Around noon on February 18, a significant accumulation of foam appeared in the Dongmen River section upstream of the Nankan River, near the intersection of Sanmin Road and Riguang Road in Taoyuan District, drawing public concern. Upon receiving reports, the Department of Environmental Protection of the Taoyuan City Government (TYDEP) immediately dispatched personnel for an inspection. Following an upstream investigation, the source of pollution was confirmed to be a car wash facility at a gas station on Sanmin Road, Section 2. The facility failed to properly treat its car wash wastewater, leading to a violation of Article 30 of the Water Pollution Control Act. The operator now faces a maximum fine of NT$3 million and has been ordered to implement corrective measures within a specified timeframe.
The TYDEP stated that it received reports from residents and local councilors earlier that day regarding a massive amount of foam covering the surface of the Dongmen River. Upon arrival, inspectors observed foam-laden wastewater continuously discharging from a nearby rainwater box culvert and immediately initiated a source-tracing operation. By systematically inspecting the drainage path, it was confirmed that the foam originated from the car wash attached to a gas station on Sanmin Road, Section 2. The facility had discharged foam-containing wastewater into the side ditches without proper collection and treatment, in violation of water pollution regulations.
The TYDEP pointed out that car wash wastewater contains surfactants and other chemical components. If discharged untreated, it not only impacts the river’s aesthetics with foam but can also pose a significant threat to water quality and the local aquatic ecosystem. Operators are required to install and operate wastewater treatment equipment properly to ensure that the discharged water meets standards. In addition to the formal citation, the TYDEP has demanded that the operator conduct a comprehensive review of its pollution prevention facilities to prevent future occurrences.
The TYDEP emphasized that “law enforcement never takes a holiday.” Even during the Lunar New Year period, inspectors remain on duty to monitor potential pollution activities. They warned unscrupulous operators not to take chances and urged all business units to implement self-management and regularly inspect their pollution control equipment. Should any malfunction or operational anomaly be discovered, immediate improvements must be made to prevent the spread of pollution.
Citizens who witness pollution incidents are encouraged to call the 1999 Citizen Service Hotline or the 0800-066666 Public Nuisance Petition Hotline. Both services are available 24 hours a day, and the TYDEP will dispatch personnel promptly to investigate and take action.