Kumho Tire Fire Debris Flows Into Stream... Emergency Cleanup Launched

"Discharge Caused by Pump Failure and Poor Management"
Water Quality Analysis Underway... Possible Legal Violations Being Reviewed

Debris from a fire at the Kumho Tire factory in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, has flowed into a nearby stream, prompting authorities to take emergency measures.

Officials are conducting contamination containment work along the oil fence installed on a tributary of the Hwangryong River. Provided by Gwangsan District

According to Gwangsan-gu officials on June 16, at around 7:20 a.m. on June 14, fire debris entered the stream from the western drainage channel of the Kumho Tire factory in Seonam-dong, Gwangsan-gu. At the time of the incident, 82mm of rain had fallen. Kumho Tire stated, "After a malfunction in the sump transfer pump, the system was switched to manual mode, but due to inadequate management, the discharge flowed into the stream." The pollutants are believed to consist of firefighting water and ash residue.

Immediately after the incident, Gwangsan-gu installed additional oil booms and fences, and deployed about 40 personnel and waste collection vehicles to recover the debris. An absorbent boom was also installed near the drainage gate of the Hwangryong River to prevent the spread of contamination. The collection work was completed at around 7 p.m. on the same day.

Workers are collecting fire debris using rubber boats in a stream near the Kumho Tire factory in Seonam-dong, Gwangsan-gu. Provided by Gwangsan-gu

The Gwangju Institute of Health and Environment is currently conducting detailed analyses for 19 hazardous substances, including lead, by collecting samples from two locations: the Hwangryong River and near the spill site. The results are expected to be released sequentially starting June 17. Gwangsan-gu plans to increase wastewater treatment capacity by installing additional pumps and will continue monitoring, including weekly water quality tests and twice-daily simplified measurements. Depending on the water quality analysis results, the district will review whether there has been a violation of the Water Environment Conservation Act and, if necessary, will take administrative actions such as filing a complaint.