Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police to Intensively Crack Down on 360 Harmful Gas Emitting Facilities in Residential Areas

Gyeonggi Province is launching a crackdown on facilities that emit harmful gases.

The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police announced on April 28 that they will conduct an intensive crackdown on facilities emitting harmful gases located near residential areas, schools, and hospitals from May 26 to June 10.

This is a proactive measure to prevent health hazards by blocking the illegal emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in paints, inks, thinners, and similar substances used in automobile painting or printing processes.

Volatile organic compounds are major contributors to the formation of ozone and fine dust through photochemical reactions in the atmosphere, and long-term exposure can have serious health effects, including respiratory irritation, headaches, and neurological disorders.

Harmful gases generated near residential areas not only cause direct harm to residents' daily lives but also serve as sources of social conflict due to issues such as odor. Furthermore, since ozone concentrations are highest in June, it is crucial to proactively block illegal activities by facilities that are major sources of harmful gas emissions in residential zones.

The crackdown will target 360 facilities that use organic solvents, including automotive repair shops, dent and exterior restoration companies, printing facilities, and plastic product manufacturing sites. The focus will be on facilities located close to residential areas and that have a high potential to impact residents’ daily lives.

Notice Poster for Crackdown on Residential Area Hazardous Gas Emission Facilities

The main areas of inspection include: ▲ whether air pollution prevention facilities are not operating or are being inadequately managed; ▲ whether there are unauthorized (unreported) installations or operations of air emission facilities; ▲ whether waste such as spent organic solvents and waste paint is being properly stored and disposed of.

If prevention facilities are not operated while air emission facilities are running, or if air is mixed with pollutants to lower their concentration before discharge, violators can face up to seven years in prison or a fine of up to 100 million won. Installing or operating air emission facilities without reporting them can result in up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won. In addition, if spent organic solvents or waste paint are not separated from other waste during storage, offenders can face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won respectively.

Kwon Moonjoo, head of the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police, stated, "The illegal emission of harmful gases near residential areas is a serious environmental crime that poses a direct threat to residents’ health. Through this intensive crackdown, we will thoroughly eradicate illegal activities and create a safe and pleasant air environment for all residents."

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