Protest in front of Nakdonggang River Basin Environmental Office 'Firm Opposition to Medical Waste Incineration Plant Installation'
Residents of Haman County are holding a protest on the 21st in front of the Nakdong River Basin Environmental Office against the installation of a medical waste incineration plant. Photo by Saeyan Park sy77@
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] Residents of Haman-gun, Gyeongnam, expressed outrage over the news of the installation of a medical waste incineration plant.
The 'Committee Against the Installation of Infectious Medical Waste Facilities' held a protest in front of the Nakdong River Basin Environmental Office on the 21st, claiming, "We strongly oppose the installation of a medical waste incineration plant in Moro-ri, Gunbuk-myeon, Haman-gun."
Earlier, Company A has been proceeding with the installation of a medical waste incineration facility at 614 Moro-ri, Gunbuk-myeon, Haman-gun. The Environmental Office is currently reviewing the draft environmental impact assessment submitted by Company A.
In response, about 100 residents of Gunbuk-myeon wore headbands with "Strong Opposition" written on them and raised their voices, saying, "We cannot stand by while an infectious medical waste incineration facility that emits various harmful substances such as dioxins and hydrogen chloride is being installed," and demanded, "It must be withdrawn immediately."
Lee Hyundo, the acting vice chairman of the opposition committee, shaved his head while wearing a banner that read "Strong Opposition to the Withdrawal of the Medical Waste Incineration Plant" as an apron.
After shaving his head, Vice Chairman Lee said, "I shed tears while shaving. What is the meaning of a medical waste incineration plant in such a good environment like Haman?" and urged for its withdrawal.
Vice Chairman Lee Hyun-do of the Opposition Countermeasure Committee is shaving his head. Photo by Saeyan Park sy77@
He added, "If the medical waste incineration plant is established, about 120 tons of waste will be processed in Haman 24 hours a day. In three days, that amounts to an enormous 360 tons. What's more, they say they will process waste from Daegu, Busan, and the Gyeongbuk region, which is outrageous," and opposed, saying, "Due to the generation of various first-class carcinogens during the incineration process, there are serious concerns about damage not only to the residents but also to crops. This could lead to economic damage to the region due to consumer avoidance."
In response, the person in charge at the Nakdong River Basin Environmental Office said, "The medical waste incineration plant is a facility built by a private business operator who obtains permission from us, and it is still under review," and added, "Since this operator's incineration capacity exceeds 100 tons per day, they must undergo an additional environmental impact assessment. We will fully reflect the voices of the residents in the approval process."
Meanwhile, the Haman County Council held an extraordinary session on the 20th and adopted a "Resolution for Strong Opposition to the Medical Waste Incineration Facility."
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