Taichung 2nd LNG Receiving Terminal 4th Phase Offshore Expansion Project: Advancing a Win-Win Outcome for Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Conservation and Energy Transition

CPC Corporation (Taiwan) is advancing the 4th Phase offshore expansion project of the Taichung LNG Terminal (2nd LNG Receiving Terminal) in alignment with the national energy transition policy. On 27th, CPC held a public meeting for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of the Taichung LNG Terminal Offshore Expansion (Phase 4) Project.

In response to concerns raised by environmental groups regarding potential impacts on the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, CPC stated that the planned development area will extend approximately 570 meters from the shoreline and is located within waters approximately 10 meters in depth. During the development phase, the project will strictly comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, the Wildlife Conservation Act, and other applicable regulations. Throughout construction, avoidance and mitigation measures will be implemented, including the establishment of exclusion zones, on-site monitoring personnel, and coordinated underwater noise monitoring. Through comprehensive environmental monitoring and the application of appropriate engineering techniques, impacts on the dolphins will be minimized to the greatest extent possible.

The project will be carried out on newly reclaimed land within the Taichung Port area. It will be developed in phases to construct 8 above-ground LNG storage tanks, each with a capacity of 180,000 kiloliters, along with regasification facilities capable of processing 1,600 metric tons per hour, thereby enhancing the natural gas supply capacity of the Taichung facility. CPC is currently conducting the required assessments in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Act and will compile the findings into an EIS for submission to the Ministry of Environment for review. Subject to approval, CPC will implement all environmental protection measures and monitoring programs as stipulated, in order to safeguard the existing ecological environment of the project area.

Regarding the designated Important Habitat for the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, which has drawn significant public attention, CPC has commissioned domestic experts and scholars to conduct underwater acoustic monitoring and marine visual surveys. In addition to complying with all relevant regulations during development, appropriate piling equipment and construction methods will be selected for pier construction. Best available control measures, such as turbidity containment facilities or bubble curtains, will be installed around piling areas. During piling operations, exclusion zones will be established and monitored by designated personnel. Piling may only proceed after confirming that no cetacean activity has been observed within the exclusion zone for at least 30 consecutive minutes. Furthermore, underwater noise monitoring will be conducted within a 750-meter radius of the piling site, and noise levels during piling must not exceed a sound exposure level of 160 dB re 1μPa²·s to prevent hearing impairment in cetaceans.

CPC emphasized that this project constitutes critical infrastructure for achieving the nation’s net-zero transition goals and strengthening the resilience of domestic natural gas supply. The company will continue to uphold principles of transparency and open communication with all stakeholders to build consensus. While ensuring steady gas supply and advancing energy transition, CPC remains committed to protecting the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and striving to realize a balanced outcome between environmental sustainability and economic development.

Source: MOEA