Gwangyang City to Begin Renovation of Aging Wastewater Pipelines in National Industrial Complex in October

Secured 11.5 Billion KRW in National Funding
Total Project Cost Set at 19.8 Billion KRW

On July 23, Gwangyang City in South Jeolla Province announced that it will officially launch a project to renovate aging wastewater pipelines in the Taein-dong related complex area, investing a total of 19.8 billion KRW to enhance safety and improve the environment of the Gwangyang National Industrial Complex.

The wastewater pipelines in this area were installed in 1985 and have been in use for nearly 40 years, resulting in a range of persistent issues such as damage due to aging, joint disconnections, tree root intrusion, wastewater leakage, and seawater backflow. In particular, ground subsidence has led to the formation of reverse gradients in some sections, creating structural limitations that cause wastewater flow stagnation.

Gwangyang City is investing 19.8 billion KRW in the Taein-dong related complex area to enhance safety and improve the environment in the national industrial complex by carrying out a project to renovate aging wastewater pipelines. Photo by Gwangyang City

Since 2020, the city has reviewed the necessity of the project by diagnosing the condition of the pipelines through methods such as CCTV inspections. Subsequently, it has sequentially carried out consultations with relevant organizations including the National Assembly and the Ministry of Environment, preliminary investigations, commencement of detailed design, value engineering services, selection of construction methods, design stability reviews, and construction technology deliberations. As a result, on June 18, the project was officially approved with the detailed design authorization from the Yeongsan River Basin Environmental Office.

Support from lawmaker Kwon Hyangyeop also played a significant role in the approval of the detailed design and funding discussions. Representative Kwon continued to hold consultations with the Ministry of Environment and the Yeongsan River Basin Environmental Office to expedite the project, and these efforts contributed to the prompt approval process.

The project budget, initially set at 8 billion KRW, was more than doubled to a total of 19.8 billion KRW. The final amount was confirmed through the detailed design approval and funding negotiations with the Ministry of Environment and the Yeongsan River Basin Environmental Office. The funding consists of 11.5 billion KRW from the national government (58.17%) and 8.3 billion KRW from the city (41.83%). By adjusting the scope and items of the construction to reflect the recommendations of the Korea Environment Corporation, the city successfully increased the proportion of national funding, which is regarded as a meaningful achievement.

The project plan includes the renovation of 5.8 kilometers of wastewater pipelines (2.4 kilometers of new construction, 1.6 kilometers of open-cut repairs, and 1.8 kilometers of trenchless repairs), closure of 4.2 kilometers of pipelines, renovation of 72 manholes, and installation of 3 flow meters and 6 pumping stations (4 self-operated, 2 manhole-based). All existing reinforced concrete pipes will be replaced with PE pipes, which offer superior corrosion resistance and durability. In sections with reverse gradients, the construction method will be changed to resolve the issue of wastewater flow stagnation.

The city plans to complete all administrative procedures related to the construction within July, conduct cost reviews and contract deliberations with the Public Procurement Service in August and September, and commence construction in October. Before and after the construction, the city will actively promote the project to local residents and tenant companies, and will continue to provide updates on the project’s progress through on-site information boards and other promotional activities.

Mayor Jung Inhwa stated, "Safely renovating the wastewater pipelines, which are essential for industrial activities in the complex, not only protects the living environment of our citizens but also strengthens national industrial competitiveness. Moving forward, we will continue to secure national funding to reduce the financial burden and consistently improve the city’s infrastructure."

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