Aerial Surveillance with Advanced Drones Enhances Enforcement
Failure to Conduct Self-Monitoring and Inadequate Fugitive Dust Control Detected
Daejeon City's Special Judicial Police have cracked down on companies that failed to conduct self-monitoring of air pollutants and on businesses generating fugitive dust.
Starting in November, Daejeon City carried out a two-month special investigation targeting illegal environmental pollution activities by local pollutant-emitting businesses and other sources of environmental contamination in residential areas.
This special investigation incorporated aerial surveillance using advanced equipment such as drones, which enhanced the effectiveness of enforcement and resulted in the detection of three businesses violating environmental laws.
As a result of the investigation, two companies were found to have failed to conduct self-monitoring of air pollutants generated during the operation of their air emission facilities, while another company did not implement the required suppression measures at a fugitive dust-generating site.
In one major violation, Company A operated an air pollutant emission facility without conducting the required monthly self-monitoring for chromium compounds, which are designated hazardous air pollutants.
Company B was found to have carried out demolition work on a building within an urban development zone without installing dust barriers.
Daejeon City's Special Judicial Police plan to refer the violators to the prosecution in accordance with relevant laws and notify the competent authorities of the violations for administrative action.
Additionally, this special investigation included surveillance activities using advanced monitoring equipment such as drones in industrial complexes where pollutant-emitting businesses are concentrated, thereby preventing illegal environmental pollution and establishing a diverse monitoring system.
A Daejeon City official stated, "As the importance of citizens' health and a pleasant living environment continues to grow, we will continue to strengthen on-site inspections of pollutant-emitting businesses to eradicate environmental violations and create a safer city."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
