According to Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act (SGPRA), Environmental Protection Bureau, Chiayi City (EPBCC) has conducted testing methods for groundwater and soil periodically to ensure the quality. It also includes management of underground storage tanks (USTs), audits, examinations, and educational series of the environment.
In order to maintain the performance of soil and groundwater protection, EPBCC has implemented “Soil and Groundwater Monitoring and Inspection Plan-- Chiayi” (the Plan) in 2020. Through this program, the Chiayi City is able to control the soil and groundwater pollution and promote a friendly environment efficiently. The annual report is outlined below:
1.Groundwater Quality Inspection during the dry and rainy seasons (5 monitoring wells):
(1) The tested concentrations at MW-3 and MW-4N were lower than the groundwater monitoring standards; water quality is normal. However, the concentration of NH4+ at MW-3 and MW-5 surpassed the groundwater monitoring standards.
(2) VOCs, TPH, and MTBE: the results from the monitoring wells at the MW-9 and the I00005 were lower than the groundwater monitoring standards. Among them, the I00005 detected chloroform (0.0685mg/L) and dichloromethane during the dry season, but only a trace of chloroform (0.00185mg/L) was detected during the rainy season, which was lower than the Verification Standard Recommendation Value. Further examination should be implemented to monitor the water quality.
2.Maintenance of the Monitoring Wells (exterior)
Checking the exterior of 20 monitoring wells were completed, including the maintenance of 19 of them. Only a well at the MW-4N had some surface damage due to construction of the 5th River Management, WRA, MOEA. The well was repaired and returned to function normally after the construction.
3.Maintenance of the Monitoring Wells (interior)
Four monitoring wells were assessed and redeveloped. Moreover, matter was removed from five monitoring wells to maintain their original depth.
4.Management of Underground Storage Tanks System
(1) Evaluation of the online data: the initial values were entered during the third quarter of 2019; two sites had abnormal values. After contacting the owners and reevaluation, the follow-up examination was passed during the first quarter of 2020.
(2) Five onsite inspection: all the sites have passed the examination. The functionality of the soil vapor monitoring wells was normal, and the results of leak detection evaluation passed the criteria.
5.Assist EPBCC to review Article 8 and 9 from the SGPR and the related data
By the final report (2020/11/06), one case was sent under review; the reason for this application for the permission of new company setup.
6. Because the reports for soil contamination were normal, the fund was reallocated to monitor the groundwater quality of the Xin Ming Li Hardware Machine Factory. The data showed abnormal values for total hardness, total dissolved solids, concentrations of chorine salts, ammonia, nickel, and zinc which did not pass groundwater monitoring standards. For groundwater controlling standards, the concentration of nickel was higher than the standards.
7.Emergency Response: one incidence
A monitoring well was installed outside of the Xin Ming Li Hardware Machine Factory (soil and groundwater control site) factory on May 31, 2020 to conduct examinations. The inspection of its groundwater quality was completed on June 29, 2020; the tested results have passed the standards
8.Regulation explaining session
The session has helped the participants understand more about the “Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Laws of 8th and 9th” and was held at CPC Chiayi branch on August 13, 2020.
9.Educational series
Through interactive storytelling and videos, the community could learn about the importance of preserving soil and groundwater resources. About 440 people participated in these events.
10.Posting Environmental knowledge on Facebook
Using the EPBCC’s Facebook page, knowledge about soil and groundwater and environmental preservation/ conservation were shared to the general public. Likewise, they were encouraged to share what they have learned to others utilizing social media. The event was completed in May 2020.
11.Training for seeded lecturer
On May 6, 2020, led by certified teachers and volunteers, 17 participants learned about the actions one could take to preserve the environment from the interactive lectures.
12. 20th Anniversary Exhibition of the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Laws
Presenting the Chiayi City in Lego form had attracted many viewers because of its liveliness and creativeness. Moreover, the picture books, puzzles, and interactive series had encouraged those viewers to learn more about groundwater and soil.
13.During project execution period, patrolling the controlled sites is implemented at least once a month: currently, there are one remediation site and two control sites. The progress for each site is listed respectively:
(1) Far Eastern Mechanical Co. Ltd. (soil remediation site): the remediation process has started; the current progress has been up to date.
(2) Gas Station of Jianguo Rd. Co. (Soil control site, the control has been lifted): the soil quality has been verified on June 30, 2020. The site has been announced deregulation on August 14, 2020.
(3) Xin Ming Li Hardware machining Factory (soil and groundwater control site): the pollution control plan has been sent in for review by the EPBCC on May 29th, 2020.
The goals of the plan have been achieved in 2020. The EPB, CYC will continue to focus on monitoring the quality of groundwater and soil.
