Kaohsiung cracks down on water pollution, fines surge in first half of year

Kaohsiung City's environmental protection bureau has intensified its crackdown on water pollution, investigating 210 cases in the first half of the year and imposing fines totaling NT$30.92 million. This amount represents a one-third increase compared to the entire previous year's fines, demonstrating the city's strengthened resolve against illegal discharges.

The restaurant industry emerged as the leading source of pollution, with 70 reported cases. However, industrial sectors also contributed significantly, with food manufacturing, livestock farming, and stone processing industries being major offenders. The Fengshan River has been a particular focus, with 23 cases investigated and fines exceeding NT$13.62 million. Notably, during a recent typhoon, authorities identified three businesses illegally discharging wastewater, leading to hefty fines, with repeat offenders facing penalties up to NT$3 million and mandatory installation of wastewater treatment facilities.

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The environmental protection bureau is using land and air technology enforcement to strengthen the investigation of violations in the eight major river basins.

To enhance enforcement, the bureau employs a combination of aerial and ground-based technology. Drones are used for aerial surveillance, while real-time water quality monitoring systems are installed in key river sections like the Love River. This technological approach, coupled with traditional river patrols, allows for 24-hour monitoring of water quality changes and timely detection of violations.

While the number of cases investigated in the first half of this year is comparable to the same period last year, the substantial increase in fines underscores the city's commitment to penalizing polluters more severely. The bureau aims to protect the city's eight major river basins and ensure the health of its waterways.

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During the typhoon day, three businesses were caught illegally discharging waste water and were fined. The heaviest penalty can be up to 3 million yuan, and they are required to install wastewater treatment facilities for improvement.