"Road Fine Dust Cleaning"‥ Namyangju City Launches 'Ecopia Clean City'

Expansion of Eco-Friendly Street Cleaning Vehicles in 3 Zones

Namyangju City Launches 'Ecopia Clean City' [Namyangju City]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province has launched the 'Ecopia Clean City' initiative to reduce fine dust.

On the 30th, according to Namyangju City, it plans to effectively reduce the generation of 'road dust,' which accounts for the largest proportion of fine dust emissions, by deploying small-scale street cleaning vehicles for the first time among local governments nationwide.

The project is divided into three zones: Zone 1 includes Hwado, Sudong, Hopyeong, and Pyeongnae; Zone 2 includes Jinjeop, Onam, and Byeollae; Zone 3 includes Wabu, Jingeon, and Toegyewon, where existing street cleaning vehicles will be deployed on main roads.

In residential areas, commercial districts, and alleyways, small cleaning vehicles will be deployed to reduce fine dust generation in a multi-dimensional manner.

This year, as the first phase, nine cleaning vehicles will be deployed; in the second phase next year, 24 vehicles; and from the third phase onward, 30 vehicles will be gradually introduced to expand the project.

Earlier that day, a launch ceremony for the 'Ecopia Clean City Construction Project' was held at the city hall plaza.

Meanwhile, among South Korea's fine dust (PM10) emissions, 50.3% is 'fugitive dust,' of which 36.7% is 'road dust.'

'Road dust' refers to particulate matter that spreads into the atmosphere due to vehicle movement, originating from dust deposited on roads caused by vehicle exhaust, tire and brake pad wear, and other factors.

It is known to be significantly more harmful to the human body than ordinary dust, as it directly penetrates the lungs and causes respiratory diseases such as asthma and lung cancer.

Mayor Cho Gwang-han said, "Fine dust has direct and indirect adverse effects on health and daily life, ranging from respiratory to cognitive diseases. To drastically reduce fine dust, we will introduce eco-friendly small street cleaning vehicles and realize environmental welfare."