CONTROL YUAN, TAIWAN | CY Urges VAC to Rectify Waste and Pesticide Violations at Its Affiliated Farms and to Uphold Environmental Responsibilities

The Fushoushan Veterans Farm, affiliated to the Veteran Affairs Council (VAC), was found to have committed violations in the handling of business waste. In addition, both Fushoushan and Wuling Veterans Farms were found to have engaged in improper pesticide use. On March 20, 2025, the Control Yuan (CY) Committee on Foreign and National Defense Affairs approved the investigation report submitted by CY members Fan Sun-Lu, Lin Wen-Cheng, and Upay Radio Kanasaw. The report urges the VAC to conduct a thorough review and implement improvements, and calls on the Taichung City Government and Council of Indigenous Peoples to expedite the relocation of the garbage transfer station at Fushoushan Farm.

The investigation revealed that Fushoushan Farm had been disposing of approximately 75 metric tons of general waste per month without obtaining the legally required approval from the Environmental Protection Bureau of Taichung City Government. The waste included pesticide containers containing hazardous substances. In addition, the farm directly dumped kitchen waste generated from its operations, without installing the required facilities or taking measures to prevent the infiltration of surface water, rainwater, and groundwater. It was also found that waste wood was openly burned on site, in violation of the Air Pollution Control Act. Moreover, the investigation found that the pesticides used by both Fushoushan and Wuling Farms were clearly labeled as prohibited for use in water quality and conservation areas. These pesticides are toxic to aquatic organisms and may be harmful to the quality of water sources and environmental sanitation. The report concludes that the above-mentioned issues should be reviewed and improved.

The CY members further pointed out that, following the 921 earthquake in 1999, the Central Cross-Island Highway was severely damaged, making waste removal in the Grand Lishan area difficult. As a result, Fushoushan Farm has provided land for use as a temporary garbage transfer station for over 23 years. The continued accumulation of waste has posed risks to the quality of local water sources. The Taichung City Government and the Council of Indigenous Peoples are therefore urged to accelerate the land allocation process for a new garbage transfer station and to build another one that meets environmental protection standards. These actions are necessary to properly resolve the area's waste management challenges, fulfil environmental responsibilities, and create a harmonious natural environment.

Source: The Control Yuan, Taiwan