Yongdamho and Okjeongho Algal Bloom... Jeonbuk Province Activates Emergency System

【Financial News Jeonju=Kang In Reporter】 Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province has initiated an emergency response system to address the occurrence of algal blooms.

According to Jeonbuk Province on the 25th, algal blooms are increasing in Yongdamho and Okjeongho due to heavy rain and heatwaves.

In both lakes, the situation has already exceeded the harmful cyanobacteria 1000 cells per milliliter, which is the alert level for the 'Interest' stage of the Algal Bloom Warning System. Korea Water Resources Corporation is analyzing samples collected today, and if the results again exceed 1000 cells per milliliter, the 'Interest' stage will be issued. The analysis results are expected to be released on the 28th.

Last year, Yongdamho maintained the 'Interest' stage for 43 days from August 1 to September 12, and Okjeongho for 49 days from September 5 to October 24.

Jeonbuk Province has strengthened its cooperative system with related organizations such as Jeonbuk Regional Environmental Office, city and county governments, and K-water. Through this, they have conducted △joint inspections of surrounding pollution sources (individual sewage, wastewater, livestock manure, compost, etc.) △strengthened operation of public sewage treatment facilities △pre-inspection and operation of algal bloom reduction facilities △collection of floating debris as preventive measures.

If an algal bloom warning is issued in the future, measures such as expanding algal bloom disruption and reduction facilities using ships, special inspections of upstream pollution discharge facilities, adjusting water intake depth, and strengthening water purification treatment will be taken. Additionally, they plan to share the situation with related organizations once a week and check algal bloom reduction activities to ensure a prompt and effective response.

A Jeonbuk Province official stated, "Proactive and rapid response is crucial to prevent the spread of algal blooms in wide-area water sources," adding, "We will continue to cooperate closely with related organizations to provide clean and safe water to the residents."



kang1231@fnnews.com Kang In Reporter