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, 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.

Strengthening preventive control and conducting investigations of high pollution potential

(1) Preventive control measures
Land 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.

To 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.

Every 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.

Between 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. 

For 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 (Category 2) was 92.3% on average.

(2) Investigation of high-polluting potential 
A. Enterprises 
To 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.

Furthermore, 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.

B. Underground storage tank systems
To 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.

Speeding up pollution-site remediation and enhancing remediation technology
(1) Promoting remediation on polluted sites
The 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.

As 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.

(2) Enhancing remediation technology
A. Developing and testing new technology
Technologies 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.

B. Promoting development and application of local technology
(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.

(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.

(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.

C. Introduction of advanced technology and related training
In 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.

Excerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 22 (9)

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.

During 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.

Excerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 22 (9)

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.

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.

Both 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.

Director 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. 

Individuals 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.

To 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.

The 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/.

Excerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 22 (9)

The Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act 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, 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. 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.

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:
1. Revising the legal basis of the laws according to the amended Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act.
2. Renaming the regulations in response to the newly added category of controlled chemical substances: concerned chemical substances.
3. Adding new management regulations and revising the content of some articles.
4. After evaluating outcomes of current policy, permit application procedures were simplified and management was enhanced for the handling of controlled chemicals. 
All three amendments are expected to take effect on 16 January 2020.
The main points of the amendments to the Permit Registration and Approval Regulations for Toxic Chemicals are as follows:
1. 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.
2. Existing content of the Management Regulations Governing Permission to Use Class 4 Toxic Chemical Substances will be combined into the renamed regulations. 
3. 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. 
4. Regulations governing the replacement, renewal or extension of permits are added.
5. Regulations governing the deadlines for making corrections to different permit and document applications are added. 
6. Regulations governing the procedures and content that handlers shall follow for transparency of information are added.

Amendments to the Regulations Governing Recordkeeping for the Handling and Release of Toxic Chemical Substances include:
1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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. 

The main points of the amendments to the Toxic Chemical Substances Labeling and Materials Safety Data Sheets Regulations are as follows:
1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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.

As 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.

Excerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 22 (9)

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, Standards for Fines for Transportation Vehicles that Violate Emission Limits, and Standards for Fines for Motor Vehicles Violating Idling Management Regulations, the EPA has amended and merged these three regulations into the first regulations and abolished the latter two.
The main points of the revised fines are as follows:

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. 
2.    Added fine fees for trains emitting air pollutants exceeding emission standards.
3.    Added fine fees for vessels that utilize fuel which contains ingredients exceeding content standards.
4.    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. 

Excerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 22 (9)

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 and renamed it the Implementation Guidelines for Late Corrections, Reporting or Improvements for Violations of the Air Pollution Control Act. The new guidelines were made effective on 19 August 2019 for the imposition of penalties by competent authorities.

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. 

The EPA also referenced the Implementation Guidelines for Late Corrections, Reporting or Improvements for Violations of the Water Pollution Control Act 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. 

The 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. 

Excerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 22 (9)