The government will conduct intensive inspections at over 3,400 sites with significant environmental pollution concerns ahead of the Chuseok holiday. During the holiday period, drones and mobile measurement vehicles will be deployed to monitor illegal pollution activities, and regional situation rooms will be established.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on September 17 that special monitoring, inspections, and promotional activities to prevent environmental pollution will take place from September 18 to October 8.
This special inspection will involve the ministry, seven regional and local environmental agencies, and local governments. They will focus on major polluting facilities and areas vulnerable to pollution before, during, and after the holiday.
Before the holiday, the government will send self-inspection cooperation letters to over 31,000 key facilities and environmental infrastructure sites. Additionally, on-site monitoring and inspections will be conducted at the 3,400 sites identified as vulnerable to environmental pollution.
Key targets for inspection include facilities that directly discharge pollutants into public waters, those located near water sources, and sites that emit large amounts of air pollutants. Areas with frequent complaints or repeated violations of environmental laws, as well as industrial complexes and densely populated factory areas, will also be closely examined.
During the holiday, advanced monitoring equipment, including drones and mobile measurement vehicles, will enhance on-site surveillance. Facilities suspected of illegal pollution activities will be subject to immediate follow-up inspections.
Regional situation rooms and reporting channels for environmental violations will be operational. Patrols in vulnerable areas and along rivers will be intensified, and rapid responses to environmental incidents will be planned.
After the holiday, from September 28 to October 8, technical support will be provided to businesses vulnerable to environmental pollution or those that have experienced issues, particularly small enterprises. Officials will visit these sites to ensure that pollution prevention facilities are functioning properly.
Last year, during the Chuseok holiday, inspections were conducted at 2,328 sites, resulting in the identification of environmental law violations at 103 locations (4.4%). The main violations included failure to comply with permits and reporting for pollutant discharge facilities, exceeding discharge limits, neglecting to repair pollution prevention equipment, and failing to complete training for environmental technicians and hazardous materials managers.
Jin Myung-ho, the ministry's auditor, stated, "We will do our utmost to prevent illegal environmental pollution activities that may occur during the holiday and respond swiftly to any incidents, ensuring that the public can enjoy a safe Chuseok holiday."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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