THSR Nangang Station Foam Spill onto Road, Taipei Environmental Protection Bureau Fines NT$6,000

(CNA reporter Chen Yu-ting, Taipei, June 30) The foam equipment at Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Nangang Station inexplicably discharged foam yesterday, which overflowed onto the surrounding road. The Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau stated that it has confirmed there are no environmental pollution concerns and has imposed a fine of NT$6,000 for violating the Waste Disposal Act, and will seek compensation for the cleanup costs.

Yesterday afternoon, the Taipei City Fire Department received a report that the foam equipment in the machine room of THSR Nangang Station inexplicably discharged, causing a large amount of foam to cover the road in the alley between Civic Boulevard and Zhongxiao East Road. Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene to assist with cleanup, while a cordon was set up and police traffic control was coordinated.

The Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau issued a press release today stating that after understanding the situation with THSR, it was discovered that a fire suppression system malfunction caused foam to flow into the side ditch and then overflow onto the road. In addition to the fire department's assistance in handling the situation, THSR also dispatched water trucks, and the Environmental Protection Bureau simultaneously deployed sludge flushing vehicles and street sweepers for cleanup.

The Environmental Protection Bureau stated that subsequent confirmation revealed the white foam to be water-soluble and posing no environmental pollution risk. However, manpower, vehicles, and equipment were still required to ensure the restoration of normal conditions in the road and side ditch environment. Therefore, in accordance with Article 27 of the Waste Disposal Act, THSR was fined NT$6,000, and compensation for the cleanup costs, approximately NT$45,000, was sought based on the polluter pays principle.

The Environmental Protection Bureau reminds all business entities to implement regular equipment inspections and environmental management to prevent environmental impacts caused by equipment malfunctions or operational errors. In the event of sudden pollution incidents, necessary protective measures should be taken immediately, and authorities should be notified to jointly maintain the quality of the urban environment. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 1150630

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