Yilan Water Center Expansion Nears Completion to Tackle Discharge Issues

Residents in the Yilan area have voiced concerns regarding the capacity of the local water resources center, alleging that it releases inadequately treated wastewater into the Yilan River, posing a pollution risk and potentially impacting the livelihoods of fishermen. Images circulating showed the wastewater discharge process, prompting calls for urgent improvements.

In response, the Yilan County Government has clarified that the footage was captured in the first half of last year. Upon receiving local feedback and conducting an on-site inspection, the discharge outlet was immediately sealed, and no further discharge has occurred. The county government emphasized that wastewater treatment plants have design limits, and during extreme weather events like heavy rainfall or typhoons, emergency overflow discharges are necessary to maintain public safety and system stability.

To address the capacity issues, the Yilan County Government secured central government funding for a second phase of expansion. This expansion is projected to increase the daily processing capacity from 30,000 tons to 45,000 tons, which is expected to substantially reduce the environmental impact of wastewater and improve water quality. The second phase of the expansion project is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year and operational shortly thereafter.

This development is crucial for Yilan, a region where environmental quality is closely tied to its natural beauty and economic activities, including fishing. While international coverage might focus on the technical aspects of wastewater management, for Yilan residents, this is about safeguarding their local river, a vital resource for both the environment and the community. The timely completion of the expansion project is seen as a significant step towards ensuring cleaner water and protecting the local ecosystem, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship that resonates deeply within the community.