Taichung retention pond turns milky white; investigation points to possible illegal discharge from science park firm

Residents and local officials in Taichung, Taiwan, are concerned after the water in a retention pond at Hengshan Park turned a milky white color. City Councilor Wu Cheng-hsien, alerted by local village chief Chang Sheng-ho, visited the site to investigate potential pollution.

“

Water is the lifeblood of farmers and the foundation of residents' health. I received a complaint from Hengshan Village Chief Chang Sheng-ho today that the retention pond in Hengshan Park has changed color, suspected to be due to illegal wastewater discharge by a company. Chang Sheng-ho said the park is a good place for people to exercise, and repeated large-scale sewage discharges have made residents 'nervous.'

Initial tests by the Environmental Protection Bureau found that the water's pH levels and heavy metal content were within normal limits, and small fish in the pond appeared unharmed. However, the unusual milky white appearance suggests the discharge of cutting fluid, commonly used in CNC machining operations. Given the pond's proximity to the Taichung Science Park, suspicion has fallen on companies operating within the industrial zone.

Wu Cheng-hsien emphasized the importance of clean water for farmers and residents, noting that repeated instances of suspected wastewater discharge have caused distress. He raised concerns about potential contamination of groundwater, which many local communities rely on for drinking and daily use, especially in older neighborhoods without adequate seepage prevention measures.

“

Wastewater seeping into the ground, many nearby residents or old communities still rely on well water for drinking or daily washing. When the main drainage lacks bottom anti-seepage facilities, the toxins in the wastewater will seep into the shallow groundwater layer, posing a hidden danger to public health.

The Environmental Protection Bureau plans to conduct further investigations this week, tracing the source of the pollution. If a company is found to have illegally discharged waste, it will face fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$3 million, as stipulated by the Water Pollution Control Act. Wu Cheng-hsien pledged to closely monitor the investigation to ensure transparency and hold polluters accountable.

“

After preliminary water sampling and testing, the pH and heavy metal content in the water were not found to exceed the standards. There were also many small fish in the retention pond that did not die. Due to the milky white color of the water, it is presumed to be caused by cutting fluid from CNC machine tools. As this area is within the scope of the Taichung Science Park, the Environmental Protection Bureau will conduct follow-up investigations on Monday. If any company is found to have illegally discharged waste, it will be fined between NT$30,000 and NT$3 million according to Article 30 of the Water Pollution Control Act.