CHANGHUA (TVBS News) — Changhua's Environmental Protection Bureau (彰化縣環保局) launched an emergency response Monday (Nov. 25) as air quality in central Taiwan reached the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" orange alert level. As a result, the bureau instructed Taichung Power Plant (台中火力發電廠) and Mailiao Power Plant (麥寮電廠) to implement response measures, reducing output by 3,750 MW.
The bureau identified offshore continental high pressure and easterly winds worsening pollution dispersion in western Taiwan, leading to increased afternoon ozone levels. Officials have notified the county's top 74 public and private entities to manage air pollution autonomously. They also requested temples to adopt environmentally friendly practices and construction sites to enhance pollution control.
Inspectors check pollution control equipment in public and private locations, cracking down on open-burning and high-pollution vehicles. They also conduct idling vehicle checks at critical intersections to prevent further deterioration of air quality. The bureau stated it had entered a high-risk season for poor air quality and employs technological enforcement with 500 sensors monitoring air quality 24 hours a day.
Moreover, the bureau has intensified inspection frequency and urged businesses to use AI image recognition and drones to enhance pollution prevention. Officials advised the public to limit strenuous outdoor activities, strengthen health protections, use public transportation, and wear masks while staying updated on air quality information.