Icheon Mayor Seong Su-seok stated on October 30 that the introduction of regulations regarding the discharge of chloride and sulfate ions from SK Hynix should be approached with caution. This comment follows recent press releases from Gyeonggi Province issued on October 5 and 28.
On October 5, Gyeonggi Province announced that elevated levels of chloride and sulfate ions were detected in a river near the SK Hynix discharge outlet, exceeding recommendations from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). On October 28, Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung conducted a third administrative guidance session with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, urging improvements in the water quality of semiconductor discharge.
The city explained that both substances are commonly found in nature and noted that there are no established discharge standards for these materials globally, nor are there specific standards for agricultural water in South Korea. It emphasized that any decision on regulation should consider the characteristics of the substances, their environmental impact, the current water quality management system, and the financial conditions of the companies involved.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has also indicated that there are no plans to establish domestic discharge standards for these substances. It was confirmed that the quality of rice produced in nearby agricultural lands using water from the Jukdangcheon River has not been adversely affected.
As a result, the city plans to balance the growth of the semiconductor industry with the environmental safety of its citizens, continuing to monitor changes in the water quality of the Jukdangcheon River in collaboration with relevant agencies.
Mayor Seong stated, "Considering the intent of Governor Lee Jae-myung's administrative guidance on the need to manage chloride and sulfate ions, we will work with SK Hynix to enhance reuse rates and develop rational water quality management measures."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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