[Exclusive] Geochang County Lags in Use of Recycled Aggregates ... Concerns Over Backtracking on Environmental Policy Trends

A Rare Case of Complete Non-Use Among Local Governments Nationwide

While the government is pushing the expansion of resource circulation as a national agenda, controversy is mounting as it has been revealed that Geochang County in South Gyeongsang Province has not used recycled aggregates in public construction projects for several years.

Despite repeated directives from relevant ministries requiring mandatory consideration of recycled aggregates, criticism has arisen that the county has effectively neglected these guidelines.

A review of the list of road, river, and infrastructure projects commissioned by the county in recent years shows that the actual use of recycled aggregates is extremely low. This is not a simple oversight; the complete lack of use for consecutive years is a rare case even among local governments nationwide.

Aerial view of Geochang County Office.

Nevertheless, county officials continue to repeat the explanation that "site conditions and quality standards" prevented their use. However, experts argue that such explanations lack credibility.

Recycled aggregates are already regulated by national quality standards and are widely applied in various processes such as basic embankment, landfill, and sub-base layers in urban planning roads. Yet, there are criticisms that the county has continued its habitual non-use under the pretext of "safety."

An industry official pointed out, "Most local governments across the country are increasing their use of recycled aggregates, but Geochang County has effectively done nothing, citing 'quality concerns.' This reflects a lack of commitment and is a typical case of administration failing to keep pace with the times."

What is particularly problematic is that the county has not publicly managed plans, records, or alternatives for the use of recycled aggregates. Criticism has been raised that the county has not monitored its own policy implementation, nor has it provided sufficient explanations to residents.

An environmental group representative stated, "Recycled aggregates are a key means to reduce landfill volumes and curb the extraction of natural aggregates, yet Geochang County has failed to achieve any results for years. Local governments lacking policy commitment are obstructing resource circulation."

Meanwhile, a county official belatedly stated, "We will reconsider ways to utilize recycled aggregates in line with the government's policy direction."

However, it remains uncertain whether this policy shift will lead to substantive change. As long as the county maintains its stance of "quality first," there are concerns that Geochang County's recycled aggregate policy will remain little more than a nominal review.

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