Miaoli Foundry Owner Jailed for Defying Work Stoppage Order, Operating Illegally

In Miaoli County, the pursuit of industrial activity must be balanced with environmental responsibility. Liberty Times reports on a case where a foundry owner, identified by the surname Lee, has been handed a three-month prison sentence for flagrantly disregarding environmental regulations. This ruling by the Miaoli District Court underscores the serious consequences of defying orders aimed at protecting air quality and public health.

Lee's enterprise, engaged in gray iron casting, operated without the necessary air pollution control permits. Following an inspection by the Miaoli County Environmental Protection Bureau in late 2023, the factory was slapped with a substantial fine of NT$320,000 and issued a clear directive to halt operations in March 2024 until proper permits were obtained. However, Lee apparently viewed these directives as mere suggestions, choosing to continue production clandestinely.

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As the person in charge of the enterprise, he not only operated without a permit but also failed to comply with the work stoppage order after receiving it, clearly showing a lack of respect for the administrative agency's ruling and posing a threat to environmental protection, with no minor malice.

Authorities caught wind of the continued operation and conducted a follow-up inspection, discovering the factory still actively producing. The court found Lee's actions to be a serious offense, noting his failure to respect the authority of the environmental protection agency and the potential threat posed to the environment. While acknowledging Lee's admission of guilt and lack of prior criminal record, the judge ultimately imposed the sentence for violating the Air Pollution Control Act by disobeying the work stoppage order. Liberty Times emphasizes that compliance with environmental laws is not optional; it is a fundamental requirement for sustainable industrial development in Taiwan.

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The court considered that the defendant confessed his guilt after the incident, his attitude was acceptable, and he had no prior criminal record. Considering all circumstances, including his university education and family situation, he was sentenced to three months in prison for the crime of 'disobeying a work stoppage order' under the Air Pollution Control Act, which can be commuted to a fine.