TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Thai solar power company was caught illegally crushing solar panels and floats at a temporary storage site in Chiayi County.

Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) visited the location in Yizhu Township on Saturday and demanded the company rectify the situation by Tuesday or face further fines, per CNA.

Peng was in the area to inspect a livestock farm’s removal of asbestos roof tiles damaged by recent typhoons. He then visited the two fishery solar power projects in Yizhu that suffered storm damage, leading to the improper disposal.

The company, which operates two solar power facilities in the township, has already been fined twice for inadequate handling and slow removal of damaged equipment, totaling NT$6 million (US$200,000).

Peng said the firm will be given a few days to make improvements. If it fails to comply, the Chiayi County Environmental Protection Bureau will issue an additional NT$3 million fine for each site.

Local environmental officials said damaged solar panels and floats were piled on detention pond slopes, while the temporary storage site was left unclean and without equipment to prevent pollution, such as leakage from the panels. Officials warned that continued violations could result in consecutive penalties.