental quality, gradually\nestablishing positive interactions with high-level\nofficials in partnering countries and building mutual\ntrust.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "3", "assortment": "International Cooperation", "url": "V23\/V23-03" }, { "no": "3857", "title": "Waste Paper Tableware Requires Separate Recycling", "preview": "Recycling\nWaste Paper Tableware Requires Separate Recycling\nMany Taiwanese dine out frequently; hence, disposable tableware is used extensively. A common mistake\npeople make while recycling is they often dispose of it as general waste or put paper tableware together\nwith other regular paper waste. The EPA reminds the public that disposable tableware (cups, plates, bowls,\nboxes) should be recycled as “paper containers” and not be mixed with general paper waste.\n", "content": "The EPA points out that disposable paper tableware\nare treated with a layer of polyethylene (PE) or wax to\nincrease water and oil resistance. Therefore, they are\nsent to professional waste paper container recyclers,\nwho would recycle and regenerate them into pulp\nand plastic pellets to level up the recycling rate. If the\ndisposable paper tableware is mixed in with other\npaper waste and transported to regular paper mills for\nrecycling, as their recycling process is different from\ngeneral waste paper (such as photocopying paper,\nnewspapers, magazines, cartons, paper boxes, etc.),\nmost of them will be considered as general waste\nand sent to an incinerator or boiler accruing higher\ntreatment cost.\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3856", "title": "Responsible Enterprise Regulated Recyclable Waste\nManagement Regulations Amended\n", "preview": "Waste\nResponsible Enterprise Regulated Recyclable Waste\nManagement Regulations Amended\nThe Responsible Enterprise Regulated Recyclable Waste Management Regulations have gone through three\nrevisions since being promulgated and were last updated in the end of 2011. Since most of the enterprises\nresponsible for recycling are small-scale companies, the EPA has drafted the amendments to simplify the fee\npayment procedure for the convenience of responsible enterprises.\n", "content": "The EPA points out that there are currently more\nthan 36,000 registered responsible enterprises,\namong which 90% pay less than NT$100,000 of\nannual recycling fees. Considering that smaller\nresponsible enterprises usually pay lower fees, the\nEPA has proposed amendments to simplify the\npayment procedure of recycling, clearance, and\ndisposal fees to reduce interference in their business\noperation. According to the current regulations, the\nfee rate is decided based on the operating or import\nvolume regularly reported by the enterprises. In the\namendments, the EPA has added a new stipulation\nthat exempts small-scale responsible enterprises from\nregular reports, in which case the operating or import\nvolume will be assessed, designated and provided by\ncompetent authorities.\nCorresponding to technology and the internet's\nadvances, parts of the regulations were also reviewed\nand updated. For example, data and application can\nnow be submitted online.\nThe main points of the amendments are as follows:\n1. Responsible enterprises that have already been\nregistered in compliance with the Company Act,\nthe Business Registration Act, and the Valueadded\nand Non-value-added Business Tax Act, and\ntheir company information is accessible as public\ninformation provided by the Ministry of Economic\nAffairs or the Ministry of Finance, are exempt from\nsubmitting the information.\n2. Photocopies of relevant company or commercial\nregistration documents or identification documents\nissued by the industry competent authority are\nno longer required when enterprises apply for the\ncancellation of the responsible enterprise registration.\nIn addition, documents regarding the payment\nof recycling, clearance, and disposal fees will be\nprovided by the custodian bank of the Resource\nRecycling Fund and, therefore, will no longer be\nrequired.\nThe operating or import volume shall be reported\nonline. Specifics will be stipulated in newly added\nclauses.\n3. Operating or import volume criteria and calculating\nmethods were added for small-scale responsible\nenterprises eligible to pay recycling, clearance\nand disposal fees using the EPA designated rates.\nPayment will be exempt if the calculated fee is under\nNT$100. A 5% discount on the fees will also be given\nafter using the designated volume for 1.5 years.\n4. Guidelines are added for when enterprises using\nthe designated operating or import volume experience\nsignificant operation changes or when industry\ncompetent authorities find the enterprises underreport\nthe volume.\n5. The annual declaration application should be\nsubmitted with the declaration form and payment\nproof was deleted, the related procedures can be\napplied online instead.\n6. After obtaining the approval of competent\nauthorities, fees over NT$100,000 can be paid in\ninstallments.\n7. Responsible enterprises who have accidentally\nor intentionally underreported the operating volume\nshall be punished based on the Regulations for\nDetermination of Fines for Violations of the Waste\nDisposal Act ( 廢棄物清理法).\n8. Responsible enterprises not eligible to make\npayments based on the designated ratio shall report\ndata on operation and import value and pay the fees\nwithin the deadline given by competent authorities.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3855", "title": "Electroplating Firm Receives Severe Penalties for Illegal\nWastewater Discharge\n", "preview": "Inspection\nElectroplating Firm Receives Severe Penalties for Illegal\nWastewater Discharge\nA t the end of January 2019, the EPA joined forces with the Taichung City Environmental Protection Bureau\nand the Taichung District Prosecutors Office, and cracked down on an electroplating factory for illegal\nwastewater bypass. The three owners of the factory, who claimed to have recycled all their wastewater, were\ncharged under the Water Pollution Control Act ( 水污染防治法) and the Criminal Code ( 刑法） of the Republic\nof China.\n", "content": "Recycling 100% of wastewater and leaving zero\ndischarge requires a high cost and advanced\ntechnologies. Wastewater produced by electroplating\nbusinesses normally contains high concentrations\nof substances harmful to human health. Therefore,\nwastewater collection and treatment facilities should\nbe properly installed and carefully maintained in\nelectroplating enterprises.\nThe electroplating factory obtained their water pollution\ncontrol permit by falsely claiming that they recycled\nall their wastewater. However, the EPA discovered\nt h a t t h e r e p o r t e d a m o u n t s o f w a t e r u s a g e ,\nwastewater production and recycled wastewater\nwere unbalanced. After using IoT sensors to monitor\nthe surrounding drainage channels of the factory,\nthe EPA obtained evidence of illegal discharge\ncontaining a nickel concentration 330 times higher\nthan the standards.\nIn the early morning of 26 January 2019, the EPA,\npolice and prosecutors office carried out a joint\ninspection on the illegal effluent. They discovered\nthat the company had been bypassing heavy metalcontaining\nwastewater through storage tanks and\nducts hidden underground to reduce the cost of\nwastewater treatment and using groundwater to\nmake up for the water needed in the manufacturing\nprocess.\nIn addition, the EPA found that several wastewater\ntreatment facilities and procedures in the factory failed\nto meet the requirements specified in the permit.\nBecause of the improper collection of wastewater\nand poorly maintained transportation and storage\nequipment, highly acidic wastewater was discharged\ninto the adjacent water bodies. The owners of the\ncompany have been charged with serious violations\nunder the Water Pollution Control Act. The company's\noperation has also been suspended, and the owners\nwill be facing an expensive penalty and confiscation of\nillegal gains that amount to roughly NT$25 million.\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Inspection", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3854", "title": "Regulations for Handlers of Certain Toxic Chemical\nSubstances to Install Detection and Alerting Equipment\n", "preview": "Chemicals\nRegulations for Handlers of Certain Toxic Chemical\nSubstances to Install Detection and Alerting Equipment\nOn 9 January 2020, the EPA announced the Handlers of Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances\nRequired to Install Automated Detection Equipment with Online Connection to Competent Authorities.\nThe regulation mandates operators of facilities handling Class 1 to Class 3 toxic chemical substances or\nhazardous concerned substances announced by the EPA to install automated detection equipment that records\nand shares data with local environmental bureaus. The announcement will take effect on 31 December 2021.\n", "content": "Phosgene and hydrogen cyanide are highly toxic\ngases with low IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life\nand Health) values. Inhalation of either gas can cause\nimmediate health impacts or even death. Hence, to\nincrease handling security of the two gases, handling\nfacilities are required to directly transmits monitoring\ndata to local competent authorities. The system\nallows competent authorities to perform immediate\nemergency response in the event of leakage or other\naccidents.\nIf the handling facilities meet the following criteria, the\nannouncement will take effect on 31 December 2021,\nand operators are required to submit online connection\nverification reports and complete the connection prior\nto the promulgation date.\n1. Facilities where phosgene is manufactured, used or\nstored.\n2. Facilities where hydrogen cyanide is manufactured,\nused or stored, with a total quantity reaching 100 kg\non any given day.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3853", "title": "Principles for Screening and Classifying Toxic Chemical\nSubstances Amended\n", "preview": "Chemicals\nPrinciples for Screening and Classifying Toxic Chemical\nSubstances Amended\nThe Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (hereinafter referred to as the Act) ( 毒\n性及關注化學物質管理法) amended on 16 January 2019 added concerned chemical substances\nas a new category of substances to be regulated. Accordingly, the Principles for Screening and\nClassifying Toxic Chemical Substances have been revised and renamed as the Principles for\nScreening and Classifying Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances (Hereinafter the Principles).\n", "content": "The purpose of the revision was to expand the source\ncontrol of chemical substances. Conforming to the\ndefinition of Class 4 toxic chemical substances, the\nPrinciples add concerned chemical substances as a\nnew category, expand the data sources of chemical\nsubstance lists and stipulate relevant classification\nprinciples. In addition, the Principles stipulate that\na chemical substance reaching a certain risk level\nbased on the hazard classification in CNS 15030 can\nbe classified as a hazardous concerned chemical\nsubstance.\nThe EPA stresses that the process of screening,\nclassifying, and announcing a toxic and concerned\nc h e m i c a l s u b s t a n c e t o r e g u l a t e c a n b e v e r y\ntime-consuming. It involves consulting experts\nand scholars, industry competent authorities\nand stakeholders while taking the substance’s\ncharacteristics and its international and domestic\ncontrol status into account. Hence, to increase\ncontrol efficiency, stipulations have been added to the\nPrinciples that allow the assessment procedure to be\nsimplified when the control status of the substance is\nclear both internationally and domestically or when\ndifferent industries have reached a consensus on the\nclassification of the substance.\nThe screening and classifying procedures for toxic\nand concerned substances are as follows:\n1. Establishing a list of data sources for chemical\nsubstances by referring to domestic and international\nregulations and scientific articles.\n2. Creating a watch list of chemical substances based\non chemical and physical characteristics, toxicity,\nenvironmental impacts and consumption issues.\n3. Listing substances as prospective toxic and\nconcerned substances based on the classification\nprinciples of each category, consultation meetings\nwith experts and scholars, and opinions of industry\ncompetent authorities, relevant industry associations,\nor stakeholders.\n4. Recommending a list of substances to be regulated\nafter evaluating the current handling and regulating\nplans for prospective substances.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3852", "title": "Mercury-Containing Import Ban Planned for January 2021", "preview": "Waste\nMercury-Containing Import Ban Planned for January 2021\nDue to the harm caused by mercury to the environment and human health, along with the recent\ndecrease in demand for mercury-containing products, the EPA preannounced that starting\non 1 January 2021, the import of mercury-containing switches and relays, high-pressure mercuryvapor\nlamps for common lighting, and non-electronic measuring instruments will be banned.\n", "content": "The global trend in mercury control is to gradually limit\nand ultimately ban mercury-containing products. The\nUN’s Minamata Convention on Mercury took effect\non 16 August 2017, banning the manufacture, import\nand export of mercury-containing switches and relays,\nhigh-pressure mercury-vapor lamps for common\nlighting, and non-electronic measuring instruments\nsuch as barometers, hydrometers, pressure gauges,\nthermometers and sphygmomanometers by the end\nof 2020, as stipulated by Article 4 paragraph 1 and\nAttachment A.\nThe EPA announced the Restrictions on the Import\nand Sale of Mercury Thermometers in 2008. Based\non the Regulations Concerning Toxic Chemical\nSubstances Listed for Control and Relevant\nOperations and Management announced and\nrevised by the Toxic and Chemical Substances\nBureau on 5 July 2019, mercury can no longer be\nused to manufacture switches, relays, high-pressure\nmercury-vapor lamps for common lighting, and nonelectronic\nmeasuring instruments such as barometers,\nhydrometers, pressure gauges, thermometers, and\nsphygmomanometers, starting 1 January 2021. With\nthe schedule for banning the manufacture of mercurycontaining\nproducts already announced, further\ncontrols on imports are still required.\nDue to the hazards mercury poses to the environment\nand human health, as well as the falling need for\nmercury-containing products owing to advances in\nelectronic instruments and consumer electronics,\nthe EPA preannounced the import ban of the\naforementioned products so as to strengthen controls\nstarting in 2021, in compliance with the Minamata\nConvention on Mercury.\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3851", "title": "Revisions to Allow Public Scrutiny in Operation\nResumption of Suspended Stationary Sources\n", "preview": "Air\nRevisions to Allow Public Scrutiny in Operation\nResumption of Suspended Stationary Sources\nOn 31 January 2020, the EPA announced revisions to the Management Regulations Concerning\nOperation Resumption and Trial Run Evaluation for Stationary Pollution Sources in Public and\nPrivate Premises (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations). The revisions stipulate the guidelines the\nstationary pollution sources that have been suspended by competent authorities for major violations to\nthe Air Pollution Control Act shall follow when resuming their operation. The revisions also include a new\nrule requiring public and private premises to make their trial run plans available online for public scrutiny.\n", "content": "In addition, the amended regulations also require city\nor county competent authorities to take opinions of\ninterested parties and non-profit organizations into\naccount while reviewing the trial run plans submitted\nby the public and private premises. The minutes of the\nmeetings for the review of trial run plans shall also be\nmade public on the website designated by the central\ncompetent authority.\nAmendments to the Air Pollution Control Act\nannounced on 1 August 2018 added stipulations\nconcerning stationary sources with major violations.\nThey authorize competent authorities to shorten\nthe permit duration at permit renewal, to order the\nviolators to cease operation or close down, to annul\nthe operation permit, or to impose other severe\npenalties when necessary. In order to perfect the\nregulation and strengthen the enforcement, the\nRegulations were formulated with reference to the\naforementioned amendments and suggestions\nbrought up in the National Affairs Conference on\nJudicial Reform. They have increased information\ntransparency and the public’s right to know as\nsuggested.\nIn the future, major violators applying for resumption\nof business shall make legally designated documents\naccessible for the public to view and provide opinions.\nTo increase review credibility, city or county competent\nauthorities are also required to provide on-site\nsupervision in relevant processes. The Regulations\nwere developed after comprehensive reviews and\nadjustments and are an important puzzle piece for\ncompleting the guidelines for stationary pollution\nsources with major violations to follow when applying\nfor operation or business resumption.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3850", "title": "Supplemental Air Pollution Restrictions During Specified\nDeteriorated Air Quality Advisory Period Announced\n", "preview": "Air\nSupplemental Air Pollution Restrictions During Specified\nDeteriorated Air Quality Advisory Period Announced\nOn 6 February 2020, the EPA announced the Air Polluting Acts During the Specified Deteriorated Air\nQuality Advisory Period, which stipulates that during specified deteriorated air quality advisory periods,\nwhen particulate matter or fine particulate matter concentration reaches the criteria for Level 1 Alert for\ntwo consecutive days or longer, controls on seven potentially air-polluting activities will be intensified.\n", "content": "The EPA pointed out that air quality monitoring data\nover the years shows PM2.5 as one of the major\ncauses of poor air quality index (AQI) readings in\nTaiwan. Besides particulate pollutants, VOCs are also\nprecursors and sources of PM2.5. To take preventive\nactions ahead of issuing alerts for deteriorated air\nquality, several air-polluting acts are announced as\nsubjects for control. These include using leaf blowers\nat roadsides and parks, mixing asphaltic concrete,\nscraping and paving roads, demolishing buildings,\nloading and unloading concrete materials in a nonclosed\nmanner at ports, open-air spray (or sand)\npainting at construction projects, and cleaning boilers\nand the petrochemical industry’s organic liquid\nstorage tanks.\nIn Taiwan, from approximately 1 October to 31\nMarch the following year, due to meteorological and\ngeographic factors, air pollutants tend to accumulate\nin the atmosphere and deteriorate air quality.\nAccording to the control principles specified in the\nRegulations Governing Emergency Measures to\n1. Some uses are excluded in the calculation of\nnational consumption of HCFCs.\n2. HCFC uses in the manufacturing of rocket engines\nand aerosol propellants used in treatments for burns\nare exempted. For refrigeration and air conditioning\nsystem maintenance, the revision only restricts the\nallocation schedule accordingly.\n3. Following the policy to lower national annual\nconsumption, allocation calculation standards are set\nrespectively for manufacturers and suppliers already\nqualified for allocation and those that newly apply for\nthe allocation.\n4. Based on the Montreal Protocol’s exemptions on\nallowed uses, regulations on exempted uses and\ncomplementary measures are newly added.\n5. To deal with situations in which manufacturers\npermitted to use HCFCs cannot sell their unused\na l l o c a t i o n s , r e v i s i o n s w e r e m a d e t o a l l o w\nmanufacturers to sell HCFCs in stock back to their\nsuppliers after obtaining the central competent\nauthority’s permission.\n6. A revision was added to stipulate that when\nimporters violate Article 7 of the HCFC Consumption\nManagement Regulations by bringing in products\nand equipment that contain HCFCs without being\npermitted to do so, but do not commit concealment or\nfalse reporting violations, the importers must return\nand ship out the items within the period required by\nthe Customs Act ( 關稅法).\nPrevent Serious Worsening of Air Quality ( 空氣品\n質嚴重惡化緊急防制辦法), to ameliorate conditions\nwhen air quality reaches critically poor levels, air\npollution-reducing measures shall be implemented.\nHence, suspension of the aforementioned air\npolluting activities during specified periods were\nannounced.\nUsing Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network (https:\/\/\ntaqm.epa.gov.tw\/taqm\/tw\/AqiForecast.aspx) reports\ngiven daily at 10:30 AM, the EPA continually monitors\nthe three-day outlook for air quality factors. If the\nforecast is determined to meet certain conditions,\nalerts will be issued on the Air Quality Improvement\nand Maintenance Information Website (https:\/\/air.epa.\ngov.tw\/). City and county environmental bureaus are\nthen asked to issue alerts on their official websites\nby the end of the same day, notifying those in their\njurisdictions that engage in the seven air-polluting acts\nto suspend such acts during the control periods.\nThose notified but failing to comply will be fined\nVol. XXIII Issue 2, 2020 Electronic Environmental Policy Monthly\n6\nbetween NT$1,200 and NT$100,000. If the violator\nis at an industrial or commercial site, the fine may\nrange from NT$100,000 to NT$5 million. If air quality\nimproves and no longer meets the alert conditions,\nalerts will be withdrawn and notifications sent in the\nsame way they are issued.\nMixing asphaltic concrete is a major air-polluting act.\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3849", "title": "D r a f t P r e a n n o u n c e d f o r R e v i s i o n o f t h e\nHydrochlorofluorocarbon Consumption Management\nRegulations\n", "preview": "Air\nD r a f t P r e a n n o u n c e d f o r R e v i s i o n o f t h e\nHydrochlorofluorocarbon Consumption Management\nRegulations\nAfter five revisions, the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Consumption Management Regulations\n( 氟氯烴消費量管理辦法) will undergo another amendment to comply with the control schedule\nset by the Montreal Protocol. The Protocol requires lowering the consumption to 0.5% of the\nbaseline level by 1 January 2020. The upcoming revision will amend the regulation accordingly.\n", "content": "To comply with the Montreal Protocol, the EPA\npromulgated the HCFC Consumption Management\nRegulations on 15 January 2003 to control the\nproduction, import, export, and use of HCFCs listed\nunder the Montreal Protocol.\nThe EPA noted that this revision is to comply with\nthe Montreal Protocol’s HCFC control schedule that\nrequires lowering the consumption to 0.5% of the\nbaseline level by 1 January 2020. It also complies with\nthe Protocol’s newly added decision that HCFCs shall\nonly be used for the maintenance for refrigeration,\nair conditioners, or fire extinguishing equipment\nand systems in existence as of 2020, as well as for\ncleaning usages in rocket engine manufacturing or in\nthe production of certain treatments for burns.\nThe revision will affect Taiwan’s annual usage of\nabout 45 Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) tons of\nHCFCs for the maintenance of refrigeration and air\nconditioning equipment. Handheld fire extinguishers\nare already manufactured with alternative chemicals,\nand there is no need for HCFCs in Taiwan for\ncleaning usages in rocket engine manufacturing or\nin producing treatments for burns. Adding the new\nexempted uses with this revision updates Taiwan’s\nregulations to international standards.\nThe main points of the revision are as follows:\nVol. XXIII Issue 2 Electronic Environmental Policy Monthly February 2020\n5\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3848", "title": "Motorcycle Control Measures", "preview": "Air\nMotorcycle Control Measures\nMotorcycles are fast-running, economical, easy to operate and have more parking spaces available\nto them. They are thus very suitable for short-distance travel. Due to Taiwan’s limited land and high\npopulation density, motorcycles have become the most common means of transportation, numbering 13.73\nmillion in total. To control pollution from motorcycle emissions, the central government is currently taking\nmeasures in the following four areas: phasing in tightened emission standards on new vehicles, establishing\ninspection and testing systems, promoting clean fuels, and phasing out old motorcycles. Together, the\nmeasures will provide comprehensive control of motorcycle pollution emissions from the design and production\nstages all the way to end-use, effectively reducing air pollution from mobile sources and improving air quality.\n", "content": "I. Tightening emission standards on new\nvehicles in phases\nThe EPA’s control of motorcycle emissions began\nover 30 years ago on 1 January 1988 with Phase\n1 emission control standards, while Phase 6\ncommenced on 1 July 2017. To keep up with global\nmotorcycle technology development trends and\nFeature Article\nElectronic Environmental\nPolicy Monthly\nvehicle emission regulations, Phase 7 air pollutant\nstandards for motorcycle emissions are to be\nimplemented on 1 January 2021.\nControls on new vehicles include new model approval\ninspections, new vehicle random inspections, and\ninspections on pollution emitting components.\nMotorcycles are the most common means of\n2\ntransportation in Taiwan, and their large numbers\nmake them a major air pollution source. Besides\nmeasures such as periodic exhaust inspections,\nroadside inspections, and incentives to phase out old\nmotorcycles, it is also necessary to gradually tighten\nemission standards for new motorcycle models.\nII. Establishing inspection and testing\nsystems\nA. Regular inspections\nMotorcycles over five years old shall be brought to\nmotorcycle emission inspection stations every year\nfor inspection, within the period from one month\nbefore to one month after the anniversary month of\nthe original issuance of the driver's license. If the\ninspection results do not meet the emission standards\nset out in Article 36 paragraph 2 of the Air Pollution\nControl Act ( 空氣污染防制法), the motorcycle shall\nbe repaired and undergo a second inspection within\none month.\nB. Random and roadside inspections\nAccording to the Air Pollution Control Act, industry\ncompetent authorities of different levels can perform\nrandom emission testing or inspections on in-use\nmobile pollution sources at train stations, airports,\nroadsides, ports, water bodies or other suitable\nplaces. They can also notify the owners of vehicles\nwith high pollution risk to bring their vehicles to\ndesignated places for inspection within a given\nperiod. The authorized random testing or inspection\nat suitable places ensures that motorcycles meet\nemission standards even after being used for a period\nof time and increases drivers’ awareness to regularly\nmaintain their vehicles.\nIII. New vehicle approval inspection, recall,\nand correction\nControls on new vehicles include new model approval\ninspections, new vehicle random inspections, and\ninspections on pollution emitting components.\nW h e t h e r v e h i c l e s a r e m a d e d o m e s t i c a l l y o r\nimported, enterprises are required to apply for\na Compliance Certification for Gasoline Vehicle\nEmissions Inspections from the EPA. They have to\nsubmit all documents for the new models and test\nreports showing compliance with emission, on board\ndiagnostic, and endurance standards. Only when\nreviews are complete and the certification is granted\ncan sales of new models commence. Moreover,\nthe EPA mandates enterprises that have obtained\nemission certificates to set up a complete quality\nIn the past five years, the number of two-stroke\nmotorcycles in Taiwan has decreased significantly\n3\ncontrol system. Sample testing for emission pollution\nare to be conducted randomly on vehicles, whether\nfrom assembly lines or imported, at a ratio required by\nlaw. Quality control test results, production and sales\ninformation shall also be submitted to the EPA on a\nmonthly basis.\nAnnual random testing is conducted by the EPA\non manufacturers' or importers’ new motorcycles.\nRandomly chosen motorcycles are sent to designated\ntesting facilities for emission tests to ensure\nmotorcycles meet standards. If test results show\nincompliance, the models’ emission compliance\ncertificates will be revoked. All potentially noncomplying\nmotorcycles that have been sold must be\nrecalled for correction within a given period of time.\nNot only are new motorcycles required to meet\nemission standards, motorcycles within their durability\nwarranty period must also comply with the same\nemission standards. According to the regulations, the\ndurability warranty period for Phases 6 and 7 emission\nstandards is five years or 20,000 km of travel for\nmotorcycles whose maximum speed is under 130 km\/h,\nor five years or 35,000 km of travel for motorcycles\nwhose maximum speed is 130 km\/h or more.\nFor in-use motorcycles, the EPA also conducts annual\ntesting for recalls and correction, choosing vehicles\nwithin their durability warranty periods and testing\ntheir pollution emissions. This is to ensure that inuse\nmotorcycles within their durability warranty period\nare compliant with emission standards. Should any\nmotorcycle fail the testing, manufacturers or importers\nwill be mandated to recall potentially non-complying\nvehicles that have already been sold to undergo\ncorrection within a given period of time. Through the\nabove measures, comprehensive controls at all stages\nfor motorcycle pollution emissions – from design and\nproduction to in-use – are implemented.\nIV. Proactive actions: expediting the\nphasing out of old motorcycles\nDue to Taiwan’s limited land and high population density, motorcycles have\nbecome the most common means of transportation, numbering 13.73 million.\n4\nTo expedite the phasing out of old and high-polluting\nmotorcycles, in 2008 the EPA began to subsidize the\nphasing out of two-stroke motorcycles. It also started\nto subsidize the trade-in of two-stroke motorcycles\nfor electric ones in accordance with the Electric\nMotorcycle Industry Development and Promotion Plan\n(2009-2013) approved by the Executive Yuan. A few\nyears later, the EPA combined the related programs\nand increased the subsidy for electric two-wheeled\nvehicles (electric motorcycles, electric bicycles and\nelectric-assisted bicycles) and promulgated the\nRegulations Governing Subsidies for Scrapping\nTwo-Stroke Motorcycles and Purchasing New Twowheeled\nElectric Vehicles on 20 July 2015, in a\nfurther attempt to encourage the scrapping of twostroke\nmotorcycles and promote two-wheeled electric\nvehicles. Furthermore, in a multi-pronged approach\nto speed up the replacement of old motorcycles,\nthe EPA expanded subsidization for trade-ins of\nmotorcycles manufactured before 30 June 2007 for\npetrol-fueled environmentally friendly motorcycles or\nelectric two-wheeled vehicles from 2020, and targeted\nold motorcycles as the main focus for inspection and\ncontrol.\nV. Future Outlook\nThe vehicle emission control system with respect\nto motorcycles is fairly established in Taiwan at this\nstage. On this basis, promoting the use of the mass\ntransportation system and reducing the use of private\nvehicles will reduce pollution from motor vehicles\nmore effectively. Henceforth, the EPA will keep\npushing for the use of clean vehicles and clean fuels,\nwith planning and utilization of the mass transportation\nsystem as the medium-term goal. Moreover, as a\nlong-term sustainable development goal, it will seek\nto reduce the use of private vehicles in order to lower\npollution from traffic and move toward a truly clean\nplanet.\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "2", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-02" }, { "no": "3847", "title": "2019 Circular Economy Evaluation Results", "preview": "Waste\n2019 Circular Economy Evaluation Results \n\nTo encourage businesses that actively support waste utilization and reuse, the EPA focused on plastics in 2019 and did an evaluation of renewable resource utilization, aiming to promote a circular economy. Many excellent examples were used to help other businesses improve technology and enhance reuse of renewable resources. A seminar was held on 31 December 2019 to exchange experiences as well as commend outstanding businesses. \n", "content": "In response to international concern for plastic waste, the EPA carried out an evaluation of plastic waste in 2019. The following were listed as evaluated targets: waste utilization and disposal operators, businesses disposing of regulated recyclable wastes, and reuse operators approved by the EPA. There were seven major areas and 16 detailed indices under three major categories for evaluation, including core, comprehensive, and extra-point indices, while experts and scholars were invited as evaluators who checked submitted data, reviewed documents, and conducted onsite inspections. Three businesses received a twos-tar (excellent) rating, and two a one-star (very good) rating. \n\nAll businesses under evaluation had merits of their own. For instance, the two-star Chung King Enterprise Co., Ltd. is the first in Taiwan to recycle, clean, and reuse wafer carriers instead of manufacturing disposable carriers. Chang Chun Group’s artificial resin factory in Hsinchu, which received a one-star rating, turned waste plates used for drilling in manufacturing printed circuit boards into raw materials for phenolic molding powder. \n\nOther commended businesses were those handling waste plastic for common reuse, such as Horng En Plastics (two-star), Fang Tai Plastics (two-star), and Hong Sheng Environmental Technology (one-star). They were chosen for efforts to improve renewable resource quality by setting their own quality control lab, getting verified by a third party, or becoming certified home and abroad. Their performances on localizing manufacturing, research and development of technology, and opening new channels for renewable products earned high praise from evaluation members. The EPA expressed its hope that businesses will continue to properly collect, utilize and reuse wastes generated from the industrial manufacturing process via systematic planning and design. As circular economy and enhancement of resource utilization efficiency is a global trend, all should aim for sustainable and circular use of resources by gradually elevating circular economy values, collaborating among different industries, and sharing environmental resources \n\n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1)\n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3846", "title": "New Regulations, Major Policies, and Major Construction\nto Be Completed or Commenced in 2020\n", "preview": "General policy\nNew Regulations, Major Policies, and Major Construction\nto Be Completed or Commenced in 2020\nTo simplify administration for the public’s convenience, the EPA announced a raft of new environmental measures that entered into effect on 1 January 2020. These include (shown in the below table):\n", "content": "Items Contents\n1. Onsite collection will be fully implemented by the Recycling Care Program in 2020 ˙ To lessen individual businesses’ burdens and expedite cleaning speed, the EPA has asked all county and city environmental bureaus to provide onsite collection at individual businesses’ storage sites that need assistance.\n˙ The measure above will take effect starting 1 January 2020.\n2. The Subsidization Method for Replacing Old Motorcycles With New Ones (機車汰舊換新補助辦法) will be implemented. ˙ Subsidies will be expanded for replacing old motorcycles (manufactured before 30 June 2007) with electric motorcycles or fuel-burning motorcycles that comply with the seventh emission standards.\n˙ NT$1 billion is expected to be set aside to reduce air pollution generated by old vehicles. Purchase of large heavy electric motorcycles or fuel-burning motorcycles that comply with the seventh emission standards to phase out old motorcycles will be subsidized with NT$5,000 in 2020 and NT$3,000 in 2021. Purchase of electric motorcycles or electric-power auxiliary bicycles, except for large heavy types, is subsidized with NT$3,000 in 2020 and NT$1,000 in 2021\n˙ Subsidization will be available between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021.\n3. Sales of toxic and concerned chemical substances are banned in online stores ˙ It is prohibited to sell or transfer announced toxic or concerned chemical substances via online shopping or trading platforms that do not show client identification. Liabilities are added for platform businesses that violate the rules.\n˙ The ban will take effect on 16 January 2020.\n4. Gravel-contact treatment project in Jingtong, Yunlin ˙ By using natural purification of water cycle, the project aims to cut down water pollution in Shinhuwei Stream in order to provide residents with leisure areas. Treated water can be used for irrigation. The project is expected to complete in February 2020.\n5. Based on the revised Targets and Implementation Methods for Single-use Utensil Ban (免洗餐具限制使用對象及實施方式) announced on 8 August 2019, department stores, shopping malls, and retail stores (not including chain convenience stores and chain fast food restaurants) are not to provide any single-use utensils made of any materials (including cups, bowls, plates, saucers, meal boxes, plates placed inside meal boxes to contain food, chopsticks, spoons, knives, forks, and stirrers) when consumers eat at the provided food venues. Food is not to be placed in plates that have plastic bags over. Regional competent authorities will first submit proposed implementation dates. The measures above will take effect after the dates are approved by the central government. ˙ Effective starting 1 January 2020 in department stores and shopping malls in Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Taichung City, Tainan City, Penghu County, Yilan County, and Hualien County.\n˙ Effective starting 1 February 2020 in the retail industry, department stores and shopping malls in Taitung County. \n˙ Effective starting 1 March 2020 in department stores and shopping malls in Kaohsiung City.\n˙ Effective starting 1 May 2020 in department stores and shopping malls in Hsinchu City.\n˙ Effective starting 1 July 2020 in department stores and shopping malls in Keelung City.\n˙ Effective starting 1 January 2020 in the retail industry in Yilan County and Hualien County.\n˙ Effective starting 1 May 2020 in the retail industry in Taipei City, New Taipei City, Kaohsiung City, Taoyuan City, and Hsinchu City..\n˙ Effective starting 1 July 2020 in the retail industry in Changhua and Keelung City.\n\n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1)\n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "General policy", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3845", "title": "Toxic Chemical Substances Labeling Regulations Amended", "preview": "chemicals\nToxic Chemical Substances Labeling Regulations Amended\n\nAccording to the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法」) amended and promulgated on 16 January 2019, the EPA, after considering the implementation for advanced practices and responding to the newly added concerned chemical substances, amended the Toxic Chemical Substances Labeling and Materials Safety Data Sheets Regulations ( 毒性化學物質標示及安全資料 表管理辦法). Furthermore, the name of the Regulations was also changed to the Toxic Chemical Substances Labeling and Materials Safety Data Sheets Regulations ( 毒性及關注化學物質標示與安全資料表管理辦法). \n", "content": "The EPA stated that in case containers and packaging of items are not suitable for labeling due to special factors such as area, shape or material, the alternatives of folding, hanging or labeling on the outer packages were added in the regulations. Relevant labels and safety data sheets of the toxic and concerned chemical substances should be in Chinese to display information that is readable and fully comprehensible by the public to ensure transmission in between the supply chains. Meanwhile, given the Ministry of Labor's Hazardous Chemicals Labeling and General Rules (危害性化學品標示及通識規則), it is now mandatory for handlers to frequently review data sheet contents, update them at least once every three years, and keep previous sheets as record for future reviews. \n\nThe EPA stressed that to reduce the administrative work of repeatedly setting up announcement boards or preparing safety data sheets, the announcement boards and contents, if also required by other regulations for these substances, must be set up together accordingly. The same safety data sheets can be used for toxic and concerned chemical substances, whose hazardous ingredients, uses, and hazards are the same even though they have different concentrations. Concerning revisions for mandatory labeling and safety data sheets, a one-year buffer period is given. \n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1) \n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3844", "title": "Taiwan and Korea Combine Efforts in Soi l and Groundwater Protection Expo", "preview": "Soil and groundwater\nTaiwan and Korea Combine Efforts in Soi l and Groundwater Protection Expo \n\nA 15-member delegation from South Korea was in Taiwan from 16 to 20 December 2019 for events related to the Taiwan-South Korea Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Soil and Groundwater Protection. Events included the MOU’s 10th Steering Committee Meeting and technical forums. Led by Young-Hoon Kim, Director of South Korean Ministry of Environment (MOE) Integrated Water Management Bureau, the delegates included Korean experts and scholars of soil and groundwater protection from both the public and private sectors. This bilateral MOU has set a foundation for international cooperation among different markets and regions. \n\n", "content": "The EPA and the South Korean MOE signed the Taiwan-South Korea MOU on Soil and Groundwater Protection on 27 August 2012. It has opened up opportunities for technological exchanges on soil and groundwater protection issues and built a mutually beneficial cooperation mechanism in the international market. \n\nEPA Executive Director Huichen Chien noted that, in regard to Taiwan-South Korea technological cooperation on soil and groundwater protection, the annual steering committee meeting continued to create win-win situations via this platform. Moreover, it further strengthened official relations and facilitated exchanges and sharing of environmental policies and technological innovations on both sides. In the meantime, both the EPA and the MOE have jointly promoted multiple industrial and academic cooperation programs that cover diverse pollution sites’ management, gas station pollution remediation, onsite and offsite remediation for petroleum products, and remediation and control of heavy metal pollution of groundwater. Both sides have also gone from learning from each other to progressing together. The ongoing joint research on smart groundwater control is a good example of this. \n\nAs of the end of November 2019, there were a total of 8,713 polluted sites in Taiwan, and 5,980 sites, accounting for 69%, have completed remediation and been taken off the control list. The remaining 2,733 sites (31%) are still on the pollution control list. Furthermore, 2,349 sites under control are farmlands. All polluted farmlands are expected to be delisted by the end of 2021. The regional competent authorities are in charge of supervising businesses on their remediation work at industrial pollution sites based on the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act. \n\nThe 2019 exchange activities began in the morning on 17 December with Executive Director Huichen Chien and Director Young-Hoon Kim going through the items on the MOU together. On 18 December, Taiwanese and Korean experts and scholars attended the technological forum and had extensive discussions on academic and industrial cooperation programs, innovative technology of soil and groundwater investigation and remediation. Both countries are able to combine their respective research capacity via the forum. For instance, Taiwan has expertise in onsite remediation technology, while South Korea’s strength lies in offsite treatment, and such occasions offered a chance to find ways to cooperate and mutually benefit each other. Finally, under the MOU structure, Taiwan and South Korea have gained understanding of each other to an extent by exchanging experiences on soil and groundwater protection management, policies and technology. It is hoped that both countries’ capacity in pollution remediation will increase, and these long-term bilateral achievements will make a solid foundation for potential regional cooperation in the future. \n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1) \n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "Soil and groundwater", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3843", "title": "World Soil Day Calls for Care and Protection of Taiwan’s Treasure ", "preview": "Soil and groundwater\nWorld Soil Day Calls for Care and Protection of Taiwan’s Treasure \nThe fifth of December is World Soil Day, a day the world pays tribute to the importance of soil. Soil is the most precious environmental resource on Earth. Taiwan possesses abundant and diverse soil resources, which act as a key player in climate change mitigation. To achieve sustainable soil utilization, the EPA has been improving soil pollution and protecting soil quality while encouraging public engagement on World Soil Day. This is also in line with the UNFCCC’s value of building healthy soil, ultimately for sustainable development and its key mitigating functions. \n", "content": "The EPA expressed that despite Taiwan’s small area, there are unique and diverse factors that form a multitude of different kinds of soil. In fact, Taiwan can be seen as the world’s soil museum for being home to 11 out of the 12 soil orders under the USDA Soil Taxonomy. However, this spectacular world of soil is little known to the public. Rarely do people realize that one centimeter of soil takes thousands of years to form. However, the soil that’s 100 centimeters under human feet in areas where major human activities are carried out is easily prone to pollution from human action. \n\nAccording to the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act passed in 2010, the EPA has investigated potentially risky areas that include farmlands, gas stations, large storage tanks, illegal dumping sites, and abandoned factories. The investigation is followed by remediation work to ensure and maintain soil quality. It all aims to prevent soil and groundwater pollution, achieve sustainable resource utilization, and safeguard public health. In the meantime, the EPA has been working hard to remediate pollution sites. By 31 October 2019, a total of 8,702 sites had been listed, and 68% of that (5,935 sites) had been improved and delisted. It surely is an encouraging result as the EPA continues the work of protecting soil quality. \n\nSoil is closely connected to people’s lives, and for years the EPA, through various campaigns, has been reminding the public to care for and protect it. The EPA emphasizes that for policy guidance there is the UNFCCC, the ongoing global action against climate change, and also the Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Soil Management published in 2017 by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Besides listing soil pollution prevention or reduction as one of the nine sustainable soil management indices, the guidelines point out that healthy soil is significant in increasing carbon absorption, lowering greenhouse gas levels, ensuring food production safety, and improving water resource management. After combining relevant conventions and content discussed among signatories, the EPA is striving towards promoting soil’s function of mitigating climate change and designing sustainable management strategies based on each department’s implementation and resources. Moreover, col laboration and research with other countries is underway, with more international experts involved and measures implemented in other countries as references, aiming to intensify soil pollution prevention and promote its environmental functions and utilization. Finally, the EPA is calling on the public to protect this most precious resource and ultimately maintain and foster sustainable and healthy soil. \n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1) \n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "soil and groundwater", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3842", "title": "Results of Food Safety Policies Examined to Enhance Control", "preview": "chemicals\nResults of Food Safety Policies Examined to Enhance Control \n\nOn 10 December 2019, the Executive Yuan’s Office of Food Safety held a meeting to review the results of five major food safety policies and enhance Taiwan’s mechanisms for food safety management. Suggestions from all sides were collected in order to improve relevant policies and maintain food safety for the public. \n", "content": "The meeting was also attended by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Council of Agriculture, the EPA, and the Ministry of Education. Other invitees included members of the Executive Yuan Food Safety Committee, experts, scholars, legislators, as well as representatives from civic and industry organizations. \n\nLooking back on the 2018 meeting, policies concerning care and handling of eggs, ingredient control for liquid eggs, use of domestically produced, traceable produce and food for school lunch were all well recognized by the attendees. Many suggestions as well as references for future policies were offered. \n\nThere were many exchanges in this year’s meeting concerning the following: reviewing the five major food safety policies’ implementation and results, sanitary control for the breakfast industry, and strengthening source control in agriculture. Other topics included pushing f o r expedited mass spectrometry, school lunch quality control measures and future improvement, source control and risk communication for chemical substances with potential risks on food safety. All participants showed determination to safeguard Taiwan’s food safety. \n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1) \n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3841", "title": "Illegal Gains from Violating the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act Now Collectible ", "preview": "chemicals\nIllegal Gains from Violating the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act Now Collectible \n\nThe newly added regulation in the revised Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法), announced on 16 January 2019, sets in place the appropriation of illegal gains obtained from violating the Act, on top of fines. Hence, the EPA accordingly has formulated the Regulations Concerning Calculation and Estimation of Illegal Gains from Violating the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (違反毒性及關注化學物質管理法所得利益核算及推估辦法). It will serve as a calculating and estimating reference for competent authorities, to help uphold justice and confiscate illegal gains. \n", "content": "The EPA explained that fines have been the most commonly applied penalty for past violations of environmental regulations. Fine amounts are based on Article 18 Paragraph 2 of the Administrative Penalty Act Illegal gains could be considered fines if they exceed the maximum fine. Yet this method lessens or spares penalties for the violators, even though the illegal gains are in fact confiscated. Not only is it in no way environmental justice, but it also does not lead to fair corporate competition. For cases involving long-term or major violations, there may be conspicuous benefits in terms of assets (such as profiting from the use of toxic chemical substances whose use is restricted or banned pursuant to the Act) as well as inconspicuous benefits, or the costs that should have been incurred but were avoided. If these gains are not confiscated, there would be loopholes when penalties are imposed. Enterprises would then calculate the act of violating regulations to be more profitable, further leading to repeated offenses that cannot be deterred. \n\nThe EPA emphasizes that for policy guidance there is the UNFCCC, the ongoing global action against climate change, and also the Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Soil Management published in 2017 by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Besides listing soil pollution prevention or reduction as one of the nine sustainable soil management indices, the guidelines point out that healthy soil is significant in increasing carbon absorption, lowering greenhouse gas levels, ensuring food production safety, and improving water resource management. After combining relevant conventions and content discussed among signatories, the EPA is striving towards promoting soil’s function of mitigating climate change and designing sustainable management strategies based on each department’s implementation and resources. Moreover, collaboration and research with other countries is underway, with more international experts involved and measures implemented in other countries as references, aiming to intensify soil pollution prevention and promote its environmental functions and utilization. Finally, the EPA is calling on the public to protect this most precious resource and ultimately maintain and foster sustainable and healthy soil. \n\nThe EPA went on to elaborate on the contents of the Regulations, which include reminding competent authorities of violations for illegal gains are to be confiscated; and the types, calculation, and estimation of conspicuous, inconspicuous, and total profits. Other than data for references, information sources, and confiscation periods, the Regulations also concern the burden of proof, relevant authorities’ responsibilities to assist in investigations, experts as assistant auditors, coordination mechanisms, and more. All of the above can serve as bases for competent authorities to confiscate illegal gains and make calculations based on the actual circumstances of individual cases. \n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1)\n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "chemicals", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3840", "title": "EPA and MOEA Continue to Reduce Air Pollution of State-run Industries ", "preview": "Air\nEPA and MOEA Continue to Reduce Air Pollution of State-run Industries \nThe EPA and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) have been working together to reduce air pollution from state-run industries since 2015. Measures include urging coal-fired power plants to use less coal and more natural gas, installing wet electrostatic precipitators (WESPs) on existing coal-fired generating units, improving coal pulverizers and catalytic reduction equipment, and phasing out flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) facilities. Compared with the total air pollutants emitted by state-run industries in 2016, the emission level in 2018 was 18.2% lower. All programs to ameliorate state-run industries’ air pollution are now activated and will be completed between 2020 and 2024, which is estimated to reduce total air pollution by 49.2%.\n", "content": "The EPA said that under its joint efforts with the MOEA, state-run industries have seen reduction of their air pollution. Compared with emissions in 2016, reductions of Taichung Power Plant’s emissions reached 24.2% in 2018 and are expected to reach 71.3% when all improvement programs are completed in 2024. As the plant follows steps to decrease the use of coal and increase that of natural gas, the four existing coal-fired generating units will be used only as backup in the future, and the total air pollutant emissions are estimated to go down by 78% once the two units using natural gas begin operation in 2025.\n\nFor Hsinta Power Plant, emissions were down by 25.2% and are expected to reach 34% when all improvement programs are completed in 2021. With less use of coal and more of natural gas, and by also assigning coal-fired generating units as backup, air pollutant emissions in 2028 are estimated to see a 90% reduction. After seeing reduction by 14.8% in 2018, China Steel Corp. (CSC) expects to reach for drilling in manufacturing printed circuit boards into raw materials for phenolic molding powder. Other commended businesses were those handling waste plastic for common reuse, such as Horng En Plastics (two-star), Fang Tai Plastics (two-star), and Hong Sheng Environmental Technology (one-star). They were chosen for efforts to improve renewable resource quality by setting their own quality control lab, getting verified by a third party, or becoming certified home and abroad. Their performances on localizing manufacturing, research and development of technology, and opening new channels for renewable products earned high praise from evaluation members.\n\nThe EPA expressed its hope that businesses will continue to properly collect, utilize and reuse wastes generated from the industrial manufacturing process via systematic planning and design. As circular economy and enhancement of resource utilization efficiency is a global trend, all should aim for sustainable and circular use of resources by gradually elevating circular economy values, collaborating among different industries, and sharing environmental resources\n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1)\n\n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3839", "title": "Climate change", "preview": "Climate change\nTaiwan Shares Expertise at COP25\nThe 25th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP25) commenced on 2 December 2019 in Madrid, Spain and ended on 15 December with the last piece of the Paris Agreement Rulebook uncompleted. Key issues such as Article 4 (Response Measures), Article 6 (International Carbon Market Mechanisms), and Article 8 (the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage) remained unresolved. They will continue to be negotiated at the COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, in November 2020. With efforts from the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Spain, the EPA’s 2019 delegation, led by Minister Tzi-Chin Chang, successfully promoted Taiwan’s endeavors in climate change and energy transformation. Delegates from relevant departments, regional governments, and civil organizations also actively took part in several side events. Keeping their feet on the ground and doing their part, everyone eagerly participated in the climate change battle and made contributions to the world by offering their expertise.\n\n", "content": "COP25 was originally set to be hosted by Chile in Santiago, but the organizer made a sudden decision to change the convention location to Madrid, Spain in November 2019. Nonetheless, over 20,000 people from around the globe attended and Taiwan governmental offices were also able to finish their preparation work on time. The representative Der-Li Liu and fellow colleagues from TECO in Spain launched a creative promotional campaign themed“Combating Climate Change, Taiwan Can Help”displaying trams and minibuses painted with Taiwan relevant images, such as wind turbines, tung tree blossoms, and paper mulberry around the convention venues. The campaign attracted attention and was positively responded to by all. \n\nNations with diplomatic ties offer encouragement and support Taiwan to participate in UNFCCC events\n\nThirteen nations with diplomatic ties with Taiwan– Belize, Eswatini, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Paraguay, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tuvalu – spoke up or issued statements during the convention, urging that Taiwan should not be excluded from the UNFCCC events. Moreover, legislators of 12 of these diplomatic allies expressed their support for Taiwan’s participation by issuing statements to the UNFCCC Secretariat, questioning the UNFCCC administration, or by posting opinions on social media.\n\nDuring the event, Taiwan legislators Yi-Jin Yeh ( 葉宜津), Wen-Ju Yu ( 余宛如), and Man-Li Chen ( 陳曼麗) attended relevant diplomatic activities on behalf of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan. The MOFA held more than 40 bilateral meetings with diplomatic allies and countries friendly with Taiwan, carrying out more intensive interactions with the international community. The Prime Ministers of Tuvalu and of Eswatini, as well as environmental ministers and legislators from many nations all took part as guests in these meetings. Several international media, such as Deutsche Welle and major Spanish newspapers ABC and La Razón, also exclusively interviewed EPA Minister Chang, who spoke about Taiwan’s efforts in energy transformation and specific carbon reduction strategies. He expressed that, although nota signatory to UNFCCC agreements, Taiwan is willing to contribute to the battle against climate change. When asked about how to reduce marine waste, Minister Chang gave a detailed response about sharing Taiwan’s experiences in global environmental issues with the international community.\n\nAt exhibition booths or side events at the venue, there were also experts in different fields from Taiwan who spoke about Taiwan’s climate efforts. These included representatives from the Industrial Technology Research Institute, the Taiwan Research Institute, the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy, the Environmental Quality Protection Foundation, the Foundation of Taiwan Industry Service, the Taiwan Carbon Capture Storage and Utilization Association, Mom Loves Taiwan, the Taiwan Youth Climate Coalition, Delta Electronics Foundation, and the Taiwan Association of Sustainable Ecological Engineering Development. There were also representatives from New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, and Tainan City. All answered the UNFCCC’s call and strove together, combining efforts of the central government with those of the private and non-governmental sectors in response to climate change. \n\nEnergy transformation is making Taiwan a green energy country \n\nJoining the global movement towards carbon reduction, Taiwan approved the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Promotion Program ( 溫室氣體減量推動方 案) in 2018, specifying the reduction responsibilities shared by the energy, manufacturing, transportation, commercial and residential, agricultural, and environmental sectors. In September 2019, 22 municipalities, county and city governments submitted plans under the Greenhouse Gas Control Implementation Plan ( 溫室氣體管制執行方案), which were adopted for their own districts. These actions were in line with the UNFCCC’s call to make clear and transparent national contributions. \n\nTaiwan’s policy on energy transformation is based on the principle of developing green energy, increasing the use of natural gas and reducing reliance on coal. The first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, located off the coast of Miaoli, officially started operation on 12 November 2019 and is able to generate power for 128,000 households annually. It shows that Taiwan has progressed from planning to gradually reaching its goal of increasing the renewable energy share to 20% by 2025. Furthermore, Taiwan has already begun to map out the 10-year-10-gigawatts renewable energy development policy for the decade between 2026 and 2035, to ultimately become a green-energy country. Passed in 2015, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act ( 溫室氣體減量及管理法), specifies the long-term national carbon reduction goal, which is to reduce emissions to at least 50% of the 2005 emission level by 2050. 2015 was also the year Taiwan declared its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which requires Taiwan to reduce its emission level to 20% below that of 2005 by 2030. In fact, Taiwan is one of very few nations in the world that have legislated long-term reduction goals. \n\nLooking back at four years of implementing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, it is apparent that more control mechanisms and incentive systems are needed. The EPA will therefore initiate reviews and revisions of the Act and focus on strengthening reduction management mechanisms for each sector, improving controls on large emission sources and reporting methods, putting the polluter-pays principle in practice, and reinforcing climate change adaptation actions. In the short term, reduction responsibilities for the second reduction stage (from 2021 to 2025) will be delegated to each sector, and public participation will be ensured throughout the process.\n\nOn the same trip, Minister Chang attended the EU-Taiwan Circular Economy Seminar, co-organized by the EPA and the EU, in Brussels, Belgium on 9 December 2019. Besides presiding over the opening with Mr. Timo Pesonen, EU Director-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Minister Chang also visited Ms. Joanna Drake, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for the Environment. Both exchanged experiences and results regarding plastic recycling, design and recycling of solar panels, and circular economy construction. \n\nFuture Outlook\n\nThe EPA has planned to hold a series of events in 2020, such as EU Innovation Week and Circular Economy Week, and will invite top EU officials to Taiwan to participate. It will also promote cooperation between industries in Taiwan and the EU and work towards making Taiwan an island with a circular economy. \nIn the international community, Taiwan is a sincere and responsible friend that is eager to contribute. For years Taiwan has been providing needed assistance to and exchanging experiences with others on public health, medicine and healthcare, agricultural technology, and pollution control. In the future, Taiwan will continue to actively contribute and participate on global issues such as climate change and environmental governance to fulfill its responsibility as a member of the international community. In this way Taiwan will reach out towards the world while letting the world come to Taiwan.. \n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (1)\n", "year": "2020", "month": "1", "assortment": "Climate change", "url": "V23\/V23-01" }, { "no": "3838", "title": "Innovative Noise-Cancelling Windows Block Noise While Allowing Ventilation", "preview": "Noise control has always been a hot topic in Taiwan. The EPA has not only been strengthening control\nof noise pollution sources through government regulations, but also continues to develop new control\ntechnologies. After considering innovative concepts of active noise control technology that have been used in\nother countries, the EPA recently installed the first set of noise-cancelling windows for demonstration in Taiwan.\nInitial studies have shown that these windows can reduce noise by about 3 decibels while still allowing for\nproper indoor ventilation.", "content": "Active Noise Control (ANC) is a method that reduces\nnoise by using a computer to analyze the perceived\nnoise sources and generating an inverted wave to\ncancel the noise out. The market has already been\nfilled with products utilizing ANC technology, including\nactive noise-canceling earphones, and noisecanceling\nsystems in confined spaces such as cars\nand airplanes.\nInstalling noise-canceling windows for noise control\nin public places came as an outcome of initial studies\nand new concepts from the EPA’s technology program\nduring 2019. Since noise-canceling windows are not\nyet commercialized and are still at the early stage\nof development both in Taiwan and overseas, the\nEPA will continue to do research on the practical\napplications of ANC systems and related details such\nas suitable space sizes.", "year": "2019", "month": "12", "assortment": "Noise Control", "url": "V22\/V22-12" }, { "no": "3837", "title": "Internet of Things Sensors to Tackle Air, Water and Noise Pollution", "preview": "The EPA has developed new smart law enforcement devices for different types of pollution, including: unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with air quality sensors for 3D sensing, trackable mobile air quality sensors for flexible monitoring, underwater water quality sensors with a concealment function, and noise detection and tracking devices with microphone arrays. In addition to the new technologies, the EPA continued to work with local environmental agencies to install air quality sensors and presented the monitoring results during 2019 IT Month.", "content": "There have been several significant breakthroughs in the application of environmental monitoring sensors in 2019. The following is a list of new devices Taiwan is currently deploying:\n1. To better understand the dispersion of air pollutants and their impacts on ground-level air quality, the EPA worked with the Central Weather Bureau and developed UAVs equipped with high-altitude air pollutant sensors.\n2. Air quality sensors mounted on vehicles that can show mobile source pollution changes with time and space. \n3. Fixed and portable water quality sensors to track down the hot zones of factory wastewater contamination.\n4. Cameras that can identify license plates combined with microphone array-based sensors to detect noise sources. \nWith the assistance of local environmental bureaus, the EPA has installed 6,000 air quality sensors in Taiwan, spanning 147 cities\/towns, 55 major industrial parks, 169 main roads, 192 communities, and more than 30,000 factories. The sensors have been especially a big help in detecting environmental violations committed by factories. By the end of October 2019, the EPA had issued fines totaling NT$86,460,000 and collected more than NT$400,000,000 of air pollution fees. \nAs part of 2019 IT Month, the EPA held an exhibition focusing on the Internet of Things (IoT) for environmental sustainability. The month-long exhibition kicked off on 4 December and will travel around Taiwan. It features interactive activities to demonstrate that information technology can be utilized to help solve problems that were deemed difficult to solve in the past and how the era of using IoT technology for smart and continuous monitoring has begun.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "12", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-12" }, { "no": "3836", "title": "Schools Honored at 2019 Eco-Campus Award Ceremony ", "preview": "environmental education", "content": "As part of the exhibition at the ceremony, schools created posters to display their achievements in environmental protection. The three schools that received green flags, which were only awarded to schools with top performance, included: Xintai Elementary School in Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City; Sheziguomin Elementary School in Xinwu District, Taoyuan City; and Chaocuo Waldorf Education Experimental Elementary School in Yunlin County. Among these schools, Chaocuo Waldorf Education Experimental Elementary School became the third school in Taiwan to receive the green flag certification twice. There is now a total of 11 green-flag certified schools in Taiwan, which is a vivid demonstration of Taiwan’s accomplishment in environmental education.