AIR GUARDIAN: Permitless operators, failure to cease operations and recidivism are among the situations where offenders could be fined NT$20m, the EPA said
Taipei Times
Date: Mar 19, 2019
By: Lin Chia-nan / Staff reporter
The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) yesterday announced draft guidelines
A couple looks at the Taipei skyline shrouded in smog on March 3.Photo: CNA
that outline which breaches of the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) would bring the maximum fine of NT$20 million (US$648,677), saying fines could be calculated according to the frequency of violations.
The maximum fine was increased from NT$1 million after amendments to the law took effect in August last year, the EPA said, adding that its guidelines outline situations that would warrant the new maximum fine.
Serious breaches include pollution emitters that do not have permits, those that fail to halt operations as ordered and those that repeatedly contravene the act after being told to improve twice within a year, it said.
Other breaches that could draw the maximum fine are factories that emit large amounts of air pollutants that seriously affect air quality, those that emit hazardous air pollutants, endangering public health, and those that emit pollutants via unlicensed outlets, the EPA said. [FULL STORY]
