The state-run oil refiner CPC Corp. is calling for the establishment of a petrochemical zone.
The state-run company’s proposal came after a series of massive explosions in the southern city of Kaohsiung on July 31. Investigators have said a petrochemical leak in underground pipelines was the cause of the explosions that killed 30 people and injured more than 300.
Kaohsiung is home to multiple petrochemical parks that employ tens of thousands of people. The explosions sparked anger towards the petrochemical industry and highlighted the issue of underground pipeline safety.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu wanted all the underground pipelines that go through residential areas removed. In response, CPC Corp. says the petrochemical industry relies on these pipelines to transport materials. It also says the only way to resolve the problem is to set up a petrochemical zone in the city to bring petrochemical companies to one site, away from populated areas.