Suspected Foam Pollution in Keelung River; Water Supply Unaffected Pending Tests

(CNA Reporter Shen Ju-feng, Keelung, 12th) The Keelung City Government stated that the Dingnei section of the Keelung River was suspected of being polluted by foam on Wednesday afternoon. Initial tests using heavy metal test strips showed no abnormalities, and the public water supply remains unaffected. The city's Environmental Protection Bureau will track the pollution source upstream.

The Keelung City Government's Public Works Department reported that after the suspected foam pollution was discovered in the afternoon, Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang immediately contacted the heads of the Environmental Protection Bureau, Fire Bureau, and Public Works Department. He instructed relevant units to quickly grasp the situation and actively trace the pollution source.

Public Works Department Director Chien I-che stated that, following confirmation with the water corporation, the foam had not entered the pumping station. The water corporation immediately suspended pumping operations at the site and switched to the Xinshan Reservoir for the water supply. Currently, the water supply is normal, and residents' water usage is unaffected.

Chien pointed out that the city will continue to maintain contact with the Environmental Protection Bureau, the water corporation, and other relevant units to monitor water quality and the progress of the pollution source investigation. Monitoring will be strengthened to ensure a safe water supply.

The Environmental Protection Bureau indicated that after inspectors tested the water quality of the main drainage at the scene, heavy metal test strips showed no abnormalities. Oil booms have been deployed to control the spread of pollution, and the source is being investigated upstream. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150612