Moksori Residents of Boksu-myeon, Geumsan-gun, Chungnam Hold Rally at Geumsan County Office Opposing Project Approval
Approximately 60 residents of Moksori, Boksu-myeon, Geumsan-gun, Chungnam, held a rally expressing deep anger and concern over the potential exposure to natural radioactive substances such as uranium from the Seoksan development project, declaring their absolute opposition to the approval of the development.
On the 5th, in a statement released at the main gate parking lot of Geumsan County Office, the residents addressed the Seoksan development project currently being promoted in the Moksori area of Boksu-myeon (29,980 square meters). They stated, "This development goes beyond simple stone extraction and constitutes an act that seriously threatens the local ecosystem and the health of residents." They emphasized, "In particular, the possibility of exposure to natural radioactive substances such as uranium during the development process has been raised, making this a grave issue that threatens the lives and safety of residents. We demand the immediate suspension of the project."
The residents cited the following reasons for their opposition: ▲ Destruction of the natural ecosystem due to deforestation and changes in topography, resulting in irreversible damage to regional biodiversity ▲ The possibility of exposure to radioactive substances, leading to critical health impacts on residents and concerns over uranium contamination as a long-term environmental disaster ▲ Threats to resident safety from indiscriminate truck traffic through the village ▲ The pursuit of profit by companies through reckless development activities that disregard the lives and environment of local residents.
They demanded four actions: ▲ Immediate suspension of the Seoksan development ▲ A thorough investigation into the possibility of uranium contamination and public disclosure of the results ▲ Transparent administration from the county office that reflects residents' opinions ▲ Companies fulfilling their responsibilities to the local community and taking the lead in environmental protection.
The local residents stressed that if the project is not halted, they will take legal action to ensure the Seoksan development is stopped.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
