"Seoho Ecological Water Resources Center is Full of Problems"

During the Suwon City Council Economic and Environmental Committee's visit to the Seoho Ecological Water Resources Center construction site on the 2nd, committee members intensively requested improvements regarding difficulties in obtaining cultural heritage appearance change permits, insufficient resident convenience facilities, and odor and egret habitat issues.

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

Regarding the plan to install sewage treatment facilities underground and construct a golf course on the ground, concerns were raised about environmental impacts on egret habitats on nearby mountains as well as concerns that the center's construction would face difficulties due to the cultural heritage appearance change permit related to the Paleolithic remains site.

Councilor Kim Myung-uk stated, "The area for golf facilities, including the golf course (Par 3, 9 holes) and a golf driving range with 90 bays and 200m in scale, appears to be large, and relatively the park area for residents seems insufficient," and claimed, "Accessibility for nearby apartment residents is poor, and there is a possibility that it could become an exclusive park for a nearby specific church."

Councilor Kim also said, "I understand that the cultural heritage appearance change permit is difficult because construction is centered on the golf course," and asked, "I believe that if it takes the form of combining environmental facilities and parks, the change permit would be easier to obtain. Does the city have any intention to cancel the golf course plans?"

In response, a Suwon City Sewage Management Division official stated, "We planned golf facilities because facilities such as KT&G; soccer fields, baseball fields, and Suksji Sports Park could overlap," and explained, "Additionally, only the first floor of the building inside the center will be used for operation and management, and the second floor and rooftop will be utilized as resident convenience facilities."

The official added, "We plan to install the golf course at a lower level than the adjacent church and farmers' hall and install screening facilities around the area."

In accordance with Gyeonggi Province's opinion to build considering environmental friendliness as much as possible, the city plans to apply for a cultural heritage appearance change permit that includes construction plans accordingly.

Councilor Kim Young-dae asked, "In the case of environmental facilities, odors occur when it is cloudy or before sunrise. Are there any measures for the Seoho Ecological Water Resources Center?"

Councilor Jung Dong-geun and Councilor Lee Dae-young also emphasized that measures should be taken to resolve odors in the sewage treatment process, and that facilities and convenience should be provided not only for a specific church but for surrounding residents.

Committee Chair Jin Heung-guk said, "Please carefully consider the issues raised by the committee members and make efforts to ensure that this becomes a good facility in terms of environmental and resident convenience aspects."

Meanwhile, the Seoho Ecological Water Resources Center (410-6, Hwaseo-dong, Paldal-gu), which has a total project cost of 133.611 billion won, is currently showing a progress rate of 33.9% and is targeting completion by December of next year.