On the morning of the 9th in Nantou County, air quality began to deteriorate at 7 a.m. The Zhushan and Nantou weather stations saw a continuous worsening of conditions. The Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) promptly initiated its response mechanism. Weather conditions remained unchanged, and the air quality continued to deteriorate. At 10:00 a.m., a command center was established, and an emergency response meeting was convened to assess response strategies and the situation.
The EPB stated that today, the predominant wind field is the northeasterly seasonal wind, and the primary wind direction in the Nantou area is from the east. Due to the influence of down-slope airflow from the Central Mountain Range, the maximum wind speed does not exceed 2.5 m/s, resulting in a weakening of wind speed. This weakening of wind speed leads to the transport of foreign pollutants into the local area, contributing to the accumulation of pollutants and deteriorating air quality. The EPB has been monitoring changes in air quality within the county and has assessed that air quality continues to deteriorate. In response to this situation, they have established an Air Quality Control Command Center and initiated related response measures to enhance their capacity to address this issue.
Nantou County is susceptible to external transportation influences. In response, they have immediately implemented various measures, including: Broadcasting and releasing notifications about air quality status from fixed pollution sources and the response platform, followed by on-site inspections by personnel; implementing vehicle license plate identification checks, intensifying inspections on high-pollution vehicles' routes or areas, and visually assessing emissions; strengthening street cleaning operations on key roads, enhancing water spraying on exposed areas in the Niaozueitan Lake artificial lake project and entrances/exits, and performing water spraying on roadways during the transportation of soil and rocks; carrying out broadcast advisories to urge the public not to engage in outdoor burning, and conducting inspections.
Yi-shu Li, the Director-general of the EPB, stated that based on weather assessments, although the northeasterly seasonal wind will strengthen on the 10th and 11th, leading to improved dispersion conditions, areas in the south of the central region remain downwind and are still susceptible to the accumulation of pollutants. The Nantou County Government EPB advises the public to reduce outdoor activities if they experience discomfort. When going outside, it is recommended to wear masks and stay updated on the latest information from the EPB.