\nAt the opening ceremony, joint host – and eventual silver medal recipient – Jinlong Elementary School had students from its Latin dancing club deliver an outstanding performance that fascinated the entire audience. After the ceremony, guests were further amazed by a tour of the school showcasing the results of their environmental projects, such as a rooftop garden that utilizes food waste for fertilizer and an educational insectarium built in an empty classroom. \nAs part of the International Environmental Partnership (IEP), the objective of the US-Taiwan Eco-Campus Partnership Program is to promote eco-campuses and strengthen cooperation in the field of environmental education between Taiwan and the United States. Eco-campuses increase environmental knowledge and foster concern, observational skills and behavioral change among students. The experience of promoting environmental sustainability in schools is expected to spread further into communities to help realize the goal of building a sustainable homeland. Through international exchanges and cooperation, environmental education in Taiwan will hopefully take root and keep up with international trends. \nSupported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the IEP was launched in 2014 by the EPA and its founding partner, the USEPA. The IEP has connected experts from all over the world and established a diverse platform where they exchange professional insights on common environmental challenges and on capacity building of schools, communities and nations. Through the IEP, different countries can strive together at the regional or international level to make the world a better place. ", "year": "2019", "month": "12", "assortment": "environmental education", "url": "V22\/V22-12" }, { "no": "3835", "title": "GEEP Regional Center Launched by Taiwan and US", "preview": "Co-established by the EPA and the USEPA, the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) Asia-", "content": "Co-established by the EPA and the USEPA, the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) Asia-Pacific Regional Center was launched on 3 December 2019 after two years of planning. In his opening remarks, EPA Minister Tzi-chin Chang said the proposal of building an environmental education network for the Asia-Pacific area was first discussed in the 2017 GEEP meeting in Osaka, Japan. The establishment of the regional center fully demonstrates Taiwan’s achievement and commitment in environmental education and makes Taiwan an environmental education center in the Asia-Pacific region.\nThe Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) was founded by the EPA and the USEPA to promote regional and global environmental education, and holds an annual conference with representatives from around the world. Now that the regional center is officially in operation, it will provide experts from different governments, industries, academia and non-governmental organizations an opportunity to cooperate and exchange knowledge. Through the center, Taiwan will also be able to share its own experiences with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, and from around the world.\nThe regional center is located on the campus of National Taichung University of Education. Participants of the opening ceremony included: EPA Minister Tzi-chin Chang; Director of the American Institute in Taiwan, William Brent Christensen; Director of the Office of International and Tribal Affairs of the USEPA, Mark Kasman; Executive Director of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), Judy Braus; President of National Taichung University of Education, Ru-Jer Wang; Deputy Director-General of Taichung City Environmental Protection Bureau, Jeng-Liang Chen; Representative of the Papua New Guinea Trade Office in Taiwan, Tommy Kambu Kunji; Director of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, Arthur Abiera, Jr.; and Assistant Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yi-Long Wang.\nThe EPA, USEPA, Taichung City Government, and NAAEE will operate the regional center and take joint responsibility to assist Asia-Pacific countries with developing environmental policies and implementation strategies at both local and national levels through providing training courses, technological support, guidance, and information exchange.", "year": "2019", "month": "12", "assortment": "environmental education", "url": "V22\/V22-12" }, { "no": "3834", "title": "Simplified Test Procedures for Diesel Vehicle Emission Opacity Preannounced", "preview": "All diesel vehicles sold in Taiwan are either imported or authorized to be assembled within the country by the manufacturer. Hence, the smoke opacity test methods used in Taiwan, which apply to both new and in-use vehicles, were adopted from the snap-acceleration smoke test procedure widely used in most advanced countries. \n", "content": "To improve national air quality and protect public health, on 15 November 2019 the EPA preannounced the amendments to the Opacity Test Methods and Procedures for Black Smoke in Diesel Vehicle Exhaust (柴油汽車黑煙排放不透光率檢測方法及程序). The main points of the amendments are as follows:\n\n1. The test procedure for vehicles with relatively low emissions has been simplified. The original test procedure required the average value of three opacity tests to pass the standard, while with the revised procedure, vehicles passing the first test are exempt from further testing. The exemption is expected to reduce the test duration by 25% and consequently encourage car owners to perform regular car maintenance and repair. In addition, for simplicity and convenience the EPA is also terminating the use of filter paper reflectometers in opacity tests. \n2. To prevent illegal vehicle modification and encourage proper vehicle maintenance, vehicles that have passed inspections performed by manufacturer-approved facilities and that have had recommended repairs completed (with maintenance records attached) are exempt from horsepower evaluation tests. \n\n3. To ensure inspection quality, Article 35 of the Air Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules stipulates that only personnel who have completed training and possess certified qualifications shall perform emission inspections using instruments. To achieve uniformity of regulation, the preannounced amendments also include stipulations requiring personnel who conduct smoke opacity tests to receive training and certification from the central competent authority. \n\nDiesel emissions that exceed regulated limits seriously impact air quality and public health. The EPA urges car owners to perform regular maintenance and repairs to help protect the environment and prevent getting fined for breaking the law.\n ", "year": "2019", "month": "12", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-12" }, { "no": "3833", "title": "National Scholars Gather at Sediment Management Workshop", "preview": "To strengthen overall environmental management capacity, the EPA held the Sediment Quality Assessment and Training Workshop on 3 December 2019. The workshop featured scholars and experts from several related fields, such as environmental engineering, public health and law. Its objective was to train local sediment pollution control personnel and improve their skills for faster sediment quality assessment, accurate management and water body sediment pollution prevention.", "content": "According to EPA Deputy Minister Hung-Teh Tsai, the EPA has been promoting sediment control in Taiwan since sediment quality management was first included in the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act in 2010. Henceforth, the EPA has finished formulating the complementary regulations and implementation guidelines. In addition, with the diligent assistance of industry competent authorities, test reports regarding sediment quality in regulated water bodies within the prior five years have all been submitted, representing a 100% completion rate. In the future, the EPA will continue to expand and update the national sediment management database, strengthen pollution control technology research and development and organize more training workshops.\nSediment management looks at several factors including pollution source and transportation, involving professional expertise from a wide range of fields. Since water bodies such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, irrigation channels, ports and so on vary in shapes and types, strategies for sediment dredging and management should also vary accordingly. Also, since sediment pollution is closely related to people’s daily lives, public participation needs to be further promoted so that environmental quality management can better suit citizens’ needs. The EPA looks forward to Taiwan’s technological advancement in sediment management and ecological risk assessment. In the meantime, the EPA will work on establishing relevant management systems to improve environmental quality management in Taiwan, and collaborate with all sectors to keep up with international trends and expand technological expertise so as to meet local policy making needs.", "year": "2019", "month": "12", "assortment": "Soil & Groundwater", "url": "V22\/V22-12" }, { "no": "3832", "title": "Taiwan and the US Organized International E-Waste Management Network Workshop", "preview": "The Taiwan EPA noted that this year more experts and scholars were invited to join the delegation, which was led by Hsu-Ming Yan, Executive Secretary of the Recycling Fund Management Board. Besides experts and scholars from the field of environmental protection, recycling and treatment enterprisers were also among the delegates. Yan said the 9th International E-Waste Management Network Meeting, jointly held by the two EPAs, greatly benefitted Taiwan in expanding bilateral and regional environmental collaboration as well as strengthening Asia-Pacific regional partnerships. The meeting also offered Taiwan an opportunity to share its own experiences in e-waste management to help solving e-waste problems.\nThe EPA further stated that Taiwan’s successful recycling policies have become an example for other countries to build similar systems. The event allowed countries to exchange the developments of their e-waste recycling and management systems. Among the participating countries, Brazil shared its plans and challenges in the upcoming e-waste reverse logistics system. Such an experience can motivate partnering countries to start establishing their own resource recycling systems. This is just one of many important results that came out of this global event that has been organized by Taiwan and the US for years.\nDuring this year’s meeting in Bangkok, Taiwan continued to promote its successful recycling experiences and shared many innovative treatment technologies that contribute to sustainable development and showcase Taiwan’s industrial facilities and technological potentials. After three informative days of seminars and discussions, all participating countries learned much from one another and determined to continue working toward the vision of building environment-friendly recycling systems back home.", "content": "The Taiwan EPA noted that this year more experts and scholars were invited to join the delegation, which was led by Hsu-Ming Yan, Executive Secretary of the Recycling Fund Management Board. Besides experts and scholars from the field of environmental protection, recycling and treatment enterprisers were also among the delegates. Yan said the 9th International E-Waste Management Network Meeting, jointly held by the two EPAs, greatly benefitted Taiwan in expanding bilateral and regional environmental collaboration as well as strengthening Asia-Pacific regional partnerships. The meeting also offered Taiwan an opportunity to share its own experiences in e-waste management to help solving e-waste problems.\nThe EPA further stated that Taiwan’s successful recycling policies have become an example for other countries to build similar systems. The event allowed countries to exchange the developments of their e-waste recycling and management systems. Among the participating countries, Brazil shared its plans and challenges in the upcoming e-waste reverse logistics system. Such an experience can motivate partnering countries to start establishing their own resource recycling systems. This is just one of many important results that came out of this global event that has been organized by Taiwan and the US for years.\nDuring this year’s meeting in Bangkok, Taiwan continued to promote its successful recycling experiences and shared many innovative treatment technologies that contribute to sustainable development and showcase Taiwan’s industrial facilities and technological potentials. After three informative days of seminars and discussions, all participating countries learned much from one another and determined to continue working toward the vision of building environment-friendly recycling systems back home.", "year": "2019", "month": "12", "assortment": "waste", "url": "V22\/V22-12" }, { "no": "3831", "title": "Boiler Improvements Effectively Cut Down Air Pollution", "preview": "Implementing the Air Pollution Prevention Action Plan (空氣污染防制行動方案), the EPA and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) have promoted boiler improvements via subsidization or diverse assistance programs. By the end of October 2019, 1,970 industrial boilers and 1,180 commercial ones had been improved, achieving 94% and 147.5% of the goals respectively. The MOEA has been in charge of the industrial boiler improvements, while the EPA the commercial ones. With the assistance from the local environmental bureaus, fully achieving the goals will result in reducing emission of 3,900 metric tons of sulfur oxide, 1,700 metric tons of nitrogen oxide, and 360 metric tons of particulate matter annually.", "content": "To expedite the phasing out of boilers and strengthen pollution emission reduction, the EPA has employed regulatory control and subsidization at the same time. The Boiler Air Pollutant Emission Standards (鍋爐空氣污染物排放標準) announced by the EPA on 19 September 2018 requires existing boilers to comply by 1 July 2020, aiming to encourage businesses using boilers to take prevention and control actions. Besides switching to natural gas for fuel, businesses can also improve air quality by working on the fuel source, burning technology, and pollution control.\nTo allow longer time for the improvement of existing boilers when it needs, the standards stipulate that the compliance deadline can be extended for two years(that allows the improvement to be completed no later than 1 July 2022). The EPA reminds that enterprises needing the extension to submit the application for extension with proposed air pollution prevention and control plans to the competent authorities in municipalities, counties, and cities before 1 April 2020 as required by the regulation. \nIn addition, both the EPA and the MOEA allocated budgets to subsidize boiler improvement or assist enterprises by examining boilers on site and providing suggestions on burning technology and pollution control measures. To encourage enterprises to carry out improvement and lessen the impact on the industry, the MOEA has set up a platform for better coordination among industrial boiler users, relevant government agencies, and natural gas suppliers. Via this platform, enterprises can highlight the difficulties they face in carrying out improvement such as high construction costs to the relevant offices in order to find the solution. \nMoreover, the Industry Development Bureau of the MOEA has intensified efforts in assisting the enterprises in the industrial parks under its jurisdiction. So far 1,502 boilers, that is 87% of all boilers in the industrial parks, have completed or are undergoing improvement. With respect to boiler fuel improvement, the analysis shows that most industrial boilers had switched to gas fuels (natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas) with diesel coming in at second place. As for commercial boilers, due to their smaller scales, most of them switched to electricity with some switching togas fuel. The EPA and the MOEA will keep promoting boiler improvement to reduce air pollutants generated from fuel burning as they continue to strive to lower the environmental loads brought by economic development.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "12", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-12" }, { "no": "3830", "title": "Promoting Marine Protection at the APEC Marine Environment Sustainability Meeting", "preview": "On 2-3 October, the EPA held the 20th APEC Roundtable Meeting on the Involvement of Business\/Private Sector in Sustainability of the Marine Environment. Representatives of APEC members, academia, enterprises, and NGOs from home and abroad all came together to discuss issues on conservation of the marine environment and resources, including (1) marine pollution prevention and (2) ocean energy and technology. The event promoted collaboration between public and private sectors to ensure the sustainable development of the marine environment and resources.", "content": "APEC is an important international organization in which Taiwan participates. Strengthening public-private sector partnership and involving business and the private sector have always been APEC’s basic policies as reflected in past leader and ministerial meetings. For instance, there had been similar calls in the Seoul Declaration, Bali Action Plan, Paracas Declaration, and Xiamen Declaration during marine ministerial meetings in 2002, 2005, 2010, and 2014. Responding to this policy, the EPA has organized 19 APEC roundtable meetings to date. \nGovernment officials, NGO and business representatives, and experts from five APEC members (Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the US) and Taiwan took part in this year’s meeting. They discussed marine pollution prevention and ocean energy and technology, which were the two main themes of the meeting. The purpose was to intensify collaboration between governments and business and private sectors to protect the marine environment and ensure sustainable resource use.\nThere were 16 keynote speakers giving speeches on the use of automatic identification system (AIS) to lower vessel emission’s impact on air quality, establishment of a mechanism to prevent marine pollution caused by vessels’ oil leakage, and the reduction of vessels’ plastic waste. Other topics included marine waste reduction and monitoring, marine energy development, development and use of marine renewable energy, and wind power. All suggestions summarized at the conclusion of the meeting will be provided to the 2020 meeting of APEC Oceans and Fisheries Working Group (OFEG) for reference.", "year": "2019", "month": "12", "assortment": "Sustainable Development", "url": "V22\/V22-12" }, { "no": "3829", "title": "Mitigation Measures Implemented to Establish a Low Carbon, Sustainable Homeland ", "preview": "Mitigation Measures Implemented to Establish a Low Carbon, Sustainable Homeland \nTo join efforts with the local governments to cut down carbon emissions, the EPA has already approved the greenhouse gas control implementation plans of 22 municipalities, counties, and cities. Besides the launch of the low-carbon certification and rating mechanism, another major move is to combine both the public and private sectors by utilizing subsidization and auditing mechanism in order to respond to climate change and establish a low carbon and sustainable homeland.\n", "content": "Strategies for carbon reduction actions\n\nSince the promulgation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法) on 1 July 2015, the EPA has in accordance formulated 12 sub-laws involving detailed regulations, inventory, verification management, and trading programs. Other than eight administrative regulations that were issued, there are also rewarding and subsidization regulations, with emission source efficiency standards as well as a voluntary reduction incentive mechanism in place, to motivate enterprises to reduce emission. Meanwhile, the EPA has set the basic directions for mitigation and adaptation by formulating the National Climate Change Action Guidelines (國家因應氣候變遷行動綱領) and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Promotion Program (溫室氣體減量推動方案). Meanwhile, the Greenhouse Gas Emission Control Action Plans (溫室氣體排放管制行動方案) was set, covering six major departments, which are energy, manufacturing, transportation, residential and commercial, agricultural, and environmental sectors. \n\nThe key points of the plan include promoting energy transformation, expanding the ratio of renewable energy in power generation, assisting industries in the green, low-carbon transformation, and developing green transportation and promoting low-carbon vehicles. Also, enhancing the baseline standards of the energy conservation design for the new buildings’ outer parts, helping animal farms in marsh gas recycling, and enhancing methane recycling in waste landfills and industrial wastewater. The greenhouse gas control goals for each stage have been set with reduction measures in these government agencies, effectively drawing a complete blueprint of the national carbon reduction strategy.\n\nAfter the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Promotion Program was approved, the EPA immediately invited central competent authorities to assist 22 municipality, county, and city governments to formulate the greenhouse gas control programs suitable for each respective jurisdiction. The programs were all approved on August 2019. The entire central government has come together to implement locally tailored climate actions.\n\nPromoting the greenhouse gas inventory, registration, and offset programs\n\nWith a baseline of greenhouse gas emission in place, a total of 294 enterprises had been put under control in 2018, allowing the EPA to track 85.5% of direct emission of Taiwan’s industrial and energy sectors.\n\nThe greenhouse gas offset program allows more enterprises to participate in carbon reduction. There were 86 applications to register for the offset program by the end of November 2019, and 43 have been approved and are expected to cut down 4,108 metric tons of CO2e. Moreover, a micro-scale offset program (no more than 20,000 metric tons in annual reduction) is set to lower application threshold in order to encourage medium and small businesses to participate. Registration forms and auditing procedure are simplified, and demonstration cases are also promoted as references.\n\nPublic and private sectors joining efforts to combat climate change\n\n(1) Public and private sectors tackling climate change together\nThe central government has been collaborating with local governments and civil organizations to jointly promote climate change mitigation. With subsidizing and auditing mechanisms, grants were approved in 2019 for 22 local governments (over NT$181,280,000 in total) as well as 71 civil organizations to raise the sustainable, low-carbon awareness in the society.\n\n(2) Promoting a low carbon and sustainable homeland\nTo raise local governments’ capacity to respond to climate change, the EPA has announced the Low Carbon and Sustainable Homeland Rating Promotion Program (低碳永續家園評等推動計畫). All neighborhoods, villages, townships, municipalities, counties, and cities have been actively encouraged and assisted to take part. By the end of September 2019, there had been 22 local governments, 339 towns (92% of all 368 in Taiwan), and 4,108 villages and neighborhoods (53% of all 7,760 in Taiwan) that signed up for the program. After evaluation, those certified with silver rating included 52 villages and neighborhoods, 12 towns and cities, and 9 municipalities, counties, and cities, and those with bronze rating 794 villages and neighborhoods, 114 towns, and 11 municipalities, counties, and cities.\n\nA low-carbon and sustainable homeland is a vital part of localizing carbon reduction actions and enhancing communities’ adapting capacity. Since implementation, the public has become more aware of climate change. Moreover, the biggest change is shaping low-carbon environments. Participants have become highly aware now, recognizing the importance of energy conservation and carbon reduction, and therefore begun to commit to carbon reduction in their daily behaviors. Compared with 2017, the average energy conservation in 2018 is 6.15 kWh\/person in Taiwan. The energy conservation achievements in 2018 is 20.85 kWh\/person for villages and neighborhoods of bronze rating and 24.44 kWh\/person for those of silver rating, which is four time the national average. In total, the villages and neighborhoods in silver and bronze ratings have save 6,958 kWh in 2018, compared with 2017, which is the equivalent of reducing 37,087 metric tons of CO2e.\n\nClimate change mitigation\n\nBased on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, the EPA took reference of the National Development Council’s achievements of the National Climate Change Mitigation Action Plans (2013-2017) and mapped the future climate change mitigation tasks. After multiple cross-department discussions, the draft of the National Climate Change Mitigation Action Plans (till 2022) was submitted to the Executive Yuan on 7 May and then approved on 9 September 2019.\n\nFuture perspective \n\nIn combating climate change, adaptation requires more involvement of all sectors than mitigation. As a result, the EPA will collect and evaluate each department’s reduction and adaptation results based on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act. The EPA will also gradually help local governments to form localized reduction strategies and revise them regularly, promoting sustainable social, economic, and environmental development in Taiwan.\n\nOther than being an important policy for Taiwan at this stage, carbon emission reduction is also what citizens need and expect. This is a great responsibility by which the EPA always sets great store and hence will keep working hard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.\n\n\n\nSince the promulgation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act (溫室氣體減量及管理法) on 1 July 2015, the EPA has in accordance formulated 12 sub-laws involving detailed regulations, inventory, verification management, and trading programs. Other than eight administrative regulations that were issued, there are also rewarding and subsidization regulations, with emission source efficiency standards as well as a voluntary reduction incentive mechanism in place, to motivate enterprises to reduce emission. Meanwhile, the EPA has set the basic directions for mitigation and adaptation by formulating the National Climate Change Action Guidelines (國家因應氣候變遷行動綱領) and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Promotion Program (溫室氣體減量推動方案). Meanwhile, the Greenhouse Gas Emission Control Action Plans (溫室氣體排放管制行動方案) was set, covering six major departments, which are energy, manufacturing, transportation, residential and commercial, agricultural, and environmental sectors. \n\nThe key points of the plan include promoting energy transformation, expanding the ratio of renewable energy in power generation, assisting industries in the green, low-carbon transformation, and developing green transportation and promoting low-carbon vehicles. Also, enhancing the baseline standards of the energy conservation design for the new buildings’ outer parts, helping animal farms in marsh gas recycling, and enhancing methane recycling in waste landfills and industrial wastewater. The greenhouse gas control goals for each stage have been set with reduction measures in these government agencies, effectively drawing a complete blueprint of the national carbon reduction strategy.\n\nAfter the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Promotion Program was approved, the EPA immediately invited central competent authorities to assist 22 municipality, county, and city governments to formulate the greenhouse gas control programs suitable for each respective jurisdiction. The programs were all approved on August 2019. The entire central government has come together to implement locally tailored climate actions.\n\nPromoting the greenhouse gas inventory, registration, and offset programs\n\nWith a baseline of greenhouse gas emission in place, a total of 294 enterprises had been put under control in 2018, allowing the EPA to track 85.5% of direct emission of Taiwan’s industrial and energy sectors.\n\nThe greenhouse gas offset program allows more enterprises to participate in carbon reduction. There were 86 applications to register for the offset program by the end of November 2019, and 43 have been approved and are expected to cut down 4,108 metric tons of CO2e. Moreover, a micro-scale offset program (no more than 20,000 metric tons in annual reduction) is set to lower application threshold in order to encourage medium and small businesses to participate. Registration forms and auditing procedure are simplified, and demonstration cases are also promoted as references.\n\nPublic and private sectors joining efforts to combat climate change\n\n(1) Public and private sectors tackling climate change together\nThe central government has been collaborating with local governments and civil organizations to jointly promote climate change mitigation. With subsidizing and auditing mechanisms, grants were approved in 2019 for 22 local governments (over NT$181,280,000 in total) as well as 71 civil organizations to raise the sustainable, low-carbon awareness in the society.\n\n(2) Promoting a low carbon and sustainable homeland\nTo raise local governments’ capacity to respond to climate change, the EPA has announced the Low Carbon and Sustainable Homeland Rating Promotion Program (低碳永續家園評等推動計畫). All neighborhoods, villages, townships, municipalities, counties, and cities have been actively encouraged and assisted to take part. By the end of September 2019, there had been 22 local governments, 339 towns (92% of all 368 in Taiwan), and 4,108 villages and neighborhoods (53% of all 7,760 in Taiwan) that signed up for the program. After evaluation, those certified with silver rating included 52 villages and neighborhoods, 12 towns and cities, and 9 municipalities, counties, and cities, and those with bronze rating 794 villages and neighborhoods, 114 towns, and 11 municipalities, counties, and cities.\n\nA low-carbon and sustainable homeland is a vital part of localizing carbon reduction actions and enhancing communities’ adapting capacity. Since implementation, the public has become more aware of climate change. Moreover, the biggest change is shaping low-carbon environments. Participants have become highly aware now, recognizing the importance of energy conservation and carbon reduction, and therefore begun to commit to carbon reduction in their daily behaviors. Compared with 2017, the average energy conservation in 2018 is 6.15 kWh\/person in Taiwan. The energy conservation achievements in 2018 is 20.85 kWh\/person for villages and neighborhoods of bronze rating and 24.44 kWh\/person for those of silver rating, which is four time the national average. In total, the villages and neighborhoods in silver and bronze ratings have save 6,958 kWh in 2018, compared with 2017, which is the equivalent of reducing 37,087 metric tons of CO2e.\n\nClimate change mitigation\n\nBased on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, the EPA took reference of the National Development Council’s achievements of the National Climate Change Mitigation Action Plans (2013-2017) and mapped the future climate change mitigation tasks. After multiple cross-department discussions, the draft of the National Climate Change Mitigation Action Plans (till 2022) was submitted to the Executive Yuan on 7 May and then approved on 9 September 2019.\n\nFuture perspective \n\nIn combating climate change, adaptation requires more involvement of all sectors than mitigation. As a result, the EPA will collect and evaluate each department’s reduction and adaptation results based on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act. The EPA will also gradually help local governments to form localized reduction strategies and revise them regularly, promoting sustainable social, economic, and environmental development in Taiwan.\n\nOther than being an important policy for Taiwan at this stage, carbon emission reduction is also what citizens need and expect. This is a great responsibility by which the EPA always sets great store and hence will keep working hard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "12", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "V22\/V22-12" }, { "no": "3828", "title": "Amendments to Waste Disposal Act Enforcement", "preview": "Rules Announced", "content": "The Waste Disposal Act Enforcement Rules were\nrecently amended to strengthen the management\nof general waste disposal facilities and to better\ncomplement the Waste Disposal Act. The revisions\nexpanded the scope of responsibilities of local\nenvironmental protection bureaus towards the\nmanagement of general waste disposal facilities.\nAdditionally, detailed regulations on the treatment\npriorities of different waste types have been added to\nthe rules for practical execution.\nThe main points of the amendments to the Waste\nDisposal Act Enforcement Rules include:\n1. Expanding the scope of responsibilities of county\nenvironmental protection bureaus toward the\nmanagement and allocation of general waste disposal\nfacilities, and adjusting the obligations of government\nagencies at all levels\n2. Defining the “surplus capacity” stated in Article\n28 paragraph 6 of the Waste Disposal Act and\ncalculation methods for practical management. \n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "11", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V22\/V22-11" }, { "no": "3827", "title": "Taiwan to Promote Environmental Education in Asia-Pacific", "preview": "Co-organized by the EPA and the USEPA, the 2019 Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP)\nConference was held on 14 October 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. Participants of the conference\nincluded 38 environmental education specialists and scholars representing governments and NGOs from 14\ndifferent nations. The main purpose of the conference was to discuss the establishment of an environmental\neducation network in the Asia-Pacific region and to verify details of the next Asia-Pacific Environmental\nEducation Symposium.\n", "content": "The conference was co-hosted by the Taiwan EPA\nand the USEPA with participants of government\nofficials, experts and scholars from 14 countries:\nAustralia, Botswana, Canada, Denmark, Finland,\nIndia, Japan, Kenya, Russia, Malaysia, Mexico, New\nZealand, the US, and Taiwan. Taiwan’s delegation\nconsisted of two environmental education experts and\nwas led by Tsung-Yung Liu, Director-General of the\nEPA’s Department of Comprehensive Planning.\nAt the opening ceremony, Director-General Liu\npointed out that Taiwan, located in the center of\nAsia-Pacific, played a key role in the international\ncommunication across the area from various aspects,\nsuch as economic development, education and\nculture. Therefore, the next Asia-Pacific Environmental\nEducation Symposium will serve the important\npurpose of establishing sustainable relationship\nwith other Asia-Pacific countries and promoting\nenvironmental education in the region. Taiwan would\nalso utilize this opportunity to share its successful\nexperiences in environmental protection and\neducation and help raise environmental literacy.\n\nAdditionally, to expand environmental education\ncapacity in the region, the EPA worked with Taichung\nCity Government to establish GEEP’s Asian\ncenter, which will open in December 2019. Hence,\nrepresentatives from Taichung City Government also\nattended this GEEP conference to help promote\nsustainable development of global environmental\neducation and connect regional education networks.\nThe event this year was held in Yunlin County, also\nknown as “Taiwan’s granary” and “agriculture capital.”\nAt the ceremony, EPA Minister Chang explained\nthat voluntary work can be divided into seven\nmajor categories: environmental education, carbon\nreduction, greening, river remediation, environmental\ncleanups, recycling, green lifestyle and consumption.\nEnvironmental protection has been a global concern\nand people of Taiwan should not be left out. Taiwan\nhas seen an increase in environmental volunteers,\nThe EPA explained that environmental agents are\noften chemicals used directly in our households and\ncan cause harmful effects to human health. Therefore,\nproper management and safe use of environmental\nagents have become an important topic. During\nthe workshop, Err-Lieh Hsu, Professor Emeritus\nWith the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs\nand the American Institute in Taiwan, the Taiwan EPA\nand the USPEA have developed a strong bond through\ntheir cooperation over the past 25 years. With this\nconference, the Taiwan EPA’s goal is to expand global\npartnership in environmental education and carry out\nthe promotion of Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy.\n\nWaste\nAmendments to Waste Disposal Act Enforcement Rules Announced\nThe Waste Disposal Act Enforcement Rules were\nrecently amended to strengthen the management\nof general waste disposal facilities and to better\ncomplement the Waste Disposal Act. The revisions\nexpanded the scope of responsibilities of local\nenvironmental protection bureaus towards the\nmanagement of general waste disposal facilities.\nAdditionally, detailed regulations on the treatment\npriorities of different waste types have been added to\nthe rules for practical execution.\nThe main points of the amendments to the Waste\nDisposal Act Enforcement Rules include:\n1. Expanding the scope of responsibilities of county\nenvironmental protection bureaus toward the\nmanagement and allocation of general waste disposal\nfacilities, and adjusting the obligations of government\nagencies at all levels\n2. Defining the “surplus capacity” stated in Article\n28 paragraph 6 of the Waste Disposal Act and\ncalculation methods for practical management. \n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "11", "assortment": "International Cooperation", "url": "V22\/V22-11" }, { "no": "3826", "title": "2019 Taiwan Circular Economy Summit Kicks Off", "preview": "In an effort to step up the promotion of circular economy, the Taiwan Circular Economy Week jointly hosted\nby the EPA and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) kicked off with the 2019 Taiwan Circular Economy\nSummit on 15 October 2019 in Taipei. Participants of the meeting, including government officials and\nauthorities of the field from the UN, Finland and multiple allied nations, gathered together to share their insights\non circular economy and its application on plastics, construction and solar energy.\n", "content": "The EPA also had the honor to invite Janez Potočnik,\nCo-chair of the UNEP International Resource Panel\nand world-renowned expert on circular economy, to\nparticipate in the summit for the first time. He spoke\non the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)\nand strategies on increasing resource efficiency to\nachieve a circular economy. As Finland holds the\nrotating Presidency of the Council of the European\nUnion for the second half of the year, Mona Arnold,\nPrincipal Scientist of VTT Technical Research\nCentre of Finland, also attended the meeting as their\nrepresentative and spoke on their goal to become the\nleading country in circular economy through effective\nwaste management schemes.\nThe EPA expressed appreciation for the generosity\nof its foreign guests for sharing their experiences in\ncircular economy applications and policy development.\nOther featured speakers and their topics were as\nfollows:\n1. Masanobu Ishikawa, founder of Gomi Japan spoke\nabout the implementation experiences on plastic\nbottle recycling in Japan.\n2. Han Tran Viet, head of the Environmental-\nEconomic Department of the Environmental\nScience Institute of Vietnam, explained Vietnam’s\nmanagement policies on plastic waste.\n3. Olaf Blaauw, Senior Strategic Consultant of Delta\nDevelopment in the Netherlands, shared detailed\nexperiences on promoting circular economy in the\nconstruction industry.\n4. Felix Koh, head of the Industrial Paper Department\nof the Asia Pulp and Paper in Indonesia, highlighted\nthe successful applications of broken-down paper\ncontainers for reuse purposes, which provided\nTaiwan more options for paper container recycling\nand reuse.\nIn addition to the experts and scholars of the\nfield, the EPA also invited some iconic companies\nand organizations, including: Taiwan Circular\nEconomy Network, Plastic Industry Development\nCenter, Unilever, Taiwan Concrete Institute, Taiwan\nConstruction Research Institute, Taiwan Steel Union, the\nChinese Institute of Environmental Engineering, Taiwan\nPhotovoltaic Industry Association, Chen Ya Resource\nTechnology Corp., and TÜV Rheinland. The meeting\nmainly revolved around topics such as plastic waste\nreuse, circular construction and the reuse of reclaimed\naggregate materials, and solar panel recycling.\nIn order to accomplish economic growth without\nsacrificing the environment, Taiwan has shown strong\ndedication in the promotion of circular economy with\nthe implementation of the Resource Recycling and\nReuse Plans and the passing of the Circular Economy\nDevelopment Plan. The EPA’s final goal is to achieve\nzero waste and pollution by 2050. Moreover, to gain\nthe competitive advantages in the pursuit of green\neconomy, companies have been voluntarily forming\ngreen deals and have established a total of five major\ncircular economy alliances in Taiwan.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "11", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V22\/V22-11" }, { "no": "3825", "title": "Taiwan and Japan Sign Environmental MOU", "preview": "On 30 October 2019, Taiwan and Japan signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on environmental\nprotection cooperation in Tokyo. On behalf of their respective countries, the head of the Taiwan-Japan\nRelations Association (TJRA) I-jen Chiou and Chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association (JTEA)\nMitsuo Ohashi signed the agreement. EPA Counselor\/Executive Secretary Shyh-Wei Chen and Deputy Director\nGeneral of the Japan’s Ministry of Environment Yasuharu Ueda witnessed the signing ceremony.\n", "content": "Since the Agreement on the Transfer and Disposal of\nHazardous Wastes signed in 2005 and the Taiwan-\nJapan Bilateral Environmental Meeting in 2015, the \nsigning of the MOU marked an important milestone\nfor the bilateral environmental cooperation between\nthe two countries. The MOU was jointly drafted by\nthe TJRA and the JTEA and was finalized after going\nthrough multiple reviews by both side’s environmental\ndepartments. With the purpose of strengthening\nenvironmental communication and information\nexchange, the pact has been signed and is now\nofficially in effect.\nThe MOU covers collaboration in the following fields:\nenvironmental education, environmental impact\nassessment, air quality control and monitoring,\nmarine pollution control, waste management\nand recycling, climate change mitigation and\nadaptation, ecolabelling, environmental laws and\nregulations, hazardous chemical management,\nand soil remediation. To enhance environmental\ncommunication and information exchange, the pact\nalso includes the arrangement of the Taiwan-Japan\nBilateral Environmental Meeting, which will be held\nannually or biennially by either country in turn.\nThe MOU was formed out o f the long-term\ncooperation between Taiwan and Japan and the\nmutual anticipation of deepening their ties on\nenvironmental protection and restoration. Through\nthe MOU, the two countries are seeking consensus\non global environmental issues and striving for\nenvironmental protection in Asia-Pacific.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "11", "assortment": "International Cooperation", "url": "V22\/V22-11" }, { "no": "3824", "title": "Draft of Restricted Activities for Air Quality Control Preannounced", "preview": "On 15 October 2019, the EPA preannounced the draft of the Restricted Activities for Air Quality Control to prevent air quality deterioration during the fall and winter months when air quality is typically poor. According to the draft, from October to March every year, certain activities are prohibited when the PM10 or PM2.5 concentrations are predicted to reach the first category of alert level (AQI 151-200) for at least two consecutive days. Until the air quality improves to the level classified as the second category of alert (AQI) 101-150), the following activities are forbidden: using leaf blowers, mixing bituminous concrete, paving roads, demolishing buildings, loading and unloading cement raw materials in port areas, outdoor spray painting or sandblasting, and cleaning boilers and liquid VOC storage tanks.", "content": "Based on existing Regulations Governing Emergency\nMeasures to Prevent Severely Deteriorated Air\nQuality, emission reduction measures are to be\ntaken once air quality is expected to reach a severely\ndeteriorated state (AQI > 200). However, after\nevaluating the current regulations and implementation\nresults, the EPA has decided that it would be more\neffective to conduct pollution source control at an\nearlier stage.\nPast monitoring data has shown that air pollution\nin Taiwan is mainly caused by the high PM2.5 and\nO3 concentrations, which currently exceed the limit\nvalues of the air quality standards. In addition, the\nweather and topographic conditions also aggravate\nthe accumulation of pollutants in the environment.\nTo avoid addition pollution during the months with\npoor air quality and safeguard public health, the\ndraft was formulated to prohibit seven categories of\nactivities (11 activities in total) that produce extreme\namounts of particulate pollutants and VOCs. Local\nenvironmental protection bureaus will be in charge of\nthe supervision and inspections. Regular violations\nare subject to a penalty ranging from NT$1,200 to\nNT$100,000, while commercial plants can be fined\nbetween NT$100,000 and up to NT$5,000,000 per\nviolation. Through the new regulations, the EPA aims\nto raise public awareness and participation in air\nquality improvement.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "11", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-11" }, { "no": "3823", "title": "First National Enterprises Environmental Protection Award Honoree List Unveiled", "preview": "The EPA has been giving the Enterprises Environmental Protection Award for 28 years to promote enterprises to implement corporate social responsibility. However, the award system was largely modified this year, with its name changed to the “National Enterprises Environmental Protection Award”. This year’s ceremony was held at CKS Memorial Hall on 8 November 2019, with EPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang personally presenting awards to all 2019 honorees, comprising a total of 38 enterprises that received three excellence awards, seven gold awards, 12 silver awards and 16 bronze awards. Apart from these, 18 enterprises also received nomination awards.", "content": "The participating enterprises had to go through\npreliminary, second, and final review stages. The\nenvironmental protection achievements of all 67\nparticipating enterprises this year were summarized\nby the EPA. With respect to environmental\nmanagement, 64 enterprises promoted green supply\nchains or green marketing, 50 announced corporate\nsocial responsibility reports, and 21 received green\nbuilding certifications. With respect to energy and\nresource conservation, the enterprises saved over\n200 million kWh of electricity and 14.79 million metric\ntons of water, cut down 3.6 million metric tons of\ncarbon emissions (equivalent to the annual carbon\nabsorption of 9,260 Daan Forest Parks), and collected\nmore than 360,000 metric tons of rainwater. As for \ncompliance with the government’s environmental\npolicies, the enterprises have contributed NT$3.76\nbillion in green procurement and adopted 34 public\ntoilets and 29 kilometers of coastline, with 31,087\npeople participating in beach clean-ups.\nThe EPA noted that the three enterprises that\nwon the excellence award have all received the\nhonorary awards after having received the previous\nEnterprises Environmental Protection Award for three\nconsecutive years. They were: First Commercial\nBank; Bali Refuse Incineration Plant in New Taipei\nCity, which commissions Onyx Ta-Ho Environmental\nServices Co., Ltd. for operations and management;\nand, Southern Taiwan Science Park Bureau (Tainan \nScience Park Resource Recycling Center). They\nreentered the competition this year with continued\noutstanding environmental protection performance,\nand were thus recognized by the award committee\nmembers.\nAs for the activities of award recipients, First\nCommercial Bank promoted green finance, setting\nan education base in its Wanhua Branch to promote\ngreen finance and environmental education. Bali\nRefuse Incineration Plant not only uses green\nenergy but also recycles bottom ash to manufacture\nretaining wall bricks, permeable bricks, and road\npavement materials. Southern Taiwan Science Park\nBureau established a smart system to properly\ndispose of waste, striving for pollution prevention and\nreduction.\nAs for honorary awards, they were given to three\nenterprises that have received silver awards (or\nhigher) for three consecutive years. They were: the\nTainan plant of ChipMOS Technologies Inc.; Wafer\nPlant III of Vanguard International Semiconductor\nCorporation; and, Yongkang Waste Recycling\n(Incineration) Plant in Tainan City, which commissions\nOnyx Ta-Ho Environmental Services Co., Ltd. for its\noperation and management.\nApart from the above, Nanhua University, which \nentered the competition for the first time this year and\nreceived the gold award, established a Sustainability\nCenter and actively promoted low-carbon campuses. It\nwas selected as one of the top 100 green universities\nworldwide for three consecutive years. The Zhongli\nPlant of Delta Electronics Inc., the silver award\nrecipient, promoted green supply chains and set up\na checking and counseling team for environmentrelated\nmaterials in products, asking its suppliers to\ncomply with environmental requirements. Its projector\nand lighting equipment products were also certified\nwith the Green Mark and Energy Labels. All of the\naforementioned are outstanding enterprises dedicated\nto environmental protection, well-deserving of these\naccolades.\nAt this honoring event, the EPA gave special thanks\nto all awarded enterprises for their support and\ncontribution to environmental protection. The EPA\nstated that besides the government’s efforts, it needs\ncorporate and public participation to make Taiwan\nbetter. It is hoped that other enterprises can be\ninspired by and follow the fine examples set by the\naward recipients to progress together and strive for\nthe common good.\nInformation about the award ceremony and awarded\nenterprises can be found on the EPA’s website at\nhttp:\/\/aeepa.epa.gov.tw.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "11", "assortment": "Control and Evaluation", "url": "V22\/V22-11" }, { "no": "3822", "title": "Technology Applied to Trace Pollution Sources in Southern Taiwan and Stop Deterioration of Air Quality", "preview": "Technology Applied to Trace Pollution Sources in Southern Taiwan and Stop Deterioration of Air Quality", "content": "On 1 November 2019, the Fourth Meeting of the air quality Southern Response Team was held, not only conducting routine reports on weather forecasts, air quality and response measures, but also focusing on recent abnormalities detected by monitoring stations in Chiayi, Annan and Daliao at certain times of the day. The team planned to utilize technical approaches such as backward trajectory, remote satellite sensing,3D LiDar, and pollutant composition and feature analysis to trace pollution sources and eliminate air pollution\nproblems.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "11", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-11" }, { "no": "3821", "title": "2019 Taiwan-EU Environmental Impact Assessment Seminar", "preview": "The 2019 Taiwan-EU Environmental Impact Assessment Seminar, organized by the EPA and the European \nEconomic and Trade Office (EETO), took place in Taipei on 14 October. Invited speakers included two\nEuropean experts: Ms. Marcela McAndrew, the Legal and Policy Officer of the EU’s Directorate-General for\nthe Environment; and Dr. Claudio Fossati from the Interdisciplinary Center for Bioacoustics and Environmental\nResearch, Department of Earth and Environment Sciences of the University of Pavia. They provided many\ninsights to Taiwan’s experts and scholars regarding environmental protection and green energy by sharing and\nexchanging experiences on strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and offshore wind energy.\n\nThe 2019 Taiwan-EU Environmental Impact Assessment Seminar, organized by the EPA and the European \nEconomic and Trade Office (EETO), took place in Taipei on 14 October. Invited speakers included two\nEuropean experts: Ms. Marcela McAndrew, the Legal and Policy Officer of the EU’s Directorate-General for\nthe Environment; and Dr. Claudio Fossati from the Interdisciplinary Center for Bioacoustics and Environmental\nResearch, Department of Earth and Environment Sciences of the University of Pavia. They provided many\ninsights to Taiwan’s experts and scholars regarding environmental protection and green energy by sharing and\nexchanging experiences on strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and offshore wind energy.", "content": "The 2019 Taiwan-EU Environmental Impact Assessment Seminar, organized by the EPA and the European \nEconomic and Trade Office (EETO), took place in Taipei on 14 October. Invited speakers included two\nEuropean experts: Ms. Marcela McAndrew, the Legal and Policy Officer of the EU’s Directorate-General for\nthe Environment; and Dr. Claudio Fossati from the Interdisciplinary Center for Bioacoustics and Environmental\nResearch, Department of Earth and Environment Sciences of the University of Pavia. They provided many\ninsights to Taiwan’s experts and scholars regarding environmental protection and green energy by sharing and\nexchanging experiences on strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and offshore wind energy.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "11", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "V22\/V22-11" }, { "no": "3820", "title": "Promotion and Enhancement of the Environmental Impact Assessment System", "preview": "EIA Promotion and Enhancement of the Environmental Impact Assessment System ", "content": "According to reports by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, rare metals worth NT$80,000 can be extracted from every 1,000 recycled mobile phones after treatment. These precious metals include 46 grams of gold, 275 grams of silver, 24 grams of dysprosium, 4 grams of indium, 267 grams of neodymium, and 84 grams of tantalum. I also stated that medals for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be made with cellphone-extracted metals. This demonstrates that waste mobile phones contain rare metals and have a high reuse value, so cellphone recycling can promote a circular economy. ", "year": "2019", "month": "11", "assortment": "EIA", "url": "V22\/V22-11" }, { "no": "3819", "title": "Draft Revisions Preannounced for Regulations Concerning Toxic Chemical Substances Emergency Equipment and Alarm Facilities", "preview": "Chemicals", "content": "On 5 September 2019, the EPA preannounced draft revisions to the Concerning Toxic Chemical Substances Emergency Equipment and Alarm Facilities Regulations (毒性化學物質應變器材及偵測與警報設備管理辦法). Under the revisions, “harmful concerned chemical substances” are included into the original Class 1 and 3 toxic chemical substances under control, and how detection facilities transmit and be connected online are added under the existing structure in order to provide handlers a basis to operate upon. And as administrative work is all conducted online, when detection facility connection fails, reports and operation plan reviews are all to be done online.\nThe EPA stressed that the regulations were once amended in 8 March 2019. In the draft revisions, handlers for substances on the regulatory list should consider the characteristics of both chemical substances handled and packaging and containers and prepare enough number and correct types of emergency equipment. As detection and alarm facilities are mainly for warning, a clause is added to specifically avoid redundant facilities so that management responsibilities would not be confused and that management efficiency is enhanced.\nOn 5 September 2019, the EPA preannounced draft revisions to the Concerning Toxic Chemical Substances Emergency Equipment and Alarm Facilities Regulations. Under the revisions, “harmful concerned chemical substances” are included into the original Class 1 and 3 toxic chemical substances under control, and how detection facilities transmit and be connected online are added under the existing structure in order to provide handlers a basis to operate upon. And as administrative work is all conducted online, when detection facility connection fails, reports and operation plan reviews are all to be done online.\nThe EPA stressed that the regulations were once amended in 8 March 2019. In the draft revisions, handlers for substances on the regulatory list should consider the characteristics of both chemical substances handled and packaging and containers and prepare enough number and correct types of emergency equipment. As detection and alarm facilities are mainly for warning, a clause is added to specifically avoid redundant facilities so that management responsibilities would not be confused and that management efficiency is enhanced.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "10", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V22\/V22-10" }, { "no": "3818", "title": "October Set to Be Mobile Phone Recycling Month", "preview": "Approximately six million mobile phones are purchased annually in Taiwan, and over half are kept either as backups or for fear of personal data theft. As a result, the EPA has designated October as Mobile Phone Recycling Month to promote resource recycling.\n", "content": "The public are reminded to follow three steps when disposing of their mobile phones: check, delete, and recycle. First, regularly “check” mobile phones at home that are broken or no longer in use. Second, “delete” all personal information on the devices to prevent data theft. And, finally, “recycle” waste devices by giving them to the cleaning squads, retail shops, telecom enterprises, and cellphone stores with recycling channels. The EPA’s database shows that around 350,000 mobile phones have been recycled by cleaning squads in 2019.", "year": "2019", "month": "10", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "V22\/V22-10" }, { "no": "3817", "title": "Second Taiwan-Germany Environmental Forum Welcomes Delegation Led by German Parliamentarian", "preview": "Second Taiwan-Germany Environmental Forum Welcomes Delegation Led by German Parliamentarian", "content": "During his speech, EPA Deputy Minister Hung-Teh Tsai thanked each guest for coming from afar and also the German Institute Taipei (GIT) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for supporting the event. He pointed out that Taiwan is currently in the middle of energy transformation to reduce carbon emissions and respond to climate change. Other than setting long-term reduction goals for 2050, the EPA has also gradually drawn up multiple practical reduction measures over time. Besides resource reuse and recycling measures in place toward a circular economy, cutting down the use of plastic is another main effort in hopes of reaching a total ban on plastic bags and straws by 2030.\nDeputy Minister Wu-Chiao Hsieh of MOFA remarked that all the issues featured in the forum confront everyone, even future generations. He hoped cooperation between Taiwan and Germany on environmental issues would be promoted through the exchange of ideas among the attending experts from both countries.\nDr. Thomas Prinz, the GIT Director General, mentioned that both Germany and Taiwan take the discussed issues seriously and hoped to find mutually benefitting niches and methods in future cooperation via sharing of ideas in the forum.", "year": "2019", "month": "10", "assortment": "International Cooperation", "url": "V22\/V22-10" }, { "no": "3816", "title": "Control and Penalty Regulations Added for Enterprises Generating No Wastewater", "preview": "On 27 September 2019, the EPA issued an official letter concerning enterprises generating no wastewater, which is specifically mentioned in the Water Pollution Control Act (水污染防治法). Said enterprises, once taken off the regulatory list, are subject to additional regulations for control and penalization if there are risks of stored raw materials or drugs leaking and contaminating water bodies. The goal is to keep proper track of the enterprises’ situation for intensified controls.", "content": "The EPA’s letter focuses on enterprises that are categorized and defined by the Water Pollution Control Act. If an enterprise does not generate wastewater in its manufacturing procedures or discharge or store wastewater, it can be taken off the regulatory list once the competent authorities in the municipality, county, or city have completed the audit and approval. Yet it has to have its conditions registered on the information management system for water pollution sources so that its future status can be tracked for future control.\n\nHowever, an enterprise audited and approved by the competent authorities for generating no wastewater should still be put on watch if it stores raw materials and drugs, which will pose risks of water body contamination if leaked. It is also required to follow prevention and emergency response measures specified in Article 28 of the Water Pollution Control Act and will be penalized if regulations are violated.\n\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "10", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V22\/V22-10" }, { "no": "3815", "title": "EPA Implements Control Measures for Continuous Air Quality Improvement", "preview": "The nationwide concentrations of various air pollutants have been dropping since the beginning of 2019, making this the best year since 2015 when comparing similar periods (January to July). To accomplish the goal of reducing the national annual PM2.5 concentrations to 15 μg\/m3 by 2023, the EPA will continue enhancing emission controls on stationary, mobile and fugitive sources. ", "content": "The number of red alerts based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) set off over the years are as follows: 997 in 2015, 874 in 2016, 483 in 2017, 310 in 2018, and 160 in 2019 (until the end of July). There was not a single red alert reading from April to July of 2019. The historical statistics from manual monitoring stations also show continual improvement in air quality. The PM2.5 concentrations from January to July in the past few years were: 23.3 μg\/m3 in 2015, 21.4 μg\/m3 in 2016, 19.4 μg\/m3 in 2017, 18.9 μg\/m3 in 2018, and 16.6 μg\/m3 in 2019. \n\nWith reducing the national annual PM2.5 concentration to 15 μg\/m3 by 2023 as the goal, the main points of the Air Pollution Control Action Plan includes: air pollution reduction for state-run and large-scale enterprises, boiler controls, controls of oily smoke produced by the food industry, amelioration of problems caused by cultural and religious activities, controls on fugitive dusts from river and construction and dumping sites, reuse and treatment of agricultural residue and orchard branches, promotions for replacing large diesel vehicles of phase 1 to 3, phase-out of two-stroke motorcycles, port transportation controls, new traffic control measures, transport vehicle electrification, subsidization or promotion for installation of green walls, and more.\n ", "year": "2019", "month": "10", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-10" }, { "no": "3814", "title": "Monitoring System Put Under Inspection and Control to Deter Illegal Emissions ", "preview": "Addressing recent concerns about forged data from continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS), the EPA expressed that there have always been inspection and control measures that detected previous violations. Competent authorities have in the past strengthened inspections and issued penalties. For the first stage, the CEMS Control Regulations (連續自動監測設施管理辦法) added data retrieving as well as a mechanism for treatment system archiving, audit, and comparison. Now coming to the second stage, a draft revision of the regulations will be completed by the EPA before the end of October 2019.\n", "content": "The EPA explained that previous major incidents of forged CEMS monitoring data were the result of enterprises having installed simulating programs on the data retrieving and control systems to replace the correct monitoring data. Based on the current CEMS Control Regulations, private and public venues are not allowed to change the data retrieving and control systems at will once their own programs are approved by the monitoring facilities. They are required to monitor and send and report the correct data online. Audit and control measures are now in place in response to relevant violations, and the environmental authorities have already intensified inspections and issued penalties accordingly.\nOn the revising schedule, the EPA stressed its efforts on continuous evaluation and improvement on CEMS-related measures and expansion for targets subject to controls. Before the first-stage revision of the CEMS Control Regulations was announced on 12 April 2019, the EPA carried out four revisions on relevant regulations, preannounced revisions twice, as well as frequently organized consultant meetings with experts and public hearings.\nFor the first stage, the CEMS Control Regulations newly added data retrieving and a mechanism for treatment system archiving, audit, and comparison. The second-stage revision of the regulations will be completed by the EPA before the end of October 2019. It includes enhancing monitoring data quality and analysis, adding a review and approval system on data retrieving and treatment system as well as measures to compare and audit parallel signals. The purpose is to thoroughly implement a round-the-clock monitoring and control system and intensify CEMS controls.\nSince the regulations involve technical details concerning monitoring facilities and information systems, during the examination and revisions, it was necessary to inspect discharge channels, sampling locations, online interface statuses, understand monitoring facilities’ operation theories, installation locations, and operation statuses, and evaluate monitoring feasibility based on different manufacturing features. It helped get rid of possible disturbances and assure stable monitoring data connection and transmittance. Meanwhile, new technical control items continue to be drawn up with stability evaluation and testing. With complex interconnection among all technical control regulations, the EPA will carry out multiple confirmations, fully assess these regulations, and keep improving controls and management.", "year": "2019", "month": "10", "assortment": "Monitoring", "url": "V22\/V22-10" }, { "no": "3813", "title": "Guidelines Announced for Establishing and Operating Air Quality Monitoring Stations", "preview": "On 9 September 2019, the EPA announced the Air Quality Monitoring Stations Establishment and Monitoring Guidelines (空氣品質監測站設置及監測準則) specifying types and establishing guidelines for air quality monitoring stations. The goal is to properly implement air quality monitoring and enhance the value, accessibility and applications of environmental information.\n", "content": "The Air Quality Monitoring Stations Establishment and Monitoring Guidelines was formulated based on Article 13 of the Clean Air Act (空氣污染防制法), which states that the central competent authority shall establish air quality monitoring stations and provide regular public reports of the state of air quality along with original data from cities, towns, and townships where petrochemical industrial areas are located, and from appropriate points selected by competent authorities at all levels. \nThe EPA specified the types of air quality monitoring stations and test items in the Guidelines after referring to the site selection and numbers of monitoring stations in the US, EU, Japan and other countries. According to the monitoring purposes, the stations can be classified as ones that monitor for long-term national air quality trends and ones that reflect regional pollution characteristics and form comprehensive monitoring station networks.\nThe EPA noted that to ensure the quality and openness of the monitoring data, the Guidelines also added regulations concerning quality assurance proposals, monitoring maintenance records, data effectiveness and online access. The purpose is to construct a self-reinforcing framework for planning and management of monitoring, so as to enhance air quality monitoring and improve the establishment of monitoring stations. As a result, quality reference data for formulating air pollution control policies and measures and for assessing control results can be provided.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "10", "assortment": "Monitoring", "url": "V22\/V22-10" }, { "no": "3812", "title": "Sulfur Limit for Fishing Vessel Fuel Lowered to 0.5% to Improve Air Quality", "preview": "The EPA actively coordinated with CPC Corporation to keep improving air quality by lowering the upper limits for sulfur content of domestic fishing vessel fuels. The limits will fall from 1.0% for Class A vessels and from 3.5% for Class B vessels, both to 0.5%. This is expected to reduce annual SOx emissions by approximately 4,340 metric tons.\n", "content": "The EPA stated that improving the composition of fuels can directly reduce pollution from combustion engines and is one of the most effective measures to improve air quality. The EPA has lowered the sulfur content of automobile gasoline and diesel fuels to 10ppm (0.001%), effectively cutting down automobile SOx emissions. \nEnvironmental monitoring data of the EPA shows that atmospheric sulfur dioxide dropped from 5.2 ppb in 2005 to 2.7 ppb in 2018, a reduction of 48%. The EPA actively coordinated with CPC to lower the sulfur content of fishing vessel fuels in order to further improve air quality and protect the public’s health.\nCPC also affirmed its efforts as a state-run corporation to comply with various policies while continuing to produce high-quality fuel products. Upon stock replacement, the sulfur content of fuels for Class A and B fishing vessels will be lowered to 0.5%. The EPA noted it will keep working on improving air quality by evaluating composition standards for fuels used by mobile pollution sources and promoting the use of cleaner fuels.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "10", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-10" }, { "no": "3811", "title": "Environmental Agencies Take Action in Response to Poor Air Quality in Western Taiwan", "preview": "Western Taiwan experienced poor air quality on 2-3 October 2019, which the EPA explained was caused by transboundary pollution brought in by southwestern winds. Around the same time, horizontal and vertical atmospheric dispersion conditions became poorer because of reduced wind speeds and a lower inversion layer in the morning. Pollutants were prone to accumulate, leading to mostly orange or even red alerts for the AQI level. The EPA sought to improve air quality by coordinating with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and the Taiwan Power Company to cut electricity output and reduce emissions. \n", "content": "The EPA stated that six counties\/cities (New Taipei City, Taichung City, Chiayi County, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, and Penghu County) voluntarily set up local response centers and one county (Yunlin County) set up a local control and command center in response on 2 October 2019. Seven counties\/cities (Taipei City, Hsinchu City, Taichung City, Chiayi County, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County and Penghu County) voluntarily set up local response centers and one local government (New Taipei City) set up a local control and command center in response on 3 October 2019. In total, regional governments conducted 372 factory inspections, issuing notifications for voluntary controls and emission reduction; found 56 open-air burning incidents during patrols; improved coverings for building materials at construction sites; carried out sprinkling and other fugitive dust control measures at 265 sites; and cleaned a total of 2,800 kilometers of main roads and traffic-heavy streets. Other efforts included inspecting 119 restaurants, patrolling and inspecting exposed areas of rivers 10 times, and inspecting 5,462 motor vehicles at roadsides. It encouraged residents to take four measures to reduce use of private vehicles, and publicized 83 measures to promote prevention and control of air pollutants.