The coast of Yunlin is home to many clam farms, particularly in Mailiao Township, Taisi Township, Sihu Township, and Kouhu Township, with a total farming area of 3,300 hectares that produce 40,000 tons of clams per year, of which 3,300 tons are waste clams - a rather considerable amount. With the aim of solving the dumping problem that affects the environment, the Yunlin government has set up a temporary storage site in Taisi Township for waste shellfish such as clams. This approach is to effectively manage waste clam shells and other types of shellfish, and increase the reuse rate to expand the disposal channels and improve environmental hygiene.

　In 2019, the Environmental Protection Bureau trialed the idea of cleaning and sifting 1,500 tons of waste clam shells, and laying them on exposed ground by the Zhuoshui River. The result turned out to be quite extraordinary. During the trial, around 60% of aeolian dust was suppressed, which lasted more than 6 months. Compared with the traditional graded gravel laying project, the cost was reduced by 30%.

　In accordance with the “Zhuoshui River’s Action Plan for Aeolian Dust Control and Improvement“ approved by the Executive Yuan in 2018 that centers on tasks including: air quality monitoring, early warning and notification, education and promotion, environmental clean-up, spraying of Xanthan gum during an emergency response, and strengthening of street washing, in 2019, the Bureau led various divisions in laying over 20 hectares of clam shells in areas including Mailiao sea gate and Erlun Township where aeolian dust is more common, to efficiently suppress aeolian dust generated by high winds. The approach also effectively prevents climbing plants such as the seashore vine morning glory and melaleuca leucadendra from overgrowing on the surface of the clam shells, achieving a double sand fixing effect.

　Thanks to the cross-departmental cooperation of local divisions, the Bureau achieved goods results in 2019. Aeolian dust incidents detected in the Zhuoshui River, Yunlin totaled 29 days, 12 days less than the target of 41 days set by the Environmental Protection Administration in 2019. The annual average concentration of PM10 detected a reduction of 17.4μg/m3 in Mailiao Station, and 11.2μg/m3 in Lunbei Station compared with 2018. The exposed ground of the Zhuoshui River has been reduced by 409 hectares from 1,250 hectares in 2018 to 841 hectares in 2019 - a fantastic result for aeolian dust control in the Zhuoshui River.

　The mayor of Yunlin, Chang, Li-Shan, said that in an effort to reduce clam waste in the coastal area, laying waste clam shells at the Zhuoshui River for sand fixation and aeolian dust prevention has been proven productive. Approximately 3,000 tons of clam shells were successfully disposed of. In the future, waste clam shells will continue to be laid down, and clam farmers are prompted by Mayor Chang to use proper recycling channels to effectively dispose of clam waste. The project of using clam shells to stabilize sand is primarily for vehicle access to the causeway at the Zhuoshui River and the exposed ground of the high beach. Not only were local residents satisfied with the result, it was also highly praised by council members. This year, we will continue to proactively seek a budget of NT$10 million from the central government for the expansion of the “clam shell” project. We plan to pave over 30 hectares of clam shells in the exposed ground of the 10th, 40th, and 74th embankment sections to reduce aeolian dust from the river which has been vexing neighboring residents. At the same time, the Bureau will assist in the disposal of clam shells to maintain a clean and hygienic environment for the public.