Environmental Protection Bureau of Taichung City Government has so far received 778 petitions against open burning violations, of which 34 violators have been caught on the scene and imposed of a fine of no less than NT$5000 but no more than NT$100,000. The offenders are also required to take part in an environment workshop in accordance with Article 23-2 of the Environmental Education Act.

To make people aware that open burning affects air quality, the EPB has produced some advocacy films to tell farmers not to burn anything in the open, held propaganda and demonstrations with competent agricultural authorities, used marquees and LED screens to broadcast relevant messages at a number of district offices, and asked village mayors to regularly broadcast through radio the “no open burning” messages before and during the harvest season.In addition, the EPB has also asked its EPB cleaning teams to spread the messages when their vehicles are moving around the city.

EPB Director-general Huang Chong-dian (黃崇典)urges farmers not to burn the rice stalk and straw during the upcoming 2nd harvest but plow and turn the soil, instead, to protect our environment. Director-general Huang also asks all our citizens to help monitor the situation. If you find any open burning case, please call petition hotline 04-22291747 or 2229-1748. The EPB invites you to join hands to protect our environment.