"Choi Myungsook, Daegu Suseong District Councilor, Urges Relocation of Asphalt Plant After 3,500 Households Suffer Harmful Substance Exposure"

Choi Myungsook, a member of the Suseong District Council in Daegu, raised questions to the district administration during the third plenary session of the 269th extraordinary meeting held on the 25th, urging for measures to relocate the Baeksan Ascon plant and protect local residents.

Councilor Choi pointed out the impact of hazardous substances emitted from the Ascon plant on residents' health and the environment, emphasizing that the district office must take a more proactive approach to finding solutions.

Myungsook Choi, Daegu Suseong District Council Member

The Baeksan Ascon plant, located in Uksoo-dong, Suseong District, Daegu, has been in operation for over 30 years since it was registered as an air pollutant emission facility in 1992. While the area was originally designated as an industrial zone when the plant was established, it was changed to a type 2 general residential area under the district unit plan in 2001. Currently, about 3,500 households reside within a 500-meter radius of the plant.

As a result, nearby residents have continuously experienced inconvenience due to odors and air pollutants, and some have reported respiratory and skin diseases.

Councilor Choi pointed out that the plant relocation agreement signed in 2022 is not legally binding and has yet to be implemented, urging for practical relocation measures. She also expressed concern that, although a plant suspension order was issued last year after air pollution tests exceeded permissible limits and management and supervision have since been strengthened by converting the facility into a permitted business, residents' concerns have not been alleviated.

Councilor Choi questioned the district mayor about the results and actions taken from the district office's inspections of the facility over the past three years, substantial efforts for plant relocation, and specific measures to protect residents' health in case of further delays in relocation.

Councilor Choi stated, "While the necessity of the Ascon plant is recognized, the health and safety of residents must come first," adding, "If relocation is delayed, the district office must take a more responsible approach to ensure effective measures are implemented to minimize harm to residents."