Special Crackdown on Unauthorized Environmental Pollutant Discharge in Suwon Industrial Complex

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hun] The Gyeonggi Regional Environmental Management Office will conduct a two-week special inspection and crackdown from April 12 to 23 on business establishments operating unauthorized (unreported) environmental pollutant discharge facilities within the Suwon Industrial Complex.

The crackdown targets 839 tenants within the industrial complex, with the Gyeonggi Regional Environmental Management Office and Suwon City jointly operating three inspection teams.

To minimize on-site inspections in prevention of COVID-19 spread, the office will first identify businesses suspected of illegal pollutant discharge based on the status of tenants in the industrial complex, then conduct intensive inspections at those locations.

Key inspection items include ▲unauthorized (unreported) installation and operation of wastewater and air discharge facilities ▲new business entries at sites reported as suspended or closed ▲illegal discharge of environmental pollutants.

For establishments found in violation, the office will take administrative measures including facility improvement orders and fines in accordance with applicable regulations, as well as internet disclosure, while subjecting intentional or habitual violators to criminal referral and strict action.

For businesses not subject to regulation, the office plans to distribute self-diagnosis checklists by sector and provide guidance on relevant laws and management procedures to encourage voluntary environmental conservation activities.

Yang Jae-hyun, Director of the Gyeonggi Regional Environmental Management Office, said, "We will actively endeavor to ensure that Gyeonggi Province residents can live safely and healthily by eliminating illegal environmental pollution conduct."