Gwangju City Council Environment and Welfare Committee Conducts Emergency On-Site Visit Over "Carcinogenic Groundwater" Incident

Criticism of Administrative Negligence...
Citizen Safety Comes First

The Environment and Welfare Committee of Gwangju City Council, along with Mayor Kang Gijeong, conducted an on-site investigation on the 17th to assess the severe groundwater contamination in the Hanam Industrial Complex area. Photo by Gwangju City Council

The Environment and Welfare Committee of Gwangju City Council (Chairperson Choi Jihyun) conducted an emergency on-site investigation on the 17th regarding the "carcinogenic groundwater" incident near the Hanam Industrial Complex.

This site visit was carried out to directly confirm the issue of a lack of substantial administrative action for over two years after dangerous levels of carcinogens were detected in the groundwater. In particular, it was revealed that trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) exceeded permissible standards by hundreds of times, heightening anxiety among local residents.

The investigation team conducted a comprehensive review of the contamination status, administrative response, safety measures for local residents, and the possibility of further spread. They also received detailed reports from relevant agencies.

Chairperson Choi Jihyun stated, "The safety of citizens is being threatened due to the serious negligence of local government duties," adding, "The City Council will pursue a comprehensive response in cooperation with related agencies, including holding those responsible accountable, guaranteeing residents' right to know, preventing the spread of contamination and implementing remediation measures, as well as improving relevant systems."

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