Changwon Special City Strengthens 'Prevention' of Water Pollution Incidents at Local Businesses

Guidance on Compliance Requirements for Wastewater Discharge Facilities

Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam is strengthening proactive guidance for local businesses to prevent water pollution in advance, and is implementing management and on-site inspections of wastewater discharge facilities and areas vulnerable to environmental pollution.

Changwon Special City Hall, Gyeongnam.

This inspection aims to reduce the possibility of pollutants entering rivers in advance by encouraging voluntary facility management and compliance with legal standards by businesses. The focus is on a prevention-oriented management approach that checks and manages pollution factors beforehand, rather than responding after an incident occurs.

Accordingly, the city has provided prior guidance on wastewater management standards and key compliance requirements for preventing water pollution to wastewater discharge facilities and business associations within its jurisdiction. It has also requested their cooperation so that workplaces can independently inspect the operation status of their facilities.

On-site management and inspections are centered on workplaces that install and operate wastewater discharge facilities. The main items to be checked include whether wastewater treatment facilities are operating properly, whether there are any unauthorized discharges of wastewater, and the management status of facilities that could potentially allow pollutants to enter rivers. This process involves not only simple checks, but also a comprehensive review of the appropriateness of facility operations, management records, and the proper functioning of prevention facilities.

In addition, inspections are intensified for workplaces with repeated violations or during periods when pollution risk is high, and minor deficiencies are addressed immediately to ensure effective prevention of pollution. If any abnormal signs are detected, the management system is maintained to enable prompt action in cooperation with relevant departments.

Lee Yujeong, Director of the Climate and Environment Bureau, stated, "The key to preventing water pollution is not punishment after an incident, but raising the level of management by providing accurate guidance on what must be observed on-site and ensuring these measures are implemented." She added, "We will do our utmost to prevent water pollution incidents through proactive guidance for businesses, on-site inspections, and continuous monitoring."