Mokpo City Conducts Detailed Environmental Survey of Sapjin and Sanjeong Complexes

Inspection of Dust Suppression Facilities and Standards Requested by Jeonnam Health and Environment Research Institute

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seung-hyun Jeong] Mokpo City, Jeollanam-do announced on the 6th that it will conduct a detailed environmental investigation of Sapjin Industrial Complex and Sanjeong Agricultural and Industrial Complex.

This action follows the joint ‘Environmental Status Survey around Sapjin Industrial Complex and Sanjeong Agricultural and Industrial Complex’ conducted from June 1 to 30 by Mokpo Environmental Movement Union, Jeonnam Labor Rights Center, and the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Chosun University Hospital.

The survey, conducted via questionnaire, received responses from 153 people (133 men, 20 women), among whom 112 (73.3%) were workers at the complexes.

According to the survey, 75.2% responded that the environmental condition around the complexes is serious. Regarding environmental issues, 84.3% cited dust (particulate matter), while iron powder, paint odors, noise, and foul smells were also pointed out as problems. Additionally, 85.6% responded that a detailed investigation is necessary. Accordingly, the investigation team demanded a detailed environmental investigation around the complexes and the formation of a monitoring and surveillance team.

In response, the city plans to request the Jeollanam-do Health and Environment Research Institute to conduct a detailed investigation of dust (particulate matter) and odors in Sapjin Industrial Complex and Sanjeong Agricultural and Industrial Complex as soon as possible. Along with this, the city intends to add environmental noise monitoring stations around the complexes, supplementing the current quarterly monitoring.

Furthermore, to resolve frequent environmental complaints related to shipyards such as paint overspray damaging nearby vehicle paint, the city plans to continuously guide and inspect the installation of facilities to suppress scattered dust and compliance with action standards.

Previously, since April, the city has been enforcing a suspension order on outdoor grinding and outdoor painting work when the average wind speed exceeds 8 meters per second.

Also, regarding the requested installation of a laundry facility for workers’ uniforms, a feasibility study is currently underway, and based on the comprehensive evaluation and appropriateness of the laundry operation, the city plans to develop an efficient project plan that contributes to the welfare improvement of workers.