1. GEOLOGICAL UNSUITABILITY -- The proposed dam site is known to be geologically unsuitable as a dam site. The geology of the area consists of soft shale and sandstone and is prone to earthquake. The unstable formation will result in vulnerability of the dam to earthquake as well as rapid siltation. The large body of water is also likely to induce earthquakes in the region.
2. SAFETY THREATS TO NEARBY RESIDENTS -- The proposed dam only 1.5 km upstream from the nearest village and 4 km away from the center of a township with a population of 55,000 poses a serious threat to the safety of the region and its residents. The existing channel and flood plain are not enough to convey the floodwater if the dam fails.
3. VIOLATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND THREAT TO CULTURAL HERITAGE -- The proposed dam is to build in an area where 95% of the residents are of the Hakka minority. The proposed dam violates the principle of environmental justice and poses a threat to the preservation of Hakka culture and community.
4. SPECIES EXTINCTION AND BIODIVERSITY LOSS -- The proposed dam will flood 6.4 square kilometers of extensive forest area that provide diverse terrestrial ecosystem for plants, insects, birds and mammal. Studies have identified 85 families, 253 species of plants, 110 species of butterflies, 6 species of amphibians, 11 species of reptiles, 7 species of mammals and more than 80 species of birds in the valley. The site provides a unique habitat for Yellow butterfly. The dam will destroy habitats for 27 listed rare wildlife species and 3 listed endangered species including Maroon Oriole (Oriolus traillii), Hawk Eagle (Spiaetus nipalensis) and India Pitta (Pitta brachyura).
5. THREATS TO REGIONAL WATER QUALITY AND GROUNDWATER RECHARGE -- Diversion and decrease in surface flow and groundwater recharge as result of the Meinung Dam will exacerbate the current water quality problem in streams and groundwater in the region.
6. SHORT LIFE SPAN OF DAM AND DISPROPORTIONAL COST -- The high erosion rate of mountain range in Taiwan results in rapid siltation and short life span of its reservoirs. Studies have estimated the life-span of Meinung to be between 20 -50 years. The high cost to construct the dam is unjustified given its short life-span.
7. OVER-ESTIMATE OF WATER DEMAND -- A recent independent study points out that the National Government's estimate of water demand is based outdated population projection and does not take into account the current transformation in industrial and agricultural sectors and possible water conservation measures.
8. LACKS OF ASSESSMENT FOR ALTERNATIVES TO DAM -- Possible alternatives to the proposed dam have not been sufficiently considered by the national authority. In contrast, the local governments have proposed alternative ways to improve quantity and quality of regional water supply, including groundwater recharge, conservation measure and installation of sewage treatment plants and elimination of major heavy industrial development in the region.
9. INCREASED HEAVY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND CO2 EMISSION -- According to government document, the Meinung Dam will supply water to the proposed Binnan Industrial Complex. The additional water supply from the dam will also encourage development of heavy industry in the region. The estimated CO2 emission from Binnan Industrial Complex alone is equivalent to 31% of Taiwan's total CO2 emissions in 1990. The cost for reducing CO2 emission to comply with international standard will far exceed the economic benefit of the dam.
10. INADEQUATE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT -- The environmental impact assessment of Meinung Dam was done more than 10 years ago prior to the formal establishment of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law in Taiwan. The document failed to assess the above mentioned problems and contained data that are outdated.
11. LOCAL AND REGIONAL OPPOSITION -- The proposed dam is faced with enormous local and regional opposition. According to a recent door-to-door survey, 34,338 (over 72%) of local residents indicated strong opposition to the proposed dam. In another survey in Kaoshiung City, 60% of respondents indicated that dam is not the only option to resolve water shortage problem. Recently, the 3 highest elected officials in the region including Mayor of Kaoshiung City and Magistrates of Kaoshiung and Pingtung counties have jointly declared their opposition to the dam.
