Siheung City Implements '24-Hour Surveillance' to Block Illegal Wastewater in Shihwa Industrial Complex

Siheung City Mobilizes Full Efforts to Block Illegal Wastewater Discharges in Shihwa Industrial Complex
Pipeline Water Quality Management Council Launched in Cooperation with K-water

Siheung City in Gyeonggi Province announced that, on May 7, it established and began operating the 'Pipeline Water Quality Management Council' together with the Hwaseong Branch of Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) Siheung Water Environment Center and the civic group Shihwa Lake Sustainable Partnership. The council aims to block illegal wastewater discharges in the Shihwa Industrial Complex and Shihwa MTV areas.

This council was launched as a proactive measure to prevent the inflow of hazardous wastewater into the industrial complex and to manage the water quality of Shihwa Lake more systematically.

Last year, the city installed 27 water quality monitoring sensors by block throughout the Shihwa Industrial Complex and Shihwa MTV areas, completing the establishment of a water quality monitoring system capable of 24-hour real-time surveillance. This has enabled round-the-clock monitoring of any signs of abnormality in pipeline water quality and laid the groundwork for prompt response.

If an abnormality in water quality is detected via the real-time sensors, Siheung City, Korea Water Resources Corporation, and the Shihwa Lake Sustainable Partnership will jointly conduct a detailed investigation of the relevant pipeline section. They will then identify businesses that may be sources of pollution, carry out targeted guidance and inspections, and, if violations are found, request strict administrative action in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

Notably, the participation of a civic group in this council has enhanced transparency and fairness in the investigative process and strengthened the monitoring system based on cooperation among private, public, and governmental sectors. The city expects this initiative to raise public awareness about the dangers of illegal wastewater discharge and to encourage companies to take greater voluntary responsibility for environmental management.

Jongmin Jang, Head of the Clean Water Business Office, stated, "Through the operation of this council, we have established an organic response system covering everything from illegal wastewater monitoring to on-site investigations and administrative measures." He added, "We will continue to closely cooperate with relevant agencies and civil society to preserve the water quality of Shihwa Lake and improve the environment in the Shihwa Industrial Complex area."