\nIn addition, the EPA coordinated with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Taiwan Power Company to lower electricity outputs and emissions from Taichung Power Plant, Hsinta Power Plant, Hsieh-ho Power Plant, and Linkou Power Plant. Electricity output was lowered by 215,603,000 kWh on these two days, leading to 105 metric tons of SOx reduction, 99.4 metric tons of NOx reduction and 7.6 metric tons of total suspended particles (TSP) reduction. \nThe EPA reminded the public to check the latest air quality changes by visiting the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network website (http:\/\/taqm.epa.gov.tw) and the i-Environment website (http:\/\/ienv.epa.gov.tw). Different alert levels can be set up with the “Environment Info Push” app on smartphones for better protection.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "10", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-10" }, { "no": "3810", "title": "Carbon Label System Reaches a Decade in Taiwan", "preview": "Taiwan launched the Carbon Label in 2009 and became the 11th country in the world to do so. As the product carbon footprint labeling system enters its 11th year, the EPA continues to improve the system and urges enterprises to disclose their products carbon footprints, apply for the label and commit to carbon reduction. Taiwan expects to sign agreements with other advanced countries to mutually recognize each others' carbon labels on imported and exported products.", "content": "The carbon footprint of a product (CFP) is the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted over the product’s entire life cycle, from cradle to grave. Carbon labels are used to provide CFP information for consumers to refer to when shopping. Through media promotion, the public are encouraged to change their consuming behaviors. Businesses are also spurred to examine manufacturing processes and supply chains and jointly commit to carbon reduction to fulfill corporate responsibilities and build an environment-friendly image.\nCarbon footprint labels, also known as carbon labels or carbon emission labels, are labels that disclose the amount of carbon emitted by enterprises, manufacturing processes, products (including services) and individuals. A product’s carbon footprint is calculated by totaling the greenhouse gases generated over its life cycle, from sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, sales and consumer use, to waste recycling and treatment, and by converting the amount to carbon dioxide equivalents. The Carbon Reduction Label, the first carbon label in the world, was launched in 2006 by Carbon Trust, which was established in 2001 in the UK.\n11th country in the world to promote carbon labels\nCarbon emission sources throughout different stages of a product’s life cycle become transparent under the carbon labeling system. In this way, enterprises are encouraged to adjust parts of their manufacturing process that generate more carbon, and consumers are also urged to use products in a correct manner. Together, the carbon emission from products life cycles can be maximally reduced. \nSo far, countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, Thailand, the UK and the US have already promoted policies concerning carbon footprints and set up relevant systems in striving to build a low-carbon society. This has also brought opportunities for enterprises to lower carbon emissions and has strengthened corporate brands and reputations. In 2009, the Taiwan EPA started to formulate the local carbon labeling system, and in September of the same year, it held a label contest and selected the best design from 1,286 submissions and designated it as Taiwan’s official carbon label. Taiwan had become the 11th country to have joined the ranks of nations with carbon labels and has now entered the second decade of promoting carbon labeling.\nPromotion of the carbon labeling system in two stages\nTaiwan’s carbon labeling system is promoted in two stages:\n1. Promoting CFP disclosure\nCurrently, there is no unified international standard for countries to develop relevant complementary measures for CFP labeling systems. Since there are few certified products in the early stage of carbon labeling system promotion, the carbon footprints of products of the same categories cannot be compared. Therefore, the first stage aims to encourage enterprises to analyze and disclose their CFPs.\nVia carbon footprint analysis, enterprises can understand the amount of a product’s greenhouse gas generated in each stage throughout its life cycle and further devise carbon reduction strategies. Measures include using environment-friendly raw materials, reducing or recycling packaging, improving shipping efficiency, and demanding suppliers to lower their carbon footprints. Besides cutting down carbon emissions and forming green supply chains, these measures can help lower production costs at the same time.\nConsumers can support manufacturers’ disclosure of product carbon footprints by choosing products with carbon labels as well as following instructions on proper usage and waste treatment to lower the overall carbon emissions.\n2. Developing a carbon reduction labeling system\nTaiwan’s carbon reduction labeling system is based on the current Carbon Label. Enterprises can use the carbon footprint stated in the Carbon Label certificates or in the carbon footprint documents issued by a third-party verification body as baselines for reduction to formulate practical reduction commitments and implementation measures. After the EPA evaluates and confirms that these promises are fulfilled, a product will be certified with a carbon reduction label.\nIn the future, products certified with carbon reduction labels will be combined with the green point system and even possibly be included in the preferential procurement lists of government agencies. This provides incentives for enterprises to apply for the labels and will certainly help to cut greenhouse gases and build green supply chains.\nLikewise, consumers can choose carbon reduction label certified products and contribute in mitigating climate change when shopping, ultimately building a green consumption trend.\nSpecific achievements \n(1) Certified Carbon Footprint Label products\nFrom January 2018 to 26 March 2019, the EPA added six new product categories, revised regulations for 50 product categories, and certified 176 products with the Carbon Label. In total, the EPA has announced regulations for 98 Carbon Label product categories and certified 800 products with the label.\n(2) Maintained Carbon Label promotion and communication platforms\nCommunication and coordination meetings have been regularly held with attendance of representatives from industry, government agencies, academia, and civil organizations in order to take into account opinions from all stakeholders. In addition, meetings to research and review carbon footprint labeling regulations and systems are also held to collect data, analyze international carbon footprint labeling trends, and research and review Taiwan’s own system.\n(3) Assisted enterprises in calculating CFPs and applying for the Carbon Label\n1. The EPA implemented the Assistance Plan for Product Carbon Footprint Demonstration Cases, picking out candidates for demonstration and taking inventory of and auditing each product’s carbon footprint.\n2. Training seminars were organized in order to enhance the professional capacities of carbon footprint auditors, provide opportunities for them to share experiences and learn from others, and ensure audit quality.\n(4) Completed guidelines for calculating carbon footprints of products and services \nThe EPA formulated the Guidelines for Calculating the Carbon Footprint of Products and Services (產品與服務碳足跡計算指引) by referencing the life cycle assessment methods established in PAS 2050 and ISO\/DIS 14067.1, and announced the Guidelines to the public in February 2010. Future revisions will be carried out based on the content of the officially announced ISO 14067.\nThe Guidelines allow enterprises to examine the carbon emissions from the entire life cycles of their products and services and also the current emission statuses of their supply chains. Now with the greenhouse gas emissions disclosed, consumers are able to choose environment-friendly products and are reminded to adopt emission-cutting measures when using them before discarding them for final disposal or recycling.\n(5) Certified verification bodies\nAccording to the Operating Guidelines for Promoting Product Carbon Footprint Labeling (推動產品碳足跡標示作業要點), carbon footprint verification organizations are required to obtain certification from certification organizations after 1 January 2016.\nA total of four companies in Taiwan, namely BSI Taiwan, TÜV Rheinland Taiwan Ltd., Bureau Veritas Certification and SGS, comply with relevant regulations and have obtained certification as verification organizations.\n(6) Organized working group meetings to harmonize carbon footprint product categories rules among Korea, Taiwan and Thailand\nOn 11 April 2018, the Asia Carbon Footprint Network (ACFN) organized working group meetings to harmonize carbon footprint product category rules (CFP-PCR) among Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. The collaboration aimed to develop harmonized PCR that all three countries can abide by. The meeting concluded with initial consensus on PCR for alcohol-free beverages and skin and hair cleansers. Edible oils were also chosen as the product category for the trial third PCR project.\nFuture outlook \nThe EPA has established the carbon information disclosure service platform and the calculation software providing convenient access for enterprises in Taiwan to calculate CFPs. In the future, relevant government agencies will continue to hold explanatory meetings and provide training to help enterprises and industry associations and organizations calculate carbon footprints and apply for the Carbon Label. Those in need will be assisted with familiarizing themselves with the carbon labeling system and to develop skills to calculate CFPs on their own. The public will also be educated and guided to learn the meaning behind the Carbon Label.\nThe EPA has set up the Taiwan Product Carbon Footprint website (http:\/\/cfp.epa.gov.tw) where enterprises can submit electronic applications for CFP labeling certificates. The EPA will also keep track of global trends and adjust the direction of the CFP labeling system as well as complementary measures based on unified international standard practices. Furthermore, The EPA is looking forward to signing agreements with advanced nations to promote bilateral recognition of CFP labels on exported and imported products.\nVia carbon labeling policies, the EPA hopes to increase the competitiveness of local low-carbon products, raise consumer awareness of carbon label products, and work toward sustainable consumption and production patterns for a low-carbon economy.", "year": "2019", "month": "10", "assortment": "Green Mark", "url": "V22\/V22-10" }, { "no": "3809", "title": "Discharge Reduction Promoted for Point-Source Pollution in Reservoir Watersheds", "preview": "Besides regularly monitoring reservoir water quality, the EPA has been working to reduce discharges from pollution points within reservoir watersheds, in compliance with the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ (MOEA) Forward-Looking Infrastructure Development Program (前瞻基礎建設計畫). Measures include setting up total phosphorus reduction equipment at point-source pollution locations and designating total phosphorus control zones. The aim is to lighten pollution loads emitted into reservoirs and improve reservoir water quality.", "content": "To effectively ascertain changes in domestic reservoir water quality in Taiwan, the EPA has since 2017 switched from monitoring water quality every three months to once a month. To align with the MOEA’s Forward-Looking Infrastructure Development Program, regional governments are also subsidized to set up total phosphorus pollution reduction equipment in reservoirs that provide water for human use but have a higher Carlson Trophic State Index.\n\nCurrently, total phosphorus control zones are being designated for watersheds of four reservoirs. In additional, there is water quality improvement construction work ongoing at two other reservoirs. For offshore islands, aeration-exposure tanks using bionets as well as multi-soil-layering systems have been set up in testing sites to improve water quality. Thus far the test results have shown the measures effectively reduce total phosphorus.\n\nThe EPA states that it has actively promoted various total phosphorus water quality improvement strategies for point-source pollution within reservoir watersheds. It also coordinates with relevant authorities to conduct pollution control measures such as setting up sewage systems and combined purification tanks, promoting low-impact developments (LID), as well as best management practices (BMPs) for rainwater runoff and other non-point-source pollution. All of the aforementioned are carried out in hopes of gradually improving watershed water quality.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "9", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V22\/V22-9" }, { "no": "3808", "title": "Revised Targets and Implementation Methods Announced for Single-Use Utensil Ban", "preview": "On 8 August 2019, the EPA announced the revised Targets and Implementation Methods for Restricted Use of Single-Use Utensils (免洗餐具限制使用對象及實施方式). The revisions aim to encourage people to carry their own utensils and use washable and reusable ones, while reducing disposable ones. The revised regulations prohibit department stores, shopping centers, and retail stores from providing single-use utensils made of any materials when customers eat at their premises.", "content": "Cutting down on plastic is an international trend. The 170 attending nations at the Fourth UN Environmental Assembly pledged to greatly reduce disposable plastic products by 2030, and the EU also made plans to limit the use of single-use utensils, including forks, knives, spoons, and chopsticks, by 2021. In addition, the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision that was passed at the G20 Osaka Summit reached an agreement on oceanic plastic waste, which was a goal of zero plastic use by 2050. In order to assist the public to change their habits, the EPA began with itself and promoted the concept of “not choosing single-use utensils” and then gradually helped the public and enterprises to also adopt such behaviors.\n\nIn light of various business scales, types, and locations, regional competent authorities are required to collect opinions from all sectors and propose to the central government effective dates for implementing controls on each industry, based on the circumstances within their own jurisdictions. Dates for limits and bans will be announced and take effect after the central competent authorities approve them. Violators will be subject to fines of NT$1,200~6,000, according to the Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法) Article 51 paragraph 3.\n\nThe EPA stated that food and beverage enterprises in counties and cities that have already announced the implementation of restrictions on single-use utensils should comply with the policies, and it also encouraged enterprises in other places to voluntarily switch to reusable utensils. Meanwhile, citizens are encouraged to carry their own utensils as part of a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "9", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V22\/V22-9" }, { "no": "3807", "title": "EPA Celebrates its Thirty-second Anniversary with Former Ministers", "preview": "On 22 August 2019, the EPA marked the 32nd anniversary of its founding. To celebrate its birthday, the EPA held an event and invited former EPA ministers, deputy ministers, and all retired employees to share its accomplishments in environmental protection. ", "content": "With the joint efforts of 16 former ministers and the entire EPA staff, environmental protection sprouted and has become deeply rooted in Taiwan’s education system. On this special day, former ministers were invited to join the celebration and share their experiences in environmental protection over the past 32 years. Participating past ministers included: Eugene Chien, Larry L.G. Chen, Chang Chu-Enn, Shu-Hung Shen, Kuo-Yen Wei, and Ying-Yuan Lee.\n\nThe theme of the event was to honor the EPA staff’s hard work and commitment in promoting environmental sustainability. Hence, to commemorate the EPA’s growth over the past three decades and to show gratitude for the joint cooperation of the entire staff, the EPA made a large mosaic poster with thousands of images of current and past staff. The EPA also made special anniversary albums with photos of major environmental events throughout the last 32 years and gifted them to every former minister. \n\nIn recent years, Taiwan has experienced significant improvement in both its environmental regulations and awareness. In the future, the EPA will continue working on resource reuse and recycling and striving for environmental sustainability. Through this celebration event, the EPA also wished to show the public its determination and perseverance in environmental protection. \n", "year": "2019", "month": "9", "assortment": "General policy", "url": "V22\/V22-9" }, { "no": "3806", "title": "Enhancing Soil Pollution Remediation and Related Technology Development ", "preview": "Speeding up soil pollution remediation and developing relevant technology is a vital part of the EPA’s “A Sustainable Earth” policy. Under the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act (土壤及地下水污染整治法), the policy consists of two major parts: “strengthening preventive control and conducting investigations of high pollution potential” and “speeding up remediation of pollution sites and enhancing remediation technology”. As tasks under the policy are gradually implemented, soil and groundwater pollution sites can be cleaned up and taken off the control list, leading to improvement of overall environmental quality.", "content": "Strengthening preventive control and conducting investigations of high pollution potential (1) Preventive control measures\nLand owners and enterprises are supervised and urged to take the soil quality of the land they use seriously as well as clear up both pre- and post-operation responsibilities. In accordance with the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act, announced enterprises are required to report soil pollution assessment investigations and testing data before land transfer, as well as establishing, changing, and closing business. There were a total of 7,921 voluntary reporting cases between 2005 and 31 July 2019. In the future, current relevant regulations will undergo evaluations on a rolling basis in order to increase the effects of voluntary controls.\n\nTo enhance regional control of soil and groundwater quality, competent authorities are responsible to regularly monitor pollution trends within their jurisdictions under the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act. From 2011 to 31 August 2019, the monitoring rate reached 98.7% in all of the 158 designated industrial parks in Taiwan. A color signal control system is in place in industrial parks based on current testing status and control results. The latest result (in August 2019) showed red in five sites, orange in 13 sites, yellow in 24 sites, and green in 116 sites. The EPA will continue to promote the color signal control system, enhance warning and monitoring efficiency in industrial parks, speed up pollution improvement, strengthen systematic support services for decision making and analysis, and supervise all units to actively take up various projects.\n\nEvery year, the EPA holds two to three training seminars on sediment quality testing and reporting as well as sediment reporting coordination meetings so as to supervise and help competent authorities conduct testing and reporting tasks. The purpose is to strengthen control of water body sediment quality, disclose testing data, and set up an Environmental Resource Open Data Platform for the public to look up testing data. It also assists competent authorities and agencies in charge of water body control to complete various reporting operations.\n\nBetween January 2014 to 31 August 2019, authorities of 473 sites, including 83 rivers, 91 lakes and reservoirs and 299 irrigation ditches have submitted sediment investigation and sampling plans for reference. The plan submission rate reached 100%. Among them, 90.7% have completed the inspections and submitted the reports for references. \n\nFor the 453 regional groundwater quality monitoring wells, monitoring is conducted regularly in order to get a grip of groundwater quality background in Taiwan. In 2018, a total of 750 samples were taken from monitoring wells and the testing results that met the Groundwater Pollution Monitoring Standards (地下水污染監測標準) (Category 2) was 92.3% on average.\n\n(2) Investigation of high-polluting potential \nA. Enterprises \nTo enhance control of abandoned factories, the EPA has inspected and rated 504 enterprises as sites with high-polluting potential. Inspection was done on 359 of these enterprises between 2004 and August 2019, 157 of which were confirmed with pollution, or a detection rate of 44%. Currently, 98 enterprises have been removed from the regulatory list. The investigation of the rest 145 enterprises is expected to complete in two years.\n\nFurthermore, the EPA surveyed 943 enterprises and inspected 198 enterprises from 2008 to August 2019 for plants with high-polluting potential that are still in operation. The detection rate reached 62% as 122 of them were found to be polluted. To date, 29 enterprises are off the regulatory list. Onsite inspection at another 194 plants will continue and is expected to finish in three years.\n\nB. Underground storage tank systems\nTo prevent underground storage tank systems from leakage, enterprises are required by law to self-monitor them on a regular basis before reporting to the local environmental agency. Targeting abnormalities in these reports, the EPA has continued inspection and pollution investigations in order to prevent pollution. Inspections have been conducted since 2001 with a total of 3,524 station-times, leading to confirmation of pollution in 289 stations. A total of 224 stations have been removed from the regulatory list so far, and 65 stations on the list are currently undergoing remediation implemented by their respective enterprises.\n\nSpeeding up pollution-site remediation and enhancing remediation technology\n(1) Promoting remediation on polluted sites\nThe EPA has set up site management plans, a mechanism to improve sites where remediation has halted, and a control system to oversee the entire operation. The aim is to hasten improvement of sites with soil and groundwater pollution and effectively increase remediation progress by keeping an eye closely on the status of site remediation. The use of the Soil Pollution Fund is maximized through taking inventory of polluted sites, keeping track of investigation information so as site history and current pollution status, evaluating new evidence, and assessing the needs for additional investigation.\n\nAs of 31 July 2019, a total of 8,680 sites had been put under control. As many as 5,724 sites had been removed from the regulatory list, leaving 2,956 sites that are currently under control, 2,515 of which are farmlands (374 hectares) and 441 sites of enterprises.\n\n(2) Enhancing remediation technology\nA. Developing and testing new technology\nTechnologies suitable for pollution investigation and remediation in Taiwan have been developed and tested based on the features and remediation needs of polluted sites. It includes phyto-sensors, high-resolution site investigation technology, bio-remediation, and onsite smoldering remediation. The technologies developed are being tested on seven sites.\n\nB. Promoting development and application of local technology\n(i) Since 2010, the EPA has been promoting the 2019 Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Funds-subsidized Research and Pilot Study Program. Research centers in universities in Taiwan (both national and private) as well as public and private research facilities are encouraged to investigate soil and groundwater and develop remediation and rehabilitation technology. The program also helps link remediation technology with those in need of it in order to speed up removal of polluted sites from the regulatory list. Up to December 2018, major results included 205 projects subsidized with NT$220 million, 129 research manuscripts submitted to international journals, 23 patents, five technology transfers, 43 instances of technology applied to polluted sites, and more than 800 soil and groundwater professionals trained.\n\n(ii) In 2019, the EPA has kept on promoting the research and pilot study program, accepting applications between 31 August and 26 September 2018. Research units were welcomed to submit applications to develop technologies suitable for domestic needs. A two-stage review was carried out from October to December 2018. Twenty-eight applications were approved, which included 18 research projects and ten pilot study projects. The total subsidies amounted to NT$30 million.\n\n(iii) For commercialized technology with great potential developed under the research and pilot study project above, the EPA has established a soil and groundwater pollution technology matching mechanism. A conference with 360 attendees was held in June 2019 to promote soil and groundwater remediation results and match available technologies to those in need of them. It aimed to strengthen local technical capacity, link up industries and academia, and enhance the potential for application of technology.\n\nC. Introduction of advanced technology and related training\nIn 2018, Dr. James Landmeyer of the US Geological Survey and Dr. Song Jin of the University of Wyoming were invited to speak at seminars and staff training programs titled “Green Investigation Technology” and “Electrokinetic Remediation Technology”. A total of 413 people attended 13 training sessions. Soil and groundwater investigation and remediation technology in Taiwan were greatly enhanced through such training courses and case sharing.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "9", "assortment": "Soil and groundwater", "url": "V22\/V22-9" }, { "no": "3805", "title": "First Taiwan-Vietnam Environmental Education Youth Excellence Workshop Held in Hanoi", "preview": "Environmental Education ", "content": "As part of Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, the EPA held the Taiwan-Vietnam Environmental Youth Excellence Workshop in Hanoi. Twelve youth representatives for environmental education, selected from educational institutions and social organizations across Taiwan, gathered in Hanoi, Vietnam on 18-23 August 2019. The six-day event allowed these youth an opportunity to share thoughts about environmental issues and response methods with representatives from Vietnamese educational institutions. These higher-education institutions included Vietnam National University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU-USSH), VNU University of Natural Sciences, and Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment.\n\nDuring the opening of the event, the Vice Rector of VNU-USSH noted that the emphasis of conversations surrounding environmental issues in the past was on preventing and handling pollution, yet gradually it is becoming clear that such a focus is insufficient. She stated that environmental education represents a better solution to environmental problems. The Deputy Director of the Vietnam Communications Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Vu Minh Ly, also expressed that environmental education is the key for equipping future generations to solve complex environmental issues. Also in attendance was Richard R.C. Shih, representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vietnam. He spoke about the cooperation between Taiwan and Vietnam he has experienced as a representative in Vietnam, and said that Taiwan’s experiences can provide real assistance to Vietnam whether in industrial development or environmental education.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "9", "assortment": "Environmental Education ", "url": "V22\/V22-9" }, { "no": "3804", "title": "Green Point Scheme Expands to Include Smile Logo-certified Products", "preview": "EPA Minister Tzu-Chin Chang announced that MIT smile logo-accredited products are to be included in the green point redemption program starting from 1 September 2019. The green point scheme allows participants to earn and collect points by taking public transportation, renting public bikes, and taking part in environmental protection activities. The green points can be used in exchange for food, clothing, accommodation and transportation. For example, the points can be redeemed for products with the Green Mark certification, or entrance to environmental education facilities and national forest recreation areas. Points can also be used for purchasing green products or dining at green point partner restaurants.", "content": "Minister Chang announced that the EPA would be launching new incentives as part of the green point scheme in September to encourage public participation. Starting from September 2019, the EPA will hold weekly giveaway events to give out one million points to randomly selected participants. Also, purchasing specific items will be given 2000 extra points and purchasing MIT smile logo-accredited products on weekends can earn participants 10 times the number of points.\n\nBoth Minister Chang and Director General Jang-Hwa Leu of the Industrial Development Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs urged retailers to support the green point program to stimulate green consumerism and a circular economy. The scheme also motivates manufacturers to obtain MIT smile logos, Green Mark certification, and carbon footprint labels.\n\nDirector General Leu also encouraged consumers to support the domestic products and take part in environmental protection by purchasing MIT smile logo products. The green point system recently expanded to include 814 MIT smile logo products (such as clothing, towels, shoes and small home appliances) and, with the existing green products, now consists of a total of 1,858 green products. The purpose of the green point scheme is to boost green business participation, support a circular economy, and promote green consumerism and sustainable lifestyles. \n\nIndividuals can redeem their green points in exchange for more than 1,000 available Green-mark certified or eco-labelled products (including home appliances, household cleaners, thermos cups, stationery, food and groceries) through the following retailers: E-Life Mall Corporation, RT-Mart, Far Eastern A-Mart, Hilife, 7-Eleven, and ET Mall. The green point system has a total of 320,000 users who have accumulated more than five billion points.\n\nTo start earning points, individuals only need to create an account on the Green Point website or app and link up their smart cards or retail customer reward cards to their accounts. Points can also be acquired through shopping from a range of 1,000 eco-friendly products on the website. The green point redemption program is the best reward program in the market where points can be exchanged for up to 10% of discounts on products.\n\nThe EPA encourages everyone to download the Green Point app and sign up to enjoy the various benefits of the redemption program while practicing environmental protection in their daily lives. For more information on the green point program, please go to its official website: htps:\/\/www.greenpoint.org.tw\/", "year": "2019", "month": "9", "assortment": "Green Mark", "url": "V22\/V22-9" }, { "no": "3803", "title": "Amendments Preannounced for the Management and Handling of Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances ", "preview": "The Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法) was amended on 16 January 2019 to add “concerned chemical substances” as a new category of controlled substances. In response to changes to the Act and to maintain consistency of the stipulations, the drafts of revisions have been made to the following regulations: the Permit Registration and Approval Regulations for Toxic Chemical Substances（毒性化學物質許可登記核可管理辦法）, the Regulations Governing Recordkeeping for the Handling and Release of Toxic Chemical Substances（毒性化學物質運作及釋放量紀錄管理辦法）, and the Toxic Chemical Substances Labeling and Materials Safety Data Sheets Regulations（毒性化學物質標示及安全資料表管理辦法）. In addition, the management regulations governing permission to use class 4 Toxic Chemical Substances will be annulled and any related policies under the original law will be merged into the Permit Registration and Approval Regulations for Toxic Chemical Substances.", "content": "Revisions to the Permit Registration and Approval Regulations for Toxic Chemical Substances, the Regulations Governing Recordkeeping for the Handling and Release of Toxic Chemical Substances, and the Toxic Chemical Substances Labeling and Materials Safety Data Sheets Regulations mainly focus on:\n1. Revising the legal basis of the laws according to the amended Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act.\n2. Renaming the regulations in response to the newly added category of controlled chemical substances: concerned chemical substances.\n3. Adding new management regulations and revising the content of some articles.\n4. After evaluating outcomes of current policy, permit application procedures were simplified and management was enhanced for the handling of controlled chemicals. \nAll three amendments are expected to take effect on 16 January 2020.\nThe main points of the amendments to the Permit Registration and Approval Regulations for Toxic Chemicals are as follows:\n1. The Permit Registration and Approval Regulations for Toxic Chemical Substances will be renamed the Permit Registration and Approval Regulations for Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances.\n2. Existing content of the Management Regulations Governing Permission to Use Class 4 Toxic Chemical Substances (第四類毒性化學物質核可管理辦法) will be combined into the renamed regulations. \n3. To simplify the application and review procedures, permits, registration documents and approval documents are to be applied for and granted based on the handlers or operating sites instead of having separate permits for each individual chemical substance. \n4. Regulations governing the replacement, renewal or extension of permits are added.\n5. Regulations governing the deadlines for making corrections to different permit and document applications are added. \n6. Regulations governing the procedures and content that handlers shall follow for transparency of information are added.\n\nAmendments to the Regulations Governing Recordkeeping for the Handling and Release of Toxic Chemical Substances include:\n1. The Regulations Governing Recordkeeping for the Handling and Release of Toxic Chemical Substances will be renamed the Regulations Governing Recordkeeping for the Handling and Release of Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances.\n2. Regulations are added to stipulate the content and format of the handling records and how often they need to be updated. The frequency for reporting the records to the EPA will be announced in the future. \n3. The current regulations exempt handlers from submitting handling records every month if the released volumes to be released stay the same. However, it has been difficult to differentiate between overdue reports and exemptions, which have caused confusion for both handlers and local environmental protection bureaus. Therefore, this rule will be abolished, and monthly submissions of handling records will be required with no exceptions. \n\nThe main points of the amendments to the Toxic Chemical Substances Labeling and Materials Safety Data Sheets Regulations are as follows:\n1. The Toxic Chemical Substances Labeling and Materials Safety Data Sheets Regulations will be renamed the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Labeling and Materials Safety Data Sheets Regulations.\n2. When there are any difficulties with labeling caused by the appearances or materials of the containers or packaging, alternative methods are to be adopted, such as using fold-out labels, attaching hang tags, or directly printing required information on the containers. \n3. To enhance risk communication for handling processes, labeling and materials safety data sheets are to be in Chinese, with English translation when necessary. Also, a one year grace period will be given to those who need to adjust their label content and materials safety data sheets based on this rule.\n\nAs for the amendments regarding concerned chemical substances, an official control list will be announced in the future. Any substances on the list will require proper labelling and handlers are to produce safety data sheets for materials in accordance with the regulations. Furthermore, substances on the list will be under tiered management based on their characteristics and handlers will be obliged to obtain approval documents and submit regular operation records.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "9", "assortment": "Toxic Substance Management", "url": "V22\/V22-9" }, { "no": "3802", "title": "Penalties for Transportation Vehicles Violating Air Pollution Control Act Revised", "preview": "In accordance to the Air Pollution Control Act revised and announced on 1 August 2018, the EPA has combined the fines and authorization regulations into Article 85 of the Act. After reviewing Regulations for Fines for Transportation Vehicles Violating the Air Pollution Control Act (交通工具違反空氣污染防制法裁罰準則), Standards for Fines for Transportation Vehicles that Violate Emission Limits (交通工具排放空氣污染物罰鍰標準), and Standards for Fines for Motor Vehicles Violating Idling Management Regulations (違反機動車輛停車怠速管理規定罰鍰標準), the EPA has amended and merged these three regulations into the first regulations and abolished the latter two.\nThe main points of the revised fines are as follows:\n", "content": "1. In line with the revision of Article 86 of the Air Pollution Control Act that illegal gains from violating the mandatory obligations stipulated in the Act can be confiscated, the competent authorities are authorized to formulate the gain assessment methods, and confiscation can be done through administrative actions. Relevant provisions have been removed from the regulations. \n2. Added fine fees for trains emitting air pollutants exceeding emission standards.\n3. Added fine fees for vessels that utilize fuel which contains ingredients exceeding content standards.\n4. In accordance to Article 80 paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Air Pollution Control Act, the fines for vehicles that have not had a regular exhaust inspection by the deadline is now NT$500. There are also additional fines for those who have not had a vehicle exhaust inspection six months after the deadline, as well as for those who do not go for a re-inspection as required or who do not pass a re-inspection. \n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "9", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-9" }, { "no": "3801", "title": "Penalty Guidelines for Violations of Air Pollution Control Act Amended", "preview": "According to the recent revisions to the Air Pollution Control Act, penalties are now issued based on each violation committed instead of consecutive days of a violation. Consequently, the EPA has also amended the Guidelines for Consecutive Daily Fines for Violations of the Air Pollution Control Act (違反空氣污染防制法按日連續處罰執行準則) and renamed it the Implementation Guidelines for Late Corrections, Reporting or Improvements for Violations of the Air Pollution Control Act (違反空氣污染防制法按次處罰通知限期改善補正或申報執行準則). The new guidelines were made effective on 19 August 2019 for the imposition of penalties by competent authorities.", "content": "The main focus of the amendments is to change the basis of the punishment to be the number of violations instead of the consecutive days of a violation, and to move the stipulations in Article 36 to 38 of the Air Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules to the administrative standards. \n\nThe EPA also referenced the Implementation Guidelines for Late Corrections, Reporting or Improvements for Violations of the Water Pollution Control Act (違反水污染防治法按次處罰通知限期改善或補正執行準則) while formulating the amendments with similar topics, including: required documents for the completion of improvements, improvement verification procedures, penalty guidelines and improvement deadlines for failing the improvement verification, and standards for determining implementation failures against improvement plans. \n\nThe EPA reminds the public that heavy penalties (including criminal and administrative penalties) are imposed for violations of the Air Pollution Control Act. Hence, violators should make immediate improvements in compliance with the law to avoid further punishments. Failure to make improvements may result in revocation of operating permits, suspension or even termination of businesses. Any illegal gains from violations will also be confiscated. \n", "year": "2019", "month": "9", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-9" }, { "no": "3800", "title": "Volatile Organic Compound Limits for Architectural and Industrial Maintenance Coatings Announced ", "preview": "On 13 Aug 2019, the EPA announced the Volatile Organic Compound Content Limits for Architectural Coatings and Industrial Maintenance Coatings (建物及工業維護塗料揮發性有機物成分標準). These regulations seek to reduce the usage of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as part of the EPA’s mission to ensure the public’s health.", "content": "Architectural and industrial maintenance coating products contain high concentrations of VOCs. It is often not possible to collect and treat these VOCs during coating processes. For a short period of time after the coating is applied, VOCs continue to be released, impacting air quality, working personnel and people in general. Furthermore, according to the recently amended Air Pollution Control Act, chemical products that are manufactured, imported or sold containing the VOCs announced by the central competent authorities must meet the content limits for such VOCs. Thus, there is a need to enhance related controls on such products.\n\nAfter considering other countries’ experiences in controlling VOCs, the current state of manufacturing technology development, and the VOC content testing data of the coating products on the market, the EPA announced the Volatile Organic Compound Content Limits for Architectural Coatings and Industrial Maintenance Coatings. The restrictions put in place will be for coatings used in buildings and in maintaining industrial equipment, as these are stationary sources of pollution. The concentration limits are for the VOC content in the products sold on the domestic market; coatings to be exported will not be affected.\n\nThe EPA emphasized that the targets of this draft include enterprises involved in the manufacturing, importation and sale of architectural and industrial maintenance coatings containing VOCs. The regulated coatings include three broad categories and five specific types. The categories are: coatings for interior walls and ceilings (category A\/B) and exterior walls (category C). Labels for the diluting solvents and the solution ratios will be required to prevent the use of solvents from unknown sources and to determine the largest amounts of VOCs used in coating products", "year": "2019", "month": "9", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-9" }, { "no": "3799", "title": "Risk Assessment Procedures for Hazardous Air Pollutants from Stationary Sources Announced", "preview": "The EPA announced Risk Assessment Procedures for Hazardous Air Pollutants from Stationary Sources on 23 August 2019. These regulations provide environmental competent authorities with consistent procedures for conducting health risk assessments, when amending or formulating the emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). These procedures will help the EPA with its work on reducing risk of exposure to HAPs so as to protect the public’s health.", "content": "The announced procedures are in accordance with the Air Pollutant Control Act, amended on 1 August 2018, which states that stationary pollution source emission standards must include HAPs. Such standard values shall be based on the results of health risk assessments and the feasibility of prevention measures. The categories of the above-mentioned HAPs and the health risk assessment procedures shall be announced by central competent authorities. Setting standardized health risk assessment procedures will provide a valuable reference for environmental competent authorities. \n\nThe procedures base their scope on the categories of the HAPs announced by the EPA and assess the impacts to human health of inhalation exposure. They must be conducted according to the following:\n\n(1) Identification of hazards: The categories of toxicity (e.g. carcinogenicity, prenatal developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, mutagenicity, systemic toxicity), emission sources, and amounts emitted must be assessed.\n(2) Dose-effect assessment: For carcinogenic HAPs, inhalation cancer slope factor or inhalation unit risk shall be determined, while for non-carcinogenic HAPs, reference concentration (both acute and chronic) shall be assessed.\n(3) Exposure assessment: The total inhalation exposure to the spread of HAPs among residents living in the affected areas of the regulated entities shall be assessed.\n(4) Description of risk characteristics: Based on the results of the above assessments, the total increased carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks caused by the regulated HAPs for residents living in the affected areas of the regulated entities shall be assessed. Risk assessments shall be analyzed for uncertainty with a 95% upper confidence limitThe announced procedures are in accordance with the Air Pollutant Control Act, amended on 1 August 2018, which states that stationary pollution source emission standards must include HAPs. Such standard values shall be based on the results of health risk assessments and the feasibility of prevention measures. The categories of the above-mentioned HAPs and the health risk assessment procedures shall be announced by central competent authorities. Setting standardized health risk assessment procedures will provide a valuable reference for environmental competent authorities. \n\nThe procedures base their scope on the categories of the HAPs announced by the EPA and assess the impacts to human health of inhalation exposure. They must be conducted according to the following:\n\n(1) Identification of hazards: The categories of toxicity (e.g. carcinogenicity, prenatal developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, mutagenicity, systemic toxicity), emission sources, and amounts emitted must be assessed.\n(2) Dose-effect assessment: For carcinogenic HAPs, inhalation cancer slope factor or inhalation unit risk shall be determined, while for non-carcinogenic HAPs, reference concentration (both acute and chronic) shall be assessed.\n(3) Exposure assessment: The total inhalation exposure to the spread of HAPs among residents living in the affected areas of the regulated entities shall be assessed.\n(4) Description of risk characteristics: Based on the results of the above assessments, the total increased carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks caused by the regulated HAPs for residents living in the affected areas of the regulated entities shall be assessed. Risk assessments shall be analyzed for uncertainty with a 95% upper confidence limit.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "9", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-9" }, { "no": "3798", "title": "Results Announced for Embrace the Environment & Explore Air Quality Photo Contest", "preview": "The EPA held the 2019 photo contest of “Embrace the Environment and Explore Air Quality” as part of the Environment Info Push app. The event ran from 22 April to 5 June and received 220 submissions. After an online vote, the EPA announced the results of the contest on 15 July, with 3 finalists and 19 honorable mentions chosen by popular demand.", "content": "This event had approximately 80% of its photos taken in Taiwan’s six metropolitan areas, including Taipei City, New Taipei City and Taichung City. Some hot spots that were photographed featured Taipei 101, Bihu Park, and the Taipei Fine Arts Museum in Taipei City, the Sunshine Bridge (New Taipei City), Qingshui Geothermal Park (Yilan County), Nanliao Fishing Harbor (Hsinchu County), Xiluo Bridge (Yunlin County), Calligraphy Greenway (Taichung City), and 85 Sky Tower (Kaohsiung City). Participants captured the unique, underlying beauty of the environment through photo compositions that included the sky. The photos were done in such a way to invoke a deep feeling and desire to protect the environment. \n\nThe EPA notes that the Environment Info Push app has been downloaded over 500,000 people-times and garnered an average rating of four stars. Besides this contest, which used the “air quality mood” function for participants to share their environmental photos, the EPA will continue optimizing the services available via the app to provide even more features. The EPA hopes the Environment Info Push app will be an invaluable assistant for people in their everyday lives. It can be downloaded through Google Play or the Apple Store.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "8", "assortment": "Environmental Monitoring", "url": "V22\/V22-9" }, { "no": "3797", "title": "Global Environmental Education Elements Converge to Sketch New Blueprint in Asia-Pacific", "preview": "On 25 and 26 July 2019, the Taiwan EPA and the USEPA jointly held the 2019 Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) Advisory Group Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Thirty-one people, including government officials and environmental education experts of NGOs, from ten countries were invited to attend the meeting. The discussion focused on how to connect resources in Asia-Pacific to expand environmental education capacity in the region. The event also served as a warm-up for the Asia-Pacific Environmental Education Symposium in 2020.", "content": "The meeting was organized jointly by the Taiwan EPA and USEPA with attending consultants coming from ten countries, including Russia, Botswana, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Malaysia, India, Canada, the US, and Taiwan. There were two environmental education experts in the Taiwan delegation, which was led by Tsung-Yung Liu, Director-General of the EPA’s Department of Comprehensive Planning.\n\nIn his opening remarks, Director-General Liu stated that, through its long-term environmental collaboration with the US, Taiwan has moved from introducing technology to Taiwan in the early years to exchanging and learning from the US in recent years. Taiwan is truly a perfect example of showing the importance of international collaboration on a country’s development. Environmental education covers different fields and also different issues beyond national borders and regions, so everyone should strive to increase one’s own influence via exchanges. This is why global environmental education partnerships are important. Besides putting the participants’ know-how and knowledge to use, the Taiwan EPA aimed to share Taiwan’s experiences in environmental education during the meeting and strengthen and expand the influence of environmental education.\n\nThe GEEP program is expected to hold its first regional symposium in 2020, having the Asia-Pacific region spearhead the establishment of its regional network. The Taiwan EPA hopes to enhance all countries’ environmental education quality by learning from other nations’ strengths and sharing Taiwan’s experiences in regional exchanges, fostering greater awareness of sustainability through environmental education.\nThe meeting was organized jointly by the Taiwan EPA and USEPA with attending consultants coming from ten countries, including Russia, Botswana, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Malaysia, India, Canada, the US, and Taiwan. There were two environmental education experts in the Taiwan delegation, which was led by Tsung-Yung Liu, Director-General of the EPA’s Department of Comprehensive Planning.\n\nIn his opening remarks, Director-General Liu stated that, through its long-term environmental collaboration with the US, Taiwan has moved from introducing technology to Taiwan in the early years to exchanging and learning from the US in recent years. Taiwan is truly a perfect example of showing the importance of international collaboration on a country’s development. Environmental education covers different fields and also different issues beyond national borders and regions, so everyone should strive to increase one’s own influence via exchanges. This is why global environmental education partnerships are important. Besides putting the participants’ know-how and knowledge to use, the Taiwan EPA aimed to share Taiwan’s experiences in environmental education during the meeting and strengthen and expand the influence of environmental education.\n\nThe GEEP program is expected to hold its first regional symposium in 2020, having the Asia-Pacific region spearhead the establishment of its regional network. The Taiwan EPA hopes to enhance all countries’ environmental education quality by learning from other nations’ strengths and sharing Taiwan’s experiences in regional exchanges, fostering greater awareness of sustainability through environmental education.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "8", "assortment": "Environmental Education ", "url": "V22\/V22-8" }, { "no": "3796", "title": "Taiwan-US Cooperation Steps Forward in International Environmental Education", "preview": "The Ministry of Education and Chinese Society of Environmental Education (CSEE) in Taiwan both joined the Taiwan-US Environmental Education Task Force in 2019. The first meeting of the task force was held on 29 July. The meeting was attended by the USEPA, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education, and NGOs.", "content": "It’s been 25 years since Taiwan and the US signed the Environmental Protection Technology Cooperation Agreement in 1993. Over the years Taiwan has evolved from a learner and created its own path step by step. Since 2014, both countries have jointly promoted the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) and the Taiwan-US Eco Campus Partnership program. Years of endeavor have gradually shaped Taiwan into a leader in environmental education both in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.\n\nThe meeting was attended by the USEPA, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education, North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Fairfax County Public Schools in the US State of Virginia, and CSEE. Not only were the achievements of the Environmental Education Task Force displayed, but the participants also discussed all possibilities of continuing collaboration between the US and Taiwan.\n\nIn the future, GEEP will first build a more tightknit environmental education network in the Asia-Pacific region. Aligned with this goal, the Taiwan EPA brought up in the meeting its mission of soon working with Taichung City Hall to set up GEEP’s Asian center in Taichung. The center’s purpose is to plan environmental education promotion in the Asia-Pacific region and communicate and coordinate promotion of international environmental education. As mentioned in GEEP’s mission statement, a goal has to be large enough in order to be seen at all times, so Taiwan will always endeavor to work hard on the path to sustainable development.\n\nNot only so, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment came to the meeting as an observer to learn more about Taiwan-US joint collaboration to create opportunities for future multilateral collaboration and exchanges among Japan, the US, and Taiwan. And the American Institute in Taiwan also acknowledged the agreement as the most significant part of the bilateral collaboration between the US and Taiwan. Meanwhile, Taiwan will continue to look for opportunities to interact with the world. The Taiwan EPA aims to let environmental education take deeper root in Taiwan and keep up with developments in the international community, making Taiwan a key figure in the sustainable development of global environmental education\nIt’s been 25 years since Taiwan and the US signed the Environmental Protection Technology Cooperation Agreement in 1993. Over the years Taiwan has evolved from a learner and created its own path step by step. Since 2014, both countries have jointly promoted the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) and the Taiwan-US Eco Campus Partnership program. Years of endeavor have gradually shaped Taiwan into a leader in environmental education both in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.\n\nThe meeting was attended by the USEPA, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education, North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Fairfax County Public Schools in the US State of Virginia, and CSEE. Not only were the achievements of the Environmental Education Task Force displayed, but the participants also discussed all possibilities of continuing collaboration between the US and Taiwan.\n\nIn the future, GEEP will first build a more tightknit environmental education network in the Asia-Pacific region. Aligned with this goal, the Taiwan EPA brought up in the meeting its mission of soon working with Taichung City Hall to set up GEEP’s Asian center in Taichung. The center’s purpose is to plan environmental education promotion in the Asia-Pacific region and communicate and coordinate promotion of international environmental education. As mentioned in GEEP’s mission statement, a goal has to be large enough in order to be seen at all times, so Taiwan will always endeavor to work hard on the path to sustainable development.\n\nNot only so, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment came to the meeting as an observer to learn more about Taiwan-US joint collaboration to create opportunities for future multilateral collaboration and exchanges among Japan, the US, and Taiwan. And the American Institute in Taiwan also acknowledged the agreement as the most significant part of the bilateral collaboration between the US and Taiwan. Meanwhile, Taiwan will continue to look for opportunities to interact with the world. The Taiwan EPA aims to let environmental education take deeper root in Taiwan and keep up with developments in the international community, making Taiwan a key figure in the sustainable development of global environmental education\n", "year": "2019", "month": "8", "assortment": "International Cooperation", "url": "V22\/V22-8" }, { "no": "3795", "title": "Regulations on Awards for Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Handling Revised", "preview": " With green, eco-friendly chemicals becoming a global initiative, the EPA has set up incentives to drive R&D, improvements and promotion of green chemicals. The EPA revised the Regulations on Awards for Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Handling (毒性及關注化學物質運作獎勵辦法) based on the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法規定). The EPA hopes to encourage industries to play their roles in promoting eco-friendly chemicals.", "content": "In addition to broadening the qualifications to participate, the amendments were also made to: the awards to be conferred on a biennial basis; set limitations to signing up for the award; improve the regulations for the selection committee. There were also revisions for the awarding and public recognition of groups and individuals. Besides receiving a trophy, individuals may also receive prize money. Recipients who have won for two consecutive years must wait three years before being eligible to participate again, in order to encourage more groups and individuals to participate.", "year": "2019", "month": "8", "assortment": "Toxic Substance Management", "url": "V22\/V22-8" }, { "no": "3794", "title": "Toxic Chemicals Management Regulations Amended in Accordance to the Minamata Convention on Mercury ", "preview": "Toxic Substance Management Toxic Chemicals Management Regulations Amended in Accordance to the Minamata Convention on Mercury \nWorking in reference to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which lays out restrictions on products containing mercury, the EPA announced revisions to toxic substance management regulations so as to upgrade Taiwan’s restrictions on mercury into accordance with the Convention.\n\n", "content": "The EPA noted mercury primarily enters the human body through inhalation or ingestion. Once mercury is in the body, it is difficult to remove, resulting in nausea, vomiting and abdominal pains. Accumulation of mercury over a long period can damage the brain, nervous system, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Because mercury is persistent and bioaccumulative, it can circulate in the environment and accumulate within organisms, thus affecting the environment and human health.\n\nTo prevent mercury pollution, the EPA in 1991 listed mercury as a Class 1 toxic chemical substance to be regulated under the law. The current revisions are made in response to measures laid out in the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The EPA revised the usage and restrictions on mercury to reduce people’s risk of mercury exposure. The main points of the revisions are as follows:\n\n1. Revisions to terminology regarding mercury-containing products. \n2. Prohibiting the usage of mercury in the manufacturing of batteries, switches, relays, fluorescent light bulbs, high pressure mercury lamps and non-electronic measuring instruments from 1 Jan 2021.\n3. In accordance with Table 2 in Item 2 in the announced revisions, a list of calibration instruments and reference standard products that are allowed to be manufactured with mercury was added.\nThe Minamata Convention on Mercury took effect on 16 August 2017. It regulates mercury-containing daily commodities such as button cells, switches and relays, lighting fixtures, fluorescent lights, cosmetics, and pesticide-related products, as well as non-electronic measuring instruments such as barometers, hygrometers, pressure gauges, thermometers, and blood pressure monitors. The Convention comprehensively restricts the mercury content in these products and bans their production, importation and exportation from 2021. \n\nIn response to these revisions, the EPA held four inter-ministerial meetings on how to divide the work of managing mercury and derive strategies for restrictions. In addition, the creation of a small inter-ministerial control group was planned. This will allow ministries to cooperate in an effort to restrict the import and export of mercury products. Three additional meetings were held to invite related industries. The participants all expressed understanding of the provisions of the Minamata Convention and agreed to gradually transition to mercury-free alternatives. The EPA also took into consideration suggestions from enterprises, and referred to exemptions on mercury uses in the Convention, so as to amend the regulations by lifting certain mercury controls.\n\nTo follow international trends, the EPA not only revised the management regulations, but also collaborated with the Council of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Labor to draft the Implementation Plans for the Minamata Convention on Mercury (執行聯合國水俣汞公約推動計畫). Through this inter-ministerial effort, Taiwan expects to implement its domestic mercury management system.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "8", "assortment": "Toxic Substance Management", "url": "V22\/V22-8" }, { "no": "3793", "title": "Stricter Air Quality Standards Preannounced to Tackle Air Pollution", "preview": "Air Stricter Air Quality Standards Preannounced to Tackle Air Pollution To further improve air quality in Taiwan, the EPA plans to tighten the air quality standards and lower the daily average PM10 limit to 100 µg\/m3, and the maximum one-hour average of SO2 concentration to 0.075 ppm. In addition, the EPA will also impose stricter standards for NO2 and lead.", "content": "The Air Quality Standards were last amended on 14 May 2012, in which both the annual and 24-hour PM2.5 concentrations were added to strengthen PM2.5 control. To enhance air quality improvement, the EPA plans to lower the daily average PM10 limit from 125 µg\/m3 to 100 µg\/m3 and reduce the annual average limit from 65 µg\/m3 to 50 µg\/m3. Moreover, the EPA will lower the maximum one-hour average SO2 concentration from 0.25 ppm to 0.075 ppm and the annual average concentration from 0.030 ppm to 0.020 ppm. As for the NO2 standards, the maximum one-hour average NO2 concentration will be brought down from 0.25 ppm to 0.1 ppm and the annual average from 0.050 ppm to 0.030 ppm. Lastly, the air quality standard for lead will be set at 0.15 µg\/m3 as a rolling three-month average concentration.\n\nAccording to the air quality guidelines (AQG) published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2005, the interim target values for the 24-hour PM2.5 concentration and the annual mean PM2.5 concentration are set at 25 μg\/m3 and 10 μg\/m3, respectively. The interim targets are provided to encourage air quality improvement and to reduce adverse health effects posed by PM2.5 emissions. However, the WHO did not set a fixed threshold for PM2.5 and the interim target values provided are relatively lenient. Hence, the EPA won’t change the air quality standards for PM2.5. \n\nThe WHO suggested that national air quality standards should be set based on factors such as health risks caused by local air conditions, current pollution sources, technological feasibility, and social and economic development. The WHO also provided three interim target values for both the 24-hour PM2.5 concentrations (75, 50, 37.5 μg\/m3) and the annual mean PM2.5 concentrations (35, 25, 15 μg\/m3).\n\nThe US first established its PM2.5 standards in 1997, which originally set the 24-hour concentration at 65 µg\/m3 and the annual mean concentration at 15 μg\/m3. The standards for the 24-hour concentration were then tightened to 35 μg\/m3 in 2006, and the annual standard was lowered to 12 μg\/m3 in 2012. Even though the annual standard finally dropped from 15 μg\/m3 to 12 μg\/m3 after 15 years of adjustments and efforts, most states were still unable to reach the tightened standard of 12 μg\/m3. South Korea started implementing an annual PM2.5 standard of 25 μg\/m3 in 2015. Singapore currently does not maintain air quality standards for PM2.5, but a goal of reaching an annual mean concentration of 12 μg\/m3 by 2020 has been set. Thus, Taiwan enforces stricter PM2.5 standards compared to other western and Asian countries.\n\nFrom the Clean Air Action Plan promulgated in 2015 to the Air Pollution Control Action Plan, the EPA has shown its devotion to control of PM2.5 and its precursors. According to the data collected by manual monitoring devices, the annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2017 was 17.5 μg\/m3, which was an improvement over the previous three years. \n", "year": "2019", "month": "8", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-8" }, { "no": "3792", "title": "First Batch of HAPs from Stationary Sources Announced", "preview": "Air First Batch of HAPs from Stationary Sources Announced ", "content": "The regulations were formulated based on the amendments to the Air Pollution Control Act announced on 1 August 2018. The EPA selected 73 types of HAPs as the prioritized targets and divided them into three categories: volatile organic HAPs (61 substances), heavy metals or their compounds (eight substances), and others (four substances). The initial selection for the 73 HAPs was conducted by going through the lists of HAPs created by the EU, the US, Germany, Japan and Korea. The regulations were then finalized after taking into consideration the health risk assessments published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. In the future, the EPA will continue expanding the controlled types of HAPs in batches, which will become valid on the day of announcement. \n\nThe emission limits for HAPs serve as a determination standard for any violations to Article 53 of the Air Pollution Control Act. The limits are developed based on several factors: HAPs’ impacts on human health, current national HAP emissions from different industries, and air pollution control technology and environmental analysis capabilities. To evaluate HAPs’ impacts on human health, the EPA researched domestic and international information on potential health risks or death caused by exposure to various HAPs at different concentrations. The final decisions for emission limits were made based on a combination of all collected data and assessments of short term exposure at critical concentrations.\n\nThe regulations will be reviewed on a rolling basis and more emission limits will be formulated in stages. The first batch of the emission limits focuses on five substances, and their respective emission limits are as follows: dioxins 10 ng-TEQ\/Nm3, vinyl chloride 20 ppm, cadmium and its compounds 10 mg\/Nm3, lead and its compounds 10 mg\/Nm3, and trichloroethylene 5,000 ppm.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "8", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-8" }, { "no": "3791", "title": "Regulations Regarding Air Pollution Control Units\/Personnel Amended", "preview": "Air Regulations Regarding Air Pollution Control Units\/Personnel Amended ", "content": "According to the revisions to the Air Pollution Control Act announced on 1 August 2018, designated public and private venues are required to organize dedicated personnel to conduct health risk evaluation. In response to the amended act, the EPA has also made amendments to the regulations. The main points of the amendments include: \n1. The position of dedicated health risk evaluation personnel and employment standards thereof are added.\n2. Regulations are added that dedicated units for air pollution control and for wastewater\/sewage treatment may be set up in combination within the same premise. It has also been permitted for dedicated air pollution control personnel to concurrently hold the position of health risk evaluation personnel if they meet the qualifications. \n3. Regulations requiring substitution for dedicated personnel to be appointed in advance are added. Stipulations have also been made regarding the number and qualification levels of substitute personnel and the required documents for the substitution approval, which is to be submitted on the designated website.\n4. Regulations on the time limit for reporting any changes or resignations of dedicated personnel to the special municipality, county, or city competent authority have been added.\n5. Regulations are added that when dedicated personnel fail to perform operations for reasons other than resignation and transfer, the premise shall hire replacements 15 days prior to the expiry of the employment period of substitute personnel. \n6. Stipulations are added regarding the responsibilities and employment period of substitute personnel when dedicated units or personnel have already been confirmed and approved by competent authorities before the amendments take effect.