The "Northern Taiwan Environmental Collaborative Exchange Platform" held its 6th meeting yesterday (13th), hosted by the Department of Environmental Protection (TYDEP) of the Taoyuan City Government. During this platform meeting, the TYDEP shared the annual results of the Silent Taoyuan Project. Additionally, a proposal has been put forth to the central government to tighten noise control standards for mobile vehicles, advancing from phases 5 to 6. This proposal also includes the establishment of nighttime noise control standards for mobile vehicles and proposes an increase in penalty amounts. Jointly approved by the municipalities of Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan, the proposal is slated for collective submission to the central government for further deliberation and action. Additionally, considering the upcoming summer vacation, the four cities of Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan plan to expand joint night inspections for noise pollution vehicles during the summer nights, which received unanimous consensus at the meeting.
TYDEP Director-General Chen Shih-wei stated that the Silent Taoyuan Project, launched in June 2023, has reached its one-year mark. During this period, joint inspections with the Police Department have resulted in 2,657 vehicular noise violations and 2,152 joint inspection stops, the highest in the nation. Furthermore, 284 investigations into illegal exhaust modifications were conducted, resulting in penalties for 7 businesses violating business registration laws. Complaints have decreased by 23.5%, showcasing significant effectiveness in restoring peaceful nights for citizens.
The TYDEP indicated that this meeting of the Northern Taiwan Environmental Collaborative Exchange Platform not only highlighted achievements in noise control but also facilitated significant cooperation in various environmental initiatives. These included bottom ash treatment, fly ash stabilization disposal, regional waste management, kitchen waste management, and incineration recycled material disposal. The collaborative efforts among the four cities underscored the platform's efficacy and set a benchmark for regional environmental management.
According to the TYDEP, since the inception of the Northern Taiwan Environmental Collaborative Exchange Platform, over 20 proposals and discussions have taken place on various topics. The wide range of issues discussed highlights the importance of cross-regional horizontal exchanges. Moving forward, the platform will continue to collaborate in maintaining a shared, high-quality living environment for the residents of the four cities, safeguarding their health and environmental quality.