Governor Kim Taeheum: Mediating Conflict Between Cheonan and Asan Over Expansion of Waste Incineration Plant

Visit to Asan City..."Willing for Chungnam Province to Share Incineration Facility Costs...Considering Ways to Resolve Conflicts"

Chungnam Governor Kim Taeheum expressed his willingness to resolve the conflict between the Cheonan and Asan areas, stating that "Chungnam Province is stepping in to mediate."

Chungnam Governor Kim Taeheum expressed his determination to resolve the conflict between Cheonan and Asan, stating that "Chungnam Province is stepping in to mediate."

On the 23rd, Governor Kim addressed the conflict between Cheonan and Asan during his visit to Asan for a 'Dialogue with Residents.'

The most notable conflicts between Cheonan and Asan currently involve the expansion of the Baekseok-dong waste incineration plant in Cheonan and the Gongju-Cheonan private expressway route.

The conflict over the Baekseok-dong waste incineration plant began when Cheonan City halted the operation of the existing incinerator, which was installed in 2001, due to the expiration of its durability period. Cheonan then launched the "Replacement Facility Installation Project for Household Waste Incinerator No. 1," aiming to complete a new incineration facility with a daily processing capacity of 260 tons by February 2028. Asan City objected to this plan.

Asan City argued that since the new facility site is near the border between Asan and Cheonan, including areas such as Umbong-myeon, Asan residents would be affected. Therefore, Asan demanded 4 billion KRW in mutual cooperation funds and the appointment of 40% of the resident support council members from the Asan area.

Ultimately, the two cities applied for mediation with the Environmental Dispute Mediation Committee in April last year. The committee proposed that Cheonan provide 3 billion KRW in mutual cooperation funds to Asan, make efforts to ensure Asan residents do not suffer relative disadvantages, and that Asan cooperate to ensure the smooth progress of Cheonan’s project.

However, Asan City filed an objection with the Environmental Dispute Mediation Committee, stating they could not accept the proposal, which has further intensified the conflict.

The two cities are also struggling to reach an agreement on the 39.4 km Gongju-Cheonan private expressway route connecting Seonghwan-eup in Cheonan and Jeongan-myeon in Gongju.

Cheonan insists on a 39.4 km direct route to Gongju, while Asan argues for a 44.2 km route passing through Asan to accommodate traffic demand resulting from the development of the Asan Tangjeong District.

Governor Kim Taeheum stated, "Regarding the incineration facility issue, Chungnam Province is mediating, and the main issue is financial. The province is also willing to bear part of the cost." He added, "For the Gongju-Cheonan expressway, Cheonan is strongly requesting active involvement from the province, but Asan is opposed. The province is considering ways to coordinate the conflict between Cheonan and Asan."

Meanwhile, Governor Kim Taeheum also expressed confidence regarding the bid to host the second Central Police Academy.

Governor Kim said, "There is nationwide interest in hosting the second police academy, and many local governments are competing. In Chungnam, both Asan and Yesan have entered the competition, but considering transportation and other conditions, Chungnam, including Asan, is the optimal location. We will do our best to win the bid."

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