\n7. Duties of substitute personnel and dedicated health risk evaluation personnel have been added.\n8. Regulations are added that when a person has not been appointed as dedicated personnel for at least three years in a row after passing the training, that person is to complete on-the-job training within six months of reporting to duty. If the person fails to perform the job training or if the premise is unable to report the completion of the training within the time limit, the employment of the person will be deemed no longer valid. When the aforementioned situation occurs, the premise shall re-apply for the employment approval in accordance with the regulations. \n9. Regulations regarding temporary leave and termination of dedicated personnel have been added. \n10. Prohibitions for dedicated or substitute personnel have been included.\n11. Management responsibilities of public and private premises for the supervision of dedicated personnel have been added.\n12. Penalties for violation of the regulations by public or private premises and dedicated personnel have been included.", "year": "2019", "month": "8", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-8" }, { "no": "3790", "title": "International Collaboration for Air Pollution Control Formed Under New Southbound Policy", "preview": "International Collaboration for Air Pollution Control Formed Under New Southbound Policy\nThe 2019 South & Southeast Asia - Air Improvements in the Region (SSEA-AIR) Annual Meeting was held in Taipei from 29 July to 2 August. The meeting was jointly organized by the Taiwan EPA and the USEPA, and more than 30 government officials and experts in the field shared their experiences in air pollution control. Participating countries and organizations included: Indonesia, Korea, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Asian Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (AECEN).\n\n", "content": "The 2019 South & Southeast Asia - Air Improvements in the Region (SSEA-AIR) Annual Meeting was held in Taipei from 29 July to 2 August. The meeting was jointly organized by the Taiwan EPA and the USEPA, and more than 30 government officials and experts in the field shared their experiences in air pollution control. Participating countries and organizations included: Indonesia, Korea, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Asian Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (AECEN).\n\nThrough the help of the Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership of the UN Environment Programme located in Bangkok, Thailand, a contingent from the USEPA visited Vietnam and Indonesia to gather information on the differences of air pollution control policies among various Asian countries. Moreover, the Taiwan EPA and the USEPA have also launched the new Air Quality Management (AQM) platform under the International Environmental Partnership to support the implementation of the SSEA-AIR. Most Southeast Asian countries have agreed that the three key parts of air pollution management are: the establishment of air quality policies and standards, the control of transportation emissions, and the development of environmental monitoring and data management technology. In addition, most officials have expressed that they are facing similar environmental challenges. Therefore, the AQM will also serve as an important communication and collaboration network for the training of government officials and technical experts, especially for developing countries that are in their early or middle stage of development.\n\nTaiwan has seen significant results in air quality improvement in the past 25 years. Additionally, since every city adopts different control strategies based on local air quality and pollution characteristics, Taiwan has gained a considerable amount of unique experiences in air pollution control to share with other Asian countries. \n\nThe main purpose of the meeting was to exchange experiences in air quality management. The meeting focused on topics that most Southeast Asian countries showed interest in due to their similar environmental and developmental background, including funding for air pollution improvement, mobile source pollution control, and pollution prevention equipment for factories. The Taiwan EPA also arranged on-site tours for the guests to demonstrate Taiwan’s practice in roadside and random inspections for mobile sources and its achievements in air pollution reduction. After the meeting, the Taiwan EPA gave Vietnam 100 sets of air quality sensors to help establish environmental monitoring technology with lower costs.\n \nThe meeting laid the foundation for not only future cooperation with other Asian countries that will be mutually beneficial, but also the implementation of the SE Asian Quality Management Platform. By providing technical assistance and implementation experiences, the Taiwan EPA aims to achieve regional air quality improvement and promote local environmental education and green industry.\n\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "8", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-8" }, { "no": "3789", "title": "Industrial Waste Reuse Management Regulations Tightened ", "preview": "Waste Industrial Waste Reuse Management Regulations Tightened To improve regulations for the reuse of industrial waste and to implement resources cycling policy, the EPA revised the Industrial Waste Reuse Management Regulations (). Key areas for tightening regulations for the benefit of practical operations were permission reviews and operations management. \n", "content": "Industrial Waste Reuse Management Regulations Tightened To improve regulations for the reuse of industrial waste and to implement resources cycling policy, the EPA revised the Industrial Waste Reuse Management Regulations (). Key areas for tightening regulations for the benefit of practical operations were permission reviews and operations management. \n\nThe revisions are in compliance with revisions made to the Waste Disposal Act Article 39, Paragraph 2 on 18 Jan 2017 and also the Regulations Concerning Common Industrial Waste Management, announced on 8 Jan 2018. Key revisions include:\n1. Permission review and operations management concerning reuse are tightened. Procedures and standards for permission approval are specified in order to protect the rights and interests of citizens.\n2. To improve the management of permissions, competent authorities can request a general case permission be converted to an individual case permission application. In addition, the revision adds key criteria for rejecting and returning permission applications, as well as requires product purposes and warnings on labels in accordance with regulations.\n3. If the reuse does not adhere to regulations, or a reused product is not in accordance with product standards, competent authorities can stop a reuse organization from accepting and reusing wastes, or selling reuse products. Enterprises that commit serious offenses will forfeit their reuse permissions, in addition to being subject to fines and a limited time period for correction, as stipulated by the Waste Disposal Act. \n4. Besides declaring the flow of reuse products online, when necessary competent authorities can request that a reuse organization track a product to its ultimate end user in order to better understand its flow.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "7", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V22\/V22-7" }, { "no": "3788", "title": "EPA Presents R&D Results for Recycling Technology", "preview": "Recycling\nEPA Presents R&D Results for Recycling Technology\nEPA held the Symposium on Innovation, Research and Development in Recyclable Technologies on 24 June 2019. The themes of this years symposium were Environmental Design and Renewable Resources, and participants presented numerous breakthroughs from the past three years (2016-2018).\n", "content": "EPA Presents R&D Results for Recycling Technology\nEPA held the Symposium on Innovation, Research and Development in Recyclable Technologies on 24 June 2019. The themes of this years symposium were Environmental Design and Renewable Resources, and participants presented numerous breakthroughs from the past three years (2016-2018).\n\nThe EPA stated that its research plans over the past three years produced 29 academic papers and applications for nine special projects. With this year’s symposium, the EPA sought to bring industry and academia together and facilitate cooperation between the two, providing an opportunity to open the market to developed products. The ultimate aim is to have both industry and academia make strides toward a resources cycling society. This year’s symposium presented innovative research and development projects, including rudimentary research and development, producing high-value reused materials, and the commodification of technological products. Smart innovations are expected to provide breakthroughs in terms of existing recycling and disposal techniques used and promote diverse and innovative techniques for reusing waste resources.\n \nTransforming old ideas of economic development to promote a circular economy is a key strategy of the government, and to this end, Taiwan is implementing the 4-in-1 Recycling Program which emphasizes Extended Producer Responsibility. The program sets up a legal framework for recycling and provides economic incentives for forming a circular use of resources. Aside from waste reduction and proper recycling and treatment of waste, the program aims to improve reuse technology and increase the value of reused materials and products, allowing for resources to remain within Taiwan for future reuse. \n\nThis year’s symposium featured a number of presentations demonstrating the success of research on reuse techniques. Through research and development of manufacturing methods, it is possible to obtain highly-pure rare elements, which are increasingly seen as valuable. These elements come from dry batteries, home appliances, catalytic converters from vehicles, fluorescent powder from spent lights, and LCD displays. Through adjustments to manufacturing processes and procedural improvements, manufacturers can produce high-value reusable materials and products, such as porous absorption materials, environmental catalysts, and reusable bricks. \n\nIt is also possible to use recycled LCD displays to create smart energy-saving windows. Evaluations were done on using heat treatment of plastic labels and aluminum foil for energy. Environmentally-friendly reagents can be used in the tin-stripping process for home appliances, computers, and the motherboards of cell phones. There also have been developments in recycling metals from lithium batteries. Research was also done on reuse technology for waste tires, assessments of applications and material characteristics of rubber-asphalt pavement aggregate. All of these techniques and developments have shown promise. In the future these projects will assist industries to produce products in a circular way and reduce the acquisition and usage of raw materials. They will provide a diverse range of sources to promote a sustainable and closed-loop use of resources.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "7", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "V22\/V22-7" }, { "no": "3787", "title": "Emission Reduction Standards for Class 3 Control Zones Preannounced", "preview": "Air\nEmission Reduction Standards for Class 3 Control Zones Preannounced\nThe Emission Reduction Standards for Existing Sources in Class 3 Air Pollution Control Zones were preannounced on 19 June 2019. The reduction standards were formulated to provide set standards for existing stationary sources of air pollution at both public and private premises within Class 3 air pollution control zones and local environmental bureaus. The reduction standards are to be followed when stationary sources implement mandatory pollution emission reduction and when local environmental bureaus implement air pollution control plans. \n", "content": "Emission Reduction Standards for Class 3 Control Zones Preannounced\nThe Emission Reduction Standards for Existing Sources in Class 3 Air Pollution Control Zones were preannounced on 19 June 2019. The reduction standards were formulated to provide set standards for existing stationary sources of air pollution at both public and private premises within Class 3 air pollution control zones and local environmental bureaus. The reduction standards are to be followed when stationary sources implement mandatory pollution emission reduction and when local environmental bureaus implement air pollution control plans. \n\nAir quality in Taiwan is significantly affected by topographic traits and seasonal weather patterns. Since PM2.5 is the primary pollutant type that often does not satisfy air quality standards in Taiwan, in order to accelerate air quality improvement in Class 3 air pollution control zones, experts and scholars recommend implementing control measures based on prioritized air pollutants. The prioritized order is: primary particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur oxides (SOx). \n\nThe main source of primary PM comes from fugitive emissions, such as dust from barren land, stacking operations and construction sites. To carry out PM control, the EPA has formulated the Management Regulations for Facilities to Control Fugitive Dust Air Pollution from Stationary Pollution Sources and the Management Regulations for Construction Project Air Pollution Control Facilities. In addition, fuel composition standards have been devised to implement SOx source controls. As for NOx emissions that primarily come from combustion, the EPA has formulated the Boiler Air Pollutant Emission Standards which will take effect on 1 July 2020. Moreover, the reduction standards mainly target specific industries with a large amount of NOx emissions (average annual emissions exceeding 40 metric tons) and other places for reduction, such as the power industry, the cement industry, the steel industry, and waste incinerators. The above mentioned industries are required to take NOx reduction measures to meet the emission standards within five years. In the meantime, the EPA will continue to strengthen air pollution control by reviewing emission standards for different industries. \n\nAny public and private premises in Class 3 air pollution control zones that meet the following conditions shall conduct NOx reduction in accordance with the reduction standards:\n1. Any public and private premises whose equipment or industry type fits the explanations listed in the table below.\n2. The existing stationary pollution sources in the premises are permitted to exceed an annual NOx emission of 40 metric tons based on their operation permissions. \n", "year": "2019", "month": "7", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-7" }, { "no": "3786", "title": "New Certification Program Launched for Exhaust Systems and Sound camera Technology", "preview": "Noise Control\nNew Certification Program Launched for Exhaust Systems and Sound camera Technology \nStarting from 1 July 2019, the EPA has been working with local environmental authorities, police, and motor vehicle agencies to strengthen controls on noise pollution caused by illegally modified vehicles. In addition, the EPA has introduced a new certification program for exhaust systems and sound camera technology to crack down on noisy modified vehicles. \n", "content": "New Certification Program Launched for Exhaust Systems and Sound camera Technology \nStarting from 1 July 2019, the EPA has been working with local environmental authorities, police, and motor vehicle agencies to strengthen controls on noise pollution caused by illegally modified vehicles. In addition, the EPA has introduced a new certification program for exhaust systems and sound camera technology to crack down on noisy modified vehicles. \n \nThere have been several recent media reports on the roaring sound of modified vehicles ruining the peace and quiet in neighborhoods. The causes of the loud noise are usually from illegally modified exhaust systems or the removal of mufflers. Therefore, the EPA reminds vehicle owners that any modifications to exhaust systems must not only be in compliance with traffic safety rules but also regulations regarding noise pollution and pollutant emissions. Furthermore, the EPA has implemented a new certification program for modified exhaust systems and has been assisting vehicle manufacturers and importers with the registration of the certification. In the future, vehicles with unregistered or uncertified exhaust systems will be barred from roads. \n\nThe EPA has been working in conjunction with local environmental authorities, police, and motor vehicle agencies to conduct inspections of noisy vehicles and protect citizens from nuisance noise. The inspections are done by first setting up sound cameras equipped with noise detection and license plate recognition systems at locations and times with frequent noise complaints. When a vehicle is determined as noisy by the camera, it will be further inspected for any violations. \n\nThe EPA urges vehicle owners not to make any modifications to the exhaust systems that would result in noise pollution. The EPA will continue cooperating with local environmental authorities, police, and motor vehicle agencies to conduct inspections with sound cameras, and offenders will be punished in accordance with the law. \n", "year": "2019", "month": "7", "assortment": "Noise Control", "url": "V22\/V22-7" }, { "no": "3785", "title": "Vehicle Emission Standards Amended", "preview": "Air\nVehicle Emission Standards Amended\nOn 12 June 2019, the Vehicular Air Pollutant Emission Standards were revised and renamed the Mobile Pollution Source Air Pollutant Emissions Standards. In accordance with Article 5 of the emissions standards, the Phase 6 diesel vehicle emission standards will take effect on 1 September 2019. The Phase 6 standards require the installation of pollution control equipment on heavy-duty diesel trucks, which increases the price of the trucks compared to the Phase 5 ones and may affect the publics’ interest in switching over. The EPA has thus extended the production, manufacture and import of Phase 5 heavy-duty diesel vehicles for two years to facilitate the replacement of old vehicles. \n", "content": "Vehicle Emission Standards Amended\nOn 12 June 2019, the Vehicular Air Pollutant Emission Standards were revised and renamed the Mobile Pollution Source Air Pollutant Emissions Standards. In accordance with Article 5 of the emissions standards, the Phase 6 diesel vehicle emission standards will take effect on 1 September 2019. The Phase 6 standards require the installation of pollution control equipment on heavy-duty diesel trucks, which increases the price of the trucks compared to the Phase 5 ones and may affect the publics’ interest in switching over. The EPA has thus extended the production, manufacture and import of Phase 5 heavy-duty diesel vehicles for two years to facilitate the replacement of old vehicles. \n\nThe emissions standards were revised mainly to adjust Article 5 Part 9, so that it would allow all heavy-duty diesel vehicles with a certificate of conformity that was issued before 31 August 2019 to continue to be produced, manufactured or imported until 31 August 2021.\n\nAccording to the amendments to the emissions standards made on 27 December 2016, the Phase 6 diesel vehicle emission standards shall enter into force on 1 September 2019. The Phase 6 standards were formulated based on the EU 6 standards, among which the regulations for heavy-duty trucks and buses have already been in effect since 1 January 2014. Compared to the Phase 5 standards, Phase 6 standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses have stricter restrictions on air pollutants (NOx emissions tightened by 80% and PM emissions tightened by 50%). Additionally, the Phase 6 standards also offer an extended emission durability warranty and include emission limits for NH3 and solid particle number (PN).\n\nHowever, due to the stricter emission control policies, vehicles will need to install pollution control devices with higher performance and efficiency. Therefore, to reduce the impacts from the increase of cost in pollution control devices, the EPA has amended the emissions standards to include a grace period. According to Article 5 Part 9 of the revised emissions standards, all heavy-duty diesel vehicles with a certificate of conformity issued before 31 August 2019 may continue to be produced (date of production for domestic vehicles) or imported (shipped on board date for imported vehicles) until 31 August 2021.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "7", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-7" }, { "no": "3784", "title": "Co-firing Ratio and Composition Standards for Fuels Used by Stationary Pollution Sources Preannounced", "preview": "Air\nCo-firing Ratio and Composition Standards for Fuels Used by Stationary Pollution Sources Preannounced\nTo strengthen air pollution control at its source, the EPA preannounced the Co-firing Ratio and Composition Standards for Fuels Used by Stationary Pollution Sources on 26 June 2019. The standards stipulate the compositions of bituminous coal, fuel oil and solid biofuel used in public and private premises, and also the co-firing ratio limits for waste-derived fuels as an auxiliary fuel. Also, the standards will be implemented in combination with use permissions for fuels. \n", "content": "Co-firing Ratio and Composition Standards for Fuels Used by Stationary Pollution Sources Preannounced\nTo strengthen air pollution control at its source, the EPA preannounced the Co-firing Ratio and Composition Standards for Fuels Used by Stationary Pollution Sources on 26 June 2019. The standards stipulate the compositions of bituminous coal, fuel oil and solid biofuel used in public and private premises, and also the co-firing ratio limits for waste-derived fuels as an auxiliary fuel. Also, the standards will be implemented in combination with use permissions for fuels. \n\nThe standards were formulated based on the new revisions to the Air Pollution Control Act announced on 1 August 2018. The purpose of the standards is to regulate the fuels and auxiliary fuels used by stationary sources in public and private premises, including bituminous coal and other announced substances. \n\nAlthough petroleum coke is no longer used as a fuel in Taiwan, it is still included in the standards to ensure stricter control. In addition to the standards, to separate the controls on fuels used by stationary sources and other substances prone to cause air pollution, the EPA has preannounced the revised Management Regulations on Sales and Use Permissions for Bituminous Coal, Petroleum Coke and Other Air Pollution-Causing Substances. \n", "year": "2019", "month": "7", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-7" }, { "no": "3783", "title": "Simultaneous Inspection Launched Nationwide Following Start of Ban on Single-use plastic straws", "preview": "Waste\nSimultaneous Inspection Launched Nationwide Following Start of Ban on Single-use plastic straws\nAfter a ban on single-use plastic straws took effect on 1 July 2019, audits of the item were conducted in every county and city in Taiwan, which took place simultaneously at 1,138 sites on the first day. Two enterprises were found not compliant with the ban and subsequently received warnings. Nationwide implementation of the ban has generally gone well overall.\n", "content": "Simultaneous Inspection Launched Nationwide Following Start of Ban on Single-use plastic straws\nAfter a ban on single-use plastic straws took effect on 1 July 2019, audits of the item were conducted in every county and city in Taiwan, which took place simultaneously at 1,138 sites on the first day. Two enterprises were found not compliant with the ban and subsequently received warnings. Nationwide implementation of the ban has generally gone well overall.\n\nThe Targets and Implementation Methods of the Single-use plastic straw Ban, announced by the EPA on 8 May 2019, requires roughly 8,000 enterprises in four categories, namely, the public sector; schools; department stores and shopping malls; and fast-food chain restaurants to stop providing single-use plastic straws for onsite dining. Before 30 June 2020, violators will receive warnings for breaking the ban for the first time, with fines ranging from NT$1,200 to NT$6,000 for breaking it a second time while showing no improvement. Before the ban officially took effect, the EPA formulated regulations concerning audits and compiled lists of enterprises in the four categories as references for local governments to conduct audits and awareness campaigns.\n\nThe EPA stated that as reducing marine waste is a pressing issue globally, it hoped more and more people would voluntarily answer the call to reduce waste at-source in the face of increasingly severe environmental and ecological challenges. The main goal of the ban on single-use plastic straws that begun on 1 July 2019 is to implement phased controls and for the public to become less reliant on such straws. Citizens and enterprises can learn to adapt to such a measure starting with the first targets subject to the ban, which are onsite, indoor dining environments where use of single-use plastic straws is not necessary.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "7", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V22\/V22-7" }, { "no": "3782", "title": "Control of Dengue Fever Takes No Break at Schools and in Communities", "preview": "Environmental Management\nControl of Dengue Fever Takes No Break at Schools and in Communities\nBased on the data of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, there had been 35 indigenous cases (31 in Kaohsiung City and four in Tainan City) and 188 imported cases of dengue fever in 2019 as of 4 July. Moreover, now is the peak season of mosquito-transmitted diseases, with recent downpours significantly raising the risk of the outbreak of dengue fever. The EPA particularly urges the public to immediately clean up containers holding stagnant water.\n", "content": "Control of Dengue Fever Takes No Break at Schools and in Communities\nBased on the data of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, there had been 35 indigenous cases (31 in Kaohsiung City and four in Tainan City) and 188 imported cases of dengue fever in 2019 as of 4 July. Moreover, now is the peak season of mosquito-transmitted diseases, with recent downpours significantly raising the risk of the outbreak of dengue fever. The EPA particularly urges the public to immediately clean up containers holding stagnant water.\n\nThe EPA noted that this year the Bureau of Environmental Inspection, as well as regional environmental protection bureaus were deployed earlier than usual for dengue fever control in northern, central, and southern Taiwan. Efforts have been intensified to inspect breeding grounds such as residential vegetable gardens, recycling facilities, vacant buildings, outdoor dumping sites for tires, construction sites, dirty spots, and so on. Schools have also been listed as an inspection target after summer break started in July.\n\nDuring disease control meetings, the EPA repeatedly reminded regional environmental protection bureaus to ask education bureaus to increase the frequency of checking building roofs to clean up stagnant water, and also perform general clean-ups of schools. All schools have been urged to diligently continue performing this task during summer vacation, so that schools would not become breeding grounds for mosquitoes during the summer break. In 2019, as of the end of June, the EPA and regional environmental protection authorities received 35 reports of school sites becoming outdoor mosquito breeding grounds. Among them, nine were universities, while 26 were facilities of the elementary and high schools. These reports will be followed up with tightened inspections so as to lower the risk of mosquito-borne diseases spreading.\n\nIn response to the outbreak of dengue fever, since June 2019, the EPA has held six training seminars on the clean-up of mosquito breeding grounds for disease control staff in environmental protection bureaus and the central government. There have also been seven educational and promotional events on clean-ups at school sites and in communities, with a total of 1,220 participants. Frontline disease prevention staff learned about the ecology of disease-spreading mosquitoes, breeding ground clean-up and how to identify mosquito larvae and adults. Lecturers then took trainees to conduct outdoor breeding source inspections, taught about the different types of breeding grounds, and demonstrated various treatment methods. Finally, trainees were accompanied as they conducted activities with members of the public to raise awareness of disease control. \n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "7", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "V22\/V22-7" }, { "no": "3781", "title": "Strengthening Industrial Waste Management", "preview": "waste\n1. Strengthening Industrial Waste Management\nFrom industrial waste reduction in its early days to the recent reduction at source, the direction of industrial waste management in Taiwan has gradually incorporated new concepts such as sustainable materials management and from-cradle-to-cradle. Through combining reuse and management of industrial wastes, the EPA will keep pushing for resource cycling and zero waste as Taiwan’s long-term goals.\n\n", "content": "1. Strengthening Industrial Waste Management\nFrom industrial waste reduction in its early days to the recent reduction at source, the direction of industrial waste management in Taiwan has gradually incorporated new concepts such as sustainable materials management and from-cradle-to-cradle. Through combining reuse and management of industrial wastes, the EPA will keep pushing for resource cycling and zero waste as Taiwan’s long-term goals.\n\n\nHow it began\n19741987\nWaste management in Taiwan started with the promulgation of the Waste Disposal Act () in 1974. When established in 1987, the EPA began to keep track of industrial waste production and set up a permit system concerning clearance and disposal organizations. As different industries were gradually placed under control, industrial waste treatment became a focal point for the EPA. \n \n\nBeginning in 1990, the core policy has been to cut industrial waste generation by pushing for clean production technology, specifying recycling and reuse guidelines, opening up diverse reuse channels, and improving proper treatment technology. In recent years, the approach has shifted to reduction at source. Concepts like SMM and C2C have been introduced into Taiwan one after another.\n\n\nStrengthening industrial waste management can be examined in two aspects: Strengthening management of the waste disposal system and tracking industrial waste flows.\n\n\nStrengthening management of the waste disposal system\n\n\n(1) Strengthening management of clearance and disposal organizations\n\nTo effectively manage the operation of clearance and disposal organizations, the EPA forms inspection plans every year for waste clearance and disposal equipment and organizations currently in operation. Regional competent authorities are also encouraged to conduct regular onsite inspection to properly ascertain actual practices and operations at disposal organizations. Inspection mainly focuses on online registration and operation documentation, storage methods and facilities, treatment and operation maintenance, clearance of waste generated after treatment, product flows, and so on. Moreover, the EPA continues to assist enterprises in their applications for setting up waste disposal organizations. From 2016 to 2018, a total of 23 enterprises obtained clearance and disposal permission to improve their own waste disposal channels.\n\nOn 22 December 2018, the EPA announced revisions of the Regulations Concerning Permissions for Citizens Waste Clearance and disposal to improve the management system for waste clearance and disposal. One of the revision details is that disposal organizations are mandated to present their own standards for taking in waste, conduct tests on waste and products, and keep records on business, management, and operations. The aim is to keep track of products reutilized from treated waste so that waste can be properly cleared and disposed of. Clearance and disposal prices are required to be disclosed to the public in order to establish a pricing and market mechanism for waste clearance and disposal. Meanwhile, the EPA is requiring clearance and disposal organizations to join relevant associations based on the Commercial Group Act to enhance coordination among associated enterprises and tighten links among competent authorities.\n\n (2) Management of industrial waste categorized as industrial-raw materials\nWaste paper and plastic have been announced as 70% of industrial feedstocks are imported due to inadequate natural resources domestically, suddenly stopping imports of industrial-raw materials would seriously impact industries that are unable to source needed materials in Taiwan. Therefore, the EPA has been focusing on management and planning to improve material quality, setting up importer data, and adding controls on registrations.\n\nOpinions have been collected from all stakeholders and sectors in order to understand concerns around the environmental impacts brought by imported industry-use materials. The EPA also considered the implications of Chinas no-waste policy, as part of its effort to tighten controls of imported materials and protect the recycling system in Taiwan as quickly as possible. \n\nOn 4 October 2018, the EPA announced the 13 Industrial Wastes Categorized As Industrial-raw Materials (). The content included adjusted criteria for the importation of waste plastic and waste paper, specified import limits, and relevant quality controls.\n\n\n(3) Enhancing at-source reduction of industrial waste and self-management\nSince 2018, civil society groups in Taiwan have been gradually and voluntarily promoting the Green Deal, based on referencing concepts of the Netherlands Green Deal. The Alliance of a Circular Economy of Marine Waste Plastic, the Green E-Resource Alliance, and the Alliance of Circular Resources for Taiwan’s Construction Industry have been set up. The purpose of these alliances target at the recycle and reuse of waste plastic, e-waste, wastes generated from construction and demolition, incinerator bottom ash, and slag. Various groups voluntarily promoted the signing of the Green Deal and now strive to create win-wins for the economy and environmental protection via cooperation with the public sector. The semiconductor industry has been assisted to recycle and reuse waste solutions and solvents, with work done at source management and sorting of solvents. Moreover, the industry has begun pushing for testing wastewater treatment plants located in industrial zones, and exploring the feasibility of using low-concentration waste isopropanol, which is only generated in the semiconductor industry, as a carbon source.\n\nRegarding collection, clearance, disposal, and reuse of agricultural waste, the EPA has planned to establish a recycling, treatment, and reuse mechanism for waste orchard branches and other residual materials from agricultural production. Pingtung County’s experiences in crushing, centralized storage and clearance and reuse of waste orchard branches, all commissioned, are greatly relied upon for reference. The practices have been promoted to municipalities, counties, cities, and townships that produce large amounts of waste orchard branches. The EPA also designated Pingtung County as a demonstration point and assisted the agricultural industry to voluntarily establish a circular system for recycling and reuse of residual materials. \n\nTracking the flow of industrial waste\nTo better track the flow of industrial waste, the EPA announced the revised Regulations Concerning Clearance and Transport Machinery Required to Be Equipped With Real-Time Tracking Systems () on 17 August 2018. The list of clearance and transport vehicles required to install a real-time tracking systems is now expanded to include those clear and transport wastes like sludge, construction waste, and waste plastic. In addition, the EPA further required all clearance and transport vehicles with operation permissions to be equipped with such a system. The measure is expected to put all machinery and vehicles under control in four stages from 2019 to 2022. Additionally, the EPA will utilize new technology by including collision sensors and signals for power failures in vehicles and machinery specifications to increase stability and accuracy of vehicle track signals.\n\nIn the future, the EPA will continue to improve management of industrial waste reuse as it gradually works toward reaching Taiwan’s goals of resources cycling and zero waste.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "7", "assortment": "waste", "url": "V22\/V22-7" }, { "no": "3780", "title": "Foundation Set for a Low-carbon Homeland, Communities Take Action ", "preview": "Environmental Management\nFoundation Set for a Low-carbon Homeland, Communities Take Action \nTo raise awareness of climate change and improve our homeland’s environmental durability, the EPA began promoting the Low-carbon and Sustainable Homeland since 2009. As of this year, 3,887 neighborhoods are participating. Of these, 783 have actively implemented green energy, recycling, restoration of green environments, low-carbon lifestyles, green transportation and shipping, as well as sustainable business practices. Communities have used these six ways to take action against climate change and received either a bronze or silver certification from the EPA. \n \n", "content": "Foundation Set for a Low-carbon Homeland, Communities Take Action \nTo raise awareness of climate change and improve our homeland’s environmental durability, the EPA began promoting the Low-carbon and Sustainable Homeland since 2009. As of this year, 3,887 neighborhoods are participating. Of these, 783 have actively implemented green energy, recycling, restoration of green environments, low-carbon lifestyles, green transportation and shipping, as well as sustainable business practices. Communities have used these six ways to take action against climate change and received either a bronze or silver certification from the EPA. \n \nThe EPA noted that communities autonomously implement initiatives to respond to climate change and then apply for in the Low-carbon and Sustainable Homeland certification. Communities that have successfully executed 5-7 items of the initiative or made adjustments to their practices may receive a bronze certificate. Communities that have implemented 13 or more items from the initiative as well as showed excellent performance in four out of the six dimensions can qualify for the silver certificate. Since the formal start of the project in 2015, the number of communities applying for certification has steadily increased. In 2018, 15 silver and 95 bronze certificates have been awarded. \nLocal governments have also actively participated. In 2017, a number of places were awarded the silver certificate: Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan City, Tainan, Hsinchu County, Yilan County, and Chiayi City. Kaohsiung and Kinmen County were added to the list in 2018. Based on 2018’s numbers, 3,887 villages, 337 towns (town, cities, districts), and 22 municipalities or counties participated in the initiative. The participation rate is 50%, 92% and 100%, respectively. Forty-seven villages received silver certificates and 736 earned a bronze certificate. Ten urban areas received silver certificates, while 108 earned bronze. Among municipalities and counties, nine received silver certificates and 11 earned bronze. Among the 738 villages to earn a silver rank, 95% adopted measures to lower indoor temperatures (such as promoting green roofs, plant walls or hedges, and permeable pavement). According to the Bureau of Energy’s statistics, to lower the temperature of a room by one degree, an air conditioner uses 6% more electricity. However, when area temperature reduction measures are taken, indoor temperatures can be reduced by 3-5 degrees, simultaneously lowering electricity use by 10-25%. Thus, these measures not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve communities’ abilities to adjust to high temperatures. \nIn addition, 88% of villages adopted recycling measures and 83% made use of green energy. These communities have also been able to implement diverse initiatives to reduce carbon and implement adjustment measures based on their local conditions.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "6", "assortment": "Environmental Management", "url": "V22\/V22-6" }, { "no": "3779", "title": "Announcing Results of Environmental Agents Inspections, “Agents” from Unlicensed Online Auctions Prohibited", "preview": "General Policy\nAnnouncing Results of Environmental Agents Inspections, “Agents” from Unlicensed Online Auctions Prohibited\nIn order to guarantee that consumers select legal, safe and effective environmental agents, the EPA drafts the Environmental Agents Assessment Plan (環境用藥查核計畫) each year. In 2018, the EPA investigated the ads, packaging and active ingredients of environmental agents: 40,166 were examined with an approval rate of 99%.\n", "content": "Announcing Results of Environmental Agents Inspections, “Agents” from Unlicensed Online Auctions Prohibited\nIn order to guarantee that consumers select legal, safe and effective environmental agents, the EPA drafts the Environmental Agents Assessment Plan (環境用藥查核計畫) each year. In 2018, the EPA investigated the ads, packaging and active ingredients of environmental agents: 40,166 were examined with an approval rate of 99%.\nThe results of this year’s investigations included 11,224 advertisements, with 139 online advertisements determined to be illegal. The fines for which totaled NT$4,070,000. Illegal advertisements were largely comprised of individuals on e-commerce sites advertising sales of mosquito repellant patches imported from Japan. For packaging, 28,719 cases were reviewed, with 283 failing inspection. One hundred and ninety-two sample tests were conducted on the active ingredients of environmental agents, with four cases failing inspection. The investigation determined that there were 31 cases involving the forging of permits for environmental agents. Eight of said cases were determined to have persistent organic pollutants (pesticides) that were included in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Cases that did not pass inspection were given penalties and taken off shelves for a fixed time in accordance to the Environmental Agents Control Act. \nOnline shopping and auctions are convenient, and many people not only purchase but also sell goods (such as mosquito repellant patches and sprays) on e-commerce platforms. Nevertheless, the EPA reminds everyone that advertisements for environmental agents must first have proper permission before being published. Violators will be fined a minimum of NT$60,000 and maximum of NT$300,000. Regarding these advertisements, the EPA asks people to follow the “3 Don’ts”: Do not publish advertisements without proper permits. Do not buy without consideration. Consumers should not purchase products when the source of the environmental agent is unclear or the product lacks labelling stating approval from the EPA with a registration number for “environmental protection product,” “environmental protection import,” or “environmental protection mosquito repellant.” Finally, the EPA does not recommend products from online advertising that claim to have environmentally friendly environmental agents that kill insects or act as pest control. \nThe EPA created a query system for looking up permits for environmental agents and vector controls (https:\/\/mdc.epa.gov.tw\/PUblicInfo ). Users simply input the product’s name or permit number and can ascertain whether the product has been approved as well as find its source. Users can also find information about legal sellers for vector control products and environmental agents. People interested in learning more about safe environmental agents or seeing what environmental agent products do not comply with EPA guidelines can visit https:\/\/evsu.epa.gov.tw\/EVagents\/ EVSecruity\/Index.aspx.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "6", "assortment": "General Policy", "url": "V22\/V22-6" }, { "no": "3778", "title": "Soil and Groundwater Research and Technology Procurement Conference ", "preview": "Soil & Groundwater\nSoil and Groundwater Research and Technology Procurement Conference \nOn 4 June, the EPA held the Cultivating Technologies for a New Era—Soil and Groundwater Research and Technology Procurement Conference 2019. The conference exhibited technology developments in the areas of soil and groundwater. It also facilitated dialogue and exchange between private industries, the government, and academia for the purpose of improving field applications for technology and accelerating efforts to remediate polluted soil and groundwater sites.\n", "content": "Soil and Groundwater Research and Technology Procurement Conference \nOn 4 June, the EPA held the Cultivating Technologies for a New Era—Soil and Groundwater Research and Technology Procurement Conference 2019. The conference exhibited technology developments in the areas of soil and groundwater. It also facilitated dialogue and exchange between private industries, the government, and academia for the purpose of improving field applications for technology and accelerating efforts to remediate polluted soil and groundwater sites.\nThe EPA stated that quickly recovering polluted sites has become its key mission. As such, optimizing and innovating the development of soil and groundwater technology is now one of its most critical tasks. The EPA annually budgets NT$30 million to encourage public and private universities in Taiwan to invest in research and development related to soil and groundwater. As of this year, there have been 129 international publications, 20 patents, and five technology transfers. The EPA has also successfully matched 43 pieces of technology to be applied at test sites. These developments have cultivated talented experts in soil and groundwater.\nThe EPA held this research and technology procurement conference to particularly focus on presenting technology developments and cross-field applications. As such, Taiwan’s experts and scholars in soil and groundwater were invited to share their research results and demonstrate the potential applications for certain technologies. In addition, the conference provided a channel for exchanging technology. The conference brought together industries applying local technology related to soil and groundwater to effectively improve Taiwan’s polluted sites. Participants could also take advantage of the conference to forge ties with industries, the government and academia, creating more market opportunities.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "6", "assortment": "Soil & Groundwater", "url": "V22\/V22-6" }, { "no": "3777", "title": "Amendments to Classes of Air Pollution Control Zones Preannounced ", "preview": "Air\nAmendments to Classes of Air Pollution Control Zones Preannounced \nAccording to the Air Pollution Control Act, air quality standards shall be reviewed at least once every four years. Since the EPA is revising the air quality standards, the classes of air pollution control zones for special municipalities, counties, and cities will also be reevaluated to make adjustment based on realistic needs.\n", "content": "Amendments to Classes of Air Pollution Control Zones Preannounced \nAccording to the Air Pollution Control Act, air quality standards shall be reviewed at least once every four years. Since the EPA is revising the air quality standards, the classes of air pollution control zones for special municipalities, counties, and cities will also be reevaluated to make adjustment based on realistic needs.\nThe Air Pollution Control Act divides the air quality control zones into the following three classes: \n1. Class 1 control zones refer to national parks and nature conservation areas as delineated by law. \n2. Class 2 control zones refer to areas whose air quality meets air quality standards, with the exception of Class 1. \n3. Class 3 control zones refer to areas whose air quality does not meet air quality standards, with the exception of Class 1. \nAfter reviewing the current classification of the control zones, changes have been made based on the draft amendments to the air quality standards as follows: Changhua County has been reclassified as Class 3 PM10 control zone from Class 2, Yilan and Hualien County as Class 2 PM2.5 control zones from Class 3, and Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County as Class 2 O3 control zones from Class 3. \nI n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e n e w c o n t r o l z o n e classifications, Yilan, Hualien and Taitung counties are now considered Class 2 PM2.5 control zones while the rest of the cities\/counties remain as Class 3. Therefore, the EPA will continuously strengthen the reduction of PM2.5 and precursor emissions to achieve phased reduction goals. \nAffected by the amended air quality standards that will tighten the daily average PM10 limit value from 100 μg\/m3 to 50 μg\/m3, the following cities\/counties will still remain as Class 3 PM10 control zones: Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Pingtung and Kinmen counties, and Chiayi, Tainan and Kaohsiung cities. In the future, the EPA will focus on the emission control of fugitive dust from paved roads and construction sites and open-air burning to better improve air quality and safeguard public health.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "6", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-6" }, { "no": "3776", "title": "Amendments to Air Quality Standards Preannounced ", "preview": "Air\nAmendments to Air Quality Standards Preannounced \nTo further improve the air quality in Taiwan, the EPA has revised the Air Quality Standards ( 空氣品質標準) according to the current air quality conditions and international trends. T h e d a i l y a v e r a g e P M 10 l i m i t v a l u e w i l l b e b r o u g h t d o w n f r o m 1 2 5 μ g \/ m 3 t o 1 0 0 μ g \/ m 3 .\n", "content": "Amendments to Air Quality Standards Preannounced \nTo further improve the air quality in Taiwan, the EPA has revised the Air Quality Standards ( 空氣品質標準) according to the current air quality conditions and international trends. T h e d a i l y a v e r a g e P M 10 l i m i t v a l u e w i l l b e b r o u g h t d o w n f r o m 1 2 5 μ g \/ m 3 t o 1 0 0 μ g \/ m 3 .\nIt has been five years since the air quality standards were last amended on 14 May 2012. In the last revisions, standards for both the annual and 24- hour PM2.5 concentrations were added. Hence, the determination methods for the compliance of the standards that apply to air quality control zones and total emission control zones were also revised in accordance with the changes. To gradually reduce smog and particulate matter pollution that have been raising public concerns, the EPA plans to tighten the air quality standards based on the WHO Air Quality Guidelines to serve as the basis of future reduction timetable and goals. The new standards will lower the daily average PM10 limit value from 125 μg\/m3 to 100 μg\/m3 and reduce the annual average limit from 65 μg\/m3 to 50 μg\/m3 . \nTo keep in line with international trends, the EPA will lower the maximum one-hour average SO2 concentration from 0.25 ppm to 0.075 ppm and also the maximum one-hour average NO2 concentration from 0.25 ppm to 0.1 ppm. Furthermore, the air quality standard for lead (Pb) will be set at 0.15 μg\/m3 as a rolling three-month average concentration. The new standard aligns with the current US air quality standard for lead, which is currently considered the strictest in the world. \nThe new revisions to the air quality standards were formulated after taking into account of the current progress on air quality improvement and international research and studies on public health. By evaluating the differences in air quality standards between Taiwan and other countries, the EPA has tightened the standards to strengthen the implementation of air pollution reduction policies.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "6", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-6" }, { "no": "3775", "title": "Online Uploading Required for Trial Operation Plans ", "preview": "Air\nOnline Uploading Required for Trial Operation Plans \nAf t e r r e v i e w i n g t h e Regul a t ions on T r ial Operat ions and Assessments f o r Pub l ic and P r i v a t e Premises , t h e E P A a d d e d a n e w s t i p u l a t i o n r e q u i r i n g p u b l i c a n d p r i v a t e premises to upload their trial operation plans on a designated website for the general public.\n", "content": "Online Uploading Required for Trial Operation Plans \nAf t e r r e v i e w i n g t h e Regul a t ions on T r ial Operat ions and Assessments f o r Pub l ic and P r i v a t e Premises , t h e E P A a d d e d a n e w s t i p u l a t i o n r e q u i r i n g p u b l i c a n d p r i v a t e premises to upload their trial operation plans on a designated website for the general public.\nThe Air Pollution Control Act was amended on 1 August 2018 to include stipulations on the information transparency of trial operation plans. Therefore, the Regulations on Trial Operations and Assessments for Public and Private Premises will also be updated correspondingly to maintain regulation consistency. \nAccording to the current regulations, public and private premises are required to submit trial operation plans and other related documents before resuming the operation of pollution sources or business if it meets the following circumstances: \n1. The premise is ordered by the competent authority to suspend the operation of pollution source, suspend work or business pursuant. \n2. The premise is ordered to make improvements by the competent authority but voluntarily suspends work or business. \nAdditionally, to ensure that stationary pollution sources comply with the emission standards prior to the resumption of operation, the regulations also include clear stipulations on the assessment procedure and standards of trial operation plans. \nHowever, to respond to the current emission control status and management system, adjustments are to be made to the regulations. \nOther revisions to the regulations include: \n1. Public opinions shall be included for reference in the assessment process of trial operation plans. \n2. During the meeting for the assessment of trial operation plans, the minutes of the meeting shall be published on the designated website. \n3. In response to the changes in the Air Pollution Control Act, the regulations will be renamed as the Regulations on Trial Operations and Assessments for Public and Private Premises Prior to Operation Resumption.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "6", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-6" }, { "no": "3774", "title": "International Conference on a Sustainable Taiwan Held on World Environment Day ", "preview": "Sustainable Development\nInternational Conference on a Sustainable Taiwan Held on World Environment Day \nTo demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to promote sustainable development, the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) held the International Conference on a Sustainable Taiwan: Accelerating the Localization of UNSDGs on 5 June 2019. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) experts from the US, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Africa were invited to the conference to share SDG implementation experiences and future strategies with Taiwanese representatives across different sectors, including heads or deputy heads of county and city environmental bureaus.\n", "content": "International Conference on a Sustainable Taiwan Held on World Environment Day \nTo demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to promote sustainable development, the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) held the International Conference on a Sustainable Taiwan: Accelerating the Localization of UNSDGs on 5 June 2019. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) experts from the US, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Africa were invited to the conference to share SDG implementation experiences and future strategies with Taiwanese representatives across different sectors, including heads or deputy heads of county and city environmental bureaus.\nIn the opening ceremony, students from Micang Elementary School, which has won the National Sustainable Development Award in the education c a t e g o r y t w i c e , s p o k e o n b e h a l f o f t h e n e w generation about their vision for the future. During the conference, three main topics on SDGs were discussed to exchange international implementation experiences and to integrate knowledge from central and local governments, businesses, academia, and the general public. As the secretariat of the NCSD, the EPA aims to form global partnerships through the conference and together they will embark on the journey of building a sustainable environment for future generations. \nThe other purpose of the conference was to announce t h e T a i w a n S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t Go a l s formulated by the NCSD so that related ministries can carry out their implementation accordingly. In response to the UNSDGs launched in 2015, the Taiwan SDGs were devised based on the UNSDGs and Taiwan’s current circumstance and future goals in sustainable development. After spending two years working with different ministries and gathering opinions from the public and the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan has finally completed its SDGs. \nTo stimulate the promotion of SDGs and achieve sustainable development, several experts in the area of SDG promotion from the US, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Africa were invited to participate in the conference and share their implementation experiences. The EPA also invited heads and deputy heads of five city and four county environmental bureaus, businesses and schools that have won the National Sustainable Development Awards, and student representatives and youth activists advocating the SDGs.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "6", "assortment": "Sustainable Development", "url": "V22\/V22-6" }, { "no": "3773", "title": "Revisions to Enterprise Classification and Definition of the Water Pollution Control Act ", "preview": "Water\nRevisions to Enterprise Classification and Definition of the Water Pollution Control Act \nTo meet management needs, the EPA announced revisions to the Enterprise Classification and Definition of the Water Pollution Control Act ( 水污染防治法事業分類及定義) on 1 M a y 2 0 1 9 . F i v e e n t e r p r i s e c a t e g o r i e s , i n c l u d i n g s e a w a t e r d e s a l i n a t i o n p l a n t s , h a v e been added for future control. The revisions for different categories will take effect on different dates.\n", "content": "Revisions to Enterprise Classification and Definition of the Water Pollution Control Act \nTo meet management needs, the EPA announced revisions to the Enterprise Classification and Definition of the Water Pollution Control Act ( 水污染防治法事業分類及定義) on 1 M a y 2 0 1 9 . F i v e e n t e r p r i s e c a t e g o r i e s , i n c l u d i n g s e a w a t e r d e s a l i n a t i o n p l a n t s , h a v e been added for future control. The revisions for different categories will take effect on different dates.\nThe EPA noted that so far 61 types of enterprises are under control under the current Water Pollution Control Act ( 水污染防治法) and that the revisions further intensify controls in response to practical management needs. The reasons for the revisions are as follows. \nS e a w a t e r d e s a l i n a t i o n p l a n t s a r e c u r r e n t l y controlled under the classification of waterworks. Moreover, application conditions are different due to characteristics of seawater treatment and emissions, so they should be individually controlled for water pollution. Recently, there have been water pollution incidents caused by enterprises of scales that were too small to be required for water pollution controls. Examples include untreated total phosphorous-containing wastewater being discharged into rivers and causing eutrophication in reservoirs. Pollutants in storage tanks were leaked and led to soil or groundwater pollution. However, the culprits could not be required to install pollution-controlling facilities and monitoring equipment based on the Water Pollution Control Act. Also, steam-producing enterprises that use wet oxidation to treat waste gases generated wastewater containing pollutants like dioxins, suspended solids (SSs), and organic matter. \nIn addition, for both livestock and copepod-farming enterprises’ agricultural waste reutilization trial projects approved by competent agricultural authorities, the control needs to be tightened as wastewater generated by farming activities contains high concentrations of organic matter that affect water body quality. \nThe revisions include the following main points: \n1. Newly adding “enterprises that collect livestock manure or liquor and fiber digestate treated with aerobatic fermentation for aquatic plant seeds and animal feeds like farming algae, and rotifer or other aquatic animals”: Control applies to enterprises in two conditions. Its size must exceed 0.25 hectares if it’s located inside a protective area for water quantity and quality in water origin and 0.5 hectares if outside of it. Control will take effect on 1 July 2019. The enterprises will be controlled with control items, standards, and limited for Enterprise 59, “animal husbandry and animal excreta or bioenergy treatment center (or biogas center)”. \n2. Newly adding Enterprise 61: “seawater desalination plants.” Enterprises that collect, desalinate seawater or semi-saltwater for water use. Twenty-one control items are specifically added. \n3. Newly adding Enterprise 62: “enterprises within total phosphorous reduction control zones of reservoirs”: Control targets, control standards, and limits are according to the reservoirs’ total phosphorous reduction control zones and control methods announced by the competent authorities in special municipalities, counties, and cities. \n4. Newly adding Enterprise 63: “steam suppliers.” Enterprises that install boilers and engage in steam production, delivery, and supply, and as a result generate wastewater. Control will be effective from 1 July 2019. Control standards and limits are additionally set for a total of 46 items, including dioxins, and will take effect from 1 July 2020. \n5. Newly adding “enterprises that install storage facilities within operating premises, store materials designated by the central competent authorities in Article 33 Paragraph 1 of the Water Pollution Control Act with storage capacity of 200 liters or more”: Control will take effect on 1 July 2020. \n6. For enterprises with incinerating facilities that set up wet or semi-dry washing equipment for their own air pollution control facilities, dioxins within the effluents should be listed for control whether or not the washing equipment generates wastewater. Moreover, regulations of total residual chlorine for effluents with high salinity (if using seawater as base) specify chlorine-formed oxidants as control items if an actual need for this is required. \nThe EPA emphasizes that it aims to encourage enterprises to properly operate wastewater treatment facilities and improve water body quality by putting under control enterprises that may pollute and also adding suitable control items and limits for effluents.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "6", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V22\/V22-6" }, { "no": "3772", "title": "Sustainable Resource Utilization via Circular Economy ", "preview": "waste\n\n Sustainable Resource Utilization via Circular Economy \nTa i w a n ’ s r e c y c l i n g g o a l h a s c h a n g e d f r o m t h e c o n v e n t i o n a l e n d - o f - p i p e t r e a t m e n t t o t h e c u r r e n t s o u r c e r e d u c t i o n , g r a d u a l l y h e a d i n g t o w a r d t h e g o a l o f z e r o w a s t e . Through the implementation of 2018-2020 Resource Recycling and Reuse Plans ( 資源回收再利用推動計畫), the EPA hopes to build a circular economy and achieve sustainability, i n c l u d i n g m a x i m i z i n g r e s o u r c e u t i l i z a t i o n a n d m i n i m i z i n g t h e i m p a c t s o n t h e e n v i r o n m e n t .\n\n", "content": "Sustainable Resource Utilization via Circular Economy \nTa i w a n ’ s r e c y c l i n g g o a l h a s c h a n g e d f r o m t h e c o n v e n t i o n a l e n d - o f - p i p e t r e a t m e n t t o t h e c u r r e n t s o u r c e r e d u c t i o n , g r a d u a l l y h e a d i n g t o w a r d t h e g o a l o f z e r o w a s t e . Through the implementation of 2018-2020 Resource Recycling and Reuse Plans ( 資源回收再利用推動計畫), the EPA hopes to build a circular economy and achieve sustainability, i n c l u d i n g m a x i m i z i n g r e s o u r c e u t i l i z a t i o n a n d m i n i m i z i n g t h e i m p a c t s o n t h e e n v i r o n m e n t .\n\n Launched in 1997, the EPA’s Four-in-one Resource Recycling Plan ( 資源回收四合一計畫) has combined four forces, including communities, recycling enterprises, local sanitation crews, and the Recycling Fund, with government authorities. It aims to e stablish recycling channels participated by all citizens and completely solve garbage treatment problems with a proper treatment rate of over 99%. \nHowever, rapid economic development and drastic increase of the types and quantity of industrial wastes has led to more complicated treatment methods and higher costs. The conventional end-of-pipe treatment can no longer meet modern needs. In order to achieve a circular economy of zero waste, the EPA is currently implementing the following measures: \nS t r e n g t h e n i n g i n d u s t r i a l w a s t e reutilization management \nThe EPA announced the Management Regulations for Reuse of Common Industrial Waste ( 共通性事業廢棄物再利用管理辦法) on 8 January 2018. Eight industrial wastes -- food waste, waste cooking oil, waste iron, waste paper, waste glass, waste plastic, waste single metal (copper, zinc, aluminum, and tin), and waste cement telecommunication lines -- are listed for control and management under the EPA. Subsequently, an announcement on 9 January 2018 mandated tracking of reused coal ash, waste casting sand, and electric arc furnace slag. Each competent authority should conduct environmental monitoring if their reuses are potentially affecting the environment. \nOn 27 November 2018, the amended Industries Required to Submit Online Reports of Waste Production, Storage, Clearance, Treatment, Reuse, Export, and Import ( 應以網路傳輸方式申報廢棄物之 產出、貯存、清除、處理、再利用、輸出及輸入情形之事業) and Industries Required to Submit Industrial Waste Clearance Plans ( 應檢具事業廢棄物清理計畫書之事業) were both announced. The revisions are specifically to include evaluation for industrial waste clearance plans for the purpose of reuse. \nResource Recycling and Reuse \n(1) Implementation of 2018-2020 Resource Recycling and Reuse Plan \nBesides incorporating the concept of circular economy, the Resource Recycling and Reuse Plan launched in 2018, promotes strategies based on life cycles of various materials. Under the strategies covering production, consumption, waste management, and reused material markets, the EPA has formulated cross-departmental action strategies, measures, and key performance indexes and determined that plastic, metals, construction waste, and food waste would be the first to implement upon. \nAs it carries out the Plan, the EPA hopes to build a circular economy and achieve sustainability, maximizing resource utilization and minimizing environmental impacts. Recycling and reuse of waste plastic and construction waste were the targets set in 2018, and members of the committee reviewed the results of the project in the Resource Recycling and Reuse Promotion Committee of EPA, and the project's accomplishments were reviewed by members of the Resource Recycling and Reuse Promotion Committee of the EPA. \n(2) “Cradle-to-cradle (C2C)” design concepts and circular economy evaluation \nencourage companies to prioritize product design from the beginning and enhance public awareness of C2C design concepts and understanding of circular economy, the EPA continued to invite corporations to participate in the C2C Platform in 2018. To date, the platform has 94 members. In 2018, nine meetings were organized with group discussions to increase exchanges among members and promote the platform. \nEvaluation for circular economy of waste resources had been conducted in 2018 on reuse institutes to further encourage and promote reuse. After the evaluation, nine of 74 enterprises that signed up were awarded with two stars, and 15 with one star. Enterprises with excellent performances are used as examples to encourage and guide each industry to commit to circular economy. Moreover, the EPA hopes that the evaluation will become an index on the promotion of circular economy by various industries. \n(3) Promoting recycling and treatment of waste solar panels \nI n r e s p o n s e t o f u t u r e t r e a t m e n t o f w a s t e photoelectricity modules, the EPA has planned out a semi-automatic recycling mechanism and mandated enterprises to fulfill their extended producer responsibilities (EPRs). A joint recycling, clearance, and treatment organization is to be established by enterprises. \nBefore the revisions, waste recycling, clearance, and treatment fees collected by the Bureau of Energy of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and fees specially applied by the EPA were used on recycling, clearance, and treatment of waste solar panels. After the revisions, the EPA has become in charge of collecting the relevant fees, which are managed under the Recycling Fund. \nStrengthening functions of Recycling Fund \n1. Perfecting management of recycling and treatment channels \nThe EPA has actively encouraged authorities in charge to conduct recycling plans, open up recycling channels, and increase recycling results. \n(1) Authorities in charge of recycling have been supplied with needed equipment and facilities. In 2019, it is expected to subsidize purchase of 11 loaders, construction of one and renovation of three recycling and storage sites, and replacement of 192 hybrid recycling vehicles. \n(2) The Neighborhood Recycling Station Plan ( 村里資源回收站計畫) prescribes the setting up of 1,400 stations in 2019. As many as 1,299 had been set up by February 2019 to strengthen the recycling system. (3) The Circular Economy and Recycling Force Plan ( 循環經濟資收大軍計畫) prescribes the hiring of 2,982 people every month in average in 2019 to help sort recycled wastes. The EPA will also try to prevent self-employed recyclers from being financially affected by price changes in the recycling market. \n(4) The Recycling Care Program ( 資收關懷計畫), newly launched i n 2 0 1 9 , f o c u s e s o n s e l f - employed recyclers that are also medium-low income households. F o r w a s t e s r e q u i r e d t o b e recycled, subsidies of NT$5\/kg or NT$20\/set (or unit) are provided. Among them, the subsidy for waste paper container will be raised from NT$5\/kg to NT$10\/kg beginning since 1 July 2019. \n(5) Annual performance evaluation is conducted on competent authorities, where exchanges on innovative recycling methods in different areas are also carried out to raise recycling efficiency. \nTo set up a comprehensive system of recycling and treatment channels, 614 recyclers and 92 treatment enterprises had obtained registration licenses as of the end of February. Among those, 226 recyclers and 75 treatment enterprises have been subsidized. The EPA has finished helping subsidize enterprises to set up closed-circuit television, measuring equipment and systems. The monitoring efficiency has also been raised through monitoring operations of both subsidized enterprises and inspecting and certifying organizations. Measuring and weighing data can now be uploaded to an online system without manually keying in the data, largely cutting down costs and raising efficiency. \nThe EPA has been publicly asking for innovative and research projects on recycling and treatment in order to encourage enterprises to develop recycling and treatment technology, attract talents, and create reuse channels. Fifteen applications were approved in 2018, and 17 in 2019. \n2. Monitoring responsible enterprises to practice recyclable waste management \nA total of 23,714 responsible enterprises (35,096 per company\/time) had been listed under control as of the end of May 2019 with 804,676 pieces of registered data of operation evaluated and put into the system. Responsible enterprises can pay fees in banks, post offices, and convenience stores. To provide a convenient way to pay the fee, they can set up a link on the reporting system via the e-bill website and pay directly online. \nDuring January and May 2019, an accounting firm was commissioned to audit 757 recycling and treatment enterprises that have larger amount of reported recycling, clearance, and treatment fees. The audited fees amounted to approximately NT$2.816 billion. The rate of enterprises accurately reporting fees is 99. 