Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling launched a professional technical team dealing with marine chemical spill incidents May 13 in the southern city of Kaohsiung, an advance in forging a response system for marine pollution.
The 60-member group included three technical experts, including those dealing with hazardous and noxious substances as well as 39 staff members from OAC and the Ministries of Economic Affairs, Environment, Interior, Transportation and Communications and local governments.
The team’s core mission is to utilize high-tech monitoring and detection equipment to make rapid evaluations and take immediate action to diminish the level of pollution when incidents arise, the minister said. She added that team members are experienced in disaster response and familiar with procedures including contaminant identification, thus decreasing response time and risk.
At the event, the OAC displayed protective gear and relevant instruments, including a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, which analyzes solids, liquids and gases.
Kuan noted that she requested the Ocean Conservation Administration to organize professional training for dealing with marine chemical spills and amended emergency response for resulting pollution after she took office. She added that the establishment of a technical team was the result of long-term planning as well as an embodiment of joint work by central and local governments.
The minister concluded by reiterating her commitment to safeguarding the ocean and ensuring clean and secure ocean resources for future generations. (POC-E)
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