Survey to be Expanded Compared to 2019
The government plans to conduct an inter-agency investigation regarding the wastewater issue at the Pyongsan Uranium Refining Plant in North Korea’s North Hwanghae Province on the 4th. This is in response to allegations that untreated wastewater from the North is flowing into the West Sea near Ganghwa Island via the Yesong River.
On the 3rd, the government announced this decision following a meeting presided over by the Director of Unification Policy at the Ministry of Unification. The meeting included representatives from the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of National Defense, and the National Intelligence Service.
This special survey will examine contamination by radioactive and heavy metals such as uranium and cesium at ten key points closest to where the Yesong River from North Korea meets Ganghwa Island and the Han River estuary. The analysis will be conducted over approximately two weeks, with all results to be transparently disclosed.
The government has decided to expand the survey compared to 2019. The number of survey points will increase from six in 2019 to ten this year, and the scope will expand from uranium to include cesium and heavy metals. The participating agencies will also expand from the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission to include the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ministry of Environment.
The government stated, “This will not be a one-time investigation. We will establish a regular monitoring system, conducting monthly surveillance in the interim and maintaining a collaborative body among related agencies to address public concerns promptly.” They also emphasized, “Through cooperation among relevant agencies, we are closely monitoring and analyzing trends related to North Korea’s uranium refining plant and its nuclear activities, ensuring that concerns regarding our citizens’ health, safety, and the environment are addressed. We will continue to respond collaboratively and thoroughly.”