The government announced on the 18th that it confirmed there were 'no abnormalities' in the analysis of the radioactive and heavