Han Hwa-jin: "No Decision Made on Heuksan Airport Construction... Reviewing Migratory Bird Measures"

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Han Hwajin, Minister of Environment, stated regarding the construction of Heuksan Airport, "If a consultation for environmental impact assessment is requested, we plan to thoroughly review the preservation of migratory bird habitats and other factors."

At a press briefing on the 6th, Minister Han commented on the recent decision by the Ministry of Environment's National Park Committee to lift the national park designation on the planned site for Heuksan Airport, saying, "(The construction project) has not been decided to proceed," and added, "We will listen fully to the opinions of various stakeholders."

Han Hwa-jin, Minister of Environment, is speaking at a press briefing held at a restaurant near the Government Sejong Complex on the 6th. (Photo by Ministry of Environment)

Previously, on the 31st of last month, the Ministry of Environment's National Park Committee decided to lift the national park designation on the planned site for Heuksan Airport, which had been the biggest obstacle to its construction. Heuksan Airport has been promoted for construction since the announcement of the 4th Mid-to-Long-Term Airport Development Plan in 2011, originally aiming to open in 2020. Some voices have criticized the project for lacking economic feasibility and expressed concerns about environmental destruction on Heuksando, where many young migratory birds arrive.

Regarding the installation project of the Osaek Cable Car in Seoraksan, Minister Han said, "The environmental impact assessment consultation is underway, and we will set the direction by reflecting the review opinions of specialized institutions as much as possible."

Concerning the European Union (EU) introducing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which will impose a carbon emissions reporting obligation on exporters of six items including steel starting from October on a pilot basis, Minister Han stated, "We will pursue strategies such as enhancing the emissions trading system domestically so that companies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while securing competitiveness."

The Ministry of Environment plans to issue guidelines to assist companies obligated to report carbon emissions under CBAM. An official from the Ministry explained, "Specific details such as the calculation method for emissions are still under discussion within the EU, and we are preparing to release guidelines promptly according to the EU's decisions."

It was also announced that the Ministry is reviewing the inclusion of electric vehicle batteries under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system. An official from the Ministry of Environment added, "We plan to launch a consultative body with the battery industry in the first half of the year to discuss whether and how to introduce EPR." EPR is a system that imposes an obligation on product manufacturers and importers to collect and recycle a certain amount of product waste, and levies charges on companies that fail to fulfill this obligation.