The Pollution Monitoring Center of the Taoyuan Department of Environmental Protection (TYDEP) received a complaint early this morning (May 15th) at 6 a.m. regarding a large amount of foam in Dakeng River, Guishan District. Immediate dispatch of inspectors revealed that Yuchufang Food Co., Ltd., engaged in food preparation, had inadvertently added excessive cleaning detergent while cleaning utensils, causing wastewater to flow through the riverbed of Dakeng Creek and generate a large amount of foam. The company has been reported for violating Article 30 of the Water Pollution Control Act and could face a maximum fine of NT$3 million.
According to the TYDEP, upon receiving reports of a large amount of foam in Dakeng River, night shift inspectors were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they identified conspicuous white foam downstream of Nanxiang Bridge and traced its origin upstream to Nanmei No. 1 Bridge, where a substantial amount of foam was observed in the ditch in front of the premises of Yuchufang Food Co., Ltd. On-site testing revealed a pH level of 8.2, indicative of alkaline water quality, with no anomalies detected in heavy metal content. It was determined that the pollution source was the cleaning detergent. Further investigation revealed that other upstream businesses were not in operation and had no wastewater discharges at that time. Yuchufang Food Co., Ltd. engages in mass meal food preparation, commencing operations at 4 a.m. daily. Typically, the cleaning wastewater from washing meal containers is directed into an oil/water separation tank. However, today, due to the excessive use of cleaning detergent, the tank generated a substantial amount of foam, which subsequently flowed into the Dakeng River. The riverbed's varied elevations exacerbated this issue, leading to increased foam production as the water cascades. Consequently, this has resulted in a decline in the water quality of Dakeng River and has led to contamination within the Water Pollution Control Zone. The Company has been reported for violating Article 30 of the Water Pollution Control Act and may face fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$3 million.
The TYDEP further noted that its Pollution Monitoring Center operates 24 hours a day to handle public complaints, allowing for the quick dispatch of inspectors. If the waterway is complex, additional manpower will be allocated for regional investigations as needed. The Taoyuan Environmental Protection Bureau (TYDEP) urges all businesses to avoid cutting corners on treatment equipment or engaging in illegal discharges that harm the environment.
Additionally, members of the public are reminded that if they encounter instances of waste dumping, pollution, or other suspected environmental contamination, they should promptly provide information to the TYDEP. They can report such incidents anytime by calling the 24-hour pollution complaint hotline at 0800-066666. This enables the TYDEP to swiftly address and mitigate pollution incidents, thereby collectively safeguarding our beautiful homeland.