Stable Sewage Treatment Expected
and Protection of Hoeya Dam Upstream Drinking Water Quality
Ulsan City will increase the treatment capacity of the Hoeya Sewage Treatment Facility by 20,000 tons by 2026.
The Hoeya Sewage Treatment Facility was established in 1989 with a treatment capacity of 32,000 tons to handle sewage from Ungchon-myeon, Ulju-gun, and Ungsang-eup, Yangsan City.
Since then, due to various urban development projects and population growth within the Hoeya sewage treatment area, stable sewage treatment demand has increased. In 2013, the Ministry of Environment approved an expansion of 40,000 tons. In February 2020, the first 20,000-ton expansion was completed, and now the remaining 20,000-ton expansion work is underway.
This project involves a total investment of 28.8 billion KRW, including 2.7 billion KRW in national funds, 4 billion KRW from Yangsan City, and 26.1 billion KRW in local government funds.
Construction began on November 27 last year, and by 2026, the Hoeya Sewage Treatment Facility will be expanded from a daily treatment capacity of 52,000 tons to 72,000 tons, an increase of 20,000 tons.
Notably, during the first expansion, civil engineering structures were pre-installed, so only mechanical and electrical equipment need to be added this time, resulting in a cost-saving effect of approximately 3.6 billion KRW (considering construction cost index and inflation).
Additionally, the issue of untreated sewage during heavy rains flowing back into nearby streams and then into Hoeya Dam will be resolved with this expansion, which is expected to have a significant positive impact on protecting the water quality of the Hoeya Dam drinking water source.
A city official stated, “Although sewage treatment facilities are often avoided by citizens, they are essential for urban development and industrial activities. We will strive to ensure timely supply where needed to provide Ulsan citizens with a safe and pleasant urban environment.”
To preserve the water quality of Hoeya Dam, a drinking water dam, Ulsan City is carrying out a project costing 46.2 billion KRW, including national and city funds, to relocate sewage pipes installed under the Hoeya River upstream of the dam outside the river to prevent contamination of river water due to pipe damage.
The first phase, covering a 6.9 km section from Hoeya Stream to Jujin Stream, began construction in December last year. The second phase (5.7 km from Jujin Stream to Junam Stream) and the third phase (4.4 km from Junam Stream to Hoeya Bridge) are planned to start construction by 2026 and be completed by 2030.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
