Residents of Manbong-ri, Naju, Jeonnam Suffer Decades of 'Earth and Stone Excavation' Pain

Published 26 May.2022 12:52(KST)

Initially permitted 31,000㎡... Expanded to 114,766㎡ in 2018

Complaints of noise, dust, and water mixed with stone powder for 30 years

Doubled during former Mayor Kang In-gyu's term... Residents criticize

Dust is rising from the soil and rock excavation site near San 48-1, Manbong-ri, Bonghwang-myeon, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do.

[Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Residents in the area of San48-1, Manbong-ri, Bonghwang-myeon, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do have been suffering for decades.

Not only is there thick dust generated from the soil and rock extraction site, but it is also common to see murky water mixed with stone powder.

Residents are anxious as they have heard news that additional quarry complexes are being planned in the area, fearing they may have to endure this situation for another 30 years.

The origin of the issue dates back over 30 years.

In June 1990, Naju City first granted permission to Company A for soil and rock extraction. Fourteen years later, in 2004, extraction over an area of 31,000㎡ was officially permitted.

At that time, residents were not only familiar with the representative of Company A but also judged that extraction over an area of about 31,000㎡ would not pose a significant problem.

However, this area gradually increased. In 2007, an additional 13,200㎡ was approved for a material processing site and access roads. Moreover, in the same year, Company A was acquired by another party, and the extraction period was extended.

The extraction site area continued to expand. In 2009, an additional 60,000㎡ was approved, including the existing permitted area, and by 2018, it had increased to 114,766㎡.

Residents, who had been enduring daily inconveniences, have even directed criticism toward former Naju Mayor Kang In-gyu.

This is because during Kang’s re-election in 2018, the existing extraction area nearly doubled from 60,000㎡ to 114,766㎡.

The problem escalated when it became known that Company A is pushing for the designation of a quarry complex covering a total area of 508,295㎡, with the period extending until 2052.

In response, residents reportedly submitted petitions citing reservoir pollution and daily inconveniences.

Regarding this, former Mayor Kang stated, “It was a matter decided by the department head, so I am not well aware of it.”

Also, a Naju City official said, “Since a long time has passed and the person in charge has changed, it is difficult to grasp the specific situation,” adding, “We will listen carefully to the residents’ difficulties.”