Challenges of environmental information disclosure in the electronics industry- the lesson from Taiwan`s optoelectrnoic plant wastewater pollution dispute

Abstract

This paper takes the Siaoli River pollution disputes, the most controversial and unsolvable optoelectronic wastewater discharge issue in Taiwan as an example; explores how the environmental information related to Siaoli River disputes was created and interpreted during the environmental risk assessment meetings, and what were the obstacles in the key information acquisition process. Through the analysis of the relevant documents, meeting minutes, and in depth interviews, this paper explores information barriers facing the ordinary citizens in the wastewater pollution dispute and pinpoints the policy solution for the industry and government to address the environmental information transparency issue. It further seeks to understand what further institutional support and resources could strengthen the implementation of environmental information disclosure in the electronics industry under the global policy framework. © 2012 Fraunhofer IZM.