I. Emission control in emission hot spots
As the new VOCs emission standards became active in July 1st, 2014.The average air pollutant emission from flares of the 4 petrochemical plants in was showing 93~99% improvement. Based on the radar map from the Taixi monitoring station, the propylene emission from the Offshore Industrial Park had decreased by 83% from 2007 to 2015. The data from Xiaogang monitoring station also showed that the ethylene from Renda Industrial Park and CPC Kaohsiung Plant was reduced by 57%. The ozone non-compliance days in the Yunlin-Chiayi-Nantou Air Quality Zones were 1.8 days/year in 2016, successfully stepping down from Class 3 Air Quality Zones to Class 2. The Kaohsiung-Pingtung Air Quality Zones was also 6.2 days/year, progressing toward Class 2 Air Quality Zones. However, emission of flares during maintenance still impacts air quality significantly.
To control the emission in Taichung Port Area, regulations were strengthened to reduce emissions from Taichung Power Plant, Dragon Steel Company, and the logistic companies. To reduce mobile source emissions, filters were applied to trucks and ships as well as lowering the speed limit while entering the port area. Measure were also taken to reduce fugitive particulate emissions.
II. Emission reduction in the Central Air Quality Zone
The analysis indicated that the alkenes were the primary contributors to the OFP, while the aromatic compounds are the primary contributors for OFP, HI, SOA, and OR. Since the control of alkenes has been active for many years, this year, the control of aromatic compounds especially the toluene, is the primary objective.
As for the reduction of PM10 emission, our research indicated that the emission of PM10 mainly came from fugitive dusts, for example the rock and sand stockpiles in Shalu, land developments in Erlin, and river dredging operations near Nantou. The Puzi Station was affected by farmland fugitive, and Mailiao and Lunbei Stations were affected by river bed fugitives.
As for the control of PM2.5 pollutant, as of 2015, the sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides emissions had reduced by 31% and 17%, respectively, meaning more efforts will be necessary. This project also investigated the impact of air quality by particular behaviors. The Erlin Monitoring station detected high level of PM2.5 from June 20th to July 15th of 2015 due to the burning of crop wastes. The PM2.5 in Puli Monitoring Station peaks during weekends and holidays from heavy traffic.
Lunbei Monitoring Station detected the highest concentration of NH3. Moreover, the concentration of NH3 had high correlation with the number of pigs in the Lunbei Township. Since Pingtung County and Yuinlin County are the top two pig raising counties in Taiwan, the EPA is aiming to promote the reuse livestock feces.
III. The Revision of Stationary Sources Emission Standards
The “Air pollutant emission standards for ceramic factories” was passed on November 8th of 2016. This year the emission standards for cement factories is being revised. Other than strengthening the traditional PSN standards, mercury and fluoride standards were also implemented. After the implementation of the new VOCs standards, the number of non-attainment days for ozone has significantly decreased. Further investigations are also required to understand the effects of the newly implemented emission standards for steel refineries, glass manufactures, electricity industries, and stationary sources on the PM2.5 concentrations.
