Development of Shalun Science Park Impacts Grass Owl Habitat; Environmental Groups Call for Relocation

Central News Agency, Zhang Xiongfeng, Taipei, 27th. The Southern Taiwan Science Park Administration plans to develop the 'Shalun Science Park' in Guiren District, Tainan, covering approximately 506.97 hectares. Due to its significant environmental impact, the project requires a second-stage environmental impact assessment (EIA), which was confirmed at today's EIA committee meeting. Several environmental groups expressed opposition. Chen Hsien-cheng, Vice Chairman of the Society of Wilderness, pointed out that the site is a core habitat for the Class I protected 'Grass Owl' and other endangered species. Hsu Hsin-hsin, CEO of the Government Supervision Alliance, criticized the project as a 'water and power monster,' noting it would require 2.6GW of power and 324,000 tons of water daily. The developer argued that such large plots are rare and promised to preserve key habitats. EIA committee members requested detailed estimates of water and power supply and assessments of chemical usage. The committee ultimately recommended the project proceed to a second-stage EIA.