Yuanwangkeng Creek in Gongliao District, New Taipei City, is the final major tributary of the Shuangxi River before it flows into the sea. It serves as a critical biological corridor for the upstream migration of various species of fish, shrimp, crabs, and snails. The Kuroshio Current brings a rich diversity of migratory species to the area each year, making Yuanwangkeng Creek one of the most biologically diverse rivers in Taiwan. The creek is home to three water intake weirs, each over one meter high. Among them, Weir No. 3 has the greatest height difference at 2.1 meters, preventing fish from jumping over it. Additionally, the section of the river between Weirs No. 2 and No. 3 often runs dry during the low water season, preventing the Tianliaoyang irrigation canals from drawing water for over a month each year. Since 2021, the Irrigation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, has been working to update and improve the three weirs and their associated intake facilities. With the goal of balancing irrigation needs and ecological coexistence, the project has focused on upgrading the weirs and constructing subsurface water intake systems. These improvements aim to restore longitudinal ecological connectivity along the river, offering habitats and a more environmentally friendly space for aquatic life. The upgrades have been implemented while ensuring irrigation efficiency, without increasing flood risk or long term maintenance burdens.
On March 23, the Taiwan Rivers Network Association held the award ceremony for the Taiwan River Restoration Excellence Awards at the International Conference Hall of the National Taiwan University Library. Director Chen of the Peikee Management Office of the Irrigation Agency attended on behalf of the agency to receive the award, which was presented by Association Chair Liao. Chair Liao noted that the Taiwan River Restoration Excellence Awards opened for public nominations in September last year. After document reviews and site evaluations by experts, scholars, and citizen reviewers, five outstanding projects were selected for recognition. He expressed sincere gratitude to the organizing bodies, design and supervision teams, and construction contractors of these five projects for their dedication and efforts, hoping that they will lead to tangible improvements in Taiwan’s river ecosystems.
Director Chen of the Peikee Management Office stated that this project marks the office’s first application of fluvial geomorphology and near natural construction methods in river restoration. The process required measurement, assessments, hydrological and hydraulic analyses, as well as surveying on irrigation demand, river morphology, and ecology. Public engagement and interagency collaboration were also key aspects of the project. Through ongoing dialogue and problem solving, the team overcame numerous challenges. Receiving this award and recognition from the public is no small achievement. Director Chen also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the design consultants, construction teams, and the office’s supervision team, all of whom helped ensure that the project successfully met the dual goals of supporting irrigation needs and restoring stream ecology. Moving forward, the Irrigation Agency remains committed to meeting farmers’ water requirements and fostering a more ecologically friendly environment.