Mokpo City Welcomes Repeated Rejection of Medical Waste Incineration Facility

Poor Design and Inconsistent Pollution Projections
City Reaffirms Its Opposition

Mokpo City Hall.

The city of Mokpo in South Jeolla Province has welcomed the decision by the Yeongsangang River Basin Environmental Office to once again reject the business plan submitted by a company seeking to establish a medical waste incineration facility, as of January 23.

According to the city, the rejection was primarily due to a lack of consistency among key data in the business plan, including the design specifications and the projected concentrations of air pollutants, with numerous discrepancies identified. This led to concerns about the overall reliability of the submission.

Additionally, the plan's attempt to apply incinerator technology whose safety and performance in medical waste treatment have not been sufficiently verified was also cited as a reason for rejection. It was reported that the same issues previously raised had not been adequately addressed, and recurring problems were once again identified, influencing the Environmental Office's decision.

It was also pointed out that some equipment in the waste management system does not meet current standards, raising concerns about stable operation and security.

The city evaluated the latest decision by the Yeongsangang River Basin Environmental Office as reaffirming the validity of its longstanding opposition to the installation of a medical waste incineration facility.

The city emphasized that, as this facility could directly impact citizens' rights to health and a pleasant living environment, it will continue to respond to all related administrative procedures with caution and strictness.

An official from Mokpo City stated, "The installation of a medical waste incineration facility is not just a simple development project, but a critical matter directly linked to the lives and safety of citizens and the sustainability of the local environment." The official added, "We will closely cooperate with relevant agencies, thoroughly review administrative procedures, and firmly oppose the construction of the incineration facility by prioritizing the will of the citizens."