Objective and Independent Investigation of Dam Operation Appropriateness... Results Disclosure and Countermeasure Preparation
[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Ministry of Environment announced that the 'Dam Management Investigation Committee,' composed of private experts, will be launched on the 18th to objectively investigate whether dam operations during this year's heavy rainfall were conducted appropriately.
The committee consists of 23 members. Professor Jang Seokhwan of Daejin University, who is the vice president of the Water Resources Society, will serve as the chairman.
The committee will hold its first meeting next week. The end date will be decided by the committee considering the investigation's content and scope.
The investigation targets are the Seomjingang Dam, Yongdam Dam, Daecheong Dam, Hapcheon Dam, and Namgang Dam. The committee plans to investigate the appropriateness of dam operation management and downstream flood situations, as well as propose improvements for dam management.
To conduct the investigation effectively, the committee will operate through three subcommittees: Seomjingang Dam, Yongdam and Daecheong Dams, and Hapcheon and Namgang Dams.
The Ministry of Environment stated, "During the committee formation process, consultations were held regarding the recommended members from related local governments," adding, "Following recent requests from local governments, Namgang Dam and Daecheong Dam were included in the investigation targets, and experts recommended by those local governments were also added."
The committee will transparently disclose the investigation results.
Depending on the investigation results, if problems in dam operation management are revealed, actions will be taken according to relevant laws and regulations. Considering climate change, plans will also be made to improve current guidelines and design standards.
Meanwhile, the committee will form regional consultative bodies for each dam to secure local residents' acceptance of the investigation and enhance credibility. If necessary, the consultative bodies will jointly inspect sites with the committee. They will also attend committee meetings to convey residents' opinions.
Jung Myungrae, Minister of Environment, said, "Since the Dam Management Investigation Committee is composed mainly of private experts who sufficiently gather local opinions, the Ministry of Environment will do its best to support an independent and objective investigation."
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