The environmental pollution generated during construction processes often leads to complaints and petitions from residents. To address this issue, the Taoyuan City Department of Environmental Protection (TYDEP) held the "2024 Environmental Protection and Control Awareness Conference for Construction Projects" today (April 18). The seminar aimed to enhance the understanding and implementation of legal regulations among relevant units in Taoyuan City, especially construction companies that have been subject to repeated complaints for causing environmental pollution. The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of construction projects and improve the quality of life for residents.
According to the TYDEP, to safeguard the quality of living environments, revisions were made to the "Regulations on Prohibiting Activities that Disturb the Peace: Time, Areas, or Places Within Noise Control Zones in Taoyuan City" on November 1, 2023. According to these regulations, construction projects are prohibited from using handheld tools or power machinery that generate noise during the following times: weekdays from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM the next day, weekends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM the next day, and from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Fines will be imposed on violators in accordance with Article 23 of the Noise Control Act, with fines starting at NT$3,000 and increasing progressively to a maximum of NT$30,000. Penalties will be doubled during nighttime periods. According to statistics, since the amendment took effect until March 2024, 61 cases have been penalized for violating the specified time periods in the announcement. The TYDEP urges construction companies to strengthen self-management and adhere to regulations. In addition to ensuring building safety, they should also uphold the tranquility and quality of life of surrounding communities of work sites, creating a more comfortable and clean living environment for residents.
During the conference, regulations such as the Noise Control Act, management of construction site runoff wastewater, and handling of industrial waste were emphasized. The "Strengthened Management Guidelines for Public Works Air Pollution and Noise Prevention" and the "Management Regulations for Construction Project Air Pollution Control Facilities" were also promoted. Specifically regarding noise and air pollution, the TYDEP recommends that construction units incorporate related preventive facilities, drawings, detailed cost breakdowns, and self-inspection forms into contract documents during the planning and design stage. This is to establish a self-management system for proprietors, supervisors, and contractors.
The TYDEP emphasizes that the impact of construction projects on the surrounding environment in the city relies on efforts from various units starting from the source. Strengthened management at each stage is necessary to effectively implement relevant preventive measures and avoid violations of environmental regulations and subsequent penalties. Should members of the public observe environmental pollution such as noise, wastewater discharge, and air pollution generated at construction sites, they are encouraged to call the Environmental Pollution Complaint Hotline at 0800-066666 or the Citizen Service Hotline at 1999. The TYDEP will promptly dispatch personnel to conduct inspections.