Keelung Offers Up to 50% Reward for Water Pollution Whistleblowers

In response to a severe oil pollution incident that contaminated the Keelung River and affected water supply for over 100,000 households last November, Keelung City is implementing a robust whistleblower reward program. The initiative aims to incentivize citizens, particularly those within polluting companies, to report illegal wastewater discharge.

Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang emphasized that water pollution poses a significant threat not only to the environment but also to public safety. By offering a reward of up to 50% of the collected fine to internal whistleblowers, the city hopes to foster a collaborative effort between the public and the government to crack down on offenders and prevent future incidents.

The city's environmental protection bureau, in conjunction with other departments, has intensified its early warning mechanisms and inspection frequency. The "Keelung City Regulations on Rewarding Reporting of Violations of Water Pollution Control Act" provide the framework for these rewards, with the amount determined by the severity of the case and the whistleblower's identity.

To encourage brave reporting, the authorities have assured strict confidentiality for whistleblowers, with all information handled as classified. Reporting channels include the Keelung City Environmental Protection Bureau's political affairs office, the city's 1999 hotline, and the municipal mailbox. This proactive measure seeks to identify and penalize those responsible for environmental crimes, ensuring the safety and cleanliness of Keelung's water resources.