19%. \n3. Promoting recycling to increase effectiveness \nThere were 1.407 million metric tons of recyclable waste in 2018 and 119,000 metric tons in January 2019. The EPA actively helps Southeast Asian countries develop business opportunities for recycling industry-needed technology and equipment by assisting them with evaluations and skill-building projects and exchanging recycling and reuse technology. A toll-free phone number is in place to assist anyone in need. The resource recycling system had adopted its website with responsive website design (RWD) and issued e-newsletters to intensify online promotion with interactive videos, images, texts, and social networks. Until the end of May 2019, civil organizations had been sponsored to hold 52 recycling and treatment promotion activities, with a total of 82,110 participants. \nFuture prospect \nThe EPA believes the future policies of circular economy should aim for resource sustainability. With recycling, reuse, and innovation as the guidelines, the EPA has been adopting the idea of materials’ life cycles and circular utilization and gradually heading toward the final goal of zero-waste. In addition to the conventional 3Rs (reduce, recycle, and reuse), another 3Rs -- recovery of energy, land reclamation, and redesign -- have also been introduced to build a circular economy.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "6", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V22\/V22-6" }, { "no": "3771", "title": "EPA Ocean Pollution Response Documentary Earns Distinction at Worldfest-Houston Film Festival ", "preview": "Water\nEPA Ocean Pollution Response Documentary Earns Distinction at Worldfest-Houston Film Festival \nThe EPA’s documentary \"T.S. Taipei Grounding and Oil Spill 2016\" was entered into the 2019 (52nd) Worldfest-Houston Film Festival, and received distinction among the 4,500 entries from 74 countries. The short documentary earned the Special Jury Remi Award, the most distinguished award for its category. \n", "content": "EPA Ocean Pollution Response Documentary Earns Distinction at Worldfest-Houston Film Festival \nThe EPA’s documentary \"T.S. Taipei Grounding and Oil Spill 2016\" was entered into the 2019 (52nd) Worldfest-Houston Film Festival, and received distinction among the 4,500 entries from 74 countries. The short documentary earned the Special Jury Remi Award, the most distinguished award for its category. \nThe T.S. Taipei oil spill is the most severe ocean pollution incident Taiwan has experienced in recent years. On 10 March 2016, the cargo ship T.S. Taipei leaked oil from a fracture in its hull, while passing by Shimen in northern Taiwan. The oil spill resulted in the pollution of the shore and waters in the area. \nThe EPA, which initiated emergency response measures, and Geographic Information Technology Co. (GI-Tech), which participated in the entire process, compiled video footage and photos that captured the six-month period from the incident to the completion of the cleanup. From these materials, they produced the documentary \"T.S. Taipei Grounding and Oil Spill 2016\". The documentary is one of the world’s few films that captures the entire process around such an incident, from the spill to the ship’s removal and completion of the oil spill cleanup. The documentary serves as a reference for professional groups involved in emergency response and allows people to see the great efforts that must be taken to clean up ocean pollution. The film is a significant contribution to emergency response management all over the world. \nThe complete documentary i s a v a i l a b l e a t t h e we b p a g e : h t t p s : \/ \/ w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m \/ watch?v=gDNkhTdrWog&t=3s\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "5", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V22\/V22-5" }, { "no": "3770", "title": "Banning Personal Care Products Containing Synthetic Polymers ", "preview": "Waste\nBanning Personal Care Products Containing Synthetic Polymers \nSince the Manufacturing, Import, and Sale Restrictions for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Containing Microbeads ( 限制含塑膠微粒之化粧品與個人清潔用品製造、輸入及販賣) was announced on 3 August 2017, it has made a positive difference in reducing the use of microbead-containing products. \n \n", "content": "Banning Personal Care Products Containing Synthetic Polymers \nSince the Manufacturing, Import, and Sale Restrictions for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Containing Microbeads ( 限制含塑膠微粒之化粧品與個人清潔用品製造、輸入及販賣) was announced on 3 August 2017, it has made a positive difference in reducing the use of microbead-containing products. \n \nHowever, after the ban of microbeads, some companies reformulated their products by using different artificial polymers, which remain insoluble in water. Therefore, to ensure products are eco-friendly, the EPA has made amendments to the restrictions by adopting some of Sweden’s rules governing microbeads in cosmetic products. The main points of the amendments are as follows: \n1. Synthetic polymers, such as solid synthetic wax, have been included in the category of microplastics. Also, the definition of naturally occurring polymers has been added. \n2. The manufacturing and import of personal care and cosmetic products containing synthetic polymers will be banned starting from 1 September 2019. The ban on the sale of products containing synthetic polymers will enter into force on 1 March 2020.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "5", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V22\/V22-5" }, { "no": "3769", "title": "Bring Your Own Cup While Enjoying a Plastic-free, Low-carbon Xiaoliuqiu ", "preview": "Environmetal Sanitation\nBring Your Own Cup While Enjoying a Plastic-free, Low-carbon Xiaoliuqiu \nThe EPA and the Pingtung County Government held a press conference on “No Plastic, Reduce Carbon from Traveling” on 30 April at Xiaoliuqiu’s Baisha Elementary School. Visitors to Xiaoliuqiu are encouraged to be environmentally conscious during their travels by bringing their own cups and making use of the island’s drinking fountains. They can also choose eco-friendly accommodations. By doing so, visitors are not only participating in an environmentally friendly and sustainable form of tourism, they are also protecting the island’s ecosystem, helping to gradually turn Xiaoliuqiu into a plastic-free, low-carbon island. \n", "content": "Bring Your Own Cup While Enjoying a Plastic-free, Low-carbon Xiaoliuqiu \nThe EPA and the Pingtung County Government held a press conference on “No Plastic, Reduce Carbon from Traveling” on 30 April at Xiaoliuqiu’s Baisha Elementary School. Visitors to Xiaoliuqiu are encouraged to be environmentally conscious during their travels by bringing their own cups and making use of the island’s drinking fountains. They can also choose eco-friendly accommodations. By doing so, visitors are not only participating in an environmentally friendly and sustainable form of tourism, they are also protecting the island’s ecosystem, helping to gradually turn Xiaoliuqiu into a plastic-free, low-carbon island. \nEPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang noted that Xiaoliuqiu’s beautiful environment has attracted around one million visitors over the last few years. The sharp increase in plastic waste seen on the island has had a significant negative impact on the island. In order to progressively reduce plastic waste, the EPA and the Pingtung County Government have worked in conjunction to promote a plan to create a plastic-free, low-carbon model island. They have already installed 10 drinking fountains in nine locations, including the tourist wharf, scenic areas, ferry waiting rooms, and security check areas. There is also now a map displaying locations for accessing drinking water. \nFrom now to the end of September 2019, people can use their smartphones to scan a QR code for a map of drinking fountain locations. By using on-site drinking fountains, users may receive 300 green points each time a machine is used, up to a maximum of 3,000 points. During this event, when an individual uploads a post that includes pictures of Xiaoliuqiu’s colorful drinking fountains, tags two friends and publicly shares their post, he or she may participate in a lucky draw. \nMinister Chang stated that within a half year of using drinking fountains, the result has been 30,000 fewer PET bottles (based on a single drink container being 600 ml). In addition, there was a total carbon reduction of 4,500 kg (taking every bottle as weighing 150 grams). \nFurthermore, upon launching the campaign to make Xiaoliuqiu plastic-free and low-carbon, the EPA has connected local vendors and people to help reduce single-use plastic drink containers by providing rental bottles (Liuqiu Shared Cup Campaign). There are 19 beverage stands on the island participating in the campaign, with each stand acting as a station to rent out and return cups.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "5", "assortment": "Environmetal Sanitation", "url": "V22\/V22-5" }, { "no": "3768", "title": "2018-2019 Caring for the Environment Design Competition Winners Announced", "preview": "General Policy\n2018-2019 Caring for the Environment Design Competition Winners Announced\nEPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang personally presented awards for the 2018-2019 Caring for the Environment Design Competition. Winners of the award not only won a prize of NT$100,000, the top three finalists received an additional subsidy to attend the award ceremony for the INDEX: Award 2019 held in Denmark, as well as an opportunity to visit the world-class design organization INDEX: Design to Improve Life. The top three finalists were Vita Beads, the Ecosystem’s Water Purifier (1st place); Presyringe Combined Safe Needle and Syringe (2nd place); and AH Lightweight Insulation Block (3rd place).\n", "content": "2018-2019 Caring for the Environment Design Competition Winners Announced\nEPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang personally presented awards for the 2018-2019 Caring for the Environment Design Competition. Winners of the award not only won a prize of NT$100,000, the top three finalists received an additional subsidy to attend the award ceremony for the INDEX: Award 2019 held in Denmark, as well as an opportunity to visit the world-class design organization INDEX: Design to Improve Life. The top three finalists were Vita Beads, the Ecosystem’s Water Purifier (1st place); Presyringe Combined Safe Needle and Syringe (2nd place); and AH Lightweight Insulation Block (3rd place).\nThe EPA encourages everyone to recognize and put into practice the values of sustainable development and creative implementation. This year saw the third Caring for the Environment Design Competition. The awards ceremony was held on 17 April at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei City. \nThe first place entry, Vita Beads, exhibited the above values by designing a water purification system that is simple and convenient to install and remove. The system takes in water pollutants and preserves good bacteria, thus purifying and maintaining a good ecosystem in the water. The EPA hopes these competitions will be a platform for people to demonstrate their creativity and design systems or products that are substantial contributions to humanity’s sustainable development, as well as a means of applying creativity to promote environmental education.\nA total of 806 products entered the 2018-2019 Caring for the Environment Design Competition. After three rounds of review and discussion, 20 entries qualified for the final competition. Among them, the top three winners were chosen with five additional designs selected for their excellence.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "5", "assortment": "General Policy", "url": "V22\/V22-5" }, { "no": "3767", "title": "New Option for Food Waste: From Table Scraps to Compost ", "preview": "Inspection\nNew Option for Food Waste: From Table Scraps to Compost \nWhile using cooked food scraps as pig feed has been a common practice in Taiwan for years, the EPA is promoting a new way to recycle food waste – turning your leftovers into compost (black gold) at home.\n", "content": "New Option for Food Waste: From Table Scraps to Compost \nWhile using cooked food scraps as pig feed has been a common practice in Taiwan for years, the EPA is promoting a new way to recycle food waste – turning your leftovers into compost (black gold) at home. \n \nThe EPA has formulated short-, mid-, and long-term plans for food waste disposal and treatment. The short-term plan is to assist local governments in the installation of shredding, drying, and fast fermentation equipment, and to work with private composting plants to make different types of compost with processed food. As for the mid and long-term, the EPA plans to subsidize local governments for the establishment of bioenergy plants and regional composting sites, the cost of which totals more than NT$1 billion. \nIn recent years, environmental awareness and participation in environmental protection have risen in Taiwan. To reduce food waste, the EPA is encouraging at-home composting of food scraps using indoor composters. An indoor composter is a kitchen appliance that turns your food scraps into fertilizer in one day. Though it requires having to make financial sacrifices in the initial purchase and using electricity for running the appliance, owning an indoor composter increases household sanitation by eliminating the odor of food waste and provides free fertilizer for home gardens. \nThe EPA is also cooperating with supermarkets to provide contracted farmers with compost made from unsold fruit and vegetables. By doing this, the EPA is not only supporting sustainable development and circular agriculture, but also helping businesses in meeting corporate social responsibility. \nBecause the EPA has been employing stricter standards for pig farms using kitchen-scrap-based pigswill, the cost for food waste treatment has also been increasing. Therefore, the EPA aims to encourage more people, businesses and restaurants to help improve food waste problems in Taiwan.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "5", "assortment": "Inspection", "url": "V22\/V22-5" }, { "no": "3766", "title": "Everyone Joins Hands to Plant Trees for Dust-prevention and Greening", "preview": "Air\nEveryone Joins Hands to Plant Trees for Dust-prevention and Greening \nOn April 22– Earth Day – the EPA held a \"dust-prevention and greening\" tree planting event at the estuary of Zhuoshui River. EPA Minister Tzu-Chin Chang invited central government agencies, such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Water Resources Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan. Also, local units from the Yunlin County and Changhua County governments planted trees together with about 150 environmental volunteers, showing that the EPA attaches great importance to the prevention and control of dust in the seaports and is determined to ameliorate dust from the banks of Zhuoshui River. \n", "content": "Everyone Joins Hands to Plant Trees for Dust-prevention and Greening \nOn April 22– Earth Day – the EPA held a \"dust-prevention and greening\" tree planting event at the estuary of Zhuoshui River. EPA Minister Tzu-Chin Chang invited central government agencies, such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Water Resources Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan. Also, local units from the Yunlin County and Changhua County governments planted trees together with about 150 environmental volunteers, showing that the EPA attaches great importance to the prevention and control of dust in the seaports and is determined to ameliorate dust from the banks of Zhuoshui River. \n \nSince the first Earth Day event held in 1970, the UN has observed Earth Day on April 22 every year. Through the various themes of each year, the UN advocates various environmental protection strategies and raises people's awareness of environmental protection. The theme for 2019 was \"Protect Our Species\", to advocate for the importance of biodiversity. The EPA also hopes to call on everyone to protect the environment, arouse more people to be close to nature, and learn how to live in harmony with the creatures on earth. \nThe EPA pointed out that tree planting is a no-regret policy and has pursued it for more than 20 years, making it a routine priority. Furthermore, the EPA hopes that the concept of globalization, action and localization of environmental protection will be implemented through the actual actions of planting trees. \nGovernment representatives and citizens walked together to the estuary of Zhuoshui River for the event. Through this activity, they would know more about, pay more attention to the river, and cultivate a love for the community and the environment. The trees planted on this day will grow stronger and stronger year by year, and their roots will also grow deeper, to contribute to dust reduction and climate change mitigation.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "5", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-5" }, { "no": "3765", "title": "New Subsidization Program Launched to Phase Out Two- Stroke Motorcycles ", "preview": "Air\nNew Subsidization Program Launched to Phase Out Two- Stroke Motorcycles \nTo stimulate the phasing-out of two-stroke motorcycles and speed up mobile source emission reduction, the EPA has amended Articles 6 and 8 of the Regulations Concerning Subsidization for Phasing Out Two- Stroke Motorcycles and Purchasing New Electric Two-wheel Vehicles ( 淘汰二行程機車及新購電動二輪車補助辦法). The revised regulations revolve around the new incentive program, which aims to motivate motorcycle dealerships and repair shops to promote the scrappage scheme to their customers. \n", "content": "New Subsidization Program Launched to Phase Out Two- Stroke Motorcycles \nTo stimulate the phasing-out of two-stroke motorcycles and speed up mobile source emission reduction, the EPA has amended Articles 6 and 8 of the Regulations Concerning Subsidization for Phasing Out Two- Stroke Motorcycles and Purchasing New Electric Two-wheel Vehicles ( 淘汰二行程機車及新購電動二輪車補助辦法). The revised regulations revolve around the new incentive program, which aims to motivate motorcycle dealerships and repair shops to promote the scrappage scheme to their customers. \n \nThe Regulations Concerning Subsidization for Phasing Out Two-Stroke Motorcycles and Purchasing New Electric Two-wheel Vehicles were promulgated on 20 July 2015. Since then, the regulations have been revised three times, with last amendment on 28 December 2018. To help achieve the government’s goal of reducing mobile source pollution, the EPA is launching a new incentive program. The program aims to increase the public's willingness to get rid of their old two-stroke motorcycles by rewarding motorcycle dealerships and repair shops for promoting the motorcycle scrappage scheme during routine checks and maintenance. \nThe new incentive program applies to motorcycle dealerships and repair shops that assist customers in scrapping and recycling their two-stroke motorcycles which are professionally deemed unable to improve their emissions. The eligible businesses can apply for a cash reward of NT$500 per motorcycle from the competent authorities where the stores are registered. Through the new program, the EPA aims to increase the public's willingness to scrap old two-stroke motorcycles.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "5", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-5" }, { "no": "3764", "title": "Regulations Governing Stationary Source Pollution- Monitoring Equipment Amended", "preview": "Air\nRegulations Governing Stationary Source Pollution- Monitoring Equipment Amended \nTo strengthen the management of the continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) for public and private premises, the EPA announced amendments to the Management Regulations Governing Stationary Source Air Pollutant Continuous Automated Monitoring Facilities on 12 April 2019. The purpose of the amendments is to increase the quality and reliability of monitoring data and reinforce audit capability and efficiency. The amendments include added regulations on the storage and audit of data from the data acquisition handling system (DAHS), and an extended time for retention of monitoring data.\n", "content": "Regulations Governing Stationary Source Pollution- Monitoring Equipment Amended \nTo strengthen the management of the continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) for public and private premises, the EPA announced amendments to the Management Regulations Governing Stationary Source Air Pollutant Continuous Automated Monitoring Facilities on 12 April 2019. The purpose of the amendments is to increase the quality and reliability of monitoring data and reinforce audit capability and efficiency. The amendments include added regulations on the storage and audit of data from the data acquisition handling system (DAHS), and an extended time for retention of monitoring data.\nThe main points of the amendments are as follows: \n1. Tracking records of signals from the DAHS and any related monitoring programs required to be archived shall be included in confirmation reports for audits conducted by competent environmental authorities. \n2. The retention time for documents from monitoring facilities has been extended to six years, including: routine calibration and testing records, maintenance and repair records, original monitoring data, recorded values, history of use and quality control records of calibration gases and equipment. \n3. The amendments have specified the submission time and required documents for reports regarding replacement, change of monitoring location or removal of monitoring facilities and Internet transmission facilities. Also, to improve emission control on public and private premises, any changes to their monitoring facilities and Internet transmission facilities are to be reported through the newly added procedures. \n4. Online transmission has been adopted for monitoring equipment installation and document reporting, with the official enforcement date to be announced in the future. \n5 . To improve the precision o f monitoring data, stipulations on test audit procedures and specifications for signal variations have been added for review purposes. \n6. Testing procedures and specifications for NO2\/NO converter efficiency were included to strengthen the quality of monitoring data for NOx emissions. Also, the EPA has formulated new specifications for relative accuracy test audits, relative accuracy audits, and cylinder gas audits for stationary sources with lower emissions. \n7. Transmission sampling lines are required to be equipped with heating elements. In addition, reinforced regulations have been made for the following procedures: zero and span drift checks, test audits, calibration gases and equipment. Revisions were also made to several calculation formulas, and proper time will be given to make adjustments. \n8. To strengthen the general management system for stationary sources of pollution and to ensure the implementation of emission monitoring and reporting, regulations on penalties and punishments have been adjusted. \nThe amendments listed above are only the first stage of the EPA’s plan and mainly focus on the content that is deemed important by different fields and is feasible for immediate implementation. The EPA has already started working on further revisions which include: raising the percentage of effective quarterly monitoring hours, increasing the data transmission frequency of monitoring data status codes and original data generated every minute, and altering data calculation principles and online transmission formats. However, the revisions above will require public and private premises to replace their monitoring and Internet transmission facilities. Therefore, all related systems and programs for the updated facilities will be in need of adjustment and review by local environmental protection bureaus.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "5", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-5" }, { "no": "3763", "title": "Revised Regulations Preannounced to Keep Up With Minamata Convention on Mercury Control ", "preview": "Chemicals\nRevised Regulations Preannounced to Keep Up With Minamata Convention on Mercury Control \nIn response to the UN’s Minamata Convention on Mercury that regulates control of and phase-out timetables for mercury-containing products, the EPA preannounced revisions to the current regulations concerning mercury control. The revisions specify bans and limits on the use of mercury-containing products with the aim of strengthening mercury control in Taiwan.\n", "content": "Revised Regulations Preannounced to Keep Up With Minamata Convention on Mercury Control \nIn response to the UN’s Minamata Convention on Mercury that regulates control of and phase-out timetables for mercury-containing products, the EPA preannounced revisions to the current regulations concerning mercury control. The revisions specify bans and limits on the use of mercury-containing products with the aim of strengthening mercury control in Taiwan.\nThe EPA pointed out that it is difficult for the human body to eliminate mercury once it enters it via inhalation or ingestion. Mercury may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomachaches. After long-term accumulation, there may be damage to the brain, nervous system, and vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs. Moreover, mercury is not prone to decompose and bioconcentrates, and as a result was announced as a Class 1 toxic chemical substance in 1991. To keep up with the UN’s Minamata Convention on Mercury, the revisions specify bans and limits on use of mercury-containing products to lower the public’s risk of exposure. \nThe EPA pointed out that the UN’s Minamata Convention on Mercury, after taking effect on 16 August 2017, regulates common mercury-containing products used in daily life. They include button cell batteries, switches, relays, lighting, fluorescent lights, cosmetics, agrochemical products, and non-electronic instruments such as barometers, hygrometers, manometers, thermometers, and sphygmomanometers. Manufacturing, import, and export bans will take effect in 2020. \nBesides these bans, the Convention sets exclusion provisions, such as when switches, relays, and non-electronic testing instruments do not have mercury-free substitutes and are used as calibrators or for reference standards. Certain mercury-containing products with limits set for mercury content are also exempt from the ban. The EPA put exemption clauses in the revisions based on the opinions of enterprises and prior examples in the Convention. \nRevisions in the pre-announcements are as follows: \n1. Since 1 January 2021, use of mercury will be banned from manufacturing of fluorescent lights in the following categories: \n(1) Under 30-watt common-use compact fluorescent lights, with mercury content of over five milligrams in a single bulb. \n(2) Less than 60-watt straight-tube common-use fluorescent lights (using three-band fluorescent powders), with mercury content of over five milligrams in a single tube. \n(3) Less than 40-watt straight-tube common-use fluorescent lights (using halo-phosphate fluorescent powders), with mercury content of over 10 milligrams in a single tube. \n(4) High-pressure common-use mercury-vapor lamps. \n(5) Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) and external arc fluorescent lights used in electronic monitoring that are less than 500 millimeters long, with mercury content of over 3.5 milligrams in a single tube. \n(6) CCFLs and external arc fluorescent lights used in electronic monitoring that are between 500 to 1,500 millimeters in length, with mercury content of over five milligrams in a single tube. \n(7) CCFLs and external arc fluorescent lights used in electronic monitoring that are over 1,500 millimeters long, with mercury content of over 13 milligrams in a single tube. \n2. Besides items in the announcements, use of mercury is banned in the following from 1 January 2021. \n(1) Manufacturing of batteries \n(2) Manufacturing of switches and relays \n(3) Manufacturing of the following non-electronic testing instruments: \nA. Barometers \nB. Hygrometers \nC. Manometers \nD. Sphygmomanometers \nE. Hydrometers\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "5", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V22\/V22-5" }, { "no": "3762", "title": "Taiwan’s First Water Resource Recycling Center Launched ", "preview": "Water\nTaiwan’s First Water Resource Recycling Center Launched \nOn 29 April, reporters visited Taiwan’s first water resource recycling center in Fongshan, Kaohsiung and learned about the importance of water recycling and reuti l i z a tion i n periods of water shortage. The center currently i s able to provide 25,000 metric tons of water every day and i s expected to expand capacity to 45,000 metric tons i n the future. \n", "content": "Taiwan’s First Water Resource Recycling Center Launched \nOn 29 April, reporters visited Taiwan’s first water resource recycling center in Fongshan, Kaohsiung and learned about the importance of water recycling and reuti l i z a tion i n periods of water shortage. The center currently i s able to provide 25,000 metric tons of water every day and i s expected to expand capacity to 45,000 metric tons i n the future. \nThe EPA mentioned that even after treating wastewater to reach the effluent standards allowed for discharge into rivers, the center does not discharge it into rivers. Instead, it further turns it into cleaner water via quick quartz sand filtration, ultrafiltration (UF), and reserve osmosis (RO), which are then provided to factories inside the industrial zones. After the piping was finished, the current daily 25,000 metric ton capacity is expected to increase up to 45,000 metric tons. Since the construction was completed in August 2018, there has been a total of 11.87 million metric tons of renewable water provided to China Steel Corporation and C.S. Aluminum Corporation for cooling uses. \nLower river levels during the dry season also worsen river pollution conditions. If wastewater is purified, recycled, and reused in the manufacturing processes, use of clean river water can be cut. The more clean water that stays in rivers, the more livelihoods rivers can support. \nTo encourage treatment and reuse of wastewater, in recent years the EPA also amended water pollution control measures and managing regulations for testing and reporting. Industrial wastewater or sewage is to be treated until it conforms to the standards allowed for reuse. In some cases, certain control regulations are relaxed, for example for uses of industrial wastewater or sewage recycled for production processes, tower rinsing or other pollution prevention equipment. Also included are uses to prevent reverse flows back into facilities used for wastewater or sewage treatment and pretreatment. \nWastewater treatment and reuse is one measure to alleviate future water shortages. For example, the water resource recycling center in Fongshan acts as a small reservoir in the city and provides a stable water supply for industries. It greatly reduces the dependence of businesses on rivers and reservoirs and in turn increases the base flow of rivers while improving water quality.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "5", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V22\/V22-5" }, { "no": "3761", "title": "Comprehensive Water Quality Improvement Measures ", "preview": "Water\n Comprehensive Water Quality Improvement Measures \nThe EPA has been striving to promote water quality-improving measures, which fall under three aspects: revisions to water pollution prevention regulations and collections of control fees, improvement of water body quality, and reduction of livestock wastewater pollution. The River Pollution Index (RPI) has dropped from 3.9 in 2001 to 2.54 in 2018, indicating a gradual improvement of river water quality.\n", "content": "Comprehensive Water Quality Improvement Measures \nThe EPA has been striving to promote water quality-improving measures, which fall under three aspects: revisions to water pollution prevention regulations and collections of control fees, improvement of water body quality, and reduction of livestock wastewater pollution. The River Pollution Index (RPI) has dropped from 3.9 in 2001 to 2.54 in 2018, indicating a gradual improvement of river water quality.\n\n Revis ing wa t e r pol lut ion- r e lated regulations and collecting control fees \n1. Revising water pollution control regulations \nIn 2018, announcements were made on revisions of the Water Pollution Control Act ( 水污染防治法), the Water Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules ( 水污染防治法施行細則), a n d the Water Pollution Control Measure Plan and Regulations to Manage Permit Application and Evaluation ( 水污染防治措施計畫及許可申請審查管理辦法). Revisions of the Water Pollution Prevention Permit Application Fee Standards ( 水污染防治各項許可申請收費標準), the Regulations to Establish a Water Pollution Control Fee Review Board ( 水污染防治費費率審議委員會設置辦法), and the Regulations Concerning Water Pollution Control Fee Collection ( 水污染防治費收費辦法) were also announced. The EPA later announced other amended relevant sub-laws and standards in 2019. \n2. Water pollution fee collection and utilization \nSince the collection of water pollution control fees on 1 May 2015, targets of the first phase were sewage of enterprises and industrial zones that exclude livestock industry. The second phase targeted livestock enterprises and took effect on 1 January 2017. The third phase began on 1 January 2019 and included sewage specifically from other designated zones or venues. The EPA carried out eight collection operation periods between 1 May 2015 and 26 March 2019, with collected fees totaling NT$1.18524 billion for various water pollution control measures. The EPA has been appropriated with 40% of the total fee, and the local governments 60%. \nImproving water body quality \nBased on analysis of the average annual RPI, the amount decreased from 3.9 in 2001 to 2.54 in 2018, showing an improving trend. However, average RPI in 14 monitoring stations still indicated severe pollution in 2018, meaning active improvement of water quality is still needed. \n1. Reducing household wastewater pollution \n(1) The EPA continues to coordinate with the Construction and Planning Agency (CPA), Ministry of the Interior (MOI) and other competent authorities. For rivers that are severely polluted with larger amounts of household wastewater pollution, public sewage system construction and households’ connection to public sewage will be pushed forward as priority operations. \n(2) For the watershed ranges of severely polluted rivers that have yet to connect to public sewage or have public sewage constructed, subsidies have been provided for projects like wastewater interception or onsite purification and treatment. As of the end of 2018, improvement projects had been completed at 116 sites with a total capacity of 880,000 metric tons of household wastewater intercepted and treated every day. The EPA aims to effectively reduce pollution loads caused by household wastewater within a short period. \n2. Reducing enterprise wastewater pollution \n(1) Local governments are urged to actively investigate and punish major violations such as rerouting discharge or unpermitted discharge based on the current Water Pollution Control Act. Illegal gains will be pursued as well in order to effectively deter enterprises from breaking laws or thinking they \ncould escape undetected. \n(2) Concerning irrigation ditches selected by the Council of Agriculture (COA) as with high pollution trends, total quantity control and reduction measures targeting heavy metals have continued to be implemented on enterprise wastewater in irrigation sources. As of the end of April 2019, a total of ten cooperation meetings across agricultural and conservation agencies had been convened to preserve water quality of irrigation sources. As for regions densely populated with enterprises or with major pollution hotspots, the joint force of the EPA’s Environmental Police Unit (EPU), the environmental police of the National Police Agency (NPA), and regional competent authorities, has increased efforts to stop environmental pollution. \n(3) To improve river quality and reach goals set for water body quality standards, the EPA placed all surface water bodies under priority remediation by selecting key monitoring stations and integrating central and regional resources. Water bodies are sorted based on levels of pollution and whether heavy metal standards are exceeded. Local governments are supervised and reviewed for formulating improvement measures and proposing practices and goals each year. In order to control pollution sources such as wastewater generated by households, enterprises, and livestock operations, measures and goals are formulated based on indicative pollution items from key monitoring stations. \n(4) The EPA continues to supervise and assist local governments in the implementation of total control or tightening of the Effluent Standards ( 放流水標準) to protect severely polluted rivers or water bodies in need of special protection. The following are the results: \nA. In 2018, the EPA announced that four total control zones were designated for water pollution control and the effluent standards were strengthened. By 2018, there were total control zones for water pollution control in six municipalities, counties, and cities, and seven regions. Tighter effluent standards were put in place in four municipalities, counties, and cities, and five regions. \ni. The Total Control Regulations for Wastewater Copper Discharge in Nankan Stream Watershed in Taoyuan City (control on copper) was announced on 5 January 2018. \nii. The Total Control Regulations for Wastewater Discharge in Fangli Stream Watershed in Miaoli County (control on six heavy metals: copper, zinc, nickel, total chromium, hexavalent chromium, and cadmium) was announced on 3 May 2018. \niii. The Total Control Regulations for Wastewater Discharge in Hsiangshan Irrigation Region in Hsinchu City (control on six heavy metals: copper, zinc, nickel, total chromium, hexavalent chromium, and cadmium) was announced on 9 August 2018. iv. The Total Control Regulations for Wastewater Discharge in Dongsi Second and Third Ditches and Babou Ditch in Changhwa County (control on six heavy metals: copper, zinc, nickel, total chromium, hexavalent chromium, and cadmium) was revised and announced on 24 September 2018. \nv. The Tightened Effluent Standards in Sanye Stream Watershed in Tainan City (control on copper) was announced on 30 August 2018. \nB . R i v e r w a t e r q u a l i t y h a s b e e n g r e a t l y improved with three major moves. First, in line with the Irri gati on-Use Water Protecti on Pl an ( 灌溉用水保護方案) formulated and implemented by the Council of Agriculture (COA), the EPA promoted the Total Control for Farmland Water Bodies in Need of Special Protection. As there are larger areas of farmlands with heavy metal pollution in Taoyuan City, Taichung City, and Changhwa County, they have been chosen as demonstration counties\/cities. Total control zones for heavy metal discharge in farmland water bodies in need of special protection are designated in the three municipalities\/counties, where total control of heavy metal discharge is implemented. Second, the EPA strengthened inspection of rerouting and illegal discharge, joining forces with prosecutors and police. Third, the COA, the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), jointly promoted the Water Quality Protection Plan for Agricultural Irrigation, banning direct wastewater discharge into irrigation ditches and assisting enterprises in phased rerouting of wastewater channels. In 2018, the percentage of heavy metal readings in Hsinche Stream, Pushin Stream, Laujie Stream, and Nankan Stream meeting the irrigation water quality standards reached 99%. The percentage of satisfactory heavy metal readings in Janchuoyuan Ditch in Taichung City and Dongsi Second and Third Ditches in Changhwa County reached 100%. This shows total heavy metal control measures are extremely effective in improving the water quality of irrigation water sources. \n3. Cutting livestock wastewater pollution \n(1) By working with agricultural authorities and local governments, the EPA continues to promote reduction of livestock wastewater pollution. Liquor and fiber digestate made from livestock manure via anaerobic fermentation is used as farmland fertilizers. From 2016 to 29 April 2019, liquid and sludge digestate from 535 livestock farms were used to irrigate 1,541 hectares of farmland. Annual irrigation amounts have reached 1.83 million metric tons. Organic pollutants have been reduced by 10,874 metric tons per year, equivalent to the pollution reduced by 198 gravel oxidation treatment facilities with daily wastewater treatment capacity of 10,000 metric tons. The annual amount of nitrogen irrigated has reached 616 metric tons. \n(2) For regions heavy with livestock operations, local governments and livestock and energy enterprises are subsidized to set up treatment centers for centralized livestock manure reutilization. The centers collect livestock wastewater for anaerobic fermentation and reutilization of liquid and sludge digestate, greatly ameliorating pollution incidents in those regions. \n(3) For small animal farms (with 20 to 199 heads of livestock), enterprises are encouraged to submit wastewater management plans, set up complete wastewater treatment facilities, and carry out manure reutilization.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "5", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V22\/V22-5" }, { "no": "3760", "title": "Sustainable Future – Highlight on Environmental Education and\nChildren’s Health\n", "preview": "Environmental Education\nSustainable Future – Highlight on Environmental Education and\nChildren’s Health\nShortly before Children's Day, Mark Kasman, Director of the Office of International and Tribal Affairs (OITA),\nU.S. Environmental Protection Agency, made a visit to a Green Flag-awarded Eco-Campus school -\nChaocuo Waldorf Education Experimental Elementary School in Yunlin County. Together with teachers and\nrepresentatives of the community, thoughts were exchanged on the Eco-Campus approaches and its positive\nimpact on children's health and sustainable environment.\n", "content": "Sustainable Future – Highlight on Environmental Education and\nChildren’s Health\nShortly before Children's Day, Mark Kasman, Director of the Office of International and Tribal Affairs (OITA),\nU.S. Environmental Protection Agency, made a visit to a Green Flag-awarded Eco-Campus school -\nChaocuo Waldorf Education Experimental Elementary School in Yunlin County. Together with teachers and\nrepresentatives of the community, thoughts were exchanged on the Eco-Campus approaches and its positive\nimpact on children's health and sustainable environment.\nChaocuo Waldorf Education Experimental\nElementary School has close to two acres of school\ngrounds. Abundant space and agriculture fields\non campus provide students with the opportunity\nof learning in and from the environment. Wellraised\npoultry further provides high quality eggs\nthat are used in their mostly vegetarian school\nlunch. With a such healthy culinary culture, leading a healthy lifestyle and caring for the environment\nis emphasized in Chaocuo Elementary School.\nThis also shows in their curriculum, where the\nconcepts are infused and covers topics such as\ngreen buildings, ecological farming, ecology and\nbiodiversity, environmental aesthetics, waste\ncategorization and recycling, green energy, sports,\netc. The students bring these concepts home, and\nmight even further get the community involved.\nSuch aim and approaches align with the goals of the\nGlobal Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP)\nand are highly recommended for other schools to\nrefer to.\nThe GEEP and its umbrella program, the\nInternational Environmental Partnership (IEP),\nwere launched in 2014 under the cooperation of\nthe Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration\nand the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,\nwith the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs\nof Taiwan. The IEP aims to build partnerships on\nmutual environmental challenges, such as mercury\nmonitoring, air pollution, soil contamination, e-waste\nmanagement, climate change mitigation, and\nenvironmental education; while the GEEP, focusing\non education and information sharing to build\ncapacity on all levels, is a network with over 50\ncountries. Jane Nishida, Principle Deputy Assistant\nAdministrator of the U.S. EPA, once highlighted\nTaiwan's leadership in the field of environmental\neducation at the United Nations Environment\nAssembly meeting in Nairobi. The year 2019 marks\nthe 5th anniversary of the IEP and GEEP. This\npartnership continues to strengthen environmental\neducation in both Taiwan and the U.S. and advances\nthe field globally.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "4", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "V22\/V22-4" }, { "no": "3759", "title": "Environment Season Launched with Theme of “Protect Our\nSpecies—Sustainable Environment”\n", "preview": "General Policy\nEnvironment Season Launched with Theme of “Protect Our\nSpecies—Sustainable Environment”\nIn response to Earth Day, the EPA held a series of activities as part of the 2019 environment season\ncampaign with the theme of “Protect Our Species—Sustainable Environment” on 2 April. Departments\nwithin the EPA are cooperating to promote 16 eco-friendly activities during the environment season. The\npublic are invited to go outdoors and take part in these events. Through a variety of activities, individuals\nlearn more about protecting species which will allow people to better cherish and value Earth’s resources.\n", "content": "Environment Season Launched with Theme of “Protect Our\nSpecies—Sustainable Environment”\nIn response to Earth Day, the EPA held a series of activities as part of the 2019 environment season\ncampaign with the theme of “Protect Our Species—Sustainable Environment” on 2 April. Departments\nwithin the EPA are cooperating to promote 16 eco-friendly activities during the environment season. The\npublic are invited to go outdoors and take part in these events. Through a variety of activities, individuals\nlearn more about protecting species which will allow people to better cherish and value Earth’s resources.\nAfter the success of activities held on the very first\nEarth Day in 1970, the United Nations declared\n22 April as Earth Day and 5 June as World\nEnvironment Day. Each year a theme that promotes\nenvironmental protection strategies is identified\nto raise people’s awareness for environmental\nprotection. The theme for 2019 Earth Day is “Protect\nOur Species,” which emphasizes the importance of\nbiodiversity. The Taiwan EPA combined this theme\nwith images of endangered species in creating a\nlogo for the environment season. This was done\nin hopes of encouraging the public to protect the\nenvironment and have more people fall in love with\nnature as well as learn more about how to live in\nharmony with nature.\nEPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang explained that this\nis the first time the EPA set the period from April\nto June as an environment season. It was done in\norder to connect Earth Day and World Environment\nDay, with the idea of a “festival or season” used to\nmaintain the public’s enthusiasm for protecting the\nenvironment. The EPA is promoting a wide range\nof activities during the season including photograph\nand short film submissions, green points for green\ncomputers that are 17.4 inches across diagonally.”\nThe adjustments made to electric products including\ncoolers, heaters, and electric fans as well as IT\nproducts such as tablet computers and personal\ncomputers were done in conjunction with current\npoints of view regarding the elimination of waste\nproducts. The EPA appeals to people to give e-waste\nto recycling trucks that are a part of cleaning crews\nor other recycling enterprises. This is done to\nencourage others to become part of the recycling\nsystem and facilitate resource recycling.\nconsumption, tours of environmental education\nvenues, exploring air quality, increased values\nfor recycling dry batteries, river and beach clean\nups, tree planting, and forums for environmental\nprotection. Individuals traveling during this period\ncan take photos with their smartphone camera to\nearn environmental green points, which provide\nprice value of environmental activities in everyday\nlives. For more information regarding the activities\nof 2019 environment season, please see the EPA\nwebsite (http:\/\/www.epa.gov.tw\/)\nIn recent years, the EPA has continually referenced\nnew trends and methods used internationally and\ndeveloped localized policies suitable for Taiwan.\nIn its revisions to the Air Pollution Control Act ( 空\n氣污染防制法), the EPA laid out a comprehensive\nplan to improve Taiwan’s air quality by implementing\nsource control and intermediate management of\npollution along with end-of-pipe treatment and\nresponse. The EPA also promoted the limitation of\nthe total heavy metal values found in irrigation water\nsources, allowing people in Taiwan to eat with peace\nof mind. At the same time, its water policy combined\nmeasures to block waste from entering bodies of ground water, both protecting and restoring a\nsuitable living environment for different species.\nMeasures were created to restrict companies across\n14 different categories from providing free plastic\nshopping bags. The EPA continues to follow up\nby listening to public opinion as it makes rolling\nadjustments to its administrative policies.\nThe activities held during the environment season\nnot only allow people to participate more but also\nallow Taiwan to be seen by the world. At the end of\nthe season, the ideas and results of these activities\nwill be compiled and recorded on the international\nEarth Day Network with the goal of having Taiwan\nhold “one million green activities.” This is done in\nresponse to a global mission and to keep in step\nwith international environmental protection initiatives,\nshowing that Taiwan will not miss out. (Information\non activities can be found at https:\/\/www. earthday.\norg.tw\/)\n", "year": "2019", "month": "4", "assortment": "General Policy", "url": "V22\/V22-4" }, { "no": "3758", "title": "Scope of Recycling Electric and Information Technology Products\nAdjusted from 1 July\n", "preview": "Recycling\nScope of Recycling Electric and Information Technology Products\nAdjusted from 1 July\nIn order to enhance the recycling process for waste products, the EPA announced that beginning on 1 July\nthere will be adjustments to the scope of recycling for electric products (heaters, coolers, and electric fans)\nas well as information technology products (tablets and personal computers). These adjustments lay out the\nresponsibility manufacturers and importers have for the recycling, clearance, and disposal of these products.\n", "content": "Scope of Recycling Electric and Information Technology Products\nAdjusted from 1 July\nIn order to enhance the recycling process for waste products, the EPA announced that beginning on 1 July\nthere will be adjustments to the scope of recycling for electric products (heaters, coolers, and electric fans)\nas well as information technology products (tablets and personal computers). These adjustments lay out the\nresponsibility manufacturers and importers have for the recycling, clearance, and disposal of these products.\nNew electric and information products are constantly\nbeing released with perhaps some components\nor product standards remaining the same. This\ncreates issues wherein responsible enterprises must\nmake assessments as they begin developing and\nevaluate the ability to recycle these products. In\norder to solve questions regarding the determination\nof responsibility, the EPA announced revisions to\n3. According to Article 86 of the Act, illegal gains\nfrom violations of the Act shall be confiscated.\nArticle 86 also added rules regarding the calculation\nmethod and confiscation of illegal gains.\n4. To keep the regulations consistent with the Act,\npenalties will be issued based on each violation\ncommitted instead of violations on consecutive days.\nAlso, the cost of the fines will depend upon the cost\nof the last fine issued.\n5. I f the violations are considered severe\ncircumstances as stipulated in Article 96 of the Act,\nheavy penalties shall have to be imposed.\nowners will be able to choose from based on their\nown needs, residents can take part in improving\nmobile source air pollution without making financial\nsacrifices.\nScopes for the Articles and the Packaging and\nContainers Thereof and the Enterprises Responsible\nfor Recycling, Clearance and Disposal ( 物品或其包\n裝容器及其應負回收清除處理責任之業者範圍).\nThe revisions made to electric products included\ncoolers, heaters, and electric fans. There were\nalso revisions regarding IT products, specifically the definitions of tablets and personal computers.\n“Portable coolers and heaters” were added to the\nlist of cooling and heating products. Direct current\nelectric fans were also announced as being within\nthe scope of recyclable products. Products with\na maximum power consumption under 10 watts\nare to be exempted. The definition of portable\ncomputer was revised to “laptop computers and\ntablet computers with screen sizes up to 6.5 inches\nby 17.4 inches.” The definition for the list of personal\ncomputer items includes \"desktop computers,\nintegrated computers, Thin Clients, and All-in-One\nAfter the success of activities held on the very first\nEarth Day in 1970, the United Nations declared\n22 April as Earth Day and 5 June as World\nEnvironment Day. Each year a theme that promotes\nenvironmental protection strategies is identified\nto raise people’s awareness for environmental\nprotection. The theme for 2019 Earth Day is “Protect\nOur Species,” which emphasizes the importance of\nbiodiversity. The Taiwan EPA combined this theme\nwith images of endangered species in creating a\nlogo for the environment season. This was done\nin hopes of encouraging the public to protect the\nenvironment and have more people fall in love with\nnature as well as learn more about how to live in\nharmony with nature.\nEPA Minister Tzi-Chin Chang explained that this\nis the first time the EPA set the period from April\nto June as an environment season. It was done in\norder to connect Earth Day and World Environment\nDay, with the idea of a “festival or season” used to\nmaintain the public’s enthusiasm for protecting the\nenvironment. The EPA is promoting a wide range\nof activities during the season including photograph\nand short film submissions, green points for green\ncomputers that are 17.4 inches across diagonally.”\nThe adjustments made to electric products including\ncoolers, heaters, and electric fans as well as IT\nproducts such as tablet computers and personal\ncomputers were done in conjunction with current\npoints of view regarding the elimination of waste\nproducts. The EPA appeals to people to give e-waste\nto recycling trucks that are a part of cleaning crews\nor other recycling enterprises. This is done to\nencourage others to become part of the recycling\nsystem and facilitate resource recycling.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "4", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "V22\/V22-4" }, { "no": "3757", "title": "Maximum Fines for Public and Private Premises in Violations of\nAir Pollution Control Act Raised\n", "preview": "Air\nMaximum Fines for Public and Private Premises in Violations of\nAir Pollution Control Act Raised\nThe Fine Determination Criteria and Fine Rates for Public and Private Premises that Violate the Air\nPollution Control Act (hereinafter referred to as the Act) ( 公私場所違反空氣污染防制法應處罰鍰額度\n裁罰準則) were first promulgated on 27 December 2000 and has undergone three revisions ever since. To\nmaintain the consistency of the regulations of the Air Pollution Control Act that was amended on 1 August\n2018, the criteria were revised again to raise the maximum and minimum limits of the fines.\n", "content": "Maximum Fines for Public and Private Premises in Violations of\nAir Pollution Control Act Raised\nThe Fine Determination Criteria and Fine Rates for Public and Private Premises that Violate the Air\nPollution Control Act (hereinafter referred to as the Act) ( 公私場所違反空氣污染防制法應處罰鍰額度\n裁罰準則) were first promulgated on 27 December 2000 and has undergone three revisions ever since. To\nmaintain the consistency of the regulations of the Air Pollution Control Act that was amended on 1 August\n2018, the criteria were revised again to raise the maximum and minimum limits of the fines.\nThe main points of the draft amendments to the\ncriteria are as follows:\n1. In order to comply with the regulated subject of\nthis criteria, the title of the draft will be revised. In\naddition, the articles of the authorization shall be\namended in accordance with the amendments to\nthis Act.\n2. Analysis laboratories will no longer be subject\nto the criteria. After the amendments, the EPA’s\nEnvironmental Analysis Laboratory will be in charge\nof the supervision, management and punishment of\nall analysis laboratories.\nmanagement system in vehicles. Moreover, the EPA\nis assisting competent authorities to lower the sales\ntax on new cars.\nWith the different incentive programs that car\nNew electric and information products are constantly\nbeing released with perhaps some components\nor product standards remaining the same. This\ncreates issues wherein responsible enterprises must\nmake assessments as they begin developing and\nevaluate the ability to recycle these products. In\norder to solve questions regarding the determination\nof responsibility, the EPA announced revisions to\n3. According to Article 86 of the Act, illegal gains\nfrom violations of the Act shall be confiscated.\nArticle 86 also added rules regarding the calculation\nmethod and confiscation of illegal gains.\n4. To keep the regulations consistent with the Act,\npenalties will be issued based on each violation\ncommitted instead of violations on consecutive days.\nAlso, the cost of the fines will depend upon the cost\nof the last fine issued.\n5. I f the violations are considered severe\ncircumstances as stipulated in Article 96 of the Act,\nheavy penalties shall have to be imposed.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "4", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-4" }, { "no": "3756", "title": "Amendments to Regulations Governing Subsidies for Replacing\nOld Heavy Diesel Vehicles Preannounced\n", "preview": "Air\nAmendments to Regulations Governing Subsidies for Replacing\nOld Heavy Diesel Vehicles Preannounced\nThe EPA preannounced draft amendments to the Regulations Governing Subsidies for Scrapping Large\nOld Diesel Vehicles ( 淘汰老舊大型柴油車補助辦法) on 8 March 2019. The purpose of the amendments\nis to encourage the replacement of large old diesel vehicles and further improve air quality by offering\nfinancial incentives with the newly adjusted subsidy regulations.\n", "content": "Amendments to Regulations Governing Subsidies for Replacing\nOld Heavy Diesel Vehicles Preannounced\nThe EPA preannounced draft amendments to the Regulations Governing Subsidies for Scrapping Large\nOld Diesel Vehicles ( 淘汰老舊大型柴油車補助辦法) on 8 March 2019. The purpose of the amendments\nis to encourage the replacement of large old diesel vehicles and further improve air quality by offering\nfinancial incentives with the newly adjusted subsidy regulations.\nTo improve air pollution caused by PM2.5 emissions\nfrom mobile sources, the EPA announced the\noriginal Regulations Governing Subsidies for\nScrapping Large Old Diesel Vehicles on 16 August\n2017. The regulations were formulated to accelerate\nthe phasing-out of large diesel vehicles categorized\nin Phase 1 or 2 of the vehicle emission standards.\nIn combination with other supporting promotion\nprograms, the EPA has seen significant results in\nthe progress of the elimination of old diesel vehicles.\nBy the end of January 2019, local environmental\nprotection bureaus had received a total of 16,490\nsubsidy applications for car replacement.\nAfter repeatedly reviewing the implementation\nperformance of the regulations, the EPA amended\nthe regulations to better utilize the limited resources\non people with needs of replacing their vehicles.\nThe amendments include an adjustment in\neligibility for application and amount of the subsidy,\nwhich will subsidize the replacement of heavyduty\ndiesel vehicles classified in Phases 1 to 3.\nHowever, Phases 1 and 2 heavy-duty diesel trucks\nare required to report the scrappage to the Motor\nVehicles Office and discard their old vehicles\nthrough legal recyclers before the application.\nFurthermore, car owners of Phases 1 and 2 heavyduty\ndiesel trucks can only purchase new cars or\nused cars that are Phase 3 or higher to qualify\nfor the subsidy. The amendments also extended\nthe application deadline of the subsidy from\n2019 to 2022. In addition, to protect the rights of\nthe residents who have already scrapped their\nvehicles according to the former regulations, the\namendments will still allow subsidy applications\nusing the old regulations by 31 May 2019.\nIn addition to providing subsidies for car replacement,\nthe EPA also intends to launch a variety of incentive\nprograms to support the subsidy program. The\nincentive programs include: offering credit guarantees\nor low-interest loans for car purchases, subsidizing\nthe installment of pollution prevention equipment,\nand subsidizing the maintenance and repair of fuel management system in vehicles. Moreover, the EPA\nis assisting competent authorities to lower the sales\ntax on new cars.\nWith the different incentive programs that car\nNew electric and information products are constantly\nbeing released with perhaps some components\nor product standards remaining the same. This\ncreates issues wherein responsible enterprises must\nmake assessments as they begin developing and\nevaluate the ability to recycle these products. In\norder to solve questions regarding the determination\nof responsibility, the EPA announced revisions to\n3. According to Article 86 of the Act, illegal gains\nfrom violations of the Act shall be confiscated.\nArticle 86 also added rules regarding the calculation\nmethod and confiscation of illegal gains.\n4. To keep the regulations consistent with the Act,\npenalties will be issued based on each violation\ncommitted instead of violations on consecutive days.\nAlso, the cost of the fines will depend upon the cost\nof the last fine issued.\n5. I f the violations are considered severe\ncircumstances as stipulated in Article 96 of the Act,\nheavy penalties shall have to be imposed.\nowners will be able to choose from based on their\nown needs, residents can take part in improving\nmobile source air pollution without making financial\nsacrifices.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "4", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-4" }, { "no": "3755", "title": "Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions Standards for Stationary\nSources Preannounced\n", "preview": "Air\nHazardous Air Pollutant Emissions Standards for Stationary\nSources Preannounced\nThe EPA preannounced the Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions Standards for Stationary Sources (draft) ( 固\n定污染源有害空氣污染物排放標準) for the second time on 27 March 2019. The purpose of the emissions\nstandards is to strengthen the emission control of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and to safeguard public\nhealth.\n", "content": "Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions Standards for Stationary\nSources Preannounced\nThe EPA preannounced the Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions Standards for Stationary Sources (draft) ( 固\n定污染源有害空氣污染物排放標準) for the second time on 27 March 2019. The purpose of the emissions\nstandards is to strengthen the emission control of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and to safeguard public\nhealth.\nTo reinforce HAP emission control and to protect\npublic health from the adverse effects posed\nby HAP exposure, the EPA has formulated the\nHazardous Air Pollutant Emissions Standards\nfor Stationary Sources. The emissions standards\nmachines (ARMs) in Kaohsiung City, a cooperating\nmodel for smart unmanned recycling stations in\nHsinchu City, and glass container recycling bins\nfor construction sites in Hsinchu County. Prizedrawing\nevents were organized to sort and check\ngarbage in Taitung County, and Kinmen County\nset up an electric exchange program in village and\nneighborhood recycling stations, while responsible\nenterprises in Chiayi County registered the amount\nof reserve recycling. Regular clearances are\nscheduled in Hualien County for specific wastes,\nand recycling competitions have been held in Yilan\nCounty, targeting waste agrochemical containers.\nThere were also competitions in Keelung City for\nwere designed mainly based on the current HAP\nemissions inventories and screening data in Taiwan\nwith integration of some existing regulations in the\nAir Pollution Control Act. Additionally, the EPA also\ntook account of the Stationary Pollution Source\nAir Pollutant Emissions Standards regarding\nthe stipulation of exhaust pipes and peripheral\nboundaries.\nThe EPA aims to protect public health by reducing\nthe HAP concentrations in the environment through\nthe implementation of the emissions standards.\nTherefore, the standards have been devised in\nconsideration of potential health risks and the\ncapacity of control equipment and technology\navailable in Taiwan. Through the tightened control\npolicies and the new emissions standards, the EPA\nplans to reduce the harmful effects of HAPs on both\nthe environment and human health.\nThe emissions standards include the stipulations\nconcerning the exhaust pipes and peripheral\nboundaries of a total of 72 HAPs, which were\nformulated based on the current Stationary Pollution\nSource Air Pollutant Emissions Standards ( 固\n定污染源空氣污染物排放標準). In response to\nthe different testing methods and technologies\nthat each HAP calls for, the emissions standards\nwill be implemented in three stages. Among the\n72 regulated HAPs, the EPA has established\ntesting methods for 50 of them and their\nemissions standards will take effect on the date\nof promulgation. According to the schedule of the\nEPA’s Environmental Analysis Laboratory for the\ndevelopment of new testing methods, the second\nstage will apply to the next 13 HAPs and will take\neffect on 1 January 2021, while the remaining nine\nHAPs of the third stage will take effect on 1 January\n2023.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "4", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-4" }, { "no": "3754", "title": "Thirty-six Recycling Institutes Awarded for Excellent Performance", "preview": "Recycling\nThirty-six Recycling Institutes Awarded for Excellent Performance\nOn 29 March 2019, the EPA held an annual ceremony in Kaohsiung to award national enforcement\nagencies with top recycling results. Minister Tzi-Chin Chang was on site to present awards and express\nacknowledgement and praises to the 13 county and city environmental bureaus and 23 town halls that\nreceived awards in the forms of trophies and cash rewards.\n", "content": "Thirty-six Recycling Institutes Awarded for Excellent Performance\nOn 29 March 2019, the EPA held an annual ceremony in Kaohsiung to award national enforcement\nagencies with top recycling results. Minister Tzi-Chin Chang was on site to present awards and express\nacknowledgement and praises to the 13 county and city environmental bureaus and 23 town halls that\nreceived awards in the forms of trophies and cash rewards.\nThe national recycling rate reached 53.28% in\n2018, more than the 52.51% in 2017. Besides\nlocal environmental agencies’ recycling duties and\ncreative ideas, citizens’ participation also contributed\nto the outstanding performance, even drawing global\nattention.\nThe environmental bureaus of Taipei City, Taoyuan\nCity, Kaohsiung City, both Hsinchu City and County,\nYilan County, Taitung County, and Kinmen County\nreceived the golden award. Those in Tainan City,\nKeelung City, Miaoli County, Chiayi County, and\nHualien County received the silver award. Sanitation\nteams of 23 town halls were also honored.\nAlso, many examples display county and city\ngovernments’ efforts and creativity to promote\nrecycling, like incorporating schools on electronic\nappliance recycling in Taipei City and assisting\nlocal stores in rural Tainan to trade merchandise\nwith wastes that cannot be easily disposed of. In\nTaoyuan City, recycling competitions were held\nin high schools or above. Various installations or\nestablishments have included automatic recycling\nmachines (ARMs) in Kaohsiung City, a cooperating\nmodel for smart unmanned recycling stations in\nHsinchu City, and glass container recycling bins\nfor construction sites in Hsinchu County. Prizedrawing\nevents were organized to sort and check\ngarbage in Taitung County, and Kinmen County\nset up an electric exchange program in village and\nneighborhood recycling stations, while responsible\nenterprises in Chiayi County registered the amount\nof reserve recycling. Regular clearances are\nscheduled in Hualien County for specific wastes,\nand recycling competitions have been held in Yilan\nCounty, targeting waste agrochemical containers.\nThere were also competitions in Keelung City for\nwere designed mainly based on the current HAP\nemissions inventories and screening data in Taiwan\nwith integration of some existing regulations in the\nAir Pollution Control Act. Additionally, the EPA also\ntook account of the Stationary Pollution Source\ndesigning recycling board games. In Miaoli County,\ndoctors of Chinese medicine would even promote\nlocal village and neighborhood recycling stations\nwhile on their rounds of visits to rural regions.\nThe EPA noted that the combined efforts of county\nand city environmental bureaus and town halls on\ngarbage reduction and recycling have led to the\nnational recycling rate of 53.28% in 2018, compared\nwith the 5.87% in 1998. In addition, the amount of\nannual recycled wastes increased from 550,000\nmetric tons in 1998 to 4.77 million metric tons in\n2018. This is no doubt an excellent achievement\naccomplished by everyone.