Namwon Sewage Treatment Plant Discharge Controversy... Hamyang County and Namwon City Discuss Joint Response

Consultation on the Inflow of Incomplete Treated Water from the Daejeong Sewage Treatment Plant and Discharge at the Inwol Relay Pump Station
Namwon City Officials Visit Hamyang County to Express Regret and Apologies... Steps Toward Establishing an Emergency Water Pollution Contact Network

Hamyang County and Namwon City held discussions on recurrence prevention and joint water quality management measures in response to the issue of incomplete treated water from a sewage treatment facility in Namwon City, North Jeolla Province, flowing into a local stream.

According to Hamyang County in South Gyeongsang Province, Namwon City officials visited Hamyang County Office on September 3 to hold consultations regarding the recent stream water pollution issue.

During the meeting, the main topics addressed were the issue of incomplete treated water from the Daejeong Public Sewage Treatment Plant in Sannae-myeon, Namwon City, flowing into streams, and the discharge at the Inwol Relay Pump Station in February.

[Photo by Hamyang County] Officials from Hamyang County and Namwon City discussed measures to prevent recurrence and joint water quality management plans regarding the issue of incomplete treated water inflow into the river from Daejeong Public Sewage Treatment Plant in Sannae-myeon, Namwon City, and the discharge from Inwol Intermediate Pump Station at Hamyang County Office on the 3rd.

Previously, Hamyang County requested that Namwon City identify the causes of these issues, establish preventive measures against recurrence, improve sewage treatment facilities, and build a joint water quality management system for both upstream and downstream areas.

Hamyang County stated that Namwon City officials, who visited that day, expressed regret and delivered their apologies regarding the inflow of incomplete treated water from the Daejeong facility and the discharge issue at the Inwol Relay Pump Station.

Recognizing that water pollution originating upstream can impact the water quality and ecological environment of downstream areas beyond administrative boundaries, the two local governments discussed establishing information-sharing practices and a joint response system in the event of an incident.

As an initial step, the two local governments agreed to establish an "Emergency Water Pollution Contact Network between Namwon and Hamyang" to enable prompt sharing of relevant information when a water pollution incident occurs.

They also decided to pursue measures that would require advance notification to Hamyang County if any construction projects in Namwon City could potentially impact stream water quality.

In addition, there was discussion about forming a joint inspection team, consisting of both local authorities and community members, to oversee major pollution sources such as livestock farms and non-point pollution sources. Opinions were also exchanged regarding the possible elevation of the stream's management status to a national river.

Hamyang County pledged to further develop the joint upstream and downstream water quality management plans with Namwon City based on these consultations and to continuously monitor compliance with the agreements.

A Hamyang County official stated, "Because this issue is directly related to residents' living environments, we will continuously monitor and cooperate to ensure that the agreed-upon tasks with Namwon City are actually carried out."

However, in order for the establishment of an emergency contact network, advance notifications, and operation of the joint monitoring team to effectively help prevent water pollution in streams, it will be necessary to specify follow-up measures such as detailed operational guidelines, scope of responsibility, and response procedures in case of incidents.

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