Gwangju City Conducts Special Crackdown on Businesses Emitting Environmental Pollutants

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 20th that it will conduct special crackdowns on pollutant-emitting businesses in industrial complexes and major river areas within the city during vulnerable periods (nighttime, holidays, etc.) from the 22nd until the end of this month.

This crackdown aims to alleviate the inconvenience experienced by residents living near industrial complexes during vulnerable times such as holidays and nighttime, and to eradicate illegal emissions of pollutants such as odors caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and worsening economic conditions. A special inspection team consisting of 6 members in 3 groups will carry out the crackdown and monitoring activities.

The main inspection items include ▲whether pollution prevention facilities are operating normally during the operation of emission facilities ▲whether consumables such as activated carbon in prevention facilities have been replaced ▲whether odors are occurring at air emission outlets ▲whether illegal discharge of water pollutants through stormwater drains within business sites is taking place.

In particular, patrols and on-site inspections will focus on illegal acts such as not operating pollution prevention facilities that treat pollutants or illegally discharging water pollutants.

If violations are found during the inspection, strict administrative measures and legal actions will be taken according to relevant laws, and the cases will be disclosed to the media to prevent recurrence.

Song Yong-su, Director of the Climate and Environmental Policy Division, said, “This inspection is conducted to proactively respond to environmental pollution activities and create a pleasant city,” and added, “We hope that business operators will optimally manage pollutant emission facilities and prevention facilities on their own.”