Warning Siren of Heavy Metals Trapped in Andong Dam

Andong City Council Puts Nakdong River Survival on the National Agenda
Urgent Call for Action as Heavy Metal Sediment Threatens Yeongnam’s Lifeline

The Andong City Council in North Gyeongsang Province has brought the issue of heavy metal sediment in the upper reaches of the Nakdong River to the forefront.

At the Nakdong River Upper Stream Heavy Metal Sediment Issue Policy Forum held at Andong Culture and Arts Center, attendees are agreeing on the need for fundamental countermeasures.

The "Policy Forum on Resolving Heavy Metal Sediment Issues in the Upper Nakdong River (from Youngpoong Seokpo Smelter to Andong Dam)" held on the 29th at the Andong Culture and Arts Center was not just an academic event, but an urgent "warning ground" to protect the right to survival of 13 million residents in the Yeongnam region.

◆ "Neglecting mercury and cadmium will destroy our water source"

Choi Mansik, a professor at Chungnam National University, and Kim Younghun, a professor at Kyungpook National University, sounded the alarm by revealing the current status of heavy metal accumulation in the sediment of Andong Dam. The site was shaken by analysis results showing that large amounts of carcinogenic substances such as cadmium and mercury have accumulated.

During the general discussion, Son Kwangyoung, Vice Chairman of the Andong City Council, emphasized, "Andong Dam is the lifeline for 13 million Yeongnam residents," and warned, "The government's lukewarm response will only lead to a greater disaster."

◆ "Inter-ministerial task force, special law, and compensation"

Panelists discussing concrete solutions focused on three policy proposals: the formation of an inter-ministerial task force and enactment of a special law at the central government level; strict supervision and liability for damages for pollution sources such as the Youngpoong Seokpo Smelter and abandoned mines; and the establishment of a long-term roadmap for the purification and restoration of the entire Nakdong River water system.

A civic group representative pointed out, "Corporations have evaded responsibility, and the government has neglected the problem. Now is the time to change the system and the law."

◆ "Now it is time for politics to respond"

The forum reached a consensus that "the Nakdong River issue is not simply an environmental matter, but a national survival agenda." The Andong City Council plans to summarize the results of the discussion and submit a policy proposal to the central government and the National Assembly.

Lee Taekyu, president of an environmental activist group, stated, "Reviving the Nakdong River is essential for the survival of Yeongnam. This forum must not end as a one-off event, but serve as the starting point for political and institutional action."

To the reporter observing the scene, the word "survival" resonated even more strongly than "environment." The issue of heavy metal sediment in Andong Dam, which is directly connected to the dining tables and water taps of Yeongnam residents, is an urgent task that can no longer be postponed for further academic debate. The question raised by the Andong City Council goes beyond a local issue and has become a national agenda. Now, only a decisive response from the government and political circles remains.

Officials including the chairman of Andong City Council attended the policy forum to address the heavy metal issue in the Nakdong River in Andong, Gyeongbuk, and are taking a commemorative photo after the forum.