Opposition Grows as Korea Midland Power Moves to Resume Blasting for Seocheon Power Plant Demolition

Residents Demand Non-Blasting Methods Due to Severe Noise and Dust Concerns
Seocheon County Stresses Need for Alternative Methods and Effective Noise Reduction Measures

Korea Midland Power Co. demolishing the old Seocheon Thermal Power Plant building by blasting in 2024

It has been reported that Korea Midland Power has inquired with Seocheon County about the possibility of temporarily lifting the ban on blasting, which was enacted for the demolition of buildings on the site of the old Seocheon Thermal Power Plant. This has led to growing opposition among local residents.

The residents are demanding that alternative demolition methods be implemented to reduce noise and dust, instead of using blasting.

According to reporting by The Asia Business Daily on July 31, Korea Midland Power has been carrying out demolition work at the former Seocheon Thermal Power Plant site since July 2021, as part of plans to restore Dongbaekjeong Beach, build a resort, and create an ecological park.

However, from March to April last year, Korea Midland Power exceeded noise standards twice during the blasting operations, prompting a series of complaints from residents. In June of the same year, Seocheon County imposed an administrative order prohibiting the use of blasting.

Since then, Korea Midland Power was required to consider demolition methods other than blasting. However, it has recently been reported that the company asked the county whether it would be possible to temporarily lift the ban on blasting, in order to demolish the smokestack and the boiler building's foundation.

In response, local residents are opposing the resumption of blasting and insist that non-blasting demolition methods should be used, taking their living environment into account.

One resident said, "When blasting was carried out, the noise and dust were so severe that it was impossible to live normally. Since damage to residents has been confirmed, demolition should be carried out using other methods, rather than blasting."

They added, "Demolition should be possible with non-blasting methods, so it raises suspicions that the push to resume blasting is simply to prioritize cutting construction costs."

Seocheon County is also taking a cautious stance regarding the resumption of blasting.

A county official stated, "Minimizing damage to residents is the top priority. There must be sufficient noise reduction measures, as well as a review of alternative demolition methods, before any resumption of blasting is considered."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.