Waste Incineration Plant Modernization Project Stalled in Yangsan... Contractor Claims Resident Representative Demanded Backdoor Deal, Then Reversed Position

NC Yangsan's waste incineration plant located in Sanmak Industrial Complex, Yangsan City.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] A modernization project for a waste incineration plant in Yangsan, Gyeongnam, has been stalled for nearly two years, amid allegations of a ‘backdoor deal’ between the company and a residents’ representative.

Currently, the incineration plant modernization project is at a standstill after a resident who initially supported the project reversed their position and began leading an opposition committee.

NC Yangsan, which has been pushing for the expansion and modernization of the incineration plant for over four years, reached a dispute resolution agreement in March 2020 with the Odor and Dust Countermeasure Committee, composed of representatives including nearby residents.

At that time, Mr. A, who led the committee and signed the agreement, has recently taken the role of co-chairman of the NC Incineration Plant Construction Opposition Committee and is reportedly conducting another opposition campaign.

A representative from NC Yangsan stated, "Before drafting the agreement with the Odor and Dust Countermeasure Committee in 2020, Chairman A proposed purchasing an apartment he owned beyond the mountain near the incineration plant and requested an additional 50 million KRW, for which we provided a memorandum of understanding reflecting this." It was also said that Mr. A demanded further financial support to sway public opinion against the opposition committee.

According to the incineration plant representatives and whistleblowers, Mr. A secretly conveyed that he would cooperate with the modernization and expansion approval of the incineration plant if financial support was provided.

The incineration plant side rejected the demands, citing the financial burden and the inappropriateness of such transactions, but Mr. A reportedly contacted the company representative directly at the end of February 2020, again requesting financial support and obtaining a signed memorandum.

At that time, Mr. A conveyed that if his apartment was sold, there would be no reason to oppose the modernization and expansion of the Sanmak Industrial Complex incineration plant, and that if the apartment was purchased, he would cooperate with the project, according to the company.

The company claimed to the press that they accepted Mr. A’s conditions and provided him with a handwritten memorandum.

Subsequently, Mr. A shifted to supporting the modernization and expansion, signed the agreement, and the company proceeded with the project, but the project was delayed due to the inability to hold public hearings amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company stated, "It is true that we responded to Mr. A’s financial demands, but no actual support was provided," adding, "Only one copy of the memorandum was made, which Mr. A took."

Mr. A denied these claims, stating, "I never requested apartment purchase or financial support, nor did I receive any memorandum."

Recently, NC Yangsan announced a 40 billion KRW investment to reinitiate the incineration plant modernization and expansion based on the 2020 agreement, but some residents including Mr. A have reverted to opposition, causing difficulties.

The opposition committee stated, "Of the 60 tons processed at the incineration plant, only 15 tons are waste from Yangsan city, so why is expansion necessary?" and added, "We support modernization but oppose expansion."

In response, an NC Yangsan official said, "Waste disposal costs are the same across regions, and obtaining permits for waste transport is not easy," adding, "There is no reason to incur labor and fuel costs to bring waste to Yangsan."

The incineration plant representatives argued, "In Gimhae, where there is no incineration plant, waste can be diverted to incineration plants in other areas such as Yangsan, but it is not processed at our plant," and emphasized, "The NC Yangsan incineration plant is the oldest in the Sanmak Industrial Complex and urgently needs modernization."

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