Residents Suffer and Appeal Over Coal Ash Dust from Boryeong Power Headquarters

Residents Demand Thorough Investigation, Citing Inadequate Dust Control Measures

Boryeong City Responds: "No Violations Found, But Damage Expected"

Residents living near the southern ash treatment plant of the Boryeong Power Headquarters at Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as Boryeong Power Headquarters) have submitted a petition, claiming they are suffering serious damage due to fugitive dust generated from the removal of landfilled coal ash.

According to the residents on May 7, the Goeunsong Environmental Countermeasure Committee (hereafter referred to as the Committee) in Jugyo-myeon, Boryeong-si, Chungnam, submitted a petition on April 22 to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission and the Ministry of Climate and Environment, urging the suspension of coal ash removal from the southern ash treatment plant at Boryeong Power Headquarters and calling for a thorough environmental pollution investigation.

Based on coverage by The Asia Business Daily, the Committee claims that during the excavation and embankment process, basic fugitive dust reduction measures such as watering, enclosure, and dust-proof screens are not being properly implemented, resulting in coal ash dust spreading into the air and causing serious harm to residents' health and the environment.

The Committee pointed out that the southern ash treatment plant at Boryeong Power Headquarters is poorly managed, as dry coal ash is left exposed and dispersed into the air during operation.

As a result, fugitive dust and fine particulate matter are spreading throughout nearby villages, and some residents complain that it is difficult to go outside without wearing masks and protective gear, even in their daily lives.

An official from Boryeong-si stated, "To my knowledge, Boryeong Power Headquarters is not violating any fugitive dust control regulations as claimed by residents," but added, "However, it cannot be said that there is no damage caused by Boryeong Power Headquarters, and harm to residents is to be expected."