Jeongeup City Implements Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution Reduction Project

Investing 140 Million Won
Supporting Drainage Outlet Installation and Controlled-Release Fertilizers

Jeongeup City in North Jeolla Province is implementing an agricultural non-point source pollution reduction project together with residents in the Deokcheon-myeon area.

According to the city on May 30, this project will invest 140 million won this year to support the installation of drainage outlets and the supply of controlled-release fertilizers, as part of efforts to create clean rivers and healthy rural communities.

Jeongeup City is promoting a non-point source pollution reduction project in agriculture together with residents in the Deokcheon-myeon area. Photo by Jeongeup City

Unlike point sources, which originate from specific locations, non-point sources are a representative type of diffuse pollution. They occur over wide areas when rainwater carries chemical fertilizers or pesticides into rivers, thereby deteriorating water quality.

To address this, the city is supporting the installation of "drainage outlets," which can effectively reduce the inflow of muddy water and pollutants from rice paddies and fields during initial rainfall. Additionally, the city is distributing "controlled-release fertilizers," which reduce nutrient loss, lower fertilizer usage, and slowly release nitrogen components.

Through these measures, the city aims not only to improve the water quality of the Deokcheon Stream, but also to reduce soil erosion and lessen the labor burden on farmers.

The project will target the villages of Sanghak-ri, Hahak-ri, Dogye-ri, and Udeok-ri in Deokcheon-myeon, with a total of 30 farming households participating. The city also plans to enhance the effectiveness of the project by providing resident capacity-building education in parallel.

This project is part of an ongoing initiative linked to the "Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution Reduction Governance" promoted by the Jeonbuk Regional Environmental Office since 2023. Under the third phase of the Saemangeum watershed water quality improvement plan, Deokcheon-myeon, Taein-myeon, Jeongu-myeon, and Buk-myeon have been designated as target areas by the city.

Starting with Deokcheon-myeon, the city plans to gradually expand the project over the next three years, investing a total budget of 600 million won.