"Environmental Damage at Suri Shipyard, Need for Measures to Dismantle Abandoned Large Cranes"

Assemblyman Kang Geun-sik.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] Kang Geunsik, a member of the Economic and Environmental Committee of the Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Council, addressed local issues such as the demand for the relocation of repair shipyards in the Bongpyeong-dong area of Tongyeong City during the 2nd plenary session of the 383rd extraordinary meeting.

Assemblyman Kang stated, "The Bongpyeong-dong area of Tongyeong City has been suffering from environmental problems caused by repair shipyards adjacent to residential areas for the past 25 years," and asked about the province's stance on resolving residents' environmental damage caused by paint, noise, and other issues arising from painting, polishing, and rust removal work at the repair shipyards.

In response, Jeong Seokwon, Director of the Climate, Environment, and Forestry Bureau, said, "We have established an annual inspection plan for dust-emitting business sites regarding the repair shipyards and are taking administrative actions against violating businesses," adding, "We plan to conduct regular measurements in March and around July to August using a mobile measurement vehicle from the Health and Environment Research Institute."

Assemblyman Kang also pointed out that the Public Waters Management Act stipulates, "Those who have obtained permission for the use or occupation of public waters must not lease them to others," and demanded that Gyeongnam Province clearly define the conditions for public waters use permits.

Kim Chunkeun, Director of the Marine Fisheries Bureau, stated that they will thoroughly review the legality when granting public waters use permits, add permit conditions, and maintain continuous interest to ensure thorough management.

Assemblyman Kang further mentioned, "When establishing the Tongyeong City Basic Urban Plan targeting 2025, permission was obtained to develop the Anjeongildan Industrial Complex in a direction that converts the damaged coastline of Tongyeong Port into green and waterfront spaces through the relocation of shipyards," and requested that the province and Tongyeong City form a consultative body to devise a plan for relocating the repair shipyards.

He also pointed out the issue of large broken cranes being left unattended and inquired about demolition plans.

Jo Hyunjun, Director of the Industrial Innovation Bureau, responded that they will do their best to manage safety, including conducting emergency safety inspections on the four large cranes that have been inactive for a long time.

Finally, Assemblyman Kang requested that Gyeongnam Province, Tongyeong City, and local residents form a public-private consultative body and sign an MOU for the relocation of the repair shipyards. He also asked for Governor Kim Kyungsoo's opinion on fundamental solutions to the damage suffered by residents of Bongpyeong-dong, Tongyeong.

Governor Kim said, "Regarding issues related to small-scale shipyards, the province will take the lead in actively demanding solutions from central government ministries," and added, "We will strive to reduce the damage to residents by forming a public-private consultative body centered on Tongyeong City and local residents."

Assemblyman Kang concluded his provincial government inquiry by emphasizing that shipyards polluting the Tongyeong sea and harming residents' health must not be neglected, stressing the need for shipyard relocation and measures to reduce environmental damage.

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