Yeongsangang Environmental Office, Multiple Companies Caught Violating Fine Dust Emission Regulations

Special Inspection from Last December to This Month... 26 Companies Violated

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Yeongsangang River Basin Environmental Office (Director Ryu Yeon-gi) announced on the 31st that it has uncovered a large number of companies violating fine dust emission regulations.

Since November last year until this month, the Yeongsangang Office conducted special inspections on 82 fine dust emission sites in its jurisdiction, including Gwangju, Jeonnam, and Jeju Province.

As a result, 31 violations were detected at 26 companies.

This inspection was carried out to strengthen monitoring of fine dust emission sites in connection with the implementation of the seasonal management system, which aims to promote enhanced reduction policies during periods when high concentrations of fine dust frequently occur (December to March).

During this period, joint inspections and air pollution surveys were conducted with related organizations such as local governments (Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeonnam Province, etc.) and the Korea Environment Corporation to check for illegal emissions of air pollutants and compliance with air emission standards.

The violations included 4 cases of unauthorized (unreported) installation and operation of air emission facilities, 16 cases of improper operation of air pollution control facilities (such as malfunction, damage, corrosion, and wear neglect), 1 case of exceeding air emission standards, 5 cases of failure to report changes, and 5 other cases.

Regarding administrative measures and fines, the relevant local governments were notified for immediate action, and 7 companies will be investigated by our office for the extent of violations and referred to the competent prosecution office.

Park Seok-cheon, head of the Environmental Monitoring Team, stated, “We will do our best to manage business sites through continuous guidance and crackdowns on pollutant-emitting sites even after the fine dust seasonal management period.” He added, “Given the severe local economy and surrounding circumstances due to COVID-19, we will wisely respond to ensure that neither the safety of local residents nor environmental values are neglected.”