184 Sites in Hanam Industrial Complex Exceed TCE and PCE Standards
No Action Taken After 2023 Report... "Administrative Negligence"
Contamination Hundreds of Times Over in Some Areas... Concerns About Flowing Into Residential Zones
Chief Park Byungkyu: "Task Force to Be Formed for Remediation Measures"
It has been revealed that Gwangsan District in Gwangju confirmed groundwater contamination in the Hanam Industrial Complex area but took no action for more than two years. In some areas, carcinogens were detected at levels hundreds of times higher than the safety standards, and simulation results showed that the contaminated groundwater could flow through residential areas and into rivers. However, the relevant authorities did not inform residents of these facts.
Groundwater and Soil Contamination Distribution Map of Hanam Industrial Complex, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News
According to Gwangsan District and Gwangju City on the 15th, the district commissioned the Korea Rural Community Corporation to investigate the contamination status of groundwater and soil in the Hanam Industrial Complex from February 2020 to June 2023. This investigation was conducted after Gwangju City discovered points exceeding contamination standards during the process of establishing a groundwater management plan in 2019, and subsequently allocated 1 billion KRW to Gwangsan District for the study.
The investigation found that, out of 657 groundwater samples collected at various depths from 171 locations, 184 samples exceeded the standards for trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE). A detailed investigation of five zones (Zone 1~5) with particularly severe contamination revealed TCE levels up to 466 times the standard and PCE levels up to 284 times the standard. TCE and PCE are organochlorine compounds used in metal cleaning agents, dry cleaning, and as raw materials for pesticides; they are colorless liquids with low adsorption and are carcinogenic.
The contaminated areas are concentrated with metal processing, electronic component manufacturing, and plating companies, making it highly likely that large amounts of waste and pollutants have been leaked over time. It was also found that some companies were still using these organic solvents for cleaning at the time of the investigation. The report included simulation results indicating that contaminated groundwater could flow through residential areas and into the Pungyeongjeongcheon stream. Accordingly, the report recommended restricting groundwater use, supplying alternative water sources, blocking the flow of contaminated groundwater, and establishing purification measures.
However, even after receiving the investigation results in July 2023, Gwangsan District has not taken any measures to prevent the spread of contamination. According to groundwater purification guidelines, immediate response is required upon confirmation of contamination, and measures must be maintained until purification is complete. Nevertheless, Gwangsan District has not even considered basic measures such as pump-and-treat, permeable reactive barriers, or grouting methods. There have also been no follow-up investigations or studies.
Civil society and political circles are demanding immediate follow-up measures and punishment of those responsible. Kim Sunmi, Environment Committee Chair of the Progressive Party’s Gwangju City Chapter, pointed out, “Serious contamination has been revealed, yet Gwangju City and Gwangsan District have done nothing. We are shocked and outraged.” Kim Jooeop, another committee chair from the same party, stated, “This is no different from a criminal act threatening residents’ lives,” and revealed that they are considering filing charges of dereliction of duty against Mayor Kang Gijung of Gwangju and District Chief Park Byungkyu of Gwangsan District.
Park Suki, a member of the Gwangju City Council, is asking a municipal administration question at the plenary session of the 334th extraordinary meeting on the 15th. Photo by Gwangju City Council
Park Suki, a member of the Gwangju City Council, questioned the administration, saying, “Doesn’t Gwangju City have authority and responsibility here?” and demanded, “Take immediate action to protect citizens’ health and safety.” In response, Mayor Kang acknowledged, “I admit the city was passive, but the authority and responsibility for groundwater management lie with Gwangsan District. Because this is a costly and long-standing issue, our response may have been insufficient. Although it is late, we will respond together with the district office.”
As the situation escalated, Park Byungkyu, Chief of Gwangsan District, issued an official apology on this day. Chief Park stated, “Even after receiving the investigation results, we failed to respond quickly and actively, and we were also negligent in informing citizens. I once again deeply apologize to the workers at Hanam Industrial Complex and to the citizens living nearby for causing concern.”
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