At the "2023 Environmental Protection Performance Evaluation Outstanding Institutions Awards Ceremony" held today by the Ministry of Environment (MOE), the Taoyuan City Department of Environmental Protection (TYDEP) was honored with ten prestigious awards. Minister Chang Tzi-chin of the MOE personally presented the awards, commending Taoyuan's exemplary achievements in environmental protection and pollution prevention. Deputy Director-General Yeh Meng-fen accepted the accolades on behalf of TYDEP. The awards include: "Outstanding Performance in Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Education," "Excellent Performance in Air Quality Maintenance and Noise Control," "Outstanding Performance in Water Quality Protection and Soil Remediation," "Outstanding Performance in Resource Recycling," "Excellent Performance in Climate Change Action," "Outstanding Performance in Net-Zero Green Living," "Outstanding Performance in Environmental Measurement and General Affairs," "Excellent Performance in Waste Management and Environmental Management," "Outstanding Performance in Toxic Substances and Chemical Management," and "Outstanding Overall Performance in Environmental Protection."
TYDEP Director-General Chen Shih-wei noted that despite the significant environmental challenges associated with being a major industrial hub in northern Taiwan, Taoyuan has achieved remarkable success through the collective efforts of the city government, civic organizations, and the dedicated team at TYDEP. Director Chen extended a special thanks to the citizens of Taoyuan for their crucial support in these initiatives, which has been crucial for maintaining high standards in national environmental performance assessments. TYDEP will continue to advance new environmental policies, guiding Taoyuan toward becoming a sustainable and net-zero livable city for all.
TYDEP noted that Taoyuan has led the nation in green procurement, with a total of NT$560 million spent on eco-friendly purchases, earning top honors for 13 consecutive years. In air pollution control, the city has pushed for coal reduction in cogeneration plants, implemented AI-powered dust detection and sprinkler systems at construction sites, and introduced smart vehicle recognition technologies, resulting in significant improvements in air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has seen a steady decrease in poor air quality days, now down to just 3.2 days annually.
In terms of water pollution prevention, the city has not only tightened regulations but also promoted voluntary reductions, leading to a gradual decrease in industrial wastewater. The "Silent Taoyuan" noise control project has effectively reduced complaints, while proactive measures in toxic substance management and disaster prevention, including joint inspections with law enforcement to curb industrial use of nitrous oxide, have further safeguarded public health.
Furthermore, Taoyuan is setting a benchmark with the establishment of the nation's first three-in-one biomass energy center, slated to be operational by the end of 2023, which will significantly enhance the city’s waste treatment capabilities. In response to climate change, TYDEP has collaborated with local businesses to recycle over 30 metric tons of ocean plastic bottles, promoting the blue economy and fostering environmental sustainability. Looking ahead, TYDEP is committed to further integrating AI technology into environmental monitoring and inspections to boost efficiency and effectiveness, aligning with Taoyuan's ongoing efforts to transition into a sustainable and net-zero city. These accolades mark just the beginning of Taoyuan's journey towards comprehensive environmental stewardship and innovation.