Expansion of Septic Tank Odor Reduction Facilities: 10 Units in 2023 → 48 Units in 2024
Rapid Response to Odor Complaints through Sector-Specific Odor Control Task Forces
Creating a Pleasant Living Environment with Systematic Measures from Source to Emission
Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon) announced that it has established and will implement the '2024 Odor Reduction Measures' to create a pleasant living environment and promptly resolve odor-related inconveniences.
The district divided the efforts into four areas: septic tanks (Environmental Division), sewage (Flood Control Division), waste (Cleaning Division), and odor-generating businesses (Health and Hygiene Division). A task force composed of the respective departments was formed to systematically identify the causes of odor and develop countermeasures.
Last year, the district invested 244 million KRW to install odor reduction facilities in the septic tank and sewage sectors, and conducted guidance inspections for cleanliness management targeting waste handling facilities and odor-generating businesses.
In particular, through field surveys in areas with frequent complaints, air supply devices were installed in septic tanks where odors occurred, reducing odor substance concentrations by up to 75%. Additionally, 387 locations including manholes and rainwater inlets around Times Square, a high foot traffic area, were equipped with fine water spray devices and inverts to help create a pleasant urban environment.
Building on last year’s activities, the district secured a budget of 406 million KRW this year and plans to focus on odor reduction projects for septic tanks and sewage facilities. To reduce septic tank odors, a major source of sewage odor, the number of installed devices will be significantly increased compared to the previous year, with 48 air supply devices to be installed in septic tanks of apartment complexes with 250 or more households from March to June.
Furthermore, from March to October, deodorants certified by environmental standards will be applied once a week to 469 locations including rainwater inlets and manholes in nine areas within the district. Various projects such as installing odor reduction devices in sewage facilities will be carried out to promptly alleviate odor-related inconveniences for local residents.
In addition, efforts will be made to maintain cleanliness at waste handling facilities such as the Resource Circulation Center, and small businesses like direct-fire grilled restaurants will be actively encouraged to improve ventilation systems and install dust collectors to prevent odors.
This year, the district will also conduct separate field surveys focusing on areas with frequent odor complaints. Septic tanks and manholes expected to emit odors will be identified and continuously monitored for 24 hours to measure odors. The results will be analyzed to locate sources and continuously implement reduction measures.
Choi Ho-kwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, stated, “Living odors are a major factor that hinders a pleasant life,” and added, “We will actively promote odor reduction measures this year as well to minimize the discomfort residents feel due to odors.”
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