Taitung, July 28 (CNA) Typhoon Doksuri has washed up large amounts of driftwood in coastal areas of Taitung County, and Taitung Forest District Office issued a statement Friday that members of the public are not permitted to claim the wood until the office finishes marking and classification work.
According to the office, the heavy rainfall brought by Typhoon Doksuri has washed ashore multiple items, mostly wood, along more than 10 km of coastline. The office said it will check the driftwood as soon as the weather permits.
However, in the meantime anyone who takes driftwood prior to an official announcement to that effect faces a jail sentence of 1-7 years or a fine of NT$1 million to NT$20 million (US$31,857 to US$ 63,714), according to Article 50 and 52 of the Forestry Act.
Office personnel will identify and mark the types and prices of wood, while also collecting the driftwood, with an announcement to be made after the work is finished.
The office, which is under the Forestry Bureau, said it will set up a temporary inspection station with Taitung County Government to conduct checks and register the wood. It will also determine when it can be claimed by the public.
After the announcement anyone who picks up driftwood for personal use will not have to register. However, if the wood is to be sold it has to be legally registered and an application filed with the Taiwan Forest Products Protection Traceability System, the office said.
The office urged the public not to break the law by claiming driftwood before the official announcement. It also provided a phone number to report anyone who violates that requirement: 1999, 0800-000-930 or 110.
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