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "4", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "V22\/V22-4" }, { "no": "3753", "title": "Registration Regulations Revised to Strengthen Control of\nChemical Substance Source Information\n", "preview": "Chemicals\nRegistration Regulations Revised to Strengthen Control of\nChemical Substance Source Information\nThe EPA announced the revised Regulations of New and Existing Chemical Substances Registration ( 新化\n學物質及既有化學物質資料登錄辦法), mandating submitting information of 106 existing chemical substances\nwithin two to three years for standard registration. Registrars are required to annually submit information of\nchemical substances according to ranges differentiated by substance amount. In this way, the EPA expects\nto effectively keep track of substances that have wider domestic flows and higher risk potentials but less\nknown. The enhanced information control will also strengthen the foundation of interministerial controls on\nrisks of chemical substances.\n", "content": "Registration Regulations Revised to Strengthen Control of\nChemical Substance Source Information\nThe EPA announced the revised Regulations of New and Existing Chemical Substances Registration ( 新化\n學物質及既有化學物質資料登錄辦法), mandating submitting information of 106 existing chemical substances\nwithin two to three years for standard registration. Registrars are required to annually submit information of\nchemical substances according to ranges differentiated by substance amount. In this way, the EPA expects\nto effectively keep track of substances that have wider domestic flows and higher risk potentials but less\nknown. The enhanced information control will also strengthen the foundation of interministerial controls on\nrisks of chemical substances.\nFormulated to improve information needed\nfor various authorities to manage chemical\nsubstances, the Regulations took effect on 11\nDecember 2014. The EPA proceeded with the\nrevision by looking at previous implementation\nexperiences, opinions continuously collected from\nstakeholders, and changes in international chemical\nsubstance registration system. References have\nalso been taken from the authorities’ need for\ninterdepartmental controls on chemical substances\nas well as the Regulations on New Chemical\nSubstances Registration ( 新化學物質登記管理辦\n法), established by the Ministry of Labor (MOL). The\ngoal is to avoid repeated registration and information\ncollection.\nThe EPA said that it has combined the unit\nresponsible for chemical substance registration\nwith the MOL and even further incorporated the\ntwo authorities’ relevant regulations in the revision.\nFor risks and exposure assessment information,\nregistration is mandatory with annual manufacturing\nor importing amount of ten metric tons, originally\n1,000 metric tons before revision, to better collect\nsource information of chemical substances. The\nannual registration period was adjusted to the period\nfrom April to September, same time when the MOL\nconducts chemical product report management, in\norder to lighten enterprises’ burdens.\nTo simplify procedures and increase convenience, the revised regulations specify that, in the first\nphase, registration must be submitted within six\nmonths after the annual amount of existing chemical\nsubstances reaches 100 kilograms. New regulations\ninclude that existing chemical substances must\napply for information protection and that information\nprotection length increases up to five years for\nregistration of small amounts of polymer of low\nconcern (PLC). These changes were made to\nmeet enterprises’ practical needs. With Documents\nreplaced with codes in registration and an appeal\nmechanism newly added, enterprises no longer\nneed to reapply and keep documents and also have\ngained an access to administrative remedy.\nThe EPA emphasized that a grace period would be\nprovided regarding the abovementioned regulations\nabout standard registration for existing chemical\nsubstances and annual amount reports. Registrars\nwill have time to adapt before the promulgation on\n1 January 2020. Promotions and meetings will be\nheld after the announcement. Manufacturers and\nimporters are urged to proceed with registration\naccordingly and submit information based on the\nmanufactured or imported amount. It includes\ninformation regarding manufacturing, importing,\nphysical and chemical nature, toxicity, exposure, risk\nassessment of chemical substances, as well as that\nspecified as mandatory by the central competent\nauthority.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "4", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V22\/V22-4" }, { "no": "3752", "title": "Three Toxic Chemicals Added to Align with the Stockholm Convention", "preview": "Chemicals\nThree Toxic Chemicals Added to Align with the Stockholm Convention\nIn response to the new items added to the Stockholm Convention, the EPA announced on 6 March 2019,\nshort-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) to be listed as Class 1 toxic chemical substances. The EPA also\nrelisted decabromobiphenyl ether from currently listed control chemical substances as a Class 1 and Class 2\ntoxic chemical substance. In addition, the EPA now bans all use of hexachloro-1,3-butadiene in order to keep\nup with the latest international control trends.\n", "content": "Three Toxic Chemicals Added to Align with the Stockholm Convention\nIn response to the new items added to the Stockholm Convention, the EPA announced on 6 March 2019,\nshort-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) to be listed as Class 1 toxic chemical substances. The EPA also\nrelisted decabromobiphenyl ether from currently listed control chemical substances as a Class 1 and Class 2\ntoxic chemical substance. In addition, the EPA now bans all use of hexachloro-1,3-butadiene in order to keep\nup with the latest international control trends.\nThe EPA explained that SCCPs, decabromobiphenyl\nether, and hexachloro-1,3-butadiene are three\npersistent organic pollutants (POPs). POPs are\nsubstances that are slow to decompose in nature\nor have a long metabolic half-life inside a living\norganism, therefore posing dangers to human health\nand the ecosystem. The three substances have\nbeen put on Annex A (elimination) of the Stockholm\nConvention. Through the Convention, the United\nNations (UN) requires signatory nations to ban the\nuse or restrict the production of POPs unless the\nsubstance obtains a registration from the UN to be\nused for special purposes.\nThe EPA stated that SCCPs are primarily used\nas an additive and a plasticizer to manufacture\nconveyor belts in the natural and synthetic rubber\nindustry. Decabromobiphenyl ether is widely used\nin brominated flame retardant to inhibit burning of\norganic compounds and often used to manufacture\nelectronics, clothes, and furniture in order to lower\nproducts’ flammability. Hexachloro-1, 3-butadiene is\ncommonly found in solvents used in making elastic\nobjects as well as heat-transferring liquids.\nThe EPA has already initiated an investigation into\nthe domestic industrial uses of the abovementioned\nsubstances. SCCPs are the byproducts of\nchlorinated paraffin manufacturing and are primarily\nused in research, experiments, and education.\nDecabromobiphenyl ether has already been\ngradually eliminated internationally. As such, Taiwan\nis also reducing the usage of this substance. The\ninvestigation into hexachloro-1,3-butadiene has\nfound it to have no other purposes beyond research,\nexperimentation and education. Given this, the\ntightened control on hexachloro-1,3-butadiene will\nonly have a marginal effect on Taiwan’s industries.\nThe EPA emphasized that, after the announcement,\nenterprises transporting, manufacturing, importing,\nselling, using, storing, or handling the three\nsubstances should apply for approval and operate\naccording to relevant regulations. The purpose is to\ntrack the flow of these chemical substances.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "4", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V22\/V22-4" }, { "no": "3751", "title": "Enhancing Environmental Monitoring Capacity", "preview": "Environmental Monitoring\nEnhancing Environmental Monitoring Capacity\nDetailed and correct environmental monitoring information is the key foundation of promotion of various\nenvironmental policies as well as the reference for strategy formulation. Enhancement of environmental\nmonitoring capacity, currently implemented by the EPA, is a major part of the policy, “Sustainable Earth.” The\nactual measures fall under three categories: promoting the Internet of Things (IoT) of environmental quality\nsensors, strengthening air and water body quality monitoring information service, and expanding open data\nservice for environmental information integration.\n", "content": "Enhancing Environmental Monitoring Capacity\nDetailed and correct environmental monitoring information is the key foundation of promotion of various\nenvironmental policies as well as the reference for strategy formulation. Enhancement of environmental\nmonitoring capacity, currently implemented by the EPA, is a major part of the policy, “Sustainable Earth.” The\nactual measures fall under three categories: promoting the Internet of Things (IoT) of environmental quality\nsensors, strengthening air and water body quality monitoring information service, and expanding open data\nservice for environmental information integration.\nPolicy of enhancement of environmental monitoring\ncapacity is detailed below.\n1. Promoting environmental quality sensing IoT\n(1) The EPA aims to, from 2017 to 2020, install\n10,200 air quality sensing spots and 1,000 water\nquality sensors, establish a platform and system for\nsensor testing certification, and integrate systems of\nmonitoring stations and sensing spots. Other tasks\ninclude setting up a smart environmental monitoring\ndata center and a common application service\nand integration platform, and enhance the smart\noperation system for new-generation environmental\nlaw enforcement. The EPA hopes to achieve\nenvironmental protection optimization via IoT.\nTo date, a total of 700 sensors have been installed\nfor the air quality IoT in Taichung City, Guanin\nIndustrial Area in Taoyuan City, Yingge District in\nNew Taipei City, Dalinpu community in Kaohsiung,\netc. In 2018, 13 city\/county environmental bureaus\nwere asked to cooperate with the EPA on sensor\ninstallation, and by the end of 2018, 2,600 sensors\nhad been installed. The EPA will also cooperate\nwith 15 city\/county environmental bureaus to install\nsensors in over 4,000 spots by the end of 2019.\nMoreover, the EPA has been planning and setting\nup a center for certifying and testing sensing\ndevices in the environmental IoT. The part for testing\nPM2.5 sensing had been finished in 2018. It was\nannounced on 10 April that the Industrial Technology\nResearch Institute (ITRI) is commissioned to\nconduct function testing and certification for air\nquality sensing device.\nIn March 2019, the EPA approved cooperation\nprojects from 2019 to 2020 to install 4,000 air\nsensors jointly with local governments. Yilan\nCounty, Keelung City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City,\nHsinchu County, Miaoli County, Chunghwa County,\nYunlin County, Chiayi County and City, Tainan City,\nKaohsiung City, and Pingtung County have been\nasked to proceed with sensor installation according\nto set plans.\n(2) Establishing an environmental monitoring data\ncenter\nThe EPA has finished setting up the infrastructure for\nthe environmental monitoring data center. It included\nmanaging multiple types of sensing equipment,\nsupporting multiple communication protocols,\nand establishing program interface, all for future\napplication and development. Until now, data of the\nEPA’s 700 sensing devices has been collected, and\nthat of 77 monitoring stations (both national and\nregional) continues to be transferred. It is hoped\nthat all information will be integrated in the IoT\nplatform to enable each application system to, with\nsubscription, display data in real time and develop\ninnovative applications across different fields. The\nservice, “Smart Environmental Management: Smart\nLaw Enforcement Application via Environmental\nIoT”, was one of the EPA’s achievements in\ninnovative environmental IoT applications. It even\nreceived from the Commuter Association the 2018\nSmart City Innovative Application Award.\n2. Strengthening air and water body quality\nmonitoring information service\nThe EPA has been maintaining its 77 air quality\nmonitoring stations to ensure normal operations and\nconducting manual PM2.5 monitoring in 31 stations.\nMonitoring data has over 96% of availability rate\nafter going through quality control and is displayed\nonline in real time. Every day there are three\nforecasts of air quality index for the coming three\ndays, and a warning mechanism is in place from\nSeptember to May to remind the public to take\nprecaution against offshore pollutants (dust and\nsmog from China). On the other hand, national\nair quality monitoring resources, such as stack\nemissions of pollution sources as well as air quality\nmonitoring in industrial areas, are integrated to\ndisclose information for public supervision.\nWater quality monitoring for water bodies like\nrivers, seas, reservoirs, groundwater, beaches,\netc., continues in 2018. Some 90,000 pieces of\nregular monitoring information will be newly added\nto water quality monitoring network for public inquiry\nand also put on the EPA’s Open Data Platform\nand Environmental Info Push App for valueadded\napplications. For better information service\nconcerning water-related recreational activities,\nwater quality monitoring was conducted three\ntimes at eight beaches during August 2018, with\nnewsletters issued, so that the public can watch out\nfor safety and health.\n3 . E x panding open d a t a s e r v i c e f o r\nenvironmental information integration\n(1) Integrating environmental resource information\nThe EPA conducted the “Environmental Resource\nDatabase Integration Plan”, developing diverse\nservice by combining environmental information on\natmosphere, water, earth, forests, and ecosystems.\nThe Plan received the 2016 Cloud IoT Innovation\nAward, presented by Vice President Chen Chien-\nJen, for its excellent application in the government\ncategory. With joint efforts of both the central and\nregional governments, 2,184 pieces of information\nwere exchanged and shared across different fields\nthrough data exchange systems between 2014 and\nSeptember 2018. Air quality impacts were studied\nand analyzed by using both environmental resource\ninformation and that in other institutes, like traffic\ndata, to increase applications. Also, the EPA has\nexpanded common sensing information platforms\nby setting up the i-Environment website to provide\nintegrated micro-information on the environment\nand taking in civilian-monitored real-time microinformation\non air quality. These social media and\nplatforms established by civilian makers include\nthe multi-source Location Aware Sensing System\n(LASS), focusing on public welfare, as well as data\ncollected from air boxes and open databases in\nmunicipalities, counties and cities. The public can\nnow access local environmental information with\nease. Since July 2018, all information mentioned\nabove has been combined with the EPA’s air quality\nsensing data so that integrated environmental\ninformation can be provided.\n(2) Improving the Open Data platform for\nenvironmental information\nIn accordance with the Open Data policy, 1,313\ntypes of information had been disclosed by\nSeptember 2018, with more than 300,000 views,\ncitations, and downloads every day on average and\nover 52 cases of civilian applications. Moreover, the\nEPA expedites environmental information availability,\nimproves quality of open data, and puts cloud\napplication models of information service in practice.\nOn the other hand, the EPA strives to increase\npeople’s r i g h t s to access environmental\ninformation by improving information disclosure\nand transparency. In the Listed Pollution Source\nData Search System, information registered by\nlisted pollution sources and concerning penalties is\nupdated continuously. More than 280,000 pieces of\ninformation on 70,000 listed enterprises is already\ndisclosed for public inquiry, and violations were\nadded in February 2018, followed by emissions of\ntoxic and chemical substances. Implementation\nof the Open Data policy will continue with regular\nrolling reviews of the EPA’s disclosed information\nand categories.\n(3) Improving the Environmental Info Push App\nThe launch of the Environmental Info Push App\nis an example of open data application. Real-time\nmonitoring information, historic data, and forecasts\ncan be viewed on charts and images. The App also\noffers notifications on air quality and sends out\nwarnings. By September 2018, more than 430,000\npeople have downloaded it, with daily peak usage\nof 20,000 people as the highest record, millions of\nviews every month, and average rating of over four\nstars. It has become the necessary environmental\ninformation service in users’ daily lives.\nThe EPA kept optimizing its convenient mobile\nservice applications in 2017 and brought forth the\nEnvironmental Info Push 2.2, which was chosen as\none of 100 innovative products during the 2017 IT\nMonth. The 3.0 version launched in February 2018\nadded hourly forecasts on air quality index for the\ncoming 12 hours by establishing a forecast model\nwith artificial intelligence algorithms and including\nmeteorological data. This way, users can choose\nthe most suitable hours and modes of transportation\nwhen planning outdoor activities. As a result, the\nEPA was honored with the Golden Graph Award\nfrom Taiwan Geographic Information Society in the\ncategory of application system.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "4", "assortment": "Environmental Monitoring", "url": "V22\/V22-4" }, { "no": "3750", "title": "Visit Chem Life to Gain New Chemical Knowledge", "preview": "Chemicals\nVisit Chem Life to Gain New Chemical Knowledge \nDo the dry goods that you purchased during Lunar New Year contain suspect chemicals? What does one need to know about environmental agents for cleaning? What chemicals are part and parcel of people’s daily lives? The EPA recommends that people visit its Facebook f a n p a g e C h e m L i f e t o l e a r n n e w t h i n g s a b o u t t h e c h e m i c a l s p e o p l e e n c o u n t e r e v e r y d a y .\n", "content": "Visit Chem Life to Gain New Chemical Knowledge \nDo the dry goods that you purchased during Lunar New Year contain suspect chemicals? What does one need to know about environmental agents for cleaning? What chemicals are part and parcel of people’s daily lives? The EPA recommends that people visit its Facebook f a n p a g e C h e m L i f e t o l e a r n n e w t h i n g s a b o u t t h e c h e m i c a l s p e o p l e e n c o u n t e r e v e r y d a y .\n \nThe EPA says that Chem Life is a great resource for the public to understand more about chemical products that people encounter daily as well as their safe use. For example, many people eat red tortoise cake ( 紅龜粿) during Lunar New Year, but what food dyes are used to produce that color? What about residual bleach (sulfur dioxide) that remains in dehydrated vegetables? Is there any formaldehyde in new clothes or in decorations people buy around Lunar New Year? The answers to all of these questions and more can be found on Chem Life. \nChemicals are ever-present in people’s lives. They certainly make life more convenient yet at the same time can raise concerns about potential negative impacts on the environment and health. Chem Life helps to answer these questions with easy-to-understand bite-size articles, which together with pictures and videos help make life safer and healthier\n", "year": "2019", "month": "3", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V22\/V22-3" }, { "no": "3749", "title": "Chemicals Source Control to Safeguard Food Safety", "preview": "Chemicals\nChemicals Source Control to Safeguard Food Safety\nSince the launch of the Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau (TCSB) of the EPA in the end of 2016, the EPA focused on gradually strengthening the management of chemicals which are harmful to human health and the environment. Operation, controls, and flow tracking on toxic chemicals, chemical raw materials, and food additives are also strengthened. The EPA inspected over 3,000 chemical raw material enterprises in both 2017 and 2018, and declared 27 chemicals, including Sudan Red, as toxic chemical substances that are illegal to be used in food. Moreover, the EPA will continue close collaborations on tightened chemical substance management with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) to prevent non-food grade chemicals from entering the food product chain systematically to safeguard food safety and citizens’ health.\n", "content": "Chemicals Source Control to Safeguard Food Safety\nSince the launch of the Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau (TCSB) of the EPA in the end of 2016, the EPA focused on gradually strengthening the management of chemicals which are harmful to human health and the environment. Operation, controls, and flow tracking on toxic chemicals, chemical raw materials, and food additives are also strengthened. The EPA inspected over 3,000 chemical raw material enterprises in both 2017 and 2018, and declared 27 chemicals, including Sudan Red, as toxic chemical substances that are illegal to be used in food. Moreover, the EPA will continue close collaborations on tightened chemical substance management with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) to prevent non-food grade chemicals from entering the food product chain systematically to safeguard food safety and citizens’ health.\n \nThe EPA has experienced several occasions on which toxic chemicals were found in food products in the past, such as the Rhodamine B found in glutinous rice calls, metanil yellow and dimethyl yellow in dried tofu, maleic anhydride in starch, Sudan Red G in salted duck yolks for mooncakes, etc. Therefore, to prevent toxic chemical substances from contaminating, the EPA has divided the control measures in two categories: policy making and source control. \nTo regulate by laws and control at source, the EPA banned the use of 13 harmful chemical substances (e.g., Rhodamine B) in food on 26 September 2017. Companies that use these 13 substances in their products are stipulated to submit their operation reports regularly, clearly label all containers\/packaging and handling premises, prepare material safety data sheets (MSDS), and obtain approval documents.\nMoreover, the EPA declared on 28 June 2018 another 14 chemicals, including Sudan Red, as toxic chemical substances that are illegal to be used in food.\nCompanies that manufacture products containing these 14 substances shall start reporting operations from 1 January 2019. Additionally, all containers\/ packaging and handling premises have to be labeled and material safety sheets completed by 1 July 2019. Companies must also acquire approval documents by 1 January 2020, which will be reviewed. To ensure the management and tracking of the chemical substances, approval documents are not to be used by other parties. \nTo enhance the source control, the EPA inspected over 3,000 chemical raw material enterprises in both 2017 and 2018. During the inspection visits, the EPA also informed the companies of the “four musts” of chemical substance management for food safety, which include: separate storage, clear labeling, usage notification, and flow tracking. The EPA will continue to investigate more companies in 2019. Also, the EPA has been working with health and agricultural agencies to conduct joint inspections around special holidays and did not find any banned toxic chemicals in food products in 2018. \nThe EPA stressed that food safety managment is a collaboration between and carried out by the central and regional governments. They are in charge of inspecting enterprises’ management of toxic chemicals, providing assistance on voluntary chemical management, food enterprise registration, random inspections for labels of food additive products, and food additive management. Besides re-inspections of chemical raw material suppliers in 2018, the 2018 Egg Farmers’ Chemical Substances Self-Management Improving Plan was also implemented. Instruction on four principles for farm chemical substance controls were given as well, namely: clarifying origins, applying chemicals correctly, using chemicals safely, and storage management. \nThe EPA emphasized its determination to continue close collaborations with MOHW on tightened chemical substance management. Operation, controls, and flow tracking of toxic chemicals, chemical raw materials, and food additives are also strengthened. If discovered, all illegal operations and additions will be punished in accordance with the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act ( 毒性及關注化學物質管理法) and the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation ( 食品安全衛生管理法).\n", "year": "2019", "month": "3", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V22\/V22-3" }, { "no": "3748", "title": "Draft Revisions of the Toxic Chemical Substances Handling Reward Regulations Preannounced", "preview": "Chemicals\nDraft Revisions of the Toxic Chemical Substances Handling Reward Regulations Preannounced\nIn response to the revisions of the Toxic Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法), the EPA has drafted a revision of the Toxic Chemical Substances Handling Reward Regulations (毒性化學物質運作獎勵辦法).\n", "content": "Draft Revisions of the Toxic Chemical Substances Handling Reward Regulations Preannounced\nIn response to the revisions of the Toxic Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法), the EPA has drafted a revision of the Toxic Chemical Substances Handling Reward Regulations (毒性化學物質運作獎勵辦法).\n \nThe EPA stated that these revisions are in line with global trends related to sustainable chemistry. The revisions have expanded the qualifications for candidates and created a more comprehensive way of selecting candidates. Below are the key points of the revisions. \n1. Aligning with the modifications to the Act’s name and authorization, revisions have been made to both the Regulation’s title and content.\n2. In response to global trends in “sustainable chemistry,” the revisions reward domestic scholars who are involved in research and development and promote sustainable chemistry. Qualifications for candidates have been expanded.\n3. Qualifications for signing up to be a candidate are amended.\n4. Processing time for rewards and processes for selecting candidates are revised.\n5. Regulations regarding the selection committee have been amended.\n6. Revisions have been made concerning measures for rewards, with restrictions regarding second-time recipients added.\n7. Revisions are made concerning handling of violations.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "3", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V22\/V22-3" }, { "no": "3747", "title": "Containment of African Swine Fever Takes No Holiday – Pig Farm Inspections During Lunar New Year", "preview": "Water\nContainment of African Swine Fever Takes No Holiday – Pig Farm Inspections During Lunar New Year \nAfrican swine fever prevention efforts continued through the holidays. The EPA made announcements during Lunar New Year to the 736 pig farms using kitchen-scrap-based pigswill that have passed inspection for reuse. Farmers were called upon to improve self-regulation and ensure that all pig feed made from kitchen waste is first heated to 90 degrees Celsius for at least one hour prior to use. Additionally, three inspection teams from the EPA collected samples of pigswill from 216 pig farms that have yet to pass the government’s inspection to reuse food scraps as feed. Subtracting farms where the owners were not present as well as those pig farms that have ceased operations, 174 remained for inspection. Of those, 34 were fined as per the Waste Disposal Act ( 廢棄物清理法).\n", "content": "Containment of African Swine Fever Takes No Holiday – Pig Farm Inspections During Lunar New Year \nAfrican swine fever prevention efforts continued through the holidays. The EPA made announcements during Lunar New Year to the 736 pig farms using kitchen-scrap-based pigswill that have passed inspection for reuse. Farmers were called upon to improve self-regulation and ensure that all pig feed made from kitchen waste is first heated to 90 degrees Celsius for at least one hour prior to use. Additionally, three inspection teams from the EPA collected samples of pigswill from 216 pig farms that have yet to pass the government’s inspection to reuse food scraps as feed. Subtracting farms where the owners were not present as well as those pig farms that have ceased operations, 174 remained for inspection. Of those, 34 were fined as per the Waste Disposal Act ( 廢棄物清理法).\nThe EPA indicated that among the 34 pig farms found to be operating illegally, the violations included issues such as “using kitchen-scrap pigswill without government permission for reuse,” “not following regulations for recording the sources and amount of kitchen scraps collected for pigswill,” and other similar violations. Subsequently, local environmental protection bureaus will process fines in accordance with the law. The EPA conducted inspections of pig farms that had 20 or more head of pigs and determined that 30 of the farms were not properly registered. The Council of Agriculture (COA) will handle these violations based on the Animal Husbandry Act ( 畜牧法) in order to create a complete system to prevent outbreaks. \nAfter Lunar New Year, epidemic prevention units from county and city governments, in conjunction with the agricultural and environmental protection units, continued to conduct joint investigations to further tighten and suppress illegal activity. Pig farms using kitchen scraps without a reuse permission will be guided by the COA to either switch to pig feed or cease pig farming by 31 Mar 2019. This is in addition to being reported to authorities. At the same time, the EPA will continue to tighten regulations on the 736 pig farms that have been approved to use kitchen scraps for pigswill. This is done to ensure that regulations are followed for properly heating the pigswill before dispensing it to pigs. \nThe EPA emphasized that it would continue to put full effort into preventing an outbreak of the African swine fever. Besides encouraging people to drain liquid out of kitchen scraps, sort properly and avoid wasting food, the EPA asks hog farms using kitchen-scrap-based pigswill to follow regulations by heating food to a high temperature before feeding it to their pigs.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "3", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V22\/V22-3" }, { "no": "3746", "title": "Implementation Results on Heavy Metal Control of Irrigation Water Sources ", "preview": "Water\nImplementation Results on Heavy Metal Control of Irrigation Water Sources \nTo improve the quality of irrigation water sources, the EPA began assisting Taoyuan City, Changhua County and Taichung City in implementing total quantity effluent control for specific agricultural lands from 2015. By the end of 2018, a total of nine cities\/counties had completed the establishment of seven total quantity control zones and tightened the effluent standards in five of them. The control zones and standards mainly focus on heavy metals that have serious effects on human health.\n", "content": "Implementation Results on Heavy Metal Control of Irrigation Water Sources \nTo improve the quality of irrigation water sources, the EPA began assisting Taoyuan City, Changhua County and Taichung City in implementing total quantity effluent control for specific agricultural lands from 2015. By the end of 2018, a total of nine cities\/counties had completed the establishment of seven total quantity control zones and tightened the effluent standards in five of them. The control zones and standards mainly focus on heavy metals that have serious effects on human health.\nFood safety has been a major concern to the general public in Taiwan. Since farmlands lacked independent irrigation and drainage canals in the past, irrigation water sources were polluted by the excessive levels of heavy metals in wastewater discharged from nearby factories. Because of the heavy metals accumulated in the soil, some rice has been found to be contaminated by an excessive amount of heavy metals, such as cadmium and copper. Heavy metal pollution in farmlands has affected Taiwan’s agricultural and economic development and environmental resources, and posed serious threats to human health. \nThe Council o f A g r i c u l t u r e (COA) s t a r t e d implementing the Irrigation Water Quality Protection Plan on 31 October 2013, which restricts in stages different types of enterprises from discharging wastewater to irrigation systems. Meanwhile, the EPA commenced to formulate improvement measures for irrigation water quality, which mainly target contaminated rivers, drainage systems and irrigation canals. The measures aim to cut down pollution at its source and the key focus includes: assisting local governments in designating total quantity effluent control zones, tightening industrial effluent standards, and imposing heavier fines for violations of the Water Pollution Control Act. \nAfter establishing total quantity control zones, establishment of new enterprises that discharge heavy metals will be prohibited in areas that are classified as Category 1 Total Quantity Effluent Control Zone. For existing enterprises, discharge standards will become stricter. Furthermore, local environmental protection bureaus enhanced effluent inspections and sampling frequency by establishing more water quality monitoring stations. In addition, to reduce effluent discharge from existing enterprises and prevent future pollution, local environmental protection bureaus also supervised controlled enterprises to improve their wastewater treatment capacity and cut down wastewater effluent. Assistance was also provided for the changing of discharge canals and for relocation to industrial parks for integrated management. \nIn addition to appointing total quantity control zones and tightening effluent standards, the EPA also revised the Effluent Standards on 25 December 2017. The revisions tightened the maximum values of nine types of heavy metals (including copper and lead) in the effluent discharged by specific enterprises and sewage systems. Moreover, if enterprises commit serious violations or have been ordered to suspend operations, their discharge permits will be revoked and they will not be granted one in the next three years, which is in effect termination of their businesses. \nAfter total quantity effluent control zones were established in Taoyuan City, Changhua County and Taichung City in 2016, three of the control zones achieved a passing rate of 99% on the copper concentration in irrigation water in 2018. The results showed that irrigation water quality has improved significantly after the establishment of the control zones (passing rate of Shinjie River\/Puhsin River and Dongsi Second and Third Ditches in 2010 were 85% and 67%, respectively). \nTo further improve irrigation water quality, the EPA will continue implementing total quantity control and conduct rolling reviews on control measures and reduction progress. The EPA will also work with the COA, local environmental protection bureaus and the Department of Irrigation and Engineering to safeguard Taiwan’s farmlands and the safety of agricultural products.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "3", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V22\/V22-3" }, { "no": "3745", "title": "Raising Public Awareness in Plastic Reduction ", "preview": "Waste", "content": "Raising Public Awareness in Plastic Reduction \nPlastic reduction was a highly discussed and focused environmental topic in 2018. Starting from January 2018, the EPA started banning seven more industries, e.g., beverage stores and bakeries, from providing their customers with free plastic bags. Furthermore, in June 2018, the EPA preannounced the policy that forbids four types of premises to offer single-use plastic straws for dine-in customers. The plastic reduction policies have gained so much popularity and support among the public that sales of ecofriendly products, such as reusable straws, beverage holders and portable tableware, have doubled compared to 2017.\nMarine plastic pollution has gained global attention in recent years. In an effort to tackle the crisis of ocean plastic, the EPA established the Marine Waste Management Platform with NGOs in 2017, and together they announced the Action Plan of Marine Debris Governance in Taiwan in February 2018. Based on past experiences of coastline cleanups, the EPA has found single-use plastics to be the most common waste collected at beaches. Therefore, to reduce plastic pollution at the source, the EPA has been gradually banning single-use plastics, such as disposable plastic beverage cups and straws. The EPA has also been promoting green alternatives, such as reusable shopping bags and portable tableware. Through these changes, the EPA aims to encourage manufacturers to produce environmentally friendly products and to assist the general public to reduce their plastic footprint in their daily lives. \nThe EPA has three tips for people to reduce plastic waste in their daily lives: \n1. Bring your own reusable products. Prepare your own tableware when you eat out is not only better for the environment but also more hygienic. Carry reusable fabric shopping bags as they are more durable and less likely to rip or break during use. \n2. Try to extend the life of your reusable products as much as possible. \n3. Think twice before using single-use plastic and try to find green alternatives or use biodegradable ones. \nIn addition to plastic bags and disposable tableware, packaging also plays a big part in plastic pollution. The EPA therefore recommends avoiding purchasing over-packaged products while gift shopping for Lunar New Year to help reduce waste at its source. The EPA also encourages the public to take part in waste reduction by separating waste by the material categories (recyclable resources, ordinary refuse, and food waste).\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "3", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V22\/V22-3" }, { "no": "3744", "title": "Draft Revisions of Two Bylaws of the Air Pollution Control Act Preannounced", "preview": "Air\nDraft Revisions of Two Bylaws of the Air Pollution Control Act Preannounced \nOn 18 February 2019, the EPA formulated and announced draft of the Stationary Sources Management Information Disclosure and Trade Secrets Review Regulations ( 固定污染源管理資訊公開及工商機密審查辦法) and draft revision of the Establishment and Management Regulations Concerning Dedicated Units or Personnel for Air Pollution Control ( 空氣污染防制專責單位或人員設置及管理辦法). It was based on the revision of Article 35 of the Air Pollution Control Act ( 空氣污染防制法), announced on 1 August 2018. The aim is to improve air quality and safeguard public health.\n", "content": "Draft Revisions of Two Bylaws of the Air Pollution Control Act Preannounced \nOn 18 February 2019, the EPA formulated and announced draft of the Stationary Sources Management Information Disclosure and Trade Secrets Review Regulations ( 固定污染源管理資訊公開及工商機密審查辦法) and draft revision of the Establishment and Management Regulations Concerning Dedicated Units or Personnel for Air Pollution Control ( 空氣污染防制專責單位或人員設置及管理辦法). It was based on the revision of Article 35 of the Air Pollution Control Act ( 空氣污染防制法), announced on 1 August 2018. The aim is to improve air quality and safeguard public health.\n \nThe EPA stated that certain information has to be disclosed on EPA-designated websites based on Articles 35 and 24 of the Air Pollution Control Act (the Act). Said information includes permits for establishing and operating stationary sources, fuel use permits, data that is to be registered according to the Act, data of designated personnel and environmental testing institutes, etc. Contents involving national defense or trade secrets are not to be disclosed. The measure hopes to achieve disclosure of stationary source control data, further public participation, form consensus on pollution control, and encourage public supervision. It enables public and private venues to follow relevant regulations to assume their obligations and corporate social responsibilities and fully practice what is legally required. \nThere are eight articles in the draft of the Stationary Sources Management Information Disclosure and Trade Secrets Review Regulations. The contents specify data to be disclosed, application procedure to keep trade secrets confidential, and review methods to achieve information disclosure and participation in public affairs while ensuring necessary confidentiality of trade secrets. \nThe draft revision of the Establishment and Management Regulations Concerning Dedicated Units or Personnel for Air Pollution Control mainly involves newly adding regulations concerning establishment of dedicated health risk evaluation personnel. Health risk prevention and management can be implemented with personnel in place, which in turn will improve air quality and safeguard citizens’ health. The EPA noted that EPA-designated public and private venues are required by existing regulations to set up dedicated units or personnel for air pollution control to ensure proper operations of air pollution control or monitoring equipment. During the process of amending the Act, new regulations were added, requiring air pollutant-emitting public and private venues, which have been called out by the EPA, to have dedicated personnel who evaluate and manage health risks concerning air pollution emission. The aim is to lower pollutants’ potential risks and harms to human health to further safeguard public health. \nThe EPA stated that, once a person has become qualified after training, he or she can concurrently hold a position as health risk evaluation personnel and as existing personnel managing air pollution or other types of pollution (water, waste, and toxic matters). The revision will not have severe impacts on enterprises.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "3", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-3" }, { "no": "3743", "title": "Assisting Local Authorities on Waste Oil Pollution in Tiezhen Mountain Mine in Miaoli ", "preview": "Water\nAssisting Local Authorities on Waste Oil Pollution in Tiezhen Mountain Mine in Miaoli \nThe pollution incident that occurred in Tiezhen Mountain Mine in Tongxiao, Miaoli was due to leakage of wastewater, a byproduct from a CPC-owned natural gas production site. On 4 March 2019, the Miaoli Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) conducted onsite investigation and order CPC to commence emergency response measures according to the relevant regulations. Besides draining wastewater and setting up oil fences, CPC also convened a meeting on that day and promised to implement emergency response measures to stop the pollution from spreading and also provide the locals with alternative water sources. The EPA sent staff to oversee the local EPB on its investigation for the pollution incident as well as instruct CPC to take up all the cleanup responsibilities.\n", "content": "Assisting Local Authorities on Waste Oil Pollution in Tiezhen Mountain Mine in Miaoli \nThe pollution incident that occurred in Tiezhen Mountain Mine in Tongxiao, Miaoli was due to leakage of wastewater, a byproduct from a CPC-owned natural gas production site. On 4 March 2019, the Miaoli Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) conducted onsite investigation and order CPC to commence emergency response measures according to the relevant regulations. Besides draining wastewater and setting up oil fences, CPC also convened a meeting on that day and promised to implement emergency response measures to stop the pollution from spreading and also provide the locals with alternative water sources. The EPA sent staff to oversee the local EPB on its investigation for the pollution incident as well as instruct CPC to take up all the cleanup responsibilities.\nThe EPA noted that the incident in the CPC-owned Tiezhen Mountain Mine was due to wastewater, a by product from the natural gas production process, leaking out of rusted and cracked pipes. The leaked \nwastewater has a low content of light crude oil, which is more volatile. After onsite investigation, the Miaoli EPB first estimated that 5,000 liters of wastewater were leaked and concluded that there was no more leakage onsite. Other than draining the wastewater and setting up oil fences, CPC also built an overflow protection dike and continued draining inside the plant. It has been instructed to investigate the pollution scale in the aftermath. Moreover, the EPB set up a monitoring well on 6, 7 and 11 March to keep an eye on the pollution status. \nThe EPA emphasized that, if CPC is found to have not notified the authorities within three hours after the incident, CPC would be fined between NT$10,000 and NT$6 million based on Article 28 of the Water Pollution Control Act ( 水污染防制法). CPC is also required by Articles 7 and 15 to carry out emergency response measures and provide alternative water sources. If the incident led to soil and groundwater pollution, a fine with a maximum of NT$750,000 will be issued while the site will be designated as polluted for remediation. Moreover, the EPA urged factories still in operations to regularly check and maintain pipelines and equipment to prevent environmental pollution.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "3", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V22\/V22-3" }, { "no": "3742", "title": "Promotion of Reutilization of Livestock Waste Sediment and Fluid", "preview": "Inspection\nPromotion of Reutilization of Livestock Waste Sediment and Fluid \nTo reach various livestock industry environmental goals, such as improving river quality, air quality, and circular economy objectives, the EPA has been actively promoting the use of sediment and fluid from livestock manure for farmland fertilization. Several annual goals have been achieved from 2016 to the end of 2018. They include permission obtained from 350 farms to use manure as fertilizer, with an annual amount of 1.5 million metric tons, and a 5% reutilization rate for livestock industry sediment and fluid.\n", "content": "Promotion of Reutilization of Livestock Waste Sediment and Fluid \nTo reach various livestock industry environmental goals, such as improving river quality, air quality, and circular economy objectives, the EPA has been actively promoting the use of sediment and fluid from livestock manure for farmland fertilization. Several annual goals have been achieved from 2016 to the end of 2018. They include permission obtained from 350 farms to use manure as fertilizer, with an annual amount of 1.5 million metric tons, and a 5% reutilization rate for livestock industry sediment and fluid.\n\n \nContaining a high level of organic matters, nitrogen, and phosphorus, livestock manure is well-suited as a fertilizer for crops. Sediment and fluid derived from anaerobic fermentation can be reutilized to fertilize farmland. Otherwise, manure discharged into rivers becomes misplaced resources. In 2015, the EPA began amending relevant regulations to formulate the legal base for the use of livestock waste sediment and fluid as farmland fertilizer. \nEvaluation and revisions on a rolling basis to set up reutilization treatment goals \n1. Post-revision planning and implementation \nFor relevant regulations, the EPA revised the Water Pollution Control Measures and Test Reporting Management Regulations ( 水污染防治措施及檢測申報管理辦法) on 24 November 2015. Ten articles were added specifically as the legal base for use of livestock waste sediment and fluid for farmland fertilization. Other amendments announced on 28 October 2016 include broadening the substances eligible for reutilization, simplifying processes by cutting test items from 19 down to 11, and making revisions to allow more flexibility of management. Meanwhile, evaluations were carried out consistently on a rolling basis. \nA target has been set for the ratio of livestock industry wastewater treated for reutilization, in order to expedite implementation as well as expand the promotion of livestock manure reutilization. On 27 December 2017, the EPA announced the amended Water Pollution Control Measures and Test Reporting Management Regulations. At least 10% of the livestock industry’s total wastewater is to be treated for reutilization. This entails reusing livestock waste sediment and fluid as farmland fertilizer, based on the Regulations Governing the Use of Recycled Agricultural Wastes ( 農業事業廢棄物再?用管?辦法). It also allows use for crop irrigation when livestock waste sediment and fluid meet the Effluent Standards ( 放?水標準). For existing pig farms with 2,000 pigs or more, the ratio of wastewater treatment is to be 5% within five years and 10% within 10 years. For farms with 20 to 2,000 pigs, the ratio is to be 5% within 8 years and 10% in 12 years. \nLivestock waste sediment and fluid reutilization goals attained \nThe EPA has been actively promoting the use of livestock waste sediment and fluid for farmland fertilization. From 2016 to 31 December 2018, permission has been obtained from a total of 490 livestock farms to use livestock waste sediment and fluid as farmland fertilizer. A total of 1.61 million tons of fertilizer was applied, for a reutilization ratio of 5.58%. These results have surpassed the yearly goals set for 2018, which were to obtain permission from 350 livestock farms, apply 1.5 million metric tons of fertilizer, and reach 5% reutilization. \nBesides the use of livestock waste sediment and fluid as farmland fertilizer, livestock manure reutilization efforts also resulted in waste reuse in 74 agricultural enterprise cases, while there were 49 cases of \nsediment and fluid compliant with the Effluent Standards used for crop irrigation. Combining the three reutilization methods above, 613 farms adopted manure reutilization practices, 1,933 hectares of farmland had reutilized resources applied on them, and 338 tons of treated wastewater were used for irrigation. Meanwhile, 20,803 metric tons of organic pollutants were reduced for the year, equivalent to the amount of pollution processed by 380 gravel contact oxidation treatment plants with a daily capacity of 10,000 tons, whose total construction costs would be approximately NT$38 billion. The livestock waste sediment and fluid used as fertilizers contained 632 metric tons of nitrogen, equivalent to 97,437 bags of Taifer’s #5 Organic Compound Fertilizer. \nThrough manure reutilization, the livestock industry can save NT$150 million in utility costs for aeration treatment for phase three wastewater treatment and NT$18.95 million in water pollution prevention costs. Farmers can save NT$28.62 million in fertilizer costs. Additionally, rivers get cleaned up and odors are reduced. Stakeholders, participants, and the environment all benefit. \nPromotion conducted via demonstrations in five townships in 2019 \nTo promote reutilization of livestock manure, the EPA began a new project in 2018, choosing Wanluan in Pingtung and Mailiao in Yunlin--both with a high concentration of livestock industry, as demonstration townships. As many as 86 visits were paid to local livestock enterprises, production and marketing cooperatives, or relevant institutes, and eight discussions were held with local key figures. Via the above, the EPA has highlighted this matter to enterprisers and asked that they comply with the policy in order to increase the reutilization ratio in the demonstration townships. \nBy the end of December 2018, the EPA had assisted 11 farms in Wanluan in reutilization for farmland fertilization or applying to use effluent in plant irrigation, aside from the existing nine farms granting permissions in reutilization for farmland fertilization or plant irrigation with effluent. In Mailiao, 10 farms have newly become eligible for reutilization, accumulating to 12 eligible farms in total. With these initial results, the EPA will expand the demonstration scale by increasing up to five townships, hoping to further raise the awareness of resource reutilization. and irrigation vehicles and farmland s t o r a g e t a n k s f o r more f l e x i b l e irrigation \nSmall-scale farms lack wastewater treatment technology and manpower. In light of that, the EPA has been subsidizing local governments to set up reutilization facilities to treat the manure in these farms, as well as assist large farms to help smaller ones or centralize manure treatment. So far local governments have carried out six projects with subsidies, collecting and transporting manure of 45,232 animals from 21 farms with 75% reutilization rate. Implementation reached 40% in Hualien County and Taoyuan City and 20% for the two projects in Pingtung County. And Yunlin County is in the process of contract signing for its two projects. \nTo help establish irrigation systems that have more flexible operation, the EPA has subsidized local governments to purchase manure-collecting and transporting vehicles, irrigation vehicles or machinery, and farmland storage tanks. Until now Kaohsiung City, Taichung City, Yunlin County, Pingtung County, and Hualien County have been approved for subsidies, able to purchase 23 vehicles for collecting and transporting manure and irrigation as well as 67 farmland storage tanks. \nMoreover, an online platform was enhanced in 2018 to meet the needs of farms and ranches by providing local governments’ current status on promoting reutilization in 2018. Both ranchers and farmers can also enter the online platform to register their own data on sediment and fluid production and farmland irrigation, enabling local governments to help coordinate and match potential suppliers and those in need of irrigation (http:\/\/epafarm.dsmynas.net\/farm\/ index.php). \nContinual supply of future incentives, subsidies and services \nIn the future, the EPA will continue its efforts in encouraging more livestock enterprises to participate in manure reutilization with more incentives, subsidies, and services. They include assisting local governments or commissioning pig farmers’ associations to hold seminars and visiting tours. Farmers will be assisted to test contents in sediment and fluid as well as soil and groundwater quality, and match farmlands potentially in need of irrigations, and apply for reutilization projects. Subsidies will be provided to large farms to help smaller ones, for centralized collecting and treatment, and for purchase of collecting and transporting vehicles, irrigating vehicles or machinery, and farmland storage tanks. Existing measures like demonstration townships will also continue to be carried out. \nFor any questions concerning projects of sediment and fluid reutilization, enterprises are welcomed to inquire local environmental protection bureaus or go to the EPA’s Water Quality Protection Webpage (https:\/\/water.epa.gov.tw\/Page1_3.aspx).\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "3", "assortment": "Inspection", "url": "V22\/V22-3" }, { "no": "3741", "title": "EPA-Prosecutor Office-Police Joint Investigation Results in Seizure of Hidden Urban Waste", "preview": "Inspection\nEPA-Prosecutor Office-Police Joint Investigation Results in Seizure of Hidden Urban Waste\n", "content": "EPA-Prosecutor Office-Police Joint Investigation Results in Seizure of Hidden Urban Waste\nAfter a three-month period of monitoring and gathering\nevidence, the EPA in conjunction with the Shihlin District\nProsecutor Office, the Seventh Special Police Corps,\nand the Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau,\nlegally seized the property of Hong X Mixed Construction\nResource Classification and Disposal Site. The enterprise,under the disguise of a legal site, illegally stored a large\nvolume of construction waste near an incinerator in the\nBeitou area. The suspect is alleged to have violated\nArticle 46 of the Waste Disposal Act ( 廢棄物清理法) and\nwill be prosecuted by the Shihlin Prosecutor Office.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "2", "assortment": "Inspection", "url": "V22\/V22-2" }, { "no": "3740", "title": "Regulations for Establishment and Supervision of Environmental Protection Foundations Announced", "preview": "General policy\nRegulations for Establishment and Supervision of Environmental Protection Foundations Announced\n", "content": "Regulations for Establishment and Supervision of Environmental Protection Foundations Announced\n\nBased on the Foundations Act ( 財團法人法) that went into effect on 1 February 2019, the EPA progressively completed formulation of further bylaws relevant to such organizations. Among these is the Regulations for Establishment and Supervision of Environmental Protection Foundations ( 環境保護財團法人設立許可及監督辦法) that was announced on 25 January 2019 to allow for the regulation of foundations. The Regulations \nallow foundations and individuals covered by them to gain a full understanding of and abide by the standards and processes for establishing a foundation. The key points of the Regulations are as follows: \n1. The basis of the stipulations are derived from the Foundations Act. \n2. The definition of environmental foundations and the amount of assets when applying to establish one. \n3. Regulations for foundations’ investments and limitations on providing grants. \n4. Regulations on processes for internal controls and audit systems for foundations that fit certain qualifications. \n5. Electronic filing and processing. \n6. Selection of board directors and the calculation of ratios for foundations receiving funding from public juristic persons.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "2", "assortment": "General policy", "url": "V22\/V22-2" }, { "no": "3739", "title": "Regulations Governing Incentives for Energy Efficiency Compliance Standards Amended ", "preview": "Climate Change\nRegulations Governing Incentives for Energy Efficiency Compliance Standards Amended \nThe EPA announced amendments to some articles of the Regulations Governing Incentives for Energy Efficiency Compliance Standards ( 溫室氣體排放源符合效能標準獎勵辦法) on 11 January 2019. The amendments include: revising the conditions in which incentive applications become ineligible, removing the 12-month period requirement, and adding the deadline of incentive applications for the reduction measures implemented before the Greenhouse Gas Emission Performance Standards take effect.\n", "content": "Regulations Governing Incentives for Energy Efficiency Compliance Standards Amended \nThe EPA announced amendments to some articles of the Regulations Governing Incentives for Energy Efficiency Compliance Standards ( 溫室氣體排放源符合效能標準獎勵辦法) on 11 January 2019. The amendments include: revising the conditions in which incentive applications become ineligible, removing the 12-month period requirement, and adding the deadline of incentive applications for the reduction measures implemented before the Greenhouse Gas Emission Performance Standards take effect.\nThe amendments mainly focus on GHG mitigation measures that comply with energy efficiency standards and have been implemented after 2015. After the mitigation is verified, enterprises may apply for emission allowances from the central competent authority. To encourage enterprises to step up carbon reduction before the implementation of cap control, the EPA promulgated the regulations on 15 March 2017. In response to the formulation of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Performance Standards ( 溫室氣體排放源效能標準), the calculation method for incentives has been changed and is now based on the total emission for an enterprise. Therefore, enterprises that fail to perform GHG reduction measures due to permanent or temporary close-down and suspension are disqualified from incentive applications. In consideration of the timeliness of reduction measures, the EPA has removed the requirement that only applications with at least 12 months of mitigation time would be accepted. Furthermore, the amendments stipulate that incentive applications for reduction measures performed before implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Performance Standards are to be submitted by the end of October 2019. With the amendments, the EPA aims to improve execution of the GHG reduction policies and to prevent false issuance of incentives.\n\n", "year": "2019", "month": "2", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "V22\/V22-2" }, { "no": "3738", "title": "Draft of Revisions to Air Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules Preannounced ", "preview": "Air\nDraft of Revisions to Air Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules Preannounced \nThe EPA drafted revisions to the Air Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules (空氣污染防制法施行細則) (hereinafter referred to as Enforcement Rules) on 31 January 2019, with amendments made to the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) on 1 August 2018. Revisions to the Enforcement Rules provide further explanations and assist competent authorities in promoting and implementing these regulations.\n", "content": "Draft of Revisions to Air Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules Preannounced \nThe EPA drafted revisions to the Air Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules (空氣污染防制法施行細則) (hereinafter referred to as Enforcement Rules) on 31 January 2019, with amendments made to the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) on 1 August 2018. Revisions to the Enforcement Rules provide further explanations and assist competent authorities in promoting and implementing these regulations.\nAny violation found in the inspection and testing process will be fined and punished under the law. \nAmendments to the Toxic Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性化學物質管理法) were passed by the Legislative Yuan on 21 December 2018 and were renamed to the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法) by the president on 16 January 2019. The Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act added new regulations on concerned chemical substances and expand the list of controlled substances to gradually strengthen the management of chemicals that are harmful to human health and the environment. \nAir\nDraft of Revisions to Air Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules Preannounced \nThe EPA drafted revisions to the Air Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules (空氣污染防制法施行細則) (hereinafter referred to as Enforcement Rules) on 31 January 2019, with amendments made to the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) on 1 August 2018. Revisions to the Enforcement Rules provide further explanations and assist competent authorities in promoting and implementing these regulations. \nWhen drafting revisions to the Enforcement Rules, the EPA referred to past legal interpretations, judicial interpretations, precedents set by relevant appeals, and practical experience gained through enforcing these regulations. The main points of the revisions are as follows:\n1. Added new aspects that are to be regulated based on additions to the Air Pollution Control Act, which include air pollution control plans set forth by the central competent authority. \n2. Added content stipulated by the central competent authority in Article 7 of the Act, which adjusted clauses for air pollution control and total quantity control plans.\n3. In light of the various characteristics of industrial 11 \nparks and with consideration to the different periods and zones in which the industrial zones were developed, definitions were added for industrial areas as well as methods for measuring the space of special industrial areas. \n4. Added categories for harmful air pollutant emission standards in Article 20 Item 2 of the Enforcement Rules by the addition, found in Article 53, of air pollutants emitted from stationary pollution sources in public and private venues. Enterprises exceeding the harmful air pollutant emission standards set forth by Article 20 Item 2 will face criminal charges as opposed to the administrative penalties and controls of the current standards. \n5. Added determining methods in the regulations in Article 32 regarding spontaneous combustion due to improper management. \n6. Added regulations regarding the portion of fines transmitted into a fund and provided additional explanations on the rates for violation fines transmitted in reference to the current Water Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules ( 水污染防制法施行細則).\n", "year": "2019", "month": "2", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-2" }, { "no": "3737", "title": "Government Agencies Join Forces to Safeguard Food Safety", "preview": "Chemicals\n\nGovernment Agencies Join Forces to Safeguard Food Safety \nTo ensure food safety during the Lunar New Year holiday, the EPA joined forces with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) and the Council of Agriculture (COA) to monitor food safety. The EPA also reminds the public to only purchase domestic agricultural and fishery products that have clear origin labels and official certifications. \n\n", "content": "Government Agencies Join Forces to Safeguard Food Safety \nTo ensure food safety during the Lunar New Year holiday, the EPA joined forces with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) and the Council of Agriculture (COA) to monitor food safety. The EPA also reminds the public to only purchase domestic agricultural and fishery products that have clear origin labels and official certifications. \n\nFood safety has always been a key focus of government policies. The EPA has therefore been working with different ministries to promote the “Five Rings of Food Safety” Policy. The five rings include: strengthening food source control, reestablishing a production-management food tracing system, increasing inspection capabilities, imposing harsher penalties, and encouraging public oversight. Through inter-ministerial cooperation, the five-ring policy is executed based on the responsibilities of each department. The EPA’s responsibility is to carry out at-source safety control to prevent chemicals that pose potential health risks from contaminating the food supply chain. The MOHW will enhance the sampling and inspection of agricultural products before they arrive at markets, and the COA will be in charge of food inspection in markets. \nThe EPA has experienced several occasions where toxic chemicals were found in food products in the past, such as the Rhodamine B found in glutinous rice, calls, metanil yellow and dimethyl yellow in dried tofu, maleic anhydride in starch and Sudan Red G in salted duck yolks for mooncakes. Therefore, to prevent toxic chemical substance contamination, the EPA has divided the control measures into two categories: policy making and source control. \nTo support the five ring policy, the EPA banned the use of 13 harmful chemical substances (e.g., Rhodamine B) in food on 26 September 2017. Companies that use these 13 substances in their products are stipulated to submit their operation reports regularly, clearly label all containers\/packaging and handling premises, prepare material safety data sheets (MSDS), and obtain approval documents. Moreover, the EPA declared on 28 June 2018 another 14 chemicals, including Sudan Red, as toxic chemical substances that are illegal to use in food. \nCompanies that manufacture products containing these 14 substances shall start reporting operations from 1 January 2019. Additionally, all containers\/ packaging and handling premises have to be labeled and material safety sheets completed by 1 July 2019. Companies must also acquire approval documents by 1 January 2020, which will be reviewed by Lunar New Year. To ensure the management and tracking of the chemical substances, approval documents are not to be used by other parties. The EPA has completed reviewing the operation reports and assisted enterprises to meet the requirements by Lunar New Year. \nThe EPA inspected over 3,000 chemical raw material enterprises in both 2017 and 2018. During the inspection visits, the EPA also informed the companies of the “four musts” of chemical substance management for food safety, which include: separate storage, clear labeling, usage notification, and flow tracking. The EPA will continue to investigate more companies in 2019. Also, the EPA has been working with health and agricultural agencies to conduct joint inspections around special holidays and did not find any banned toxic chemicals in food products in 2018. \nTo ensure food safety, the MOHW conducted extensive food samplings and inspections in supermarkets to get ready for Lunar New Year, which resulted in a 98% pass rate. The inspections targeted food manufacturers, sellers and restaurant operators, and encompassed a wide range of safety factors, including: operation registration, hygiene conditions, product labeling, and random testing for illegal food colorings. The COA concentrated in monitoring drug residues in seafood and inspecting meat quality, as meat and poultry are common dishes on Lunar New Year tables. The COA will also continue to promote the tracking system for agricultural products. Any violation found in the inspection and testing process will be fined and punished under the law. \nAmendments to the Toxic Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性化學物質管理法) were passed by the Legislative Yuan on 21 December 2018 and were renamed to the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (毒性及關注化學物質管理法) by the president on 16 January 2019. The Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act added new regulations on concerned chemical substances and expand the list of controlled substances to gradually strengthen the management of chemicals that are harmful to human health and the environment.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "2", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V22\/V22-2" }, { "no": "3736", "title": "Air Pollutant Emission Standards for Manufacturing Vinyl Chloride and Polyvinyl Chloride Announced", "preview": "Air\nAir Pollutant Emission Standards for Manufacturing Vinyl Chloride and Polyvinyl Chloride Announced \nTo reinforce control of the manufacturing processes of vinyl chloride and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and to reduce vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) emissions, the EPA promulgated the Air Pollutant Emission Standards for Manufacturing Vinyl Chloride and Polyvinyl Chloride on 22 January 2019.\n", "content": "Air Pollutant Emission Standards for Manufacturing Vinyl Chloride and Polyvinyl Chloride Announced \nTo reinforce control of the manufacturing processes of vinyl chloride and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and to reduce vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) emissions, the EPA promulgated the Air Pollutant Emission Standards for Manufacturing Vinyl Chloride and Polyvinyl Chloride on 22 January 2019. \n \nVCM is a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) known to be a human carcinogen. To lessen the negative impacts on the environment and human health caused by exposure to this gaseous substance, the EPA is tightening the emission standards for VCM produced by the petrochemical industry. \nForming comprehensive control regula?tions for better air quality \nThe existing Volatile Organic Compound Air Pollution Controls and Emission Standards regulates major emission sources such as exhaust gas combustion towers, storage facilities and equipment components. The volatile organic compound (VOC) emission standards have led to significant VOC reduction outcomes; hence, the EPA is now further advancing controls on HAPs emitted by the petrochemical industry by applying stricter VCM emission control standards. \nAchieving emission reductions with the best available control technology \nAfter taking international regulations and control implementation experiences into account, the EPA also re-evaluated its existing air-pollutant emission control policies before formulating the new standards. Based on assessments of potential health risks and the capacity of control equipment and technology in Taiwan, the Air Pollutant Emission Standards for Manufacturing Vinyl Chloride and Polyvinyl Chloride were designed to strengthen the control of the manufacturing, storage, and transport of vinyl chloride and PVC. By tightening the control standards, the EPA aims to reduce the adverse effects caused by HAP emissions (e.g., VCM and dichloroethane) discharged from factory exhaust pipes or escaped from facilities. \nStrengthening industrial participation \nThe main focus of the new standards includes: \n．Limiting vinyl chloride emissions from exhaust pipes to no higher than 10 ppm．The screening value of VOC emissions from each individual equipment component shall not exceed 1,000 ppm. To prevent leakage and enhance source control, facilities are also required to install leak prevention components. \n．Leak control connectors are to be installed to all loading and unloading lines and kept closed when not in use to prevent leakage during the loading and unloading operation process. \n．Storage vehicles are required to maintain all components and loading and unloading lines sealed, in which condition the VOC concentration does not exceed 1,000 ppm. \n．The VOC emission concentration is not to exceed 500 ppm during the operation of a polymerization reaction to avoid excessive pollutant emissions. \n．VCM manufacturers with fixed-roof tanks for dichloroethane storage are to be equipped with pressure\/vacuum vents that are connected to pollution control systems with an emission reduction rate of 95% or higher. \n．Multiple wastewater control measures for VCM and PVC plants have been added to the emission standards. To prevent pollution caused by VCM emissions from process and fugitive sources, PVC plants are requested to treat their wastewater until its content of VCM concentration is below 0.1 mg\/L, before recycling and reuse.8 \n \nThe implementation timeline for the standards will provide sufficient time for adjustments. Except for certain improvement works that are granted an extra one to three years for completion, the rest of the regulations will take immediate effect as of the date of promulgation.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "2", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-2" }, { "no": "3735", "title": "Second Preannouncement of Revisions to the Effluent Standards Strengthens Controls on Dioxin Emissions", "preview": "Water\nSecond Preannouncement of Revisions to the Effluent Standards Strengthens Controls on Dioxin Emissions \nT he EPA preannounced revisions to the Effluent Standards ( 放流水標準) Article 2 and Article 2.1 for the second time on 4 January 2019. In order to strengthen controls on dioxin emissions, the EPA made revisions to the required conditions for enterprises with incinerating facilities, in addition to the revised content in the first preannouncement. \n", "content": "Second Preannouncement of Revisions to the Effluent Standards Strengthens Controls on Dioxin Emissions \nT he EPA preannounced revisions to the Effluent Standards ( 放流水標準) Article 2 and Article 2.1 for the second time on 4 January 2019. In order to strengthen controls on dioxin emissions, the EPA made revisions to the required conditions for enterprises with incinerating facilities, in addition to the revised content in the first preannouncement. \nEnterprises using incinerators and those that reduce air pollution through wet or semi-dry scrubbing systems, regardless of whether scrubbing produces wastewater, still risk producing effluent water containing dioxins. As such, the EPA revised the applicable conditions for the Effluent Standards, thus emphasizing the necessity for controlling dioxin emissions found in effluent water. \nwater applicable to enterprises at risk of polluting. The EPA appeals to enterprises to ensure their compliance with the laws and regulations. Violators in major incidents of waterbody and soil pollution will be punished based on the Water Pollution Control Act ( 水污染防治法), which will deter others from testing the law.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "2", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V22\/V22-2" }, { "no": "3734", "title": "Penalties Intensified for Water Pollution Control Act Violations", "preview": "Water\nPenalties Intensified for Water Pollution Control Act Violations \nOn 16 January 2019, the EPA announced revisions to the Regulations of Penalties and Amount of Fines for Violations of the Water Pollution Control Act ( 違反水污染防治法罰鍰額度裁罰準則). The revisions deal with determination methods for penalty points, taking into account the number of Water Pollution Control Act regulations an action violates, as well as clarifying severe forms of violations, violation scales and effects, acts of illegal dilution, and penalty intensification and reduction. \n", "content": "Penalties Intensified for Water Pollution Control Act Violations \nOn 16 January 2019, the EPA announced revisions to the Regulations of Penalties and Amount of Fines for Violations of the Water Pollution Control Act ( 違反水污染防治法罰鍰額度裁罰準則). The revisions deal with determination methods for penalty points, taking into account the number of Water Pollution Control Act regulations an action violates, as well as clarifying severe forms of violations, violation scales and effects, acts of illegal dilution, and penalty intensification and reduction. \nThe EPA noted that the revisions and reevaluations were done in response to the 13 June 2018 revision of the Water Pollution Control Act The goal was to remove competent authorities’ doubts when they determine violations and issue penalties based on the Act, and also to align with major bylaw amendments of recent years. \nAmendments specify provisions of violations and the points of evaluation. Moreover, there have been many incidents of fuels leaked into water bodies, yet the scales of these incidents were not clearly determined, leading to severe violations that received light penalties. Currently fines are too light for severe violations committed by public sewage system operators and there are also targets not covered by the Water Pollution Control Act. Illegal activities are difficult to deter, so there was a need to strengthen and add provisions on violations and calculating basis. The revisions for penalizing principles were an opportunity for reevaluation to strengthen execution powers and harshly punish violations of the Act to safeguard the quality of rivers of surface water bodies. \nMajor focuses of the revisions are as follows: \n1. Severe violations under the Water Pollution Control Act are clearly specified and are punishable by the heaviest fines according to the regulations.6 \n \n2. Provisions of violations and evaluation points have been added and revised in response to the amendments of the Water Pollution Control Act and relevant bylaws. \n3. Article 28 Paragraph 1 of the Water Pollution Control Act is revised. Scales of violations are to be determined in the same way to determine violations involving leaked fuels, wastewater, raw ingredients, chemical agents, or other pollutants. \n4. Revisions are made regarding scales of construction sites as well as to provisions and evaluation points for not complying with regulations concerning wastewater runoff controls. \n5. Revisions are made regarding collection targets for water pollution control fees for enterprises and sewage systems, as well as determination of accumulated days of overdue fees. Also, determination of fines for household water pollution prevention fees have been deleted. \n6. Amendments were made to the determination of accumulated days for those who are obligated to declare but fail to do so, as well as for those who have received notification of deadlines to make declarations but fail to do so on time. \n7. Revisions were made to the penalty units for public sewage systems and enterprises not under the control of the Water Pollution Control Act.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "2", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V22\/V22-2" }, { "no": "3733", "title": "Central and Local Governments Settle on Short-, Mid-, and Long-Term Food Waste Plans Against Swine Flu", "preview": "Waste\nCentral and Local Governments Settle on Short-, Mid-, and Long-Term Food Waste Plans Against Swine Flu \nIn an attempt to prevent the spread of African swine flu, the EPA invited regional environmental bureaus to convene a meeting on 15 January 2019. The attendees examined food waste production amounts and management methods, and then formulated short-, mid-, and long-term plans for food waste disposal and treatment. \n", "content": "Central and Local Governments Settle on Short-, Mid-, and Long-Term Food Waste Plans Against Swine Flu \nIn an attempt to prevent the spread of African swine flu, the EPA invited regional environmental bureaus to convene a meeting on 15 January 2019. The attendees examined food waste production amounts and management methods, and then formulated short-, mid-, and long-term plans for food waste disposal and treatment. \n \nRegional environmental bureaus that participated in the meeting came from New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Taichung City, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Yilan County, Hsinchu County, Miaoli County, Changhua County, Pingtung County, and Hsinchu City. The EPA stated that the bureaus will submit to the Council of Agriculture (COA) formal documents to ask for extensions for pig farms within their jurisdictions that have not yet been inspected to receive permission to use their high-temperature steam cookers to process food waste. During this period, county and city environmental bureaus are required by the EPA to make sure that enterprises already able to steam cook food waste reapply for qualification. Regional environmental units will also intensify inspections by working with agricultural and administrative departments, which will assist pig farms without steam cooking facilities to use animal feed instead.\nThe EPA has set up plans to enhance short-, mid-, and long-term capacity to process food waste. In the short term, regional governments are to be subsidized to install emergency processing facilities, such as shredding, drying, and pulping equipment and fast fermentation treatment modules, the cost of which is NT$450 million. County and city governments are urged to submit applications for purchasing equipment. \nMid-term goals include strengthening processing capacity of public regional composting plants, assisting public sewage treatment plants to dispose food waste through anaerobic digestion, and assisting large civil enterprises to set up fast fermentation equipment themselves. \nThe long-term plan for food waste will focus on bioenergy. Taichung City completed the first phase of disposal facility construction in October 2018 (with \na daily capacity of 80 metric tons), and construction of another one in Taoyuan City is expected to be complete by July 2021. Disposal facilities in Tainan City, Yilan County, Taipei City, and Kaohsiung City are currently underway, and when completed are expected to treat 800 metric tons of household food waste every day. \nLastly, the EPA emphasized that the fight against swine flu will need all citizens and government agencies to contribute together and thus requested cooperation from regional environmental protection units. \n(1) If pig farms in respective jurisdictions switch from food waste to animal feeds, producing counties or cities should be informed to respond early and track flows of food waste. \n(2) Regional governments are asked to work with private composting plants. \n(3) Food waste sources with production capacity of over a ton should be assisted to set up their own treatment equipment themselves. \n(4) As Chinese New Year drew near, regional governments were to put more effort on promoting to the public ideas of cherishing food, shaking off excess water from food waste, and making holiday meal plans that responsibly managed excess food. \n(5) Those that plan to send their own food waste to incinerators for disposal will receive subsidies for forklifts needed for operations. \n(6) Each county and city is to immediately propose subsidies needed to purchase drying and shredding facilities and high-effective composting modules in the short term. For the mid- and long-term, county and city governments will help enable anaerobic digestion equipment in public sewage treatment plants to dispose of and treat food waste, as well as subsidize establishment of regional composting sites and bioenergy plants.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "2", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V22\/V22-2" }, { "no": "3732", "title": "Air Pollution Control Act Revised for Source to End-of- Pipe Controls", "preview": "Air\nAir Pollution Control Act Revised for Source to End-of- Pipe Controls \nRevisions of the Air Pollution Control Act ( 空氣污染管制法) include five points to implement “Clean Air” policies. In the future, 120 bylaws will be revised or added for thorough control under environmental protection and sustainable development principles. These bylaws cover planning of air quality improvement, as well as control, treatment, and response from end-of-pipe pollution emitters. With public health in mind, the EPA works to promulgate various measures to establish a prevention and warning mechanism.\n", "content": "Air Pollution Control Act Revised for Source to End-of- Pipe Controls \nRevisions of the Air Pollution Control Act ( 空氣污染管制法) include five points to implement “Clean Air” policies. In the future, 120 bylaws will be revised or added for thorough control under environmental protection and sustainable development principles. These bylaws cover planning of air quality improvement, as well as control, treatment, and response from end-of-pipe pollution emitters. With public health in mind, the EPA works to promulgate various measures to establish a prevention and warning mechanism. \n“Clean Air” is a major environmental policy objective. Revisions of the Air Pollution Control Act were passed in the Legislative Yuan after three readings on 25 June 2018, announced for implementation by President Tsai Ing-wen on 1 August, and took effect on 3 August 2018. Five major points include additions and amendments of the good neighbor clause, the factory source control mechanism, mobile pollution control measures, harsher penalties, and importantly, pursuit of illegal gains and addition of the whistleblower clause. The revisions aim to strengthen planning for air quality improvement, pollution source control and middle management, and end-of-pipe treatment and response. \nTotal Makeover as New Stage in Air Pollution Controls Begins\n 1. Post-revision planning and implementation \n(1) 118 bylaws will be amended or added after a preliminary inventory. As it takes time to formulate bylaws based on legal procedures, implementation principles have been set first as the legal bases for various operations during the transitional period. \n(2) A mechanism is set up to evaluate air quality standards every four years. Air quality standards are the first target in each evaluation which act as the goals of the central government’s control projects and regional governments’ control plans. For stationary pollution sources, planning is to take place for the second phase of the Kaohsiung-Pingtung Area Air Pollutant Total Quantity Control (TQC) Plan ( 高屏地區空氣污染總量管制計畫). Addition and revisions of regulations relating to harmful pollutants, the food and beverage industry, boiler standards, and continuous automated monitoring will take priority. \n(3) The EPA is going to intensify promotion of controls on mobile pollution sources and enhance economic incentives in order to encourage replacement of old cars and other pollution amelioration measures. After the revisions, control measures for diesel vehicles will help lower pollution emissions as the primary goal. Vehicles can be used normally as long as they comply with emission standards. Assistance will be given to reduce pollution produced by large diesel vehicles, and various subsidy measures are currently under evaluation. Moreover, more diverse improvement projects will be implemented to adjust pollution emission systems, install pollution prevention equipment, provide subsidies for vehicle purchases, and give credit guarantees or low-interest loans. \n2. Current status of promotion of the Air Pollution Control Action Plan \nPassed by the Executive Yuan on 21 December 2017, the A i r Pollution Control Action Plan ( 空氣污染防制行動方案) details specific control and prevention measures for every air pollution source. It covers air pollution reduction for state-run and large-scale enterprises, boiler controls, controls of oily smokes produced by the food and beverage industry, amelioration of problems caused by burning of joss paper, controls on airborne dust from construction and dumping sites, and reuse and treatment of \nagricultural straws and orchard branches. Other areas include controls on airborne dust from riverbanks, subsidization for replacing large diesel vehicles of phase 1 to 3, improvement of two-stroke motorcycles, promotion of electric produce shipping vehicles, port transportation controls, new traffic control measures, transport vehicle electrification, subsidization or promotion for installation of air-purifying walls, and so on. \nThe EPA has set various indicative policy goals, such as cutting in half days in 2019 on which air quality readings reach red alert levels (unhealthy for all groups) and by 2030, total electrification of newly purchased vehicles for government use and buses for public transportation. They also include total sales bans on petrol-powered motorcycles by 2035 and petrol-power vehicles by 2040. Via the aforementioned control and prevention measures, it is expected that, by the end of 2019, the annual average PM2.5 concentration will be reduced from 22μg\/m3 (in 2015) to 18μg\/m3, and the yearly number of red alert days reported by air quality monitoring stations from 997 station\/days (in 2015) to 499 station-days. \nIn 2018, the average PM2.5 concentration in Taiwan was 17.5μg\/m3, lower than the 18.34μg\/m3 in 2017, the 20.0μg\/m3 in 2016, and the 22.0μg\/m3 in 2015. Also, as of 2018, there had been 310 station-days of air quality red alerts, also lower than the 483 stations-days in 2017 and the 874 station-days in 2016. \nResults of the overall Air Pollution Control Action Plan as of the end of January 2019 include assisting 834 industrial boilers (531 currently under improvement with subsidies and improvement completed for 303), and assisting 653 commercial boilers (292 currently under improvement with subsidies and 361 suspended for operation or demolished). Also, 6,365 food and beverage enterprises were installed with oily smoke filtration equipment, 30,302 tons of joss paper burning was controlled, and 240,983 kilometers of riverways were cleaned up after the flooding period to control dust. Moreover, 21,758 diesel vehicles of Phases 1 and 2 were phased out, and 1,062 diesel vehicles of Phase 3 as well as 723,070 two-stroke motorcycles underwent pollution control. The EPA will keep implementing the plan with regional environmental bureaus in order to improve air quality in autumn and winter.\n \n1. The EPA will continue to analyze air quality, update the air pollutant emission inventory, develop model simulation tools, analyze pollution sources and causes, and enhance planning of air quality management strategies. \n2. Total quantity control of air pollutants will continue, as well as management of targeted stationary sources, with emission standards evaluated and tightened to ensure proper implementation of various measures. \n3. The boiler improvement strategy will continue, including establishing a promotion platform, organizing seminars, providing boiler subsidies, removing obstacles for phase-out, and speeding up phase-out of high-polluting boilers. \n4. The EPA’s 2019 goals for improving large diesel vehicles under Phases 1 to 3 are to phase out 6,000 vehicles and lower the pollution of 7,000 vehicles, and improve pollution of or phase out one million two-stroke motorcycles. Other measures to cut down emissions of mobile pollution sources include designating air quality maintenance zones that prohibit or limit entrance of high-polluting vehicles, as well as promoting low-polluting transit systems and clean fuels. \n5. Controls for airborne dust from riverbanks will be properly carried out. The EPA aims to reduce 1,110 metric tons of total suspended particulate (TSP) and 320 metric tons of particulate matter. Ten acres of exposed surfaces will be turned into green land, which is expected to absorb a total of 75 metric tons of sulfur dioxide and 3.8 metric tons of nitrogen dioxide and also reduce five metric tons of particulate matter.\n \n2019 goals \n1. The EPA will continue to analyze air quality, update the air pollutant emission inventory, develop model simulation tools, analyze pollution sources and causes, and enhance planning of air quality management strategies. \n2. Total quantity control of air pollutants will continue, as well as management of targeted stationary sources, with emission standards evaluated and tightened to ensure proper implementation of various measures. \n3. The boiler improvement strategy will continue, including establishing a promotion platform, organizing seminars, providing boiler subsidies, removing obstacles for phase-out, and speeding up phase-out of high-polluting boilers. \n4. The EPA’s 2019 goals for improving large diesel vehicles under Phases 1 to 3 are to phase out 6,000 vehicles and lower the pollution of 7,000 vehicles, and improve pollution of or phase out one million two-stroke motorcycles. Other measures to cut down emissions of mobile pollution sources include designating air quality maintenance zones that prohibit or limit entrance of high-polluting vehicles, as well as promoting low-polluting transit systems and clean fuels. \n5. Controls for airborne dust from riverbanks will be properly carried out. The EPA aims to reduce 1,110 metric tons of total suspended particulate (TSP) and 320 metric tons of particulate matter. Ten acres of exposed surfaces will be turned into green land, which is expected to absorb a total of 75 metric tons of sulfur dioxide and 3.8 metric tons of nitrogen dioxide and also reduce five metric tons of particulate matter. \n \n", "year": "2019", "month": "2", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-2" }, { "no": "3731", "title": "EPA and MOTC Jointly Announce Revised Toxic Chemical Substances Transportation Management Regulations ", "preview": "Chemicals\nEPA and MOTC Jointly Announce Revised Toxic Chemical Substances Transportation Management Regulations \nOn 18 December 2018, the EPA and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) announced revisions to the Toxic Chemical Substances Transportation and Management Regulations ( 毒性化學物質運送管理辦法). To improve the management and transportation of toxic chemical substances, the EPA simplified the registration form and increased the responsibility of shipping enterprises to prevent and respond to disas?ters.\n", "content": "EPA and MOTC Jointly Announce Revised Toxic Chemical Substances Transportation Management Regulations \nOn 18 December 2018, the EPA and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) announced revisions to the Toxic Chemical Substances Transportation and Management Regulations ( 毒性化學物質運送管理辦法). To improve the management and transportation of toxic chemical substances, the EPA simplified the registration form and increased the responsibility of shipping enterprises to prevent and respond to disas?ters.\nThe regulations first took effect on 8 February 1991. The latest revisions put shipments of small amounts of Classes 1 to 3 toxic chemical substances under control and make provisions for a simpler transportation registration form which also requires a safety information form and installment of software on mobile devices. The previously required six-copy shipment receipt has been modified to a single-copy form, and regulations have also been added clearly stipulating that shipping enterprises must abide by traffic safety rules regarding container installation and shipment. To strengthen the risk management involved with such shipments, the revisions also tightened standards for real-time tracking systems required to be installed in vehicles transporting toxic chemical substances. The tracking systems are to include a barcode for scanning records and information regarding the start and end points of a shipment, emergency alert functions (e.g. an SOS button and inclinometer), and 4G or higher communication service.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "1", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V22\/V22-1" }, { "no": "3730", "title": "Results from Assessment of Recycling and Circular Economy Announced", "preview": "Waste\nResults from Assessment of Recycling and Circular Economy Announced \nDuring 2018, the EPA conducted its first “Recycling and Circular Economy Assessment”, which concluded with an end-of-year presentation and award ceremony on 26 December 2018. In order to encourage enterprises to actively promote a circular economy, the EPA has been facilitating related inter-industry observations and growth. \n", "content": "Results from Assessment of Recycling and Circular Economy Announced \nDuring 2018, the EPA conducted its first “Recycling and Circular Economy Assessment”, which concluded with an end-of-year presentation and award ceremony on 26 December 2018. In order to encourage enterprises to actively promote a circular economy, the EPA has been facilitating related inter-industry observations and growth. \nThe assessment carried out this year aimed to encourage enterprises to adopt systematic designs for creating output values reflecting a circular economy, through improving energy efficiency and better collection, reuse and recycling of resources, waste products, and wastewater generated in production processes. The key target for the 2018 evaluation was reuse organizations. The assessment comprised three categories, namely “core indicators”, “industry-specific indicators” and “advanced indicators”. After a preliminary review, a document review, and onsite inspections, nine enterprises were awarded an excellent rank of two stars. Fifteen other enterprises achieved a one-star rank.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "1", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V22\/V22-1" }, { "no": "3729", "title": "USEPA Representatives Attend 2018 Eco-Campus Award Ceremony", "preview": "Environmental Education\nUSEPA Representatives Attend 2018 Eco-Campus Award Ceremony \nThe US-Taiwan Eco-Campus Partnership Program 2018 Award Ceremony was held on 11 Decem?ber at Wufeng Elementary School in Wufeng District, Taichung. In attendance were guests from the USEPA, along with representatives from eco-campuses and the environmental protection bureaus from counties around Taiwan. Schools were awarded certifications during the ceremony, including green flags for seven schools, silver medals for 26, and bronze medals for 53. The number of schools awarded a green flag at a single ceremony was the highest in the history of the program in Taiwan.\n", "content": "USEPA Representatives Attend 2018 Eco-Campus Award Ceremony \nThe US-Taiwan Eco-Campus Partnership Program 2018 Award Ceremony was held on 11 Decem?ber at Wufeng Elementary School in Wufeng District, Taichung. In attendance were guests from the USEPA, along with representatives from eco-campuses and the environmental protection bureaus from counties around Taiwan. Schools were awarded certifications during the ceremony, including green flags for seven schools, silver medals for 26, and bronze medals for 53. The number of schools awarded a green flag at a single ceremony was the highest in the history of the program in Taiwan. \nSchools created booths and displayed posters showing the results of t h e i r respective environmental projects. During the afternoon program, school representatives shared their thoughts and experiences of promoting environmentalism with one another. This year marked a new high for Taiwan with seven schools receiving a green flag award. Among the schools that received certificates, New Taipei City’s Jian-An Elementary School and Tainan City’s Hushan Experimental Elementary School received certifications again, marking their continued successes. Among the schools that received the green flag were Wanli Elementary School, Taoyuan City’s Da-An Elementary School, Dashan Elementary School in Miaoli County, and Huashan Junior High School and Jiu-Guan Elementary School in Changhua County. Taiwan has had a total of nine schools that received a green flag certification so far. \nThis year’s event recognized schools and planned for inter-school promotion of environmental education and exchanges among eco-campuses. The award ceremony particularly invited eco-campuses in central Taiwan to set up exhibition booths to share their processes of promoting an eco-campus. During the program, specific implementation challenges for eco-campuses at different schools were also on display. This event not only facilitated inter-school dialogue but also displayed the wide variety of eco-campuses, along with evolving environmental issues and learning methods. The event was led by an eco-team made up of teachers and students from Taichung’s Wufeng Elementary School, who excitedly led a tour of the school, including gardens, butterfly trails, an eco-pool full of surprises and the first inclusive playground. Green flag schools and silver medal schools shared their experiences in the presentations that followed.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "1", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "V22\/V22-1" }, { "no": "3728", "title": "Stricter Controls for Groundwater Injection List 61 Harmful Substances as Undetectable", "preview": "Water\nStricter Controls for Groundwater Injection List 61 Harmful Substances as Undetectable \nOn 22 December 2018, the EPA announced revisions to the Water Quality Standards for Ground?water Body Injection and Types and Limits of Harmful Substances ( 注入地下水體水質標準及有害健康物質之種類、限值), which was renamed to the Types and Limits of Harmful Substances Prohib?ited from Being Injected into Groundwater ( 禁止注入地下水體之有害健康物質種類、限值). The revi?sions made were largely in response to the Water Pollution Control Act’s ( 水污染防治法) full ban on wastewater (sludge) being injected into groundwater. Furthermore, the EPA announced 61 harm?ful substances to be restricted because they are “undetectable” through environmental assessments. \n", "content": "Stricter Controls for Groundwater Injection List 61 Harmful Substances as Undetectable \nOn 22 December 2018, the EPA announced revisions to the Water Quality Standards for Ground?water Body Injection and Types and Limits of Harmful Substances ( 注入地下水體水質標準及有害健康物質之種類、限值), which was renamed to the Types and Limits of Harmful Substances Prohib?ited from Being Injected into Groundwater ( 禁止注入地下水體之有害健康物質種類、限值). The revi?sions made were largely in response to the Water Pollution Control Act’s ( 水污染防治法) full ban on wastewater (sludge) being injected into groundwater. Furthermore, the EPA announced 61 harm?ful substances to be restricted because they are “undetectable” through environmental assessments. \n \nThe EPA noted that amendments to water pollution regulations placed prohibitions on any wastewater from being discharged into groundwater, and deleting the regulations that wastewater is permitted being discharged into groundwater according to environmental risk assessment results regulated standards. These changes are done through revisions to the Water Pollution Control Act that fully prohibit the injection of wastewater (sludge) into groundwater. Article 36 Paragraph 2 has been added to increase the severity of punishments for enterprises that inject wastewater containing harmful substances into groundwater. Subsequently, the types of harmful substances and their respective limitations for groundwater injection were also changed to conform with the amendments. \nThe amendments primarily focus on types and limits of harmful substances injected into groundwater as listed in the table of announced Item 1 as well as Item 2. A total of 61 harmful substances cannot be detected. \nThe EPA emphasized that the Water Pollution Control Act already prohibits wastewater (sludge) from being injected into groundwater, for which Article 32 Paragraph 1 stipulates that violators will be fined between NT$60,000- NT$6,000,000 . As for those who inject harmful substances into groundwater, Article 36 Paragraph 2 states that they can be penalized with one to seven years of imprisonment, detention and\/or a fine between NT$200,000 and NT$20 million.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "1", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V22\/V22-1" }, { "no": "3727", "title": "Regulations Regarding Collection of Water Pollution Control Fees from Households Amended ", "preview": "Water\nRegulations Regarding Collection of Water Pollution Control Fees from Households Amended \nAmendments to the Regulations Governing the Collection of Water Pollution Control Fees from Enter?prises and Sewage Systems ( 事業及污水下水道系統水污染防治費收費辦法) took effect on 1 January 2019. The amendments mainly focus on the elimination of all regulations related to the collection of water pollution control fees from households, in order to differentiate the law from self-governance regulations. \n", "content": "Regulations Regarding Collection of Water Pollution Control Fees from Households Amended \nAmendments to the Regulations Governing the Collection of Water Pollution Control Fees from Enter?prises and Sewage Systems ( 事業及污水下水道系統水污染防治費收費辦法) took effect on 1 January 2019. The amendments mainly focus on the elimination of all regulations related to the collection of water pollution control fees from households, in order to differentiate the law from self-governance regulations. \nAmendments to the Water Pollution Control Act were announced on 13 June 2018, which include: revising the list of fee collection targets; and authorizing local governments to collect control fees from households and to formulate localized regulations. In response to the revisions to the Water Pollution Control Act, the Regulations Governing the Collection of Water Pollution Control Fees from Enterprises and Sewage System Operators were also amended to adjust the list of targeted entities for the third stage of fee collection. The amendments also stipulate the start date for the collection of water pollution control fees from other targeted regions and entities, and add conditions in which fee collection may be waived and subsequently on how wastewater volumes are calculated in such situations. \nTo clarify the calculation of water pollution control fees, the EPA has updated the calculation methods and f e e r a t e s which v a r y based on pollutant types and discharge weight. \nThe control fees will now be calculated based on the formulas stipulated in Article 5, and collected based on the percentages and stages listed below: \n1. 2015: only 50% of the calculated amount will be collected. \n2. 2016: only 60% of the calculated amount will be collected. \n3. 2017: only 70% of the calculated amount will be collected. \n4. 2018: only 80% of the calculated amount will be collected. \n5. 2019: only 90% of the calculated amount will be collected.\n6. Starting from 2020: the full amount will be collected. \nCollection of control fees from other targeted regions and entities has been included in the regulations and has been in force since 1 January 2019. \n", "year": "2019", "month": "1", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V22\/V22-1" }, { "no": "3726", "title": "Air Quality Red Alert Days Halved Ahead of Schedule", "preview": "Air\nAir Quality Red Alert Days Halved Ahead of Schedule \nWith the joint effort between central and local governments, air quality in Taiwan improved signifi?cantly in 2018. Statistics show a 35.8% decrease in red alert days from 2015 to 2018, meaning that the EPA has accomplished its phased target of halving the number of red alerts ahead of schedule.\n", "content": "Air Quality Red Alert Days Halved Ahead of Schedule \nWith the joint effort between central and local governments, air quality in Taiwan improved signifi?cantly in 2018. Statistics show a 35.8% decrease in red alert days from 2015 to 2018, meaning that the EPA has accomplished its phased target of halving the number of red alerts ahead of schedule. \n \nAccording to the air quality monitoring results of 2018 based on the Air Quality Index (AQI), the number of red alerts set off over the years has gradually fallen from 997 in 2015, 898 in 2016, 483 in 2017 and 310 in 2018. Compared to red alerts in 2015 and 2017, the numbers have decreased by 68.8% and 35.8%, respectively. \nThe EPA points out that the cities\/counties with the best reductions of red alerts are Taichung City, Nantou County, Kinmen County, Pingtung County and Yunlin County, with reduction rates ranging from 49% to 75%. Additionally, a total of 23 monitoring stations across Taiwan issued red alerts on 3 March 2018 because of poor diffusion of air pollutants due to the wind direction combined with fireworks launched on Lantern Festival. Taipei City and New Taipei City alone registered 12 red alert readings on that day. \nMonitoring data also shows that air quality is often affected by wind factors, such as diminished wind speed for a long period and weakened wind strength. For instance, multiple occurrences of changes in wind direction severely worsened the air pollution in 2018 due to air pollutants that can be carried along air currents from other cities, especially when the wind starts blowing in an easterly direction. The EPA states that Taiwan’s air quality usually worsens during fall and winter months because of prevailing weather conditions. Therefore, to prevent further air quality deterioration, both central and local governments are required to participate in and take contingency measures based on the Regulations Governing Emergency Measures to Prevent Severely Deteriorated Air Quality ( 空氣品質嚴重惡化緊急防制辦法). When an air pollution episode is predicted, depending on the pollution level, an alert must be released and preventive actions are to be implemented, such as cutting down pollutant emissions from factories, upwind sources and local power plants. If air quality continues to degrade, different levels of emergency response and safety measures are required to be carried out depending on the pollution concentration levels. As the pollution concentrations worsen, the extent of controlled targets and measures also widen, to include both public and private premises. \nAs for long-term air quality control, the EPA will continue implementing the Executive Yuan’s Air Pollution Control Action Plan and other relevant measures. \n", "year": "2019", "month": "1", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-1" }, { "no": "3725", "title": "Amendments to Automobile Gasoline and Diesel Composition Standards Preannounced", "preview": "Air\nAmendments to Automobile Gasoline and Diesel Composition Standards Preannounced \nTo implement environmental protection policies on mobile source pollution control and to pro?tect public health, on 6 December 2018 the EPA amended the Standards for the Composi?tions of Automobile Gasoline and Diesel Fuels ( 車用汽柴油成分管制標準). The amendments were formulated in reference to the control standards for petroleum-based fuels used by other Asian and European countries and the US, and will tighten controls over the composition of fuels.\n", "content": "Amendments to Automobile Gasoline and Diesel Composition Standards Preannounced \nTo implement environmental protection policies on mobile source pollution control and to pro?tect public health, on 6 December 2018 the EPA amended the Standards for the Composi?tions of Automobile Gasoline and Diesel Fuels ( 車用汽柴油成分管制標準). The amendments were formulated in reference to the control standards for petroleum-based fuels used by other Asian and European countries and the US, and will tighten controls over the composition of fuels. \nBurning gasoline and diesel fuels emits nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulfur oxides (SOX), hydrocarbons (HC) and other various toxic substances that can lead to environmental effects such as unpleasant odors, acid rain and smog. Many countries around the world are thus gradually adjusting their environmental laws towards stricter controls on mobile sources of pollution and fuel compositions. To keep in line with international standards and contribute to air quality improvement, Taiwan is also making several revisions to the nation’s current control standards. Most equipment used for construction and agricultural purposes in Taiwan that runs on gasoline and diesel fuels already falls under the jurisdiction of the current standards and there is no need for revisions. However, the EPA is now including motor boats and aircraft as control targets under the Standards so as to further reduce air pollution and its impacts on human health. \nThe main focus of the amendments include: renaming the original regulation to Standards for Fuel Compositions of Mobile Sources; adjusting the maximum benzene content in gasoline to 0.8% and the maximum polycyc l i c aromati c hydrocarbons (PAH) content in diesel fuels to 8%; and, limiting the maximum sulfur content in marine fuels to 0.5% and in aviation fuels to 0.2%. \nThe Standards for Fuel Compositions of Mobile Sources took effect on 1 January 2019. Hence, the EPA recommends e a r ly adaptat i ons t o be made in response to the amendments. \n", "year": "2019", "month": "1", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V22\/V22-1" }, { "no": "3724", "title": "Carbon Offset Regulations Amended to Encourage Medium and Small-Sized Businesses to Cut Emissions", "preview": "Climate Change\nCarbon Offset Regulations Amended to Encourage Medium and Small-Sized Businesses to Cut Emissions \nOn 27 December 2018, the EPA announced the revised Greenhouse Gas Offset Program Manage?ment Regulations ( 溫室氣體抵換專案管理辦法) (the Offset Regulations in brief). A category has been added for micro-scale businesses. Procedures have been simplified so that applicants can sub?mit applications by merely documenting their own carbon reductions even though they are not le?gally required. The goal is to encourage participation of small emission sources such as medium and small-scale businesses, as well as to encourage transportation, residential and commercial sec?tors, in order to stimulate the development of reduction technology for all types of emission sources.\n", "content": "Carbon Offset Regulations Amended to Encourage Medium and Small-Sized Businesses to Cut Emissions \nOn 27 December 2018, the EPA announced the revised Greenhouse Gas Offset Program Manage?ment Regulations ( 溫室氣體抵換專案管理辦法) (the Offset Regulations in brief). A category has been added for micro-scale businesses. Procedures have been simplified so that applicants can sub?mit applications by merely documenting their own carbon reductions even though they are not le?gally required. The goal is to encourage participation of small emission sources such as medium and small-scale businesses, as well as to encourage transportation, residential and commercial sec?tors, in order to stimulate the development of reduction technology for all types of emission sources. \nFocuses of revisions of the Offset Regulations include: \n1. With reference to international calculation methods for cap controls, circumstances not qualified for offset projects have been added in Article 4 in order to avoid duplication of other existing greenhouse gas reduction mechanisms. \n2. Based on actual operations, requirements for applying to open holding accounts and required documents have been added in Article 5 for those promising to reduce emissions based on relevant laws. \n3. For offset projects that qualify under micro-scale businesses – those with less than 5,000 kilowatts of renewable energy capacity, less than 20 million kWh\/year of energy conservation, or less than 20,000 metric tons of CO2e of annual greenhouse gas reduction. The additive analysis of these above-mentioned projects can only include the additive nature of the regulation. It has been added in Article 7. \n4. For those purchasing renewable energy-generating facilities that qualify for the renewable electricity wholesale purchase rate, it has been specified in Article 9 that applicants should submit documents proving no duplicate calculations of participating offset projects. \n5. In Article 10, a sunset clause has been added for the government-assisted offset projects before the Offset Regulations were implemented. As for those registering offset projects, limits for the inclusion periods are newly specified for emission sources under the cap-and-trade scheme. \n6. Validation and verification for program-type offset projects should be carried out by different verification agencies. For sub-projects that have registered as part of the program-type offset projects, limits for the inclusion periods are newly specified for emission sources under the cap-and-trade scheme. \n", "year": "2019", "month": "1", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "V22\/V22-1" }, { "no": "3723", "title": "“Combatting Climate Change, Taiwan Can Help” in COP24", "preview": "Climate Change\n“Combatting Climate Change, Taiwan Can Help” in COP24\nOn 15 December the two-week-long 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Conven?tion on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP24) concluded in Katowice, Poland. After many lengthy negotiations, over 18,000 attendees agreed upon a rulebook to implement the Paris Agreement. The Executive Yuan’s del?egation, led by then Acting EPA Minister Tsai Hung-Teh, held 38 bilateral meetings with diplomatic allies and nations friendly to Taiwan, in addition to sharing experiences on carbon reduction. This demonstrated Taiwan’s determination to combat climate change alongside the international community.\n", "content": "“Combatting Climate Change, Taiwan Can Help” in COP24\nOn 15 December the two-week-long 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Conven?tion on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP24) concluded in Katowice, Poland. After many lengthy negotiations, over 18,000 attendees agreed upon a rulebook to implement the Paris Agreement. The Executive Yuan’s del?egation, led by then Acting EPA Minister Tsai Hung-Teh, held 38 bilateral meetings with diplomatic allies and nations friendly to Taiwan, in addition to sharing experiences on carbon reduction. This demonstrated Taiwan’s determination to combat climate change alongside the international community. \nWith the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Ambassador Wen-Bin Shih of the Taipei Representative Office in Poland, Taiwan’s delegation conducted 38 bilateral meetings with representatives of nations with diplomatic ties and nations friendly to Taiwan. Besides attending 20 of these meetings himself, Acting Minister Tsai had broad and in-depth conversations with the prime minister of Tuvalu, as well as environmental officials, legislators and UN ambassadors of numerous countries. \nMoreover, many of Taiwan’s legislators went to Poland for other diplomatic activities. Acting Minister Tsai conducted exclusive interviews with multiple international media outlets, including the Polish Press Agency, Suddeutsche Zeitung, the Economic Times (India), the Voice of Warsaw, and the Solomon Star. He elaborated on Taiwan’s carbon reduction work in the transition toward a low-carbon economy as well as Taiwan’s resolve to contribute to the fight against climate change. Taiwan is also willing to share its experiences concerning global environmental issues. \nDuring the convention, Taiwan gave special thanks to nine diplomatic allies--Eswatini, Haiti, Honduras, Kiribati, Nauru, Nicaragua, Paraguay, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu--for speaking up for Taiwan in meetings of senior officials at COP24. Also, 15 countries with diplomatic ties with Taiwan wrote to the chairman of COP24 and the executive secretary of the UNFCCC to advocate that Taiwan should have concrete participation and not be excluded from UNFCCC events and conventions. In addition, MOFA purchased large advertisements saying “Combatting climate change, Taiwan can help,” on local trams going around the city of Katowice. Working with the Voice of Warsaw, the MOFA presented a special feature and produced a short film, “A Promise to the Land,” which documented a micro solar grid project of the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) in rural Myanmar. \nThere were diverse voices from different corners of Taiwan inside the venue as well, expressing opinions on the forms of venue stands and in small speeches. They included the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the Taiwan Research Institute (TRI), the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE), the Environmental Quality Protection Foundation (EQPF), the Foundation of Taiwan Industry Service (FTIS), the Taiwan Carbon Capture Storage and Utilization Association (TCCSUA), Mom Loves Taiwan, the Taiwan Youth Climate Coalition (TWYCC), Delta Foundation, and the Taiwan Association of Sustainable Ecological Engineering Development (ASEED). Representatives from Taipei and Tainan also joined up with the above to answer the call of the UNFCCC, bringing the private and civil society sectors together with the central and regional governments in the effort against climate change. \n", "year": "2019", "month": "1", "assortment": "Climate Change", "url": "V22\/V22-1" }, { "no": "3722", "title": "Amendments Announced by President Tsai for the Toxic Chemical Substances Control Act with Seven Focuses", "preview": "toxic substances management\n Amendments Announced by President Tsai for the Toxic Chemical Substances Control Act with Seven Focuses \nThe revisions of the Toxic Chemical Substances Control Act ( 毒性化學物質管理法) was brought up as a response to the government’s five food source safeguard control strategies and chemical substances safety policy. After the revisions passed the third reading in the Legislative Yuan, the Act has been renamed “the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act ( 毒性及關注化學物質管理法)” and adopted after President Tsai Ing-wen’s announcement on 16 January 2019. It will start a significant new era in chemical substance controls in Taiwan. \n", "content": "Amendments Announced by President Tsai for the Toxic Chemical Substances Control Act with Seven Focuses \nThe revisions of the Toxic Chemical Substances Control Act ( 毒性化學物質管理法) was brought up as a response to the government’s five food source safeguard control strategies and chemical substances safety policy. After the revisions passed the third reading in the Legislative Yuan, the Act has been renamed “the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act ( 毒性及關注化學物質管理法)” and adopted after President Tsai Ing-wen’s announcement on 16 January 2019. It will start a significant new era in chemical substance controls in Taiwan. \nInclusion of food safety to address major public concerns \nThe EPA stated that, since its promulgation, the Toxic Chemical Substances Control Act has been through six amendments. The latest amendment in 2013 added a chemical substance registration system, which gradually improved the relevant chemical substance control regulations in Taiwan. However, problems with food safety and source control of chemical substances surfaced, and incidents involving toxic chemicals occurred in recent years. In response to public concern, the EPA began reviewing and revising the Act. \nThe EPA explained that the revisions took references from the concept of the UN’s Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). Any management loopholes have been closed by coordinating obligations and regulations of each of the responsible competent authorities. The seven highlights include adding “concerned chemical substances”; adding a separate chapter devoted to “accident prevention and emergency response”; holding the “National Chemical Substances Control Meeting”; setting up specific funds; shortening the time required for enterprises to notify authorities of accidents; banning online purchase of toxic and concerned chemical substances listed for control; and adding clauses regarding whistleblowers and pursuit of illegal gains. Expansion of controlled substances, strengthening of accident management, improvement of coordinating mechanisms, long-term financial considerations, and other issues of public concern have all been thoroughly improved upon. The details are as follows: \nAdding “concerned chemical substances” with more thorough evaluations and controls \n1. “Concerned chemical substances” added: Chemical substances, besides toxic chemicals, are evaluated to see if they should be listed for further controls, as part of an effort to expand the scope of chemical substance source controls. Based on their different characteristics, chemical substances are also placed under tiered management, such as labeling for the basic category, as well as mandatory application for approvals from competent authorities and mandatory registration of records of use. Concerning accident response, enterprises are required to submit risk prevention and response plans, have response equipment ready, and are also obligated to notify authorities and act in response when accidents occur. \n2. A separate chapter devoted to “accident prevention and emergency response” has been added: During the revision review, legislators specifically paid attention to accident prevention and emergency response. Therefore, a separate chapter was added to require enterprises to submit their risk prevention and response plans to regional governments for reference. These plans are to be put online for public inquiry. A certification system was put in place for professional responder training and responding units, which focuses on prevention and preparation during normal days and providing onsite disaster relief at times of accidents to prevent harm to people and the environment. 2 \nholding the “National Chemical Substances Control Meeting”; setting up specific funds; shortening the time required for enterprises to notify authorities of accidents; banning online purchase of toxic and concerned chemical substances listed for control; and adding clauses regarding whistleblowers and pursuit of illegal gains. Expansion of controlled substances, strengthening of accident management, improvement of coordinating mechanisms, long-term financial considerations, and other issues of public concern have all been thoroughly improved upon. The details are as follows: \nAdding “concerned chemical substances” with more thorough evaluations and controls \n1. “Concerned chemical substances” added: Chemical substances, besides toxic chemicals, are evaluated to see if they should be listed for further controls, as part of an effort to expand the scope of chemical substance source controls. Based on their different characteristics, chemical substances are also placed under tiered management, such as labeling for the basic category, as well as mandatory application for approvals from competent authorities and mandatory registration of records of use. Concerning accident response, enterprises are required to submit risk prevention and response plans, have response equipment ready, and are also obligated to notify authorities and act in response when accidents occur. \n2. A separate chapter devoted to “accident prevention and emergency response” has been added: During the revision review, legislators specifically paid attention to accident prevention and emergency response. Therefore, a separate chapter was added to require enterprises to submit their risk prevention and response plans to regional governments for reference. These plans are to be put online for public inquiry. A certification system was put in place for professional responder training and responding units, which focuses on prevention and preparation during normal days and providing onsite disaster relief at times of accidents to prevent harm to people and the environment. \n3. Organizing the “National Chemical Substances Control Meeting”: Since responsibilities for chemical substances control in Taiwan are distributed among different ministries, the EPA has worked to expand source management while coordinating with all relevant ministries. Aligning with the newly added meeting system, the premier is to convene meetings to conduct interdepartmental coordination for risk assessment and control measures for chemical substances so as to produce better results. \nSetting up funds to collect “chemical substances operation fees” from enterprises \n4. Setting up funds: The EPA is to collect operation fees from those handling toxic and concerned chemical substances and use the fees to set up the toxic substance and chemical substance funds. The EPA specified that the establishment of the funds helps with source management of chemical substances and helps enterprises cut the costs of accident response. \n5. Shortening the time required for enterprises to give notice of occurrence of accidents: The accident notification time required for enterprises is shortened from one hour to 30 minutes. Circumstances requiring notification have also been adjusted, since in the past enterprises were only required to provide notification after pollution caused by an accident had been confirmed to affect the environment outside a factory. Now, notification is mandatory if pollutants are likely to affect the environment outside a factory, which largely increases the responsibility of enterprises as well as the response time for regional governments to act. Moreover, regarding stipulations on informing firefighting units about the layouts of factory equipment, the EPA elevated these regulations from the level of enforcement rules to that of enabling statute. \n6. Banning online sales of toxic and concerned chemical substances listed for control: Sales and transfers of toxic and concerned chemical substances that are listed for control are forbidden if conducted by mail order, online purchase, or in any forms where those involved in the transaction cannot be identified. The EPA noted that there are existing penalties and regulations for sellers and buyers violating the ban, but the revisions specifically target online platforms. If not exercising due care and hence referring both sellers and buyers without permits to conduct sales, operators of said platforms will be fined between NT$60,000 and NT$300,000, with every lapse subject to separate penalties. \n7. Adding clauses concerning pursuit of illegal gains and whistleblowers: Those violating regulations under the Act will be pursued to return illegal gains on top of the original fines. Also, the EPA set a system for reporting rewards and to encourage whistleblowers to report violations. Moreover, factories are to disclose data such as permits and registrations for public supervision. \nOutlook \nThe EPA emphasized that the revisions include setting up funds to expand chemical substances control, helping enterprises lower operational risks, and ensuring environmental safety and sustainability. As for collecting chemical substances operation fees from enterprises, those characterized as potentially involving “high risks, large affected areas, and consistently in large quantity” will be the first group subject to fee collection. The EPA will formulate additional relevant laws in the future, and, before fee collection officially begins, there will be consistent and open communications with the public at each stage. \nThe EPA stated that it will start formulating or reviewing and amending more than 30 relevant laws. With implementation of the Act and further relevant laws, it aims to achieve the vision of effective chemical substances control and establishment of a healthy and sustainable environment.\n", "year": "2019", "month": "1", "assortment": "toxic substances management", "url": "V22\/V22-1" }, { "no": "3721", "title": "Greenpoint Program Partnering with Restaurants to Encourage Better Appreciation of Food", "preview": "Ecolabeling\nGreenpoint Program Partnering with Restaurants to Encourage Better Appreciation of Food\n", "content": "Greenpoint Program Partnering with Restaurants to Encourage Better Appreciation of Food\nThe EPA continues to participate in World Food Day with its promotion of the Cherish Food 100% program. From 1 July to 31 December 2018, 21 restaurants recognized by the Taipei City and New Taipei City governments will be included in the Greenpoint service. The city governments will also promote a Greenpoint Food Map to inform the approximate 200,000 Greenpoint users, and even more people, of opportunities to use Greenpoints to get good deals at restaurants that cherish food.\nGreenpoint restaurants that cherish their food not only provide food but also promote the ideals of appreciating food. These restaurants teach people how to better use and enjoy their food by reducing the distances that food must travel, avoiding over-processing, and preserving the nutritional content of food. For the first wave of this program, Greenpoint users will receive discounts and other benefits when dining at sponsored restaurants. In addition to earning 300 to 500 points at sponsored restaurants, participants will receive 500 points upon going to three or more such restaurants. Participants can enter to win cash prizes by checking in on Facebook. More information about this program can be found at: http:\/\/www.greenpoint.org.tw\/.\n", "year": "2018", "month": "8", "assortment": "Ecolabeling", "url": "V21\/V21-8" }, { "no": "3720", "title": "Recycling and Clearance Fee for PVC Containers to be Quintupled ", "preview": "Waste\nRecycling and Clearance Fee for PVC Containers to be Quintupled \nRecycling and clearance fees for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) containers will be increased by a factor of 4.7 on 1 July, 2019, in an effort to reduce the environmental impact of such containers. The current fee of NT$18.5\/kg will be raised to NT$87\/kg, providing an economic incentive for enterprises to reduce their usage of PVC containers and switch to materials that are more present fewer problems for recycling process. .\n", "content": "ue. Many waste disposal facilities are unwilling to process PVC containers. ", "year": "2018", "month": "8", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V21\/V21-8" }, { "no": "3719", "title": "Draft of Regulations for Determination of Fines for Violations of the Waste Disposal Act Preannounced", "preview": "Waste\nDraft of Regulations for Determination of Fines for Violations of the Waste Disposal Act Preannounced\nAmendments were announced on 18 January 2017 regarding Article 63-1, Paragraph 1 of the Waste Disposal Act (). Fines for violating the Waste Disposal Act will be based on the level of pollution, pollutant characteristics and the amount of damage. The EPA supports the relevant authorities in determining fines by setting fine criteria and providing a clear basis for their calculation. Thus with the authority granted to it in the Waste Disposal Act, the EPA has drafted the Regulations for Determination of Fines for Violations of the Waste Disposal Act.\n", "content": "Draft of Regulations for Determination of Fines for Violations of the Waste Disposal Act Preannounced\nAmendments were announced on 18 January 2017 regarding Article 63-1, Paragraph 1 of the Waste Disposal Act (). Fines for violating the Waste Disposal Act will be based on the level of pollution, pollutant characteristics and the amount of damage. The EPA supports the relevant authorities in determining fines by setting fine criteria and providing a clear basis for their calculation. Thus with the authority granted to it in the Waste Disposal Act, the EPA has drafted the Regulations for Determination of Fines for Violations of the Waste Disposal Act.\nThe EPA noted that there will be different amounts for fines set forth by the law. Determination of fines will be based upon the severity of pollution, its characteristics and the hazards posed by the violation. Repeat violators who have accumulated multiple fines, along with severe violators, are to be fined at the legally allowed maximum amount. Offenders who make financial gains exceeding the maximum fine will be given additional penalties by competent authorities.\nRegulations for fine determination allow for appropriate fines to be given, thus avoiding previous situations in which an authority would simply fine a violator at the minimum rate required by the law. The updated fine determination takes into account the level of pollution, the type of pollution and the hazards caused by violators not abiding by the Waste Disposal Act. These regulations accomplish the goal of levying fines on severe violators and deterring others who might consider violating the Waste Disposal Act. \n", "year": "2018", "month": "8", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V21\/V21-8" }, { "no": "3718", "title": "Incinerators Turning Waste into Energy Exceed Expectations", "preview": "Environmental Inspection\n9. Incinerators Turning Waste into Energy Exceed Expectations\nThe 2017 incineration plant evaluation results are in. The EPA held an award ceremony on 3 August 2018 with Minister Ying-Yuan Lee presenting the awards. Two incineration plants received the Excellence Award: the Miaoli County Plant and the Lucao Plant located in Chiayi County. In 2017, the 24 incineration plants operating nationwide properly treated 6,267,000 metric tons of trash and produced 3.188 billion kWh of electricity. The incineration plants also performed well in their efforts to prevent air pollution.\n", "content": "Incinerators Turning Waste into Energy Exceed Expectations\nThe 2017 incineration plant evaluation results are in. The EPA held an award ceremony on 3 August 2018 with Minister Ying-Yuan Lee presenting the awards. Two incineration plants received the Excellence Award: the Miaoli County Plant and the Lucao Plant located in Chiayi County. In 2017, the 24 incineration plants operating nationwide properly treated 6,267,000 metric tons of trash and produced 3.188 billion kWh of electricity. The incineration plants also performed well in their efforts to prevent air pollution.\nIn addition to the Excellence Award given to the two aforementioned incineration plants, the Outstanding Award was given to eight incineration plants located in: Keelung City; Bali in New Taipei City; Yongkang in Tainan City; Letzer in Yilan County; Houli and Wuri in Taichung City; Taoyuan City; and Mucha in Taipei City. Five incineration plants were conferred the Special Award for their achievements in 2017. Recipients included plants in Chiayi City, Beitou in Taipei City, Hsinchu City, Southern District and Renwu in Kaohsiung City. \nAll of the 24 operational incineration plants nationwide have made considerable efforts to properly dispose of 6.267 million metric tons of household trash and industrial waste. Incineration plants generated 3.188 billion kWh, of which 2.496 billion kWh were sold (roughly enough electricity to supply 700,000 households with electricity for one year). The plants generated NT$4.33 billion in revenue. Electricity generated from incinerating one metric ton of garbage and the electricity sold produced new record highs, at 509 kWh and 398 kWh on average, respectively.\nEfforts to prevent air pollution were also successful in 2017, with the average emissions of nitrogen oxide down to 85.3 ppm (limit value is 180 ppm) and hydrogen chloride reduced to 12.8 ppm (limit value is 40 ppm).\nThe EPA noted that the Executive Yuan has approved central and local governments to invest NT$15.342 billion to upgrade old incineration plants and diversify waste disposal methods. Priority has been given to building waste disposal facilities in counties and cities that do not have their own incineration plants, so as to reduce their reliance on other municipalities for waste disposal.\n", "year": "2018", "month": "8", "assortment": "Environmental Inspection", "url": "V21\/V21-8" }, { "no": "3717", "title": "Taiwan and U.S. Work Hand in Hand to Promote Environmental Education", "preview": "Environmental Education\n8. Taiwan and U.S. Work Hand in Hand to Promote Environmental Education\nA member of the EPAs Department of Comprehensive Planning, Hsiu-Hui Wen, spoke at the opening ceremony for the 2018 Taiwan-US Eco-Campus Partnership Teachers Professional Development Workshop, which was postponed to 13 July due to a typhoon. Environment Science, Technology, and Health Officer of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Anna Wang, was invited to speak at the workshop along with senior regional education manager of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Kim Martinez. The US-Taiwan Eco-Campus Partnership Program began in 2014 and has since had 360 schools join the program, of which 203 have been certified. \n", "content": "Taiwan and U.S. Work Hand in Hand to Promote Environmental Education\nA member of the EPAs Department of Comprehensive Planning, Hsiu-Hui Wen, spoke at the opening ceremony for the 2018 Taiwan-US Eco-Campus Partnership Teachers Professional Development Workshop, which was postponed to 13 July due to a typhoon. Environment Science, Technology, and Health Officer of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Anna Wang, was invited to speak at the workshop along with senior regional education manager of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Kim Martinez. The US-Taiwan Eco-Campus Partnership Program began in 2014 and has since had 360 schools join the program, of which 203 have been certified. \nThis year’s workshop was held at Nanmen Junior High School located in Taipei City. Kim Martinez was invited to speak about her experiences cultivating students’ leadership abilities and shared practical cases with attendees. In order to establish an Eco-Campus, Ms. Martinez showed teachers how to motivate students to care more about environmental issues through practical techniques and study methods. \nIn 2018, Taiwan formally added forestry and protection for water bodies as two new aspects of environmental education, which had already been added to the US Eco-Campus curriculum. A lecturer from the Taiwan Association for Marine Environment Education, Sheng-Chi Lin, and former Director-General of the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute of the Council of Agriculture, Hen-Biau King, spoke on these topics, providing attendees with relevant information and educational resources. They encouraged and taught attendees how to add these new environmental topics to their Eco-Campus curriculums. Attendees included representatives from Taiwan’s Eco-Campuses, EPA staff and interested teachers from elementary, junior high, and senior high schools. There were around 60 attendees for this year’s workshop. \n\nIt has been five years since the Taiwan EPA and the USEPA announced the creation of the US-Taiwan Eco-Campus Partnership Program. As of this year, there 130 schools have been certified as a Bronze Eco-Campus, 70 schools certified as a Silver Eco-Campus, and three have earned the Green Flag.\n", "year": "2018", "month": "8", "assortment": "Environmental Education", "url": "V21\/V21-8" }, { "no": "3716", "title": "Taichung City Installs Air Quality Monitoring Sensors to Reinforce Smart Inspections and Prevent Illegal Activities ", "preview": "Environmental Monitoring\nTaichung City Installs Air Quality Monitoring Sensors to Reinforce Smart Inspections and Prevent Illegal Activities \nTaichung City has been chosen to be a demonstration city for the new air quality monitoring system. The EPA has thus installed 500 air quality monitoring sensors in Taichung City to collect PM2.5 real-time data. The latest amendments to the Air Pollution Control Act included tightening criminal and administrative penalties and enforcing confiscation of illegal gains. The EPA also encourages the public to participate in air quality improvement by going on the I-Environment website where air quality data is updated every three minutes. \n", "content": "Taichung City Installs Air Quality Monitoring Sensors to Reinforce Smart Inspections and Prevent Illegal Activities \nTaichung City has been chosen to be a demonstration city for the new air quality monitoring system. The EPA has thus installed 500 air quality monitoring sensors in Taichung City to collect PM2.5 real-time data. The latest amendments to the Air Pollution Control Act included tightening criminal and administrative penalties and enforcing confiscation of illegal gains. The EPA also encourages the public to participate in air quality improvement by going on the I-Environment website where air quality data is updated every three minutes. \nThe EPA is establishing an Air Quality Internet of Things (IoT) by installing air quality monitoring sensors throughout the whole country. Through the integration of sensing technologies, communications technologies, and data science, the EPA plans to build a comprehensive IoT system to support the implementation of environmental smart inspection. The EPA is starting by setting monitoring sensors in four types of locations in Taichung City: industrial parks, residential areas, public transportation, and special locations. To date the EPA has set up sensor spots in 10 different industrial parks and their surrounding areas in Taichung, which include districts, such as Houli District. The Taichung City Environmental Protection Bureau has not only been analyzing the sensing data to select pollution hotspots, but has also detected illegal open-air burning and excess emissions with the help of warnings given through the IoT system. Those responsible for these illegal activities have been found and charged with violating the Air Pollution Control Act.\nThe EPA has uncovered five violations of the Air Pollution Control Act around the Port of Taichung by comparing sensor data from factories on the control list with background data from potential pollution hotspots. The EPA’s control work for stationary pollution sources focus on the implementation of the following regulations: air pollutant emission standards, management of prohibited substances, pollutant inspections, permits for installation and operation, establishment of dedicated air pollution control units or personnel positions, and collection of pollution control fees. The EPA has also revised the Air Pollution Control Act to strengthen the control of stationary pollution sources and increase the penalties. \n", "year": "2018", "month": "8", "assortment": "Environmental Monitoring", "url": "V21\/V21-8" }, { "no": "3715", "title": "EPA Assists Penghu County to Contain Pollution from Oil Leak", "preview": "Soil and groundwater\n5. EPA Assists Penghu County to Contain Pollution from Oil Leak\nOn 17 July 2018, a leakage of unleaded 95 octane gasoline from an oil tank belonging to CPC Corporation Taiwan occurred in Huxi Township, Penghu County. Because of the soil and groundwater pollution potentially caused by the leak, the EPA has been assisting the local Environmental Protection Bureau with emergency response measures and ongoing investigation in accordance with the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act. CPC will be responsible for all future remediation based on the investigation results. \n", "content": "EPA Assists Penghu County to Contain Pollution from Oil Leak\nOn 17 July 2018, a leakage of unleaded 95 octane gasoline from an oil tank belonging to CPC Corporation Taiwan occurred in Huxi Township, Penghu County. Because of the soil and groundwater pollution potentially caused by the leak, the EPA has been assisting the local Environmental Protection Bureau with emergency response measures and ongoing investigation in accordance with the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act. CPC will be responsible for all future remediation based on the investigation results. \nEmergency measures were taken on 17 July to contain the leak. The EPA also helped the Environmental Protection Bureau of Penghu County with on-site investigation and sampling. If it is found that the potential to harm human health, agricultural and fish production or drinking water sources has occurred, CPC will be obligated to take necessary remediation measures. Moreover, if pollutant concentrations exceed soil or groundwater pollution control standards, the sites will be announced as pollution sites and CPC will be penalized pursuant to regulations. \n\nPenalties will be issued to CPC based on the Water Pollution Control Act or the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act, depending on the pollution confirmed to have affected surface water bodies, soil or groundwater. In addition, by not reporting to the local authority within three hours of the leakage incident, CPC violated Article 28 Paragraph 1 of the Water Pollution Control Act. Thus, the company is now subject to additional fines ranging from NT$10,000 to NT$6,000,000 as per Article 51 Paragraph 2 of the Act.\n\nThe Environmental Protection Bureau of Penghu County previously conducted underwater sampling in two wells at CPCs oil depot on 10 July, and ongoing investigation results will be revealed in August.\n", "year": "2018", "month": "8", "assortment": "Soil and groundwater", "url": "V21\/V21-8" }, { "no": "3714", "title": "Revisions to Air Pollution Control Fee Rates for Stationary Sources Announced", "preview": "Air\nRevisions to Air Pollution Control Fee Rates for Stationary Sources Announced\nTo strengthen the control of air pollutants emitted by public and private premises, amendments to the Stationary Pollution Source Air Pollution Control Fee Rates () were announced on 29 June 2018. Except for the stationary sources produced during construction work, the fee rate covers air pollutants such as particulate pollutants, lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, hexavalent chromium, and dioxin.\n", "content": "Revisions to Air Pollution Control Fee Rates for Stationary Sources Announced\nTo strengthen the control of air pollutants emitted by public and private premises, amendments to the Stationary Pollution Source Air Pollution Control Fee Rates () were announced on 29 June 2018. Except for the stationary sources produced during construction work, the fee rate covers air pollutants such as particulate pollutants, lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, hexavalent chromium, and dioxin.\nTo provide a clear reference for the calculation of air pollutant emissions, the EPA also formulated the Regulations Governing Emission Factors, Control Efficiency, and Other Quantitative Calculations for Air Pollution Control Fees for Stationary Sources in Public and Private Premises. The regulations will take effect on 1 July 2018 and were devised by referencing domestic and international emission factors, control measures and current implementation status. \nTo encourage public and private enterprises to implement control measures for air pollutant reduction, the EPA has started collecting air pollution control fees for nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The collection targets public and private enterprises whose seasonal NOx emissions exceed 24 metric tons and are produced from the use of natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas. \nThe EPA reminds public and private premises that the above mentioned regulations will apply to the third quarterly fee collection (for emissions produced from July to September) coming up in October 2018.\n", "year": "2018", "month": "8", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V21\/V21-8" }, { "no": "3713", "title": " Subsidies for Replacing Phase One and Two Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles", "preview": "Air \nSubsidies for Replacing Phase One and Two Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles\nTo lighten the burden of replacing heavy-polluting old diesel trucks that weigh over 3.5 tons and are categorized in Phase 1 or 2 of the vehicle emission standards (manufactured before 30 June 1999), the EPA has formulated the Incentive Program Regarding Loans to Replace Old Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles. According to the incentive program, the government will provide credit guarantees for up to 90 percent of the loans with lower interest rates (3-5%) for new truck purchases. Furthermore, the government will also subsidize one percent of the loan interest for the purchase. The EPAs goal with the incentive program is to eliminate out-of-date diesel vehicles and reduce air pollution. \n", "content": "Subsidies for Replacing Phase One and Two Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles\nTo lighten the burden of replacing heavy-polluting old diesel trucks that weigh over 3.5 tons and are categorized in Phase 1 or 2 of the vehicle emission standards (manufactured before 30 June 1999), the EPA has formulated the Incentive Program Regarding Loans to Replace Old Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles. According to the incentive program, the government will provide credit guarantees for up to 90 percent of the loans with lower interest rates (3-5%) for new truck purchases. Furthermore, the government will also subsidize one percent of the loan interest for the purchase. The EPAs goal with the incentive program is to eliminate out-of-date diesel vehicles and reduce air pollution. \n\nOn 25 June 2018, the Legislative Yuan passed the amendments to the Air Pollution Control Act on the third reading. In accordance with the amendments, the EPA is to tighten the emission standards for the vehicles currently in use based on the needs of air quality improvement. However, before the official regulations are fully developed and put into effect, the EPA has been implementing incentives in advance, including the Regulations Governing Subsidies for Scrapping Large Old Diesel Vehicles promulgated on 16 August 2017. The aforementioned regulations provide a subsidy of NT$50,000 to NT$400,000 (based on vehicle weight) for each old diesel vehicle weighing more than 3.5 tons and classified in Phase 1 or 2, which works out to an average of NT$20,000 for each vehicle.\n\nAccording to the Regulations Governing Subsidies for Particulate Filter Installation on Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles announced on 8 August 2017, any heavy-duty diesel vehicle that is classified in phase three of the emission standards (manufactured on or before 30 September 2006) is offered a subsidy of NT$70,000 to NT$150,000, depending on the efficiency of the filters. The Ministry of Finance is also assisting the EPA to implement this policy by providing a commodity tax refund of NT$50,000 to owners of old Phase 1 and 2 diesel trucks that weigh more than 3.5 tons when they purchase a newer replacement. \n\nThe above mentioned regulations have expedited the replacement of 13,000 Phase 1 and 2 diesel vehicles exceeding 3.5 tons in weight. Moreover, to provide diesel truck owners with more options, certified filters are being constantly selected after evaluation of their efficiency and safety. \n\nThere remains in use 79,000 heavy-duty diesel vehicles in Phase 1 and 2. In addition to the above mentioned regulations, the Incentive Program Regarding Loans to Replace Old Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles has also been completed. For this incentive program, the EPA is working with the Small and Medium Enterprise Credit Guarantee Fund to provide credit guarantees for up to 90 percent of the loans for new truck purchases. Furthermore, the government will also subsidize up to one percent of the loan interest for the purchase which will gradually fall to 0.55 percent by 2022.\n\nThe incentive program will take effect on 1 September 2018 and is estimated to cost a total of NT$3.444 billion for subsidizing the loan interest from 2018 to 2027, or approximately NT$30,000 to NT$50,000 for each vehicle. \nIf combined with the subsidies for the elimination of the Phase 1 and 2 diesel trucks and for the filter installation of Phase 3 diesel trucks, at least NT$17 billion will be spent on addressing air pollution from heavy-duty vehicles. To reduce the air pollutants produced by Phase 1 and 2 diesel vehicles, the EPA aims to remove from the roads all such vehicles by 2022, which could potentially lead to reducing roughly 4,000 tons of PM2.5 emissions annually. The EPA urges the owners to replace their old diesel vehicle before the implementation of the incentive program for extra subsidies. \n", "year": "2018", "month": "8", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V21\/V21-8" }, { "no": "3712", "title": "President Announces Amended Air Pollution Control Act", "preview": "Air\nPresident Announces Amended Air Pollution Control Act\nOn 25 June 2018, after three readings the Legislative Yuan passed the amendment of the Air Pollution Control Act (). It took effect on 3 August after President Tsai Ing-Wen announced its promulgation on 1 August, as a new weapon in Taiwans fight against air pollution. Air quality is hoped to improve after its implementation. \n", "content": "President Announces Amended Air Pollution Control Act\nOn 25 June 2018, after three readings the Legislative Yuan passed the amendment of the Air Pollution Control Act (). It took effect on 3 August after President Tsai Ing-Wen announced its promulgation on 1 August, as a new weapon in Taiwans fight against air pollution. Air quality is hoped to improve after its implementation. \n\nThe EPA pointed out the amendments five focuses, which are\n Addition of the good neighbor provision (regional competent authorities collaborate with neighboring county\/city governments to map out air pollution control plans in accordance with the control plan set by the central authority)\n Addition of a double-control mechanism covering pollution sources at factories and ends-of-pipes (emission standards are to include hazardous air pollutants, and assessments need to be conducted for health risks; factory-use fuels and components of chemical products containing volatile organic compounds should also be within limits)\n More mobile source control measures (regional competent authorities are authorized to designate air quality protection zones; emission standards for vehicles over ten years old are tightened for better controls on highly-polluting vehicles; control targets are widened with construction equipment newly added)\n Heavier penalties and lower minimum fine limits (penalties for death caused by pollution have the maximum of a life sentence, with upper limits of criminal fines and administrative fines raised to NT$30 million and NT$20 million respectively; minimum fines are lowered for motorcycles and vehicles failing regular inspections, as well as for open-air burning)\n Recovery of illegal gains and the whistleblower clause are added while rewards are offered for reporting unlawful activities to encourage reporting of violations. Factories are required to disclose information on pollution emissions for public oversight.\nThe revision has comprehensively strengthened the Act, from capacities for management and prevention of pollution at source (air quality improvement planning and at-source controls), to end-of-pipe treatment, to emergency response.\n", "year": "2018", "month": "8", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V21\/V21-8" }, { "no": "3711", "title": "USEPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator Jane Nishida Visits Taiwan", "preview": "International Cooperation\nUSEPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator Jane Nishida Visits Taiwan\nOn 12 July, the USEPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Jane Nishida, visited Taiwan and met with EPA Minister Ying-Yuan Lee to promote the Taiwan-US joint International Environmental Partnership (IEP) program. In the second half of 2018, Taiwan and the US will jointly organize events such as the 7th Annual Asia Pacific Mercury Monitoring Training Workshop, the Global Circular Economy Symposium, the International E-Waste Management Network (IEMN) Meeting, and the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP).\n", "content": "USEPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator Jane Nishida Visits Taiwan\nOn 12 July, the USEPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Jane Nishida, visited Taiwan and met with EPA Minister Ying-Yuan Lee to promote the Taiwan-US joint International Environmental Partnership (IEP) program. In the second half of 2018, Taiwan and the US will jointly organize events such as the 7th Annual Asia Pacific Mercury Monitoring Training Workshop, the Global Circular Economy Symposium, the International E-Waste Management Network (IEMN) Meeting, and the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP).\nThe Agreement between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for Technical Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection was signed by the EPA and USEPA in 1993. Under its framework, both parties would sign implementation plans every two to three years, which has resulted in 12 plans up to this year. This joint cooperation model between the two countries has successfully led to introduction of advanced pollution control technology and environmental management experiences from the US. It has been of tremendous benefit in developing Taiwans policies and capacities for environmental protection and management as well as the adoption of environmental quality improvement technology.\n\nRegarding the challenges of trans-boundary pollution, Taiwan and the US jointly launched the International Environmental Partnership (IEP) in 2014, aiming to tackle environmental issues requiring cooperation. This shared platform combines experts, scholars, and students from both sides in the hope of creating a healthy and clean environment. To date, about 80 events have been organized with 40 countries participating.\n\nIn 2018 the IEP organized several events in May and June. They included the Air Quality Control Strategy Exchange Symposium and preparation meetings for upcoming events such as the GEEP Consultant Group Meeting and the Asia-Pacific Environmental Education Preparation Meeting, the 8th IEMN, and the 7th Annual Asia Pacific Mercury Monitoring Training Workshop.\n\nFor the second half of 2018, events planned to be held under IEP include the 7th Asia Pacific Mercury Monitoring Training Workshop, the IEMN, and the GEEP.\n\n", "year": "2018", "month": "8", "assortment": "International Cooperation", "url": "V21\/V21-8" }, { "no": "3710", "title": "Diversified Waste Treatment Policies", "preview": "waste\nDiversified Waste Treatment Policies \nThere have been a total of 24 incinerators built in Taiwan. The first one was built in 1984, and 19 of them have been in operation for at least 15 years. In order to raise the efficiency of old incinerators and waste treatment, the EPA launched the Diversified Waste Treatment Plan () in 2017. It includes measures for integrating new technology in incinerators and extending their services, setting up three bioenergy plants fueled by kitchen waste, and promoting reuse of bottom ash from incinerators. It is hoped these steps will increase daily waste treatment capacity, lower carbon emissions, and help build a circular economy. \n", "content": "Diversified Waste Treatment Policies \nThere have been a total of 24 incinerators built in Taiwan. The first one was built in 1984, and 19 of them have been in operation for at least 15 years. In order to raise the efficiency of old incinerators and waste treatment, the EPA launched the Diversified Waste Treatment Plan () in 2017. It includes measures for integrating new technology in incinerators and extending their services, setting up three bioenergy plants fueled by kitchen waste, and promoting reuse of bottom ash from incinerators. It is hoped these steps will increase daily waste treatment capacity, lower carbon emissions, and help build a circular economy. \n\nDiversified garbage disposal to raise effectiveness of treatment\nFor general garbage disposal in Taiwan, nearly 60% is recycled while 40% goes for incineration. Challenges include declining efficiency of incinerators as they approach the end of their service lives, offshore island garbage disposal s and adequate diversified disposal channels for kitchen waste. In an attempt to improve the efficiency of old incinerators and to diversify treatment options, on 22 June 2017 the Executive Yuan approved, the Diversified Waste Treatment Plan () proposed by the EPA. It is to be implemented over six years with a budget of NT$15.342 billion from the central and regional governments.\n\nThe Plan has six focuses: upgrades of incinerator equipment; promotion of regional cooperation; offshore garbage disposal; improving the effectiveness of environmental protection installations; supervision of garbage clearance; and circular economy policies. Introduction of new garbage disposal technology and incinerator upgrades and improvements\n\nSignificant results since 2017 are as follows:\n\n1. Assessment and planning for incinerator upgrades and construction\nDuring the first half of 2018, the EPA invited regional bureaus, operators, and supervising units to attend meetings to promote overall equipment upgrades for incinerators and go over application procedures for future upgrades and needed construction. So far assessment and planning budgets have been approved for nine incinerator upgrades. \nPlans for transporting waste from three offshore island counties were approved as well. The EPA also helped counties without incinerators to set up their own diversified disposal facilities.\n\n2. Promotion of regional waste reutilization facilities\n(1) A NT$1.8-billion project is in place to establish, from 2017 to 2022, at least three bioenergy plants using kitchen waste, which is expected to raise kitchen waste disposal capacity to 180,000 tons\/year and reduce carbon emissions by 17,400 tons\/year. The project is already in motion with six regional governments, including Taipei City. In addition, construction of Waipu Green Energy Eco Park in Taichung City started on 24 October 2017, with a trial run set for September 2018.\n\n (2) The Environmental Protection Facility Efficiency Improvement objectives of the Plan aim at lightening incinerator loads by utilizing wastes as resources and for energy through measures such as kitchen waste dehydration in pre- and mid-treatment. The EPA approved the establishment of pre-treatment facilities for dehydrating and breaking down kitchen waste, located in Tainan City, Yunlin County, and Yilan County in 2017, and in Kaohsiung City in 2018. This year a high-performance compost treatment facility was also approved to be set up in Lienchiang County. Through these measures, the EPA hopes to increase efficiency of kitchen waste recycling and reuse, and effectively solve garbage disposal problems. In addition, they should lead to positive carbon reduction outcomes, and keep Taiwan up with international trends.\n\n3. Bottom ash disposal and reuse\nRegarding bottom ash disposal and reuse, the EPA completed trials for the reutilization of granular material used in maintenance and construction of road pavement in logistics and storage zones. The Information Management Center for Reutilization of Granular Incinerator Materials has been established to ensure thorough source-to-end controls. Each government department is also asked to start using or to increase the usage of granular incinerator materials in infrastructure projects in order to expand channels for the reutilization of waste products and promote resource recycling and reuse.\n\n4. Promoting reutilization of livestock waste as farmland fertilizer\nCurrently 211 farms have been approved to send livestock waste for anaerobic fermentation before it is used on farmland as fertilizers. This reduces organic pollution by 5,574 metric tons\/year, and. NT$10.1 billion is also saved as this is equivalent to building 101 gravel contact oxidation treatment facilities. A total of 921,000 metric tons of fertilizers are used per year on 819.7 hectares of farmland, including 287 metric tons of nitrogen. Together farmers reduce costs on chemical fertilizers of up to NT$13.92 million. To link reutilized products with farmers’ needs, the EPA has held meetings and set up an online platform that can match over 50,000 tons of fertilizers with 468 hectares of usable farmland.\n\nFuture outlook\nContinuing to carry out the Diversified Waste Treatment Plan, the EPA estimates that after all incinerators are overhauled, the combined increase in treatment capacity will be equivalent to an incinerator able to treat 900 metric tons\/day of waste. The following works will also be continually promoted:\n Counties without incinerators will be assisted first to set up diversified local self-operating waste disposal facilities.\n New technology and treatment facilities are encouraged through economic incentives to raise treatment efficiency.\n Industries and new technology are combined to promote industry upgrades and open overseas markets.\n Regions are assisted to set up treatment facilities that utilize kitchen waste for bioenergy in order to improve kitchen waste disposal, open up channels and markets for reutilized products, and promote circular economy policies.\n\n", "year": "2018", "month": "8", "assortment": "waste", "url": "V21\/V21-8" }, { "no": "3709", "title": "Sudan Red and 15 Chemicals Declared As Toxic", "preview": "Chemicals\nSudan Red and 15 Chemicals Declared As Toxic\nOn 28 June 2018, the EPA declared 16 chemicals as toxic chemicals. They include 14 dyes that may be illegally added into animal feeds or food like Sudan Red and two persistent organic pollutants that cannot be easily broken down, lauric acid and perfluorooctanoic acid.\n", "content": "Sudan Red and 15 Chemicals Declared As Toxic\nOn 28 June 2018, the EPA declared 16 chemicals as toxic chemicals. They include 14 dyes that may be illegally added into animal feeds or food like Sudan Red and two persistent organic pollutants that cannot be easily broken down, lauric acid and perfluorooctanoic acid.\n\nThe EPA stated that these 14 materials, including Sudan Red, are chemical dyes. Some enterprises put them into food or feeds illegally to save costs or make products more appealing, resulting in human health risks. For example, Sudan Red is applied in coloring of furniture paint, shoe oil, floor wax, car wax, and fat for industrial use as it does not fade easily despite its high cost. In 2017, it was found in duck eggs sold on markets during government-initiated inspections.\n\nThe EPA pointed out that these 14 substances with risks to food safety are announced as toxic chemicals after careful evaluation of the first announcement of 13 substances as toxic chemicals in 2017. It aims to track its use and flow via cross-departmental collaboration and the announced control mechanism for approval, registration, and labelling. Investigations will be carried out to track sources and ascertain whether additives are sold to food-producing enterprises once they are found in food products. Sanitary agencies will also be notified to impose penalties based on the Toxic Chemical Substance Control Act.\n\nThe announcement also placed two persistent organic pollutants, lauric acid and perfluorooctanoic acid, on the control list. The EPA mentioned that lauric acid is mainly used in treating textile and leather preservation and has been listed for future elimination by the Stockholm Convention. Despite ongoing debate on whether to ban it or limit its production, perfluorooctanoic acid is declared as a Class 4 toxic chemical substance to be aligned with the latest international trend. Future control will be tightened depending on the Convention’s evaluation result.\n\nThe EPA reminded that production, import, sales, use, and storage of these 16 substances all need to obtain approval in advance and also file regular reports. All enterprises are to complete various requirements before deadlines, including regular reporting by 1 January 2019, labeling by 1 July 2019, and obtaining approval documents by 1 January 2020. Production, import, and sales without following the above regulations will lead to fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$5,000,000.\n\n", "year": "2018", "month": "7", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V21\/V21-7" }, { "no": "3708", "title": "EPA and MOHW Jointly Inspect Chemical Raw Material Industry", "preview": "Chemicals\nEPA and MOHW Jointly Inspect Chemical Raw Material Industry\nThe EPA, assigned by the Office of Food Safety (OFS), the Executive Yuan, launched with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) the 2018 Joint Action Plan for Inspecting Chemical Raw Material Enterprises That Also Sell Food Additives. Control measures that increase environmental and sanitary inspections will be used to prevent non-food grade chemicals from entering the food production chain systematically to ensure food safety and citizens’ health.\n", "content": "EPA and MOHW Jointly Inspect Chemical Raw Material Industry\nThe EPA, assigned by the Office of Food Safety (OFS), the Executive Yuan, launched with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) the 2018 Joint Action Plan for Inspecting Chemical Raw Material Enterprises That Also Sell Food Additives. Control measures that increase environmental and sanitary inspections will be used to prevent non-food grade chemicals from entering the food production chain systematically to ensure food safety and citizens’ health.\n\nThe EPA stated that the OFS maps out main inspections every year to prevent future food safety incidents. This year the OFS specifically required the EPA to collaborate with the MOHW to conduct joint inspections on chemical raw material enterprises that also sell food additives. A total of 268 enterprises were picked out for inspections. With inspections and assistance, it is hoped to increase voluntary management efficiency to prevent abuse and misuse of non-food grade chemicals to safeguard citizens’ health.\n\nThe EPA pointed out that cross-departmental inspection has been carried out on 57 chemicals with risks on food safety since February 2017. All chemical raw material enterprises were first targeted for inspections and promotion of four major managements to increase risk awareness. A total of 3,117 enterprises were visited in 2017, and 901 inspections had been carried out by the end of June 2018. Many enterprises were discovered to still have room for improvement on management. Many of them, who also sell food grade additives, considered that their products were for industrial use and thus did not register and report data on MOHW’s Food and Drug Enterprise Registration Platform. It is against the principle of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, which focuses on tracking the food flow. Also, these enterprises may cause food safety risks like chemical raw material misuse or abuse downstream due to poor management from lack of competent authorities’ supervisions, assistance, and information.\n\nThe EPA stressed that the Plan is a collaboration between and carried out by the central and regional governments. They are respectively in charge of inspecting enterprises’ management of toxic chemicals, providing assistance on voluntary chemical management, food enterprise registration, random inspections for labels of food additive products, and food additive management. Environmental agencies will put all of its inspection forces on 13 toxic chemicals with risks on food safety announced on 25 September 2017. Enterprises should follow all regulations and fulfill all requirements before the deadlines. Failing to do so will result in fines from NT$60,000 to NT$500,000 according to the Toxic Chemical Substance Control Act.\n\nBoth the EPA and MOHW emphasized their determination to continue close collaborations on tightened chemical substance management. Operation, controls, and flow tracking on toxic chemicals, chemical raw materials, and food additives are also strengthened. If discovered, all illegal operations and additions will be punished in accordance with the Toxic Chemical Substance Control Act and the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation.\n\n", "year": "2018", "month": "7", "assortment": "Chemicals", "url": "V21\/V21-7" }, { "no": "3707", "title": "Revisions to the Water Pollution Control Act Announced", "preview": "Water Revisions to the Water Pollution Control Act Announced\nArticles were added to the Water Pollution Control Act to refine the management of water quality. These revisions were done under the President’s order on 13 June, 2018. The purposes of the revisions were to “adjust the targets for collecting water pollution control fees,” “improve regulations against and fines for wastewater or sludge entering groundwater bodies,” as well as “adding a basis for punishing deteriorating water quality within a certain period.”\n", "content": "Revisions to the Water Pollution Control Act Announced\nArticles were added to the Water Pollution Control Act to refine the management of water quality. These revisions were done under the President’s order on 13 June, 2018. The purposes of the revisions were to “adjust the targets for collecting water pollution control fees,” “improve regulations against and fines for wastewater or sludge entering groundwater bodies,” as well as “adding a basis for punishing deteriorating water quality within a certain period.”\n\nThe EPA noted that fees for water pollution control are set forth on the principle that polluters should pay in hopes of using the system to reduce the amount of pollutant discharge. The average household, when compared to an enterprise, is largely unable to install the proper equipment to improve the discharge of wastewater. Therefore, collecting a fee from this sort of unit will have limited results in terms of restricting the discharge of pollution.\n\nFully improving wastewater discharge from households requires the installation of thorough sewage systems. However, a public sewage system is a public construction service that the government provides. To collect water pollution fees from households is clearly unfair. Government policy should focus on encouraging local governments to proactively construct sewage systems, as the construction of sewers is the responsibility of local governments. Local governments should also increase the number of households that can connect to the system and collect usage fees.\n\nBased on the above-mentioned considerations, the EPA made revisions to regulations for water pollution fees found in Articles 11 and 44 of the Water Pollution Control Act. The key points of the revisions are as follows:\n\n1. The targets for collecting household water pollution fees have been revised to be households that have not complied and connected to the sewer system within the usage areas of sewage systems as announced in the Sewerage Act (下水道法). Public and community-use sewage systems are excluded. \n\n2. In accordance with the Sewerage Act and the Local Government Act (地方制度法), the construction and management of sewage systems as well as the collection of fees are the responsibility of local governments. There are significant differences between sewage systems constructed in different counties or cities. Local governments are authorized to collect household water pollution fees and impose penalties in order to have fee collection based on local conditions and carried out with the usage fees for the area’s sewage system. In addition, the revisions adjust the rate of water pollution fees for households to be equal with the fees for sewage system usage. This change can lower the costs of tax collections, raise administrative efficacy and reduce frustrations from incorrect calculations for fees.\n\n3. The entire collected household water pollution fees go to local governments. The fees are to be used for sewage system construction and improving household wastewater. \n\nGroundwater is an important water resource, and in some regions it is used for fisheries and agriculture or serves as a source for drinking water. In order to prevent wastewater and sewage from entering groundwater bodies and affecting water sources, the EPA removed regulations tied to applying for permits to inject wastewater into groundwater. The highest fine for illegally injecting wastewater into groundwater bodies is NT$6 million. Regulations were added regarding punishments for wastewater or sewage containing substances harmful to human health being injected to groundwater bodies. The offender will be subject to one year to seven years imprisonment and detention and\/or a fine of NT$200,000 to NT$20 million.\n\nBesides these revisions, in terms of practical management of wastewater, the EPA added a basis for punishments tied to the limited period for improving water deterioration. When an enterprise discharges wastewater and sewage with emission concentration or the hydrogen ion concentration index exceeding those of the original discharged being punished, it will be fined for each excess. This will prevent enterprises from not improving or controlling the pollution during the improvement period.\n", "year": "2018", "month": "7", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V21\/V21-7" }, { "no": "3706", "title": "Revisions to the Types, Scope, and Scale of Enterprises for Review of Water Pollution Control Measure Plans Announced", "preview": "Water\n7. Revisions to the Types, Scope, and Scale of Enterprises for Review of Water Pollution Control Measure Plans Announced\n\nThe EPA announced revisions to the Types, Scope, and Scale of Enterprises, Scope, and Scale for Review of Water Pollution Control Measures on 21 June 2018. This revision was done to match the Water Pollution Control Measure Plans. The EPA revised the differences between three grades of applicants for approval into specific, general, and simple. Enterprises within the final category are exempt from a review of water pollution control measures. The volume threshold for general targets of regulation was adjusted. In addition, serious offenders and high risk polluters were added as a target for review of water pollution control measure plans in order to implement appropriate regulations.\n", "content": "Revisions to the Types, Scope, and Scale of Enterprises for Review of Water Pollution Control Measure Plans Announced\n\nThe EPA announced revisions to the Types, Scope, and Scale of Enterprises, Scope, and Scale for Review of Water Pollution Control Measures on 21 June 2018. This revision was done to match the Water Pollution Control Measure Plans. The EPA revised the differences between three grades of applicants for approval into specific, general, and simple. Enterprises within the final category are exempt from a review of water pollution control measures. The volume threshold for general targets of regulation was adjusted. In addition, serious offenders and high risk polluters were added as a target for review of water pollution control measure plans in order to implement appropriate regulations.\n\nAccording to Article 13 of the Water Pollution Control Act, enterprises prior to establishment or modification must submit plans and related documents for water pollution prevention. These documents are to be submitted to the competent authorities for a municipality, county or city, or agency commissioned by the central competent authority for review and approval. The above-mentioned types, scopes, and scale are designated by the EPA in consultation with the industry competent authorities.\nThe types, scope, and scale of industries that should be reviewed was first announced by the EPA on 29 June 1999 and has since undergone five amendments. As the Water Pollution Control Measure Plans are part of each enterprise’s design, enterprises must obtain a permit upon being approved to complete construction. The second stage of review creates a burden for small, law-abiding enterprises. Such a review also wastes administrative resources. Thus, there is a necessity to simplify the review process for enterprises of a smaller scale and focus resources on medium-to-large scale enterprises and serious offenders.\n\nRevisions thus were made in correspondence with the Water Pollution Control Measure Plans. The categories of enterprises were revised to feature three groups for the approval process and regulation: specific, general, and simple. The simple category is to be exempt from review. The volume threshold for general targets of regulation was adjusted. In addition, serious offenders and high risk polluters were added as a target for review of water pollution control measure plans. Upon implementing these revisions, the targets for reviewing water pollution control plans are as follows:\n\n1. The Water Pollution Act, Article 14-1, Paragraph 1: The EPA designates the enterprises which must disclose the pollutants in discharged wastewater along with the concentration and quantity.\n2. General targets are defined as having plans or actually producing wastewater, sewage or sludge of 100m3 per day (metric tons\/day). Or they produce raw sewage (sludge) containing materials specified in Article 3, Table 2 of the Regulations Governing Establishment and Management for Responsible Wastewater Treatment Units and Personnel, which exceed the effluent standards. It also includes serious offenders with a shutdown due to layoffs, serious violations or false reporting.\n3. Enterprises that produce wastewater, leak wastewater, or fail to add cooling water to wastewater, and channel it into underground water systems designated for industrial areas.\n", "year": "2018", "month": "7", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V21\/V21-7" }, { "no": "3705", "title": "19 Coastal Cities\/Counties Go Plastic-Free for World Oceans Day", "preview": "Water\n19 Coastal Cities\/Counties Go Plastic-Free for World Oceans Day\nIn response to the U.N.’s World Oceans Day on 8 June, the EPA brought together over 8,000 people from 19 coastal cities and counties across the nation on 9 June. As part of that effort, the EPA called on 376 divers and an environmental fleet consisting of 281 ships to work together in order to collect trash from the ocean, whether on the ocean floor or floating on the surface. In total, the teams collected 16.24 metric tons of garbage from the ocean that day. To show the EPA’s commitment to having a plastic-free ocean, results from the clean-up effort were regularly updated and compiled on the “Plastic Free Ocean” Facebook page.\n", "content": "19 Coastal Cities\/Counties Go Plastic-Free for World Oceans Day\nIn response to the U.N.’s World Oceans Day on 8 June, the EPA brought together over 8,000 people from 19 coastal cities and counties across the nation on 9 June. As part of that effort, the EPA called on 376 divers and an environmental fleet consisting of 281 ships to work together in order to collect trash from the ocean, whether on the ocean floor or floating on the surface. In total, the teams collected 16.24 metric tons of garbage from the ocean that day. To show the EPA’s commitment to having a plastic-free ocean, results from the clean-up effort were regularly updated and compiled on the “Plastic Free Ocean” Facebook page.\n\nThe main locale for this year’s World Oceans Day was Suogang Fishing Harbor, located in Penghu County. The event was inaugurated by EPA Minister Ying-Yuan Lee; Hsiang-Wen Huang, the Director of the Ocean Conservation Administration, Ocean Affairs Council; Zi-Chang Liao, Chief Secretary of the Fisheries Agency (FA), Council of Agriculture; Yao Yang, legislative representative for Penghu County; Kuang-Fu Chen, Magistrate of Penghu County; and Shuang-Quan Chen, Deputy Speaker for Penghu County Council.\n\nEPA Minister Lee gave a speech, stressing that the issue of plastic waste in the ocean has already attracted considerable attention globally. Taiwan’s focus on creating a clear timetable for reducing single-use plastic products has gained international affirmation. For example with plastic straws, the EPA published a draft regulation online that would restrict government departments, public\/private schools, department stores and shopping centers from using single-use plastic straws for individuals drinking at those locations. Through multiple strategies like regular communication and promoting waste prevention, the seas around Taiwan will have less plastic waste and become even more beautiful.\n\nThe EPA noted that this year coincides with the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of The Most Beautiful Bays in the World. This year’s congress will be held in Penghu in September, and provide the county with the opportunity to welcome visitors from around the world. As part of providing a warm welcome for this congress, the FA provided NT$19 million to Penghu County government in order to clean up fishing nets from the ocean floor. The EPA also provided over NT$32 million earmarked for cleaning up garbage from the ocean floor and over NT$66 million from the Offshore Island Development Fund, totaling NT$110 million for the removal of fishing nets and garbage from the ocean. Around one metric ton of fishing nets was removed from Suogang Fishing Harbor on World Oceans Day alone. In the future, the EPA hopes that, with continued cooperation, the issue of fishing nets and floating garbage in Penghu County will be solved.\n\nOther than the event being undertaken by divers and boat teams to clean the ocean floor, there was also a display of artwork made from trash collected in the ocean. The event did not provide any single-use utensils. Instead, organizers provided utensils for rent and had stalls selling unpackaged goods in order to encourage people to get involved in a lifestyle that relies less on single-use plastic items, thus reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean.\n\nThe EPA called together 19 coastal counties and cities to organize a series of activities for World Ocean Day. It hopes to steadily reach the goal of a plastic-free ocean by cleaning up plastic waste hotspots in the ocean, promoting the reduction of single-use plastic products, inter-departmental cooperation, subsidies from diverse sources, and encouraging people to participate in various activities.\n", "year": "2018", "month": "7", "assortment": "Water", "url": "V21\/V21-7" }, { "no": "3704", "title": "Amendments to Permit Management Regulations for Public and Private Waste Clearance and Disposal Preannounced", "preview": "Waste\nAmendments to Permit Management Regulations for Public and Private Waste Clearance and Disposal Preannounced\nAmendments to the Permit Management Regulations for Public and Private Waste Clearance and Disposal (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations) were preannounced to improve the management of clearance and disposal organizations and to ensure proper waste treatment. Through the revisions, the EPA also aims to carry out the tracking of the products made from recycled materials and to implement the transparency of waste clearance fees.\n", "content": "Amendments to Permit Management Regulations for Public and Private Waste Clearance and Disposal Preannounced\nAmendments to the Permit Management Regulations for Public and Private Waste Clearance and Disposal (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations) were preannounced to improve the management of clearance and disposal organizations and to ensure proper waste treatment. Through the revisions, the EPA also aims to carry out the tracking of the products made from recycled materials and to implement the transparency of waste clearance fees.\n\nTo promote resource recycling and reuse, waste is allowed to be made into products as long as the disposal organization obtains a waste disposal permit with the standards, usage, and flow of the recycled product labelled on it. Therefore, to reduce the concern of reusing waste and to ensure recycled products are manufactured properly, the EPA has reinforced the regulations on the reporting of flow records of recycled products through these amendments.\n\nTo prevent negative competition in the charge of the service between disposal\/clearance organizations, an addendum was also made to the Regulations that stipulates disposal\/clearance organizations shall publish information on the fees for their service and other related details for the commissioning parties’ convenience.\n\nThe Regulations have been amended three times since first promulgated in 2001. To strengthen the management of recycled products put out by disposal organizations and to stabilize the market prices of waste disposal service, the EPA has amended the Regulations to better adapt to the current society. The main points of the amendments are as follows:\n\n1) Application for the establishment approval documents for disposal organizations shall now also submit the following documents: cost analysis for the establishment and the operation plan. The requirements for installing surveillance system have also been revised.\n\n2) Regulations on the monitoring records of the derivative wastes produced by disposing hazardous industrial waste have been added. \nThose applying for the issuance or extension of a disposal permit shall now also submit a quality management plan for both the waste accepted and produced and an operation management plan. \n\n3) The validity period for the first permit has been updated and the timing to apply and review the permit extension has been revised. According to the amendments, the expiration date of the permit will still take effect even if the issuing authority has not made a decision by then. Those applying for an extension should conduct operational tests on the waste disposal equipment.\n\n4) Those applying for an extension of clearance or disposal permits shall submit the proof of being a local union member.\n\n5) Disposal organizations shall preserve and report their operating records based on their quality management plan for both the waste accepted and produced and their operation management plan. The disposal organizations shall also provide surveillance video for the inspections by the competent authority or enforcement authority.\n\n6) Clearance\/disposal organizations shall publish information on the fees of their service and shall not charge more than the published fees. \n\n7) An addition to the required measures to be taken when the disposal organizations that are approved to operate produce recycled goods.\n\n8) If the permit of a clearance\/disposal organization is canceled or revoked, the organization may not use the same\/similar organization name or use the same VAT number to apply for the permit again within the next five year.\n", "year": "2018", "month": "7", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V21\/V21-7" }, { "no": "3703", "title": "New Regulations on Industrial Waste Disposal Plan Promulgated", "preview": "Waste\nNew Regulations on Industrial Waste Disposal Plan Promulgated \n\nTo strengthen the management of industrial waste, the Regulations Governing the Review of Industrial Waste Clearance and Disposal Plans took effect on 1 July 2018. In the meantime, to better organize and simplify the policies, the Regulations Governing Industrial Waste Clearance and Disposal Plans, Plan Formats and Items to be Stated have been abolished.\n", "content": "New Regulations on Industrial Waste Disposal Plan Promulgated \n\nTo strengthen the management of industrial waste, the Regulations Governing the Review of Industrial Waste Clearance and Disposal Plans took effect on 1 July 2018. In the meantime, to better organize and simplify the policies, the Regulations Governing Industrial Waste Clearance and Disposal Plans, Plan Formats and Items to be Stated have been abolished.\n\nThe industrial waste clearance and disposal plan is considered an important management tool for the government since it includes detailed operation information of a business, the amount of waste generated, and how the waste will be disposed of. However, the relative regulations on the disposal plan were all separated in different policies which caused ambiguity in the legislation hierarchy. Therefore, the EPA formulated the Regulations Governing the Review of Industrial Waste Clearance and Disposal Plans in accordance with the Waste Disposal Act, and annulled the Regulations Governing Industrial Waste Clearance and Disposal Plans, Plan Formats and Items to be Stated. By reorganizing and clarifying the related regulations on the disposal plan, the EPA aims to maintain consistency of the review process and reinforce the management of industrial waste. \n\nNow that the regulations are more organized and easier to understand, the EPA expects that future disposal, clearance, or reuse of waste will be done legally in accordance with the approved disposal plan. \n", "year": "2018", "month": "7", "assortment": "Waste", "url": "V21\/V21-7" }, { "no": "3702", "title": "Taiwan and the EU Share Successful Experiences of Circular Economy on 30th Anniversary of Partnership", "preview": "Recycling\nTaiwan and the EU Share Successful Experiences of Circular Economy on 30th Anniversary of Partnership\nTo mark the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan-EU Annual Consultations, he EPA and the EU jointly held their first circular economy international conference on 4 June as a part of the activities during the European Innovation Week. Both government officials and experts from various countries (including the EU, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Taiwan) were invited. During the conference, they discussed various innovative methods and their successful experiences on topics such as plastic management, waste electrical and electronic equipment, and construction and demolition waste (C&D Waste) management.\n", "content": "Taiwan and the EU Share Successful Experiences of Circular Economy on 30th Anniversary of Partnership\nTo mark the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan-EU Annual Consultations, he EPA and the EU jointly held their first circular economy international conference on 4 June as a part of the activities during the European Innovation Week. Both government officials and experts from various countries (including the EU, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Taiwan) were invited. During the conference, they discussed various innovative methods and their successful experiences on topics such as plastic management, waste electrical and electronic equipment, and construction and demolition waste (C&D Waste) management.\n\nThe 2018 EU-Taiwan Circular Economy International Conference lasted for 3 day, including a seminar on 4 June, a cluster matchmaking event on 5 June, and finally a site tour to circular economy facilities and enterprises in Tainan on the last day. \n\nIn addition to inviting outstanding local and foreign speakers to give speeches on circular economy in the conference, a trade show was also held outside of the conference venue. Participating companies included Da Fon Environmental Technology, Solar Applied Materials Technology, Far Eastern New Century (FENC), IKEA, RUENTEX, and UWin Nanotech. \n\nDuring the trade show, the participating companies presented a vast array of applications of circular economy, showcasing Taiwan’s efforts and achievements in promoting circular economy. For example, IKEA put out a variety of products using local brown sugar; Far Eastern New Century collaborated with a sporting goods company to make World Cup jerseys and sneakers out of ocean waste; Da Fon Environmental Technology created products with recycled plastics; and RUENTEX manufactured heat insulation renders. To further demonstrate Taiwan’s accomplishment in promoting circular economy, the souvenirs for the conference guests were made from recycled tin. The EPA was inspired by Japan’s cellphone recycling project to make medals for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and the recycled tin was provided by Rui Da Hung Technology Materials.\n\nOn 6 June, a delegation of officials and industry experts led by DG GROW Deputy Director-General Antti Peltom?ki joined with EPA Deputy Minister Tzi-Chin Chang at the cluster seminar on circular economy partakers. The seminar also gathered businesses in Tainan working in the field of circular economy to establish mutual understanding of the industry clusters in both Taiwan and Europe and to create more opportunities for future business cooperation.\n\nAfter the seminar, the group went to Chengxi Refuse Incineration Plant where they were greeted by Chien-San Lin, Director of Environmental Protection Bureau of Tainan City Government, who explained to them that it is the EPA’s goal to turn this incineration plant into a circular economy park. Lin also gave a detailed presentation on the generation of solar power and biomass in the plant and the reuse process of bottom ash. The site tour fully demonstrated Tainan City’s achievement in circular economy, energy creation, and environmental protection. The other highlight of the day was a visit to Solar Applied Materials Technology (SAMT), a world-leading precious metal and rare metal recycling company. In SAMT, the European delegation was introduced to a special and environmentally friendly technology to extract precious metals. \n\nThe EPA pointed out that some companies have already put joint effort in promoting environmental sustainability by voluntarily forming Sea Waste Plastics Circular Economy Alliance (SWPCEA), Green Electronics Resources Alliance (GERA), and Taiwan Construction Resource Circulation Alliance (TCRCS) that focus on waste plastic, waste electrical and electronic equipment materials, and C&D Waste, respectively. The EPA believes that collaborating with these three alliances will be a key step toward realizing a circular economy in Taiwan. Through this international conference, both the public and private sectors showed their determination in expanding cooperative exchanges with other nations and creating a new era of a circular economy.\n", "year": "2018", "month": "7", "assortment": "Recycling", "url": "V21\/V21-7" }, { "no": "3701", "title": "A New Milestone: Passage of Air Pollution Control Act Amendments", "preview": "Air\nA New Milestone: Passage of Air Pollution Control Act Amendments\n\nThe highly focused amendments to the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) were passed in the Legislative Yuan after three readings on June 25. Revisions included a good neighbor clause, a factory source control mechanism, mobile pollution source control measures, stricter penalties, as well as recovering illegal gains and a new clause for whistleblowers. The amendment will first be sent to the President for official promulgation before implementation, setting a new milestone for air pollution control in Taiwan.\n", "content": "A New Milestone: Passage of Air Pollution Control Act Amendments\n\nThe highly focused amendments to the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) were passed in the Legislative Yuan after three readings on June 25. Revisions included a good neighbor clause, a factory source control mechanism, mobile pollution source control measures, stricter penalties, as well as recovering illegal gains and a new clause for whistleblowers. The amendment will first be sent to the President for official promulgation before implementation, setting a new milestone for air pollution control in Taiwan.\n\nThe EPA pointed out that the revision focuses on the addition of a good neighbor clause, a factory source control mechanism, and mobile pollution source control measures, stricter penalties, and recovering illegal gains and a new whistleblower clause. It provides thorough reinforcement from planning of air quality improvement, source- and midway-control for pollution, to end-of-pipe treatment and responses.\n\nThe new neighbor clause: Based on the EPA-formulated Air Pollution Control Plan, local environmental bureaus are to coordinate with governments in neighboring counties and cities and set up control plans in order to solve the hazards suffered by people in downwind areas; And factories have to formulate emergency response plans in advance in time for disasters like fire to prevent deterioration of air quality and residents’ health.\n\nThe mechanism for controlling both factory source and end-of-pipe pollution: Competent authorities need to include harmful air pollutants and evaluate health risks when formulating emission standards; Ingredients of factory-used fuels and products, including volatile organic chemicals, must comply with regulatory limits; Large-scale factories have to adopt the best pollution control technology; Violators will be fined based on number of violations instead of number of days of violation.\n\nThe good community clause: Local environmental bureaus are authorized to set up air pollution maintenance zones and limit or ban highly-polluting vehicles from entering or using them; Controls for mobile sources other than vehicles, such as construction instruments, are expanded; the EPA is able to tighten emission standards for vehicles that have come out of the factory for more than ten years; And the harshest penalty is cancellation of driver’s license for car and motorcycle owners who fail to have their vehicles’ emissions inspected.\n\nHarsher penalties to deter violations: Penalties are largely tightened to deter violations. Violators that cause death with pollution can receive a life sentence in the harshest instance. Fines can be up to NT$30,000,000 for violating criminal acts and NT$20,000,000 for violating executive regulations. Lower limit of fines is proportionately lowered for violations such as failing to undergo regular inspections. On the other hand, fines for legal persons\/entities and natural persons increased ten folds.\n\nClauses for recovering illegal gains and whistleblowers: Those who violate the Act and profit from such actions will be imposed with fines as well as have their illegal gains returned; A mechanism for whistleblowers and rewards has been set up to encourage reporting of illegal activities; And factories are required to disclose information on pollution emission for public scrutiny.\n\n", "year": "2018", "month": "7", "assortment": "Air", "url": "V21\/V21-7" }, { "no": "3700", "title": "EPA and NAO Jointly Promote Sustainable Development Goals", "preview": "Sustainable Development\n1. EPA and NAO Jointly Promote Sustainable Development Goals\nOn 5 June 2018, the EPA and National Audit Office (NAO) together held the Symposium on Sustainable Development and Audit, with Minister Ying-Yuan Lee and Auditor General Ching-Long Lin delivering welcome speeches at the opening ceremony. Invited speakers included the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Office of the Auditor General of Canada, Ms. Julie Gelfand, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Audit and Accountability Foundation, Mr. John Reed. Besides Legislator Chiu-Chin Tien, Legislator Man-Li Chen, Control Yuan Member Yung-Ching Jao, nearly 400 participants from industries, governments, academia, and research units attended the event.\n", "content": "EPA and NAO Jointly Promote Sustainable Development Goals\nOn 5 June 2018, the EPA and National Audit Office (NAO) together held the Symposium on Sustainable Development and Audit, with Minister Ying-Yuan Lee and Auditor General Ching-Long Lin delivering welcome speeches at the opening ceremony. Invited speakers included the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Office of the Auditor General of Canada, Ms. Julie Gelfand, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Audit and Accountability Foundation, Mr. John Reed. Besides Legislator Chiu-Chin Tien, Legislator Man-Li Chen, Control Yuan Member Yung-Ching Jao, nearly 400 participants from industries, governments, academia, and research units attended the event.\n\nTaiwan proposed its first VNR in UN in response to SDGs\n\nThe symposium focused on government agencies’ implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as auditing department’s role and contributions in monitoring agencies’ work progress. All attendees participated with great enthusiasm. The event was opened with welcomes from Auditor General Ching-Long Lin and EPA Minister Ying-Yuan Lee, who also talked about Taiwan’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) presented in 2017 in his speech, “Joining the World: Taiwan’s Implementation of UNSDGs”\n\nIn his speech, Minister Lee first thanked the NAO for organizing the symposium as it took place on June 5, the World Environment Day, making the event even more meaningful. Through the presentations of different speakers, attendees could understand the effects of government budgets and expenses and whether the resources were used on the most necessary places. Exchanges and discussions in the symposium also allow people to examine Taiwan’s achievements in sustainable development.\n\nMinister Lee pointed out that the 2018 World Happiness Report, recently released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), ranked Finland as the happiest country in the world. Taiwan’s ranking rose from 33rd to 26th as the happiest in East Asia. Taiwan performed well in key evaluation variables like gross domestic product (GDP), unemployment rate, social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and corruption perception, showing Taiwanese ranked high in happiness index in Asia.\n\nIt was a remarkable moment when Minister Lee presented Taiwan’s first VNR in the UbN in September 2017. The report was a response to the 17 sustainable index of UN Commission of Sustainable Development (UNCSD). Currently, Taiwan is faced with challenges like dense population in limited living space, increasing environmental loads, low economic growth, as well as not being a UN member. But pollution sees no borders, and Taiwan will keep answering UN’s call to improve with the same standard, pursuing sustainable development for the whole earth.\n\nThe symposium’s first session focused on “Taiwan SDGs.” The Executive Director of the EPA’s Office of Sustainable Development Dr. Hui-Chen Chien talked about the process of setting Taiwan’s SDGs. National Council for Sustainable Development member Angela Chang then gave a talk titled “Taiwan SDGs: Facing Challenges for a Sustainable 2030” and conducted discussions. It was followed by Mr. Reed and Ms. Gelfand’s respective talks, “Leading Practices in Auditing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals” and “United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Audit in Canada.” Both emphasized the importance of the whole of government and policy coherence in dealing with SDGs.\n\nFinally, Deputy Auditor-General Li-Jen Wang and NAO staff elaborated on the actual practices and audits in a presentation titled “Audit on National Sustainable Development.” Deputy Wang emphasized that NAO should set up long-term strategies to conduct audits on the progress of the government’s SDGs, including issues such as gender equality. Also, participants have to understand the government’s “starting and end points” and “new tracks” to compare Taiwan’s SDGs with UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as assess Taiwan’s future.\n\nExecutive, legislative, and private sectors jointly promote sustainability\n\nAfter a day of heated exchanges, attendees all agreed that sustainable development should be the focus of future policies. Taiwan should first take references of UNSDGs’ frameworks and follow their principles. Local sustainability indicators that are suitable for the current situation should be discussed and set up by taking Taiwan’s status, environment, and citizens’ needs into consideration in order to achieve actual sustainability.\n\nThe legislative branch, government agencies, and private sector are the three main and essential forces for sustainable development. As a result, connection and communication between them are of great importance for setting up SDGs. And the auditing agency can help with monitoring in order to encourage all participating parties to fully meet the international community’s expectations for SDGs and audit tasks.\n", "year": "2018", "month": "7", "assortment": "Sustainable Development", "url": "V21\/V21-7" }, { "no": "3699", "title": "Amendments to PVC Container Recycling Fee Rate Preannounced", "preview": "Resource recycling\nAmendments to PVC Container Recycling Fee Rate Preannounced \nThe EPA plans to adjust the recycling fee rate for the collection and disposal of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) containers in order to reduce their impact on the environment. The EPA will use economic incentives to encourage enterprises to reduce their use of PVC containers and find replacement materials that are more beneficial for the resource cycle.\n", "content": "Amendments to PVC Container Recycling Fee Rate Preannounced \nThe EPA plans to adjust the recycling fee rate for the collection and disposal of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) containers in order to reduce their impact on the environment. The EPA will use economic incentives to encourage enterprises to reduce their use of PVC containers and find replacement materials that are more beneficial for the resource cycle.\n\nThe EPA noted that Taiwan primarily utilizes incineration for trash disposal. PVC produces dioxins when incinerated because of the chloride it contains. The use of PVC containers in Taiwan has steadily decreased over the recent years. In 2017, PVC containers made up 0.29% of plastic containers used, and constituted 0.47% of the total plastic containers recycled. To reduce the burden of PVC on the environment and on recycling and disposal systems, the EPA has adjusted the recycling and disposal fee rates for PVC containers from NT$18.5 per kilogram to NT$87 per kilogram to encourage businesses to choose alternative materials. New rates are expected to take effect on 1 July 2019.\n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 21(5)\n\n", "year": "2018", "month": "6", "assortment": "Resource recycling", "url": "V21\/V21-6" }, { "no": "3698", "title": "Amendments Preannounced to Require Installation of Real-time Tracking Systems in All Waste Clearance Vehicles", "preview": "Solid waste\nAmendments Preannounced to Require Installation of Real-time Tracking Systems in All Waste Clearance Vehicles \nThe EPA preannounced amendments to the Regulations for Waste Clearance Vehicles Equipped with Real-time Tracking Systems. Thirty waste items, including sludge and plastic materials, will be among those added for further management. The EPA plans to reach its goal of installing real-time tracking systems for all clearance vehicles by 2022 in hopes of ending illegal dumping.\n", "content": "Amendments Preannounced to Require Installation of Real-time Tracking Systems in All Waste Clearance Vehicles \nThe EPA preannounced amendments to the Regulations for Waste Clearance Vehicles Equipped with Real-time Tracking Systems. Thirty waste items, including sludge and plastic materials, will be among those added for further management. The EPA plans to reach its goal of installing real-time tracking systems for all clearance vehicles by 2022 in hopes of ending illegal dumping.\n\nPresently, there are around 9,000 vehicles that have been equipped with real-time tracking systems. However, it is not uncommon for enterprises to find legal means of concealing their illegal disposal. Such companies will change their disposal vehicles to ones without a tracking system, or remove the power source for the systems, or even mask the vehicle signals while transporting waste. \n\nAs such, the EPA has made amendments that require tracking systems to be installed on clearance vehicles that ship thirty easily-dumped waste items, including sludge, construction materials, and plastic waste. The EPA will take further steps to mandate that all clearance vehicles approved for operating shall install real-time tracking systems. There will be a four-stage process for implementing the regulations from 2019 to 2022. In addition, the EPA will utilize new technology for vehicles’ crash sensors and power disruption signals in order to increase the stability and the accuracy of the tracker.\n\nExcerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 21(5)\n\n", "year": "2018", "month": "6", "assortment": "Solid waste", "url": "V21\/V21-6" } ]