Yunlin EPA Cracks Down on Major Food Manufacturer for Illegal Discharge of Strong Alkaline Wastewater

Residents near the Douliu Industrial Park in Yunlin County have recently complained about foul odors lingering after rainfall, raising suspicions that factories were illicitly discharging pollutants during wet weather. In response, the Yunlin County Environmental Protection Bureau (EPA) formed a special task force and deployed advanced monitoring technology, including micro air quality sensors, surveillance cameras, and water quality detectors, to strengthen remote enforcement.

The task force recently identified a major food manufacturer illegally discharging untreated strong alkaline wastewater through an unregistered pipeline into the industrial park’s stormwater drainage system. On-site inspections revealed that the wastewater had a pH level as high as 12.17, far exceeding the legal discharge standard of pH 6 to 9, indicating a serious violation.

EPA Secretary Shen Shu-Yuan stated that the illicit discharge severely contaminated downstream water bodies and contributed to the unpleasant odors reported after rainfall. The bureau immediately ordered the factory to cease the illegal discharge, dismantled the unauthorized pipeline, and required the company to rectify the violation within a specified timeframe.

The company will face penalties under Articles 7 and 8-1 of the Water Pollution Control Act, with fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$20 million, depending on the severity of the pollution, discharge volume, and previous violation records.

To enhance ongoing enforcement, the EPA has installed six water quality sensors within the Douliu Industrial Park, which remotely monitor pH levels, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen, updating data every five minutes. Shen noted that the detection of a pH value of 12 was highly unusual and prompted immediate action.

EPA Director Chang Chiao-Wei emphasized that the special task force will continue strict monitoring and inspections in Douliu Industrial Park and Dou-nan Township to prevent any recurrence of illegal discharges, upholding the principle of rigorous enforcement without leniency.