Gwangju Issues Fine Dust Emergency... Operations Halted a Day Early

Yeongsangang Basin Environmental Office and Gwangju City to Implement Preliminary Reduction Measures on the 24th
Alternate-Day Vehicle Operation, Construction Site Inspections, and Drone Surveillance
Preemptive Response to High Concentrations of Ultrafine Dust

Gwangju is taking action a day early in response to an ultrafine dust emergency. Due to a high concentration forecast, Gwangju City and the Yeongsangang Basin Environmental Office have launched preemptive measures such as an alternate-day vehicle operation system, construction site inspections, and drone surveillance.

The Yeongsangang Basin Environmental Office announced on the 23rd that it would implement a 24-hour 'preliminary reduction measure' for ultrafine dust in Gwangju from 6 a.m. on the 24th to 6 a.m. on the 25th. The preliminary reduction measure is a preemptive response implemented mainly in the public sector one day before a possible emergency reduction order for ultrafine dust is issued.

A view of the Yeongsangang River Basin Environmental Office.

This measure was issued as high concentrations of ultrafine dust are expected in the Gwangju area the day after tomorrow (the 25th), based on the forecast as of 5 p.m. today. Gwangju City and the Yeongsangang Basin Environmental Office plan to strengthen on-site inspections and enforcement in preparation for the high dust levels.

Gwangju City will implement an alternate-day vehicle operation system for public institutions and enforce shortened operating hours and dust suppression measures at public sector workplaces and construction sites. The Yeongsangang Basin Environmental Office will inspect the management status and shortened operating hours of public sector air emission facilities, and will intensively monitor air emissions within the Gwangju Hanam Industrial Complex using advanced equipment such as drones and mobile measurement vehicles.

Commissioner Kim Youngwoo stated, "As the preliminary reduction measure has been issued, we will closely monitor air quality and respond thoroughly," and added, "We ask local residents to actively participate in efforts to reduce fine dust."

The preliminary reduction measure is implemented mainly in the public sector one day before a possible emergency reduction order. The decision on whether to implement the emergency reduction measure will be made on the afternoon of the 24th, depending on air quality conditions.