LNG plans already take measures to mind reefs
By Liou Je-wei 劉哲瑋
The government’s energy transition plan includes the nation’s third liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at the Guantang Industrial Park (觀塘工業區) off Datan Borough (大潭) in Taoyuan’s Guanyin District (觀音).
Because it is close to algal reefs, some environmental protection groups are promoting a referendum on the plan in an attempt to block construction of the terminal and protect the reefs.
To avoid a trainwreck, the Ministry of Economic Affairs on Monday announced that the terminal would be built a further 455m offshore at 1.2km. Doing so would eliminate the need for dredging in the reef area and minimize the impact of the construction on the environment.
Environmental groups split over Cabinet plan to relocate LNG project
05/04/2021 10:20 PM
Environmental groups protest outside the Executive Yuan in Taipei on Monday. CNA photo May 3, 2021
Taipei, May 4 (CNA) A government proposal to relocate a controversial liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, moving it further away from the algae reefs on Taiwan s north coast, drew mixed responses from environmental groups Tuesday.
Responding to the Cabinet s relocation plan that was released Monday, some environmental groups said it was the best compromise, while others panned it as ineffective.
Rescue Datan s Algal Reefs Alliance, which initiated a national referendum on the project, said the government had failed to explore all possible alternatives to the current LNG terminal, which is being built off the coast of Datan Borough in Taoyuan.
Environmental groups split on new LNG plan
By Lee Hsin-fang, Chien Hui-ju and Jake Chung / Staff reporters, with staff writer
Environmental groups are split over an Executive Yuan proposal to move a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal an additional 455m from the coast of Datan Borough (大潭) in Taoyuan’s Guanyin District (觀音) to reduce its impact on algal reefs.
The planned terminal has sparked an outcry from environmentalists, who fear that it would damage the algal reefs in the area. They have successfully petitioned for a referendum to block the project.
However, support for the referendum has wavered and environmental advocates are divided on the issue, Taiwan Citizen Participation Association director-general Ho Tsung-hsun (何宗勳) said.