AWWA SOURCES59218

Pal-dang watershed is the only source water for more than 20 million people and industriesin the Seoul-Kyungki metropolitan area. In 1999, some areas surrounding Pal-dang Lake weredesignated as protected areas by a special law, not allowing entry of any industry discharging specified materials such as Cu, Pb, As, and Hg. At that time, D-Electronics Co. did not have anymanufacturing lines and any future plan to have new lines releasing such materials. However, therecent market environment of the semiconductor industry forced D-Electronics Co. to bring in anew manufacturing line which will release Cu in effluent. Because of the special law, D-ElectronicsCo. proposed a zero discharge system (ZDS) specially targeting removal of Cu andrequested Ministry of Environment (MOE) to approve its expansion plan. But, MOE rejectedthe request with reasons such as unexpected accidents, possible illicit operations, absence oflegal basis, and equity among industries. On the contrary, as well as other groups, the Ministry ofCommerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE), arguing a possible huge contribution of theexpanded plant to national economic growth, demanded MOE to reexamine the reject and toreconsider it as a special exception. Right now, the case is being reconsidered under theaffirmative atmosphere. Even if conservation is very important, since the source water is for more than 20 million people and many industries, this case illustrates a lesson that waterconservation cannot compete with the demand for economic growth, at least, in Korea. Includes 5 references, tables, figue.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

01/11/2004

Number of Pages:

11

File Size:

1 file , 310 KB