TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Environment (MOENV, 環境部) announced Tuesday (Dec. 31) an update to Taiwan's air pollution control zones, adding New Taipei City, Taichung City, Changhua County, Nantou County, and Chiayi City as PM10 Level 3 control areas. These changes, effective Wednesday, respond to stricter air quality standards.
The ministry based the new designations on three years of air quality monitoring data, aligning with the revised air quality standards released on Sept. 30. They clarified that the addition of these areas to Level 3 control zones does not indicate worsening air quality; instead, MOENV claimed that the standard has been tightened, raising the threshold for compliance. Eleven counties and cities now fall under the PM10 Level 3 category, up from six.
Under the "Air Pollution Control Act" (空氣污染防制法), Level 3 areas must implement stricter pollution control measures. These include adopting the best feasible control technology for new pollution sources and reducing emissions from existing ones, alongside higher pollution fees. The ministry emphasized plans to strengthen the control of fugitive particulate matter, including dust prevention at material storage sites, roads, and construction sites.
Efforts continue to enhance the control of PM2.5 and ozone emissions through comprehensive air pollution control programs. These initiatives aim to intensify factory emission regulations and reduce traffic and other pollution sources.
