Jungnang-gu, Nationwide First to Create Sewer Pipeline Odor Map

Annual Sewer Odor Reduction Plan Establishment Service and Odor Reduction Project Implementation

Jungnang-gu (District Mayor Ryu Kyung-gi) is actively working to eliminate sewage odors by promoting the ‘Establishment of Annual Sewage Odor Reduction Measures and Odor Reduction Projects.’

The main cause of sewage odor is the septic tanks in buildings located in combined sewer areas where stormwater and sewage are mixed. During the process where domestic wastewater from bathrooms and kitchens accumulates and decomposes, hydrogen sulfide, an odor-causing substance, is generated inside the septic tanks and discharged through the sewer system along with sewage, spreading odors through road drains and manholes.

Most metropolitan areas use the combined sewer system, which is prone to generating such odors, emphasizing the need for efforts to alleviate residents’ discomfort.

To address this, the district has installed 1,014 odor reduction facilities in public and private sewage systems over the past five years, and has been working to reduce odors by maintaining aging sewer pipelines and conducting regular cleaning.

In July, Jungnang-gu conducted a comprehensive survey of sewage pipelines throughout the region to establish fundamental measures for independent odor reduction. Sample surveys including odor concentration measurements were conducted to update odor grades and complete an odor map. The survey results confirmed that out of the total 384 km of sewage pipelines, 41 km (about 10%) were classified as grade 4 or 5 pipelines requiring odor reduction.

Based on the survey results, the district plans to carry out a ‘Sewage Odor Reduction Measures Establishment Project’ within this year to effectively eliminate odors. The plan includes conducting detailed and thorough odor investigations at approximately 120 locations using specialized personnel and equipment.

This year’s project will focus on areas densely populated with grade 5 odor sewage pipelines. Additionally, the district will actively collaborate with the ‘Seoul-type Sewage Odor Target Management System’ promoted by Seoul City according to the project results and will strive to secure additional project funding.

Ryu Kyung-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, stated, “We are focusing on solving the fundamental problems to minimize residents’ inconvenience and create a pleasant living environment,” and added, “We will continue to work hard on odor reduction projects until sewage odors are completely eliminated.”

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