South Korean Updates: Result of crackdown on pollutant-emitting facilities shows local governments’ lukewarm attitude (8 Aug 2013)

Result of crackdown on pollutant-emitting facilities shows local governments’ lukewarm attitude
webmaster
2013.08.08

The Ministry of Environment (MOE) announced on the 8^th it has taken administrative measures including closedown after exposing 1,628 places of business that breach environmental laws and regulations based on the result of inspection on environmental pollutant-emitting facilities in the local governments from January to June, 2013.

According to the result, the inspection rate of workplaces in the local governments stands at 34.2%, amounting to 15,725 places out of 45,918 places nationwide. The figure is lower than last year’s inspection rate of 38.7% at the first half.

While Jelloabuk-do, Ulsan Metropolitan City, and Gwanju Metropolitan City inspected more than 50% of places, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Sejong Special Self-Governing Province and Chungcheongnam-do showed inspection rate less than the average of 34.2%.

Iksan City, Jellabuk-do and Suwon City, Gyeonggi-do recorded more than 60% of inspection, whereas Yangju City, Pyeongtaek City, Gimpo City and Pohang City shower poor performance with crackdown rate less than 10%.

The detection rate was 9.1% up 2.3% from 6.8% a year ago, exposing 1,628 facilities violating environmental laws and regulations after 17,834 times of inspection at the first half of the year. In particular, 29 facilities were detected for double-breach of environmental laws and regulations.

MOE called upon the local governments to strengthen guidance and inspection on pollutant-emitting facilities. For the local governments with low inspection rate and detection rate, a watchdog from regional environmental office will conduct a special inspection.

Source: 

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