Sejong, April 19 - The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) and K-water (Acting President Chung Gyong-un) held the groundbreaking ceremony for the nonpoint source (NPS) pollution reduction facilities in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, on April 11. The facilities will be built to reduce algal bloom in Daecheong Lake, a major source of drinking water in the central part of the country. Director-General Ryu Yeon-gi of the Water Environment Policy Bureau of the Ministry of Environment, Acting President Chung Gyong-un of K-water, as well as representatives from related organizations, including the Cheongju City government and Daecheong Lake Preservation Movement, and citizens, attended the ceremony.

Reduction facilities for nonpoint source (NPS) pollution remove or reduce the water-polluting substances emitted from rainwater in areas including the city, roads, and farmland. The facilities to be built upstream of Daecheong Lake apply a filtration method that uses sand, which can ultimately reduce 60%-80% of the total phosphorus (TP) levels that cause green algae. Two facilities will be built upstream of the lake (Micheon Stream and Pumgok Stream) and will be completed by April 2024.

<Plans to build reduction facilities for nonpoint source (NPS) pollution upstream of Daecheong Lake>

With two reduction facilities for the nonpoint source (NPS) pollution upstream of Daecheong Lake, nutrients and other nonpoint source pollution substances that come with rain are expected to be effectively filtered, fundamentally reducing green algae around Daecheong Lake and improving water quality.

The Ministry of Environment will also set up reduction facilities for the nonpoint source pollution in other areas where algal bloom frequently occurs to improve the water quality of Nakdonggang River, including Naeseong Stream (Buseok-myeon, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do), Bohyeon Lake (Hwabuk-myeon, Yeongcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do), and Gyeseong Stream (Jangma-myeong, Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do) by 2024.

In addition, to minimize nutrients and other nonpoint source pollution substances emitted from farmland and orchards located in the upstream areas of water supply sources, including the Geumgang River and Nakdonggang River, the Ministry will take additional proactive measures. For example, it will offer educational programs and participate in promotional activities to provide training and information on the appropriate distribution of fertilizers or storage of compost for residents.

Ryu Yeon-gi, Director-General of the Water Environment Policy Bureau of the Ministry of Environment, stated, "With reduction facilities for the nonpoint source pollution at Daecheong Lake, a major water source of the Chungcheong area, it will be possible to improve its water quality. The Ministry of Environment will try to ensure that residents enjoy the benefits of clean water environments."

Contact: Kim Young-im, Deputy Director

Water Environment Policy Division / +82-(0)44-201-7010

Foreign Media Contact: Chun Minjo(Rachel)

+82-(0)44-201-6055 / rachelmchun@korea.kr