Chungnam Creates 'Fine Dust Blocking Forest' Serving as a Screen for Industrial Complexes

[Asia Economy (Naepo) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Chungnam Province will create fine dust blocking forests at five locations near local industrial complexes.

According to the province on the 8th, Chungnam is adjacent to China, resulting in a higher amount of fine dust inflow from China compared to other regions. Additionally, 30 out of the 60 nationwide coal-fired power plants operate in the region, leading to a high amount of locally generated fine dust.

Accordingly, the province plans to spend 14.4 billion KRW (7.2 billion KRW in national funds) this year to establish fine dust blocking forests at five sites (14.9 hectares) across four cities and counties, serving as a screen between industrial complexes and residential areas.

The target sites include Asan Dunpo Industrial Complex, Seosan Daejuk and Auto Valley General Industrial Complexes, Dangjin Seokmun National Industrial Complex, and Yesan Yedang General Industrial Complex.

By creating fine dust blocking forests in these areas, the province aims to adsorb, absorb, settle, and block fine dust, establish mixed and multi-layered forests around emission sources, and suppress the inflow and spread into residential areas. This is expected to reduce fine dust, improve air quality, and mitigate urban heat island effects and heatwaves.

According to the National Institute of Forest Science, a single tree absorbs 35.7g of fine dust, and a 1-hectare forest can remove 168kg of pollutants.

In particular, studies have shown that these forests reduce fine dust (ultrafine dust) by 30-40%, lower average midday summer temperatures by 3-7 degrees Celsius, and increase humidity by 9-23%, thereby alleviating urban heat island effects.

Previously, the province was selected for a Korea Forest Service public project and created five fine dust blocking forests last year as well.

Lee Sang-chun, head of the Forestry Resources Division of the province, said, “This year, the province plans to create blocking forests around fine dust emission sources such as industrial complexes and power plants. Through this, we will enhance the quality of life for residents by reducing fine dust, expanding green spaces, and improving health functions.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.