Carcinogens Detected in Bonchon Industrial Complex Groundwater in Gwangju... Buk-gu Begins Remediation

Testing Initiated for 20 Items Including Mercury and Benzene
Well Closures and Budget Request to Gwangju City Planned if Contamination is Found

Following the detection of carcinogenic substances in groundwater at the Hanam Industrial Complex, it has now been revealed that similar substances have been found in the groundwater at the Bonchon Industrial Complex as well. In response, Buk-gu in Gwangju has initiated water quality testing. On July 25, Buk-gu announced the formation of the 'Bonchon Industrial Complex Groundwater Contamination Response Task Force (TF)' and stated that it has commissioned a private company to conduct water quality tests at 57 groundwater facilities.

Exterior view of Gwangju Bukgu Government Office.

The tests will cover 15 to 20 items, including mercury and benzene, with results expected in nine days. Based on the test results, Buk-gu plans to implement phased remediation measures and has requested support from the city of Gwangju to secure the necessary budget. If contamination is confirmed, the affected facilities will be subject to improvement orders or well closures.

The groundwater contamination in the Bonchon Industrial Complex area is a case where pollution had been left unaddressed for several years before being discovered. The sources of contamination have been identified as the former Rocket Battery factory and the Honam Shani site, and it is believed that carcinogenic substances used before the enactment of relevant laws in the 1980s and 1990s still remain.

Buk-gu has explained that it was unable to carry out substantial remediation projects due to a lack of budget. However, criticism has been raised that, in effect, no action was taken at all.