Pin-nan Industrial Area Case

In July 1993, the Tuntex group released its plan in building a new oil refinery and aromatic hydrocarbon extraction factory in Cigu, Tainan County. This building project was known as No. 7 Naphtha Cracking Project. In the same month, another business tycoon, the Ye-long group, also filed an application for building a new steel factory to the Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs. However, the area where the two building plans were about to take place has long been the habitat of Platalea minor (Black-faced Spoonbill), thus generating a great deal of controversies. To respond to such environmental concerns, both Tuntex and Ye-long groups decided to change their location to Cigu saltern, which was owned by a government corporation, Taiyen. All these plans were undergone the EIA processes and were divided into three cases including the Pin-nan industrial area case, the substitute program for petrochemical integrated factory and industrial reserved port, and the substitute program for consistent operating factory and industrial reserved port. 

    In the three cases, the Pin-nan industrial area case passed the EIA with certain conditions, but both the substitute program for petrochemical integrated factory and industrial reserved port, and the substitute program for consistent operating factory and industrial reserved port failed the initial process and were required to enter into the second stage of assessment. While they were seen as the three cases, they should nevertheless be examined altogether as they have impaced the same area, Cigu. Many enviormental groups and local residents contended these building plans posed great threat to local lagoon, fish farms, salt pans and coastal area. Eventually, the EIA processes turned into a battlefield between businesses, local residents and various government agencies, national or local.

    On October 30, 1996, the Ministry of Economic Affairs convened a meeting about water supply in Pin-nan industrial area, and on May 21, 1997, the investigative meeting of water supply was also held. In the same year, the local government also held the investigation on water supply. In April 1998, the national government, the Executive Yuan, questioned the water and power supplies of the Pin-nan industrial area. Later the Tainan county government rescinded its support for the Pin-nan project and asked for a withdrawal in July 2002. In addition, due to the potential threats to endangered species, marine creatures, as well as nearby lagoons, environmental groups made their petition to the Control Yuan to conduct investigation on any government wrongdoings concerning the development of the area. Till this day, controversies surrounding the developments remain unresolved and the EIA process failed to provide any rational discussions, not to mention reaching any consensus. By thoroughly examining this case, this research project seeks upon its completion to provide an ultimate solution and workable institution-design to these most intricate and politically contested EIA issues and problems.