Large 'Garbage Mountain' Discovered in Pyeongtaek Forest, Who Is Responsible for Disposal Causes Stir
[Asia Economy Reporter Nana] While developing an industrial complex in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, a large-scale garbage mountain buried decades ago was uncovered.
According to Pyeongtaek City on the 10th, during the recent construction of the Pyeongtaek Brain City industrial complex, a portion of land that was previously a landfill site (217-13 Doil-dong) was discovered during the construction process.
Although it appears to be covered with soil and looks like a normal hill (forest land), approximately 260,000 tons of household waste are buried there. This garbage mountain is much larger than the large-scale garbage mountain in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk (190,000 tons), which became an international issue after being reported by foreign media in the past.
According to a report by Korea Economic Daily, Pyeongtaek City explained that in 2013, it received a post-management termination disposition from Gyeonggi-do, stating that there were no further environmental pollution issues, and said, "If the site is disturbed, the developer is responsible for handling the waste generated."
The Pyeongtaek Urban Corporation, which is in charge of the project, said, "It is true that part of the landfill is included in the site, but that part is at the boundary of the site and will not be disturbed."
Environmental experts pointed out, "Even if post-management has ended, waste discovered during construction should be excavated, sorted, and properly treated."
Hot Picks Today
"Stocks Are Not Taxed, but Annual Crypto Gains Over 2.5 Million Won to Be Taxed Next Year... Investors Push Back"
- "Even With a 90 Million Won Salary and Bonuses, It Doesn’t Feel Like Much"... A Latecomer Rookie Who Beat 70 to 1 Odds [Scientists Are Disappearing] ③
- "Who Is Visiting Japan These Days?" The Once-Crowded Tourist Spots Empty Out... What's Happening?
- "Am I Really in the Top 30%?" and "Worried About My Girlfriend in the Bottom 70%"... Buzz Over High Oil Price Relief Fund
- "It Has Now Crossed Borders": No Vaccine or Treatment as Bundibugyo Ebola Variant Spreads [Reading Science]
Hong Soo-yeol, director of the Resource Circulation Social Economy Research Institute, said, "In the case of sanitary landfills, management is unnecessary once post-management termination is granted, but for non-sanitary landfills like this site, if any development is to be carried out, the landfill status must be investigated." He added, "If any development work is conducted on the site, the waste must be handled," and "It is also necessary to consider ground stability and other factors."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
