Due to seasonal strong winds and brief periods of heavy rainfall, debris often accumulates along the mid-to-lower reaches of the Touqian River. With the completion of green beautification and recreational facilities at the Doulun Levee along Xinglong Road in Zhubei City, the area has become a popular spot for exercise and sightseeing. The park features green corridors, cycling paths, baseball and softball fields, a dog park, and the Doulun Air Quality Zone. However, the levee-top pathways and slopes behind the levee are prone to human littering. Today (15th), the Second River Management Office of the Water Resources Agency, in collaboration with the Hsinchu County Government, Hsinchu County Council, Zhubei City Office, Zhubei City Women's Association, and the Qingxi Women's Association, organized a cleanup and hiking event along the Touqian River section from the Touqian River Bridge to the National Freeway No. 1 bridge.
The event involved participants walking along the flood protection road, levee-top pathway, and levee slopes while picking up litter. The trash was categorized according to the ICC (International Coastal Cleanup) classification system and sorted for recycling. The ICC data sheets track 42 types of waste, divided into five main categories: "Shoreline & Recreational Activities," "Ocean/Waterway Activities," "Smoking-Related," "Dumping Activities," and "Medical/Personal Hygiene." Through waste composition data analysis, it was found that up to 70% of the trash along the Touqian River shoreline comes from recreational and everyday activities, including PET bottles, plastic bags, food wrappers, cigarette butts, and wet wipes. This allowed participants and volunteers to gain a clear understanding of the types and sources of waste, encouraging them to adopt better waste management practices in their daily lives by reducing plastic use and recycling more. The cleanup event thus carried deeper educational significance.
Director Yang Renjie of the Second River Management Office called on local residents, community groups, volunteer teams, schools, and businesses near rivers and coastlines to work together to raise awareness and protect the cleanliness of water environments. He encouraged everyone to practice the habit of taking their trash with them after recreational activities to help preserve the cleanliness of rivers and coastlines. Additionally, along the levees and protective embankments under the office’s jurisdiction, mileage markers have been installed. If the public encounters any issues such as damage to flood protection roads or structures, industrial waste encroachment, or other maintenance problems, they are encouraged to report them to the Second River Management Office or local government agencies. Through collaboration between the public and private sectors, we can collectively manage and sustain our valuable water environments.
Spokesperson for the Second River Management Office: Deputy Director Wang Wei
E-mail: wca02019@wra02.gov.tw
Office Phone: 03-6578866 ext. 2002
Mobile: 0912-255602
Event Organizer: Section Chief Zhang Quanzheng, Management Section
E-mail: wca02044@wra02.gov.tw
Office Phone: 03-6578866 ext. 3201
Mobile: 0930-998639