Taipei Times: Why have you focused on inspecting polluters across the country since you took over the EPA?
Hau Lung-bin (
Take the cadmium-poisoned rice fields in central Taiwan discovered a few months ago as an example. Once the pollution had been discovered, I immediately demanded a comprehensive survey of agricultural fields. Based on the survey, we now have focused on 319 hectares of land that are potentially contaminated with cadmium. We have monitored all of these fields to identify the degree and sources of the contamination.
The cadmium pollution case alerted us to keep an eye on heavy-metal smelters. We have punished legal smelters that cause pollution and forced them to relocate to more suitable places, such as industrial zones. If a smelter is found to be operating illegally, we aren't easy on them. There is only one outcome -- we dismantle the illegal facilities without hesitation.
TT: Can we attribute long-term pollution to poor coordination between the Taipei-based central government and the localities?
Hau: I don't feel the EPA is ignorant of the real situation at the local level. But some things have to take priority. Currently, the EPA focuses on serious pollution cases. We have tried our best to work with our subordinates at local levels on doing that. But I think the problems are not made by the government but are the result of residents' lack of environmental consciousness.
TT: Do you think the rice farmers knew about the pollution before they started using the tainted water for irrigation?
Hau: I'm sure that the farmers knew the river had been polluted by illegal smelters. It was a shame that they did not know of the hidden dangers. As a result, the local cadmium-pollution problems became a national problem. I do believe that a good environment is possible if residents really treasure the land they live on.
TT: Don't you think the problem should have been attributed to the polluters: the illegal smelters?
Hau: Illegal plants are established to make money. I hope that residents who are environmentally aware will be brave enough to expose illegal smelters. Most Taiwanese people tend to make concessions to polluters, and this attitude will lead to more environmental problems.
But being environmentally aware, however, does not mean objecting to everything, such as incinerators or landfills. Acquiring accurate knowledge about environmental issues is necessary. Then reasoned dialogue is possible.
TT: How can residents acquire accurate information about environmental issues?
Hau: Children are taught by school teachers about environmental protection concepts. In society, residents can learn about it from environmental policies. For example, limiting the use of plastic bags and disposable utensils is a kind of social education. In terms of the environment, the policy aims to reduce the use environmentally unfriendly materials. In terms of promoting environmental consciousness, the policy not only informs people about the disadvantages of these materials but also enhances people's awareness of potential pollution.
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