Countdown to New Rules for Asphalt Industry: Failure to Install Gas Collection Facilities Faces Fine Up to NT$20 Million
Taiwan's Ministry of Environment is strictly enforcing new air pollution regulations for the asphalt industry. Operators failing to install gas collection facilities by July 6 face fines up to NT$20 million and possible suspension.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 17, 2026 at 20:18
- 🔍 Collected: April 17, 2026 at 20:31 (13 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 18, 2026 at 22:12 (25h 40m after Collected)
(Central News Agency Reporter Wu Hsin-yun, Taipei, 17th) To solve the problem of odor nuisance caused by the asphalt mixing industry, the Ministry of Environment has launched a special national inspection of the asphalt industry, requiring operators to optimize their gas collection facilities. If they fail to install them within the time limit, they can be fined up to NT$20 million, and may even face work suspension or revocation of operating permits.
The Ministry of Environment issued a press release today pointing out that the "Management Regulations for Air Pollution Control Facilities of Fugitive Particulate Pollutants from Stationary Pollution Sources" stipulates that loading and unloading operations in the asphalt mixing industry must be equipped with local gas collection systems or adopt closed-system operations. This will be officially implemented on July 6, but according to the latest inventory data from the Northern Regional Environmental Management Center, nearly 70% of operators have not yet completed the installation.
The Ministry of Environment urges operators who have not yet installed the equipment to step up their pace, so as not to face heavy fines ranging from NT$100,000 to NT$20 million for failing to install them after the regulations take effect. Severe cases will also face business suspension, work stoppage, or revocation of operating permits.
The Ministry of Environment stated that to effectively respond to public complaints, it has instructed regional environmental management centers to carry out special inspection plans. Taking the Northern Center as an example, since the launch of the project, it has strengthened inspections on key manufacturers with high complaint frequencies. Within six months, it has already penalized 2 cases of violations and ordered one factory with serious violations to suspend work.
The Ministry of Environment pointed out that data shows that since the start of the project, the number of public nuisance complaints related to the asphalt industry has shown a steady downward trend, dropping from an average of 15.1 cases per quarter to 10 cases in the first quarter of the 115th year of the Republic Era (2026).
The Ministry of Environment stated that the buffer period for the regulations has entered the countdown stage, urging all asphalt operators across the country to immediately inspect and optimize their pollution control equipment to fulfill their corporate environmental responsibilities. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150417
The Ministry of Environment issued a press release today pointing out that the "Management Regulations for Air Pollution Control Facilities of Fugitive Particulate Pollutants from Stationary Pollution Sources" stipulates that loading and unloading operations in the asphalt mixing industry must be equipped with local gas collection systems or adopt closed-system operations. This will be officially implemented on July 6, but according to the latest inventory data from the Northern Regional Environmental Management Center, nearly 70% of operators have not yet completed the installation.
The Ministry of Environment urges operators who have not yet installed the equipment to step up their pace, so as not to face heavy fines ranging from NT$100,000 to NT$20 million for failing to install them after the regulations take effect. Severe cases will also face business suspension, work stoppage, or revocation of operating permits.
The Ministry of Environment stated that to effectively respond to public complaints, it has instructed regional environmental management centers to carry out special inspection plans. Taking the Northern Center as an example, since the launch of the project, it has strengthened inspections on key manufacturers with high complaint frequencies. Within six months, it has already penalized 2 cases of violations and ordered one factory with serious violations to suspend work.
The Ministry of Environment pointed out that data shows that since the start of the project, the number of public nuisance complaints related to the asphalt industry has shown a steady downward trend, dropping from an average of 15.1 cases per quarter to 10 cases in the first quarter of the 115th year of the Republic Era (2026).
The Ministry of Environment stated that the buffer period for the regulations has entered the countdown stage, urging all asphalt operators across the country to immediately inspect and optimize their pollution control equipment to fulfill their corporate environmental responsibilities. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150417