Introduction
About the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Fund Management Board
Soil and groundwater are essential resources for human survival. To safeguard environmental quality and public health, the Environmental Protection Administration (now the Ministry of Environment, MOENV) established the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Fund Management Board (hereinafter referred to as Management Board) in 2001. The Management Board is dedicated to pollution prevention, investigation, remediation, and related tasks. Its efforts ensure the sustainable use of land and groundwater resources.
- 1. Prevention First: Develop comprehensive management procedures and monitoring strategies for areas with potential pollution risks.
- 2. Emergency Response: Once pollution is detected, promptly initiate investigation, risk assessment, and necessary administrative actions.
- 3. Legal Recovery: Pursue cost recovery from polluters in accordance with the "polluter pays" principle.
- 4. Public Education: Promote public awareness of soil and groundwater issues through education and outreach activities.
According to the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act, the Fund is earmarked for exclusive purposes. Its primary sources include remediation fees, payments by polluters, government appropriations, and other specified income. The Fund is allocated to the following areas:
- 1. Pollution investigation and remediation operations
- 2. Health risk assessments and environmental monitoring
- 3. Litigation and cost recovery for soil and groundwater pollution disputes
- 4. International environmental cooperation and professional training
- 5. Administrative and personnel management expenditures
For polluted sites, the Management Board classifies based on pollution severity. Polluted sites as control sites or remediation sites based on the severity of contamination. Each category is subject to corresponding risk management or remediation measures, ensuring soil and groundwater quality, protecting public health, and preserving the environment for future generations.
The Management Board actively engages in international collaboration by organizing training programs, workshops, and conferences across the Asia-Pacific region. These initiatives facilitate knowledge sharing, strengthen technical capacity, and support the overseas expansion of Taiwan’s environmental remediation industry.
If you discover potential pollution, please call the Environmental Protection Hotline 0800-066-666 or contact your local Environmental Protection Bureau. Together, we can safeguard our land and groundwater resources.