Seoho Ecological Water Resource Center Full of Problems

During the Suwon City Council Economic & Environmental Committee's site visit to the Seoho Ecological Water Resource Center construction on the 2nd, council members consistently demanded improvement measures addressing difficulties in obtaining cultural heritage alteration permits, insufficient public amenities, and issues with odor and white heron habitats.

Council members who visited the Seoho Ecological Water Resource Center construction site that morning pointed out in unison that there are many areas for improvement regarding the center, which will process 47,000 tons of sewage daily in an area densely packed with subway stations and apartment complexes.

Regarding plans to install sewage treatment facilities underground and construct a golf course on the surface, concerns were raised about environmental impacts on white heron habitats in the area, as well as concerns that center construction would face difficulties due to cultural heritage alteration permits related to the prehistoric relics at the site.

Council member Kim Myeong-wook stated, "The golf facilities including a golf course (Par 3, 9 holes) and a golf practice range with 90 bays spanning 200 meters appear to occupy a large area, while the park area for residents seems relatively insufficient," and argued, "Not only is accessibility for neighboring apartment residents poor, but there is a possibility it could become an exclusive park for a nearby specific church."

Additionally, Councilor Kim said, "As construction is focused on the golf course, I understand that obtaining a cultural heritage alteration permit is difficult," and "I believe the permit would be easier to obtain if it takes the form of combining environmental facilities and parks," asking whether there is intent to cancel the golf course plan.

In response, a Suwon City Sewage Management Division official stated, "We planned it as a golf facility because facilities such as the KT&G soccer field, baseball field, and Sukji Sports Park could create redundancy," and explained, "Additionally, only the first floor of the building within the center will be used for operational management, while the second floor and rooftop will be utilized as public amenities."

The official added, "Plans are in place to install the golf course at a lower level than the adjacent church and farmers' association building, and to install screening facilities around it."

In accordance with Gyeonggi Province's opinion to pursue environmentally friendly construction, the city plans to apply for cultural heritage alteration permits including construction plans that align with these requirements.

Council member Kim Young-dae asked, "In the case of environmental facilities, odor occurs when it is cloudy or before sunrise—do you have countermeasures for the Seoho Ecological Water Resource Center?"

Council members Jeong Dong-geun and Lee Dae-young also emphasized the need for measures to eliminate odor from the sewage treatment process, and that facilities and amenities should be provided not only for a specific church but for surrounding residents.

Committee Chair Jin Heung-guk urged, "Please carefully consider the issues pointed out by council members and make efforts to develop good facilities from both environmental and public amenity perspectives."

Meanwhile, the Seoho Ecological Water Resource Center (at 410-6, Hwaseo-dong, Paldal-gu), into which a total project budget of 133.611 billion won is being invested, is currently showing a 33.9% completion rate and aims for completion by December of next year.