Ministry of Environment Conducts Intensive Patrols at 120 Sites Including Vacant Factories and Lots Suspected of Illegal Waste Dumping

120 Sites at Risk of Illegal Waste Dumping.

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Jusangdon Joo] The government is conducting patrols of vacant factories and empty lots to prevent environmental pollution damage such as leachate leakage and odors caused by illegal waste.

On the 19th, the Ministry of Environment announced that it is intensively patrolling 120 high-risk areas suspected of illegal waste dumping in cooperation with the Korea Environment Corporation's Waste Proper Treatment Promotion Center.

The 120 high-risk areas include industrial complexes with vacant factories, recycling companies that have suspended or closed operations, and areas with empty lots easily accessible by freight vehicles. The Ministry of Environment plans to expand patrols by identifying information such as real estate leases suspected to be contracted at prices higher than market value or through proxies, and leases in areas with little foot traffic.

If illegally dumped waste is discovered during patrols, the ministry will notify the relevant local governments to ensure that all parties involved?including perpetrators, transporters, emitters, and on-site workers?are punished accordingly.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment plans to hold a forum on the 4th of next month at the Government Sejong Convention Center to explore various measures for preventing illegal waste dumping.