Decision to Deny Goseong Ready-Mix Concrete Plant Deemed ‘Justified’ ... Administrative Appeal Dismissed

Residents' Committee: "Factory Establishment Will Cause Massive Damage, Accept the Rejection"

The administrative appeal against the disapproval of the establishment of a ready-mixed concrete factory near Galmobong in Goseong County, as claimed by the company, was unanimously dismissed.

The Residents' Countermeasure Committee opposing the establishment of the ready-mixed concrete factory, including residents of Idang-ri, Goseong County, announced on the afternoon of the 30th that the Gyeongnam Provincial Administrative Appeals Committee had dismissed the company's appeal to overturn the decision to disallow the factory's establishment plan.

Residents of Idangri, Goseong-eup, Goseong-gun, Gyeongnam are holding a rally opposing the establishment of a ready-mix concrete plant.
[Photo by Seeryung Lee]

According to the committee, a company based in Gwangdo-myeon, Tongyeong, applied for a permit to establish a ready-mixed concrete factory on a hill near Idang-ri, Goseong-eup, Goseong County.

Upon learning of this, residents of Idang-ri and others formed a countermeasure committee, collected signatures from about 850 residents opposing the plan, and submitted a petition along with the signatures to Goseong County.

A committee representative explained, "Initially, the company obtained a permit for a metal processing factory, but three months later suddenly applied to change the business plan to a ready-mixed concrete factory. Goseong County decided not to allow the establishment, but the company filed an administrative appeal."

Letter of Disapproval for Business Plan Change (left) and the Factory Site Photographed from a Resident's House. [Photo by Idangri Residents' Countermeasure Committee]

Goseong County did not approve the company's application to change the business plan, citing reasons such as the inappropriateness of the business content, obstruction of traffic flow and risk of accidents, concerns over groundwater depletion and water pollution, and disharmony with the surrounding environment.

The company immediately filed an administrative appeal to overturn the disapproval, but the ruling found Goseong County's decision to be justified.

At the second session of the Gyeongnam Provincial Administrative Appeals Committee held that day, the committee again sided with Goseong County, dismissing the company's appeal once more.

Previously, the countermeasure committee argued, "The site for the ready-mixed concrete factory is very close to the village, only about 150 to 300 meters away, and is located on a hill 20 to 30 meters high. When the wind blows, cement dust and exhaust fumes will spread not only to nearby villages and schools but throughout Goseong County."

They also stated, "Wastewater from the factory will flow directly into the nearby stream, which then leads to the sea, polluting both fish farms and the ocean."

"Many people say they will leave the village if the ready-mixed concrete factory is built," they emphasized. "Even setting aside property rights damage, considering the health and right to life of our children, it must never be built."

Huh Dongwon, Vice Chairman of the Economic and Environmental Committee of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council, is attending a rally opposing the establishment of a ready-mix concrete factory in Goseong County and shouting slogans. Photo by Lee Seryeong

Heo Dongwon, Vice Chairman of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council's Economic and Environmental Committee, also participated in the rally.

Vice Chairman Heo stated, "Above all, the health and lives of local residents come first," and added, "I am here to stand with the residents."

The countermeasure committee urged the company to accept the dismissal decision, citing not only damage from exhaust, dust, and noise, but also water and soil pollution, contamination of agricultural water, and groundwater shortages.

They said, "The ready-mixed concrete factory site is close to facilities such as Galmobong Natural Recreation Forest, Daedok Nuri-gil, and Baekse Park, and the natural environment, which Goseong County is improving with a huge budget, could be damaged." They added, "We hope the company will make a wise decision for the local residents and future generations."