Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police Uncover 10 Unregistered Hazardous Gas Emitters Near Homes and Schools

Gyeonggi Province has uncovered 10 unregistered companies illegally emitting hazardous gases near residential areas and schools.

Gyeonggi Province announced on August 5 that from June 25 to July 8, it conducted a focused investigation into 210 painting and printing businesses located in residential areas. As a result, eight companies were found in violation of the Clean Air Conservation Act, and two companies were found in violation of the Waste Control Act.

Major cases include Company A, an automotive body repair business in Gunpo, which was found illegally operating painting facilities and emitting hazardous gases in a densely populated residential area. Company B, an automotive body business in Anyang, was similarly caught operating illegal painting facilities near schools and private academies, emitting hazardous gases.

Status of Unreported Hazardous Gas Illegal Emission Facilities Near Residential Schools in Gyeonggi Province

Company C in Hwaseong and Company D in Pyeongtaek, both painting businesses, were found to have violated storage standards by leaving designated hazardous waste such as waste paint, which can cause memory loss and respiratory diseases if exposed, uncovered and unattended.

Under the current Clean Air Conservation Act, automotive body repair businesses that install and operate painting facilities without reporting are subject to imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won. In addition, the Waste Control Act stipulates that improper storage or disposal of designated hazardous waste such as waste organic solvents and waste paint is punishable by up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to 20 million won.

Kee Ido, head of the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Corps, stated, "This investigation is a strong expression of our determination to protect the safe and healthy lives of our residents," and added, "We will continue to apply a zero-tolerance policy and impose strict penalties for illegal environmental pollution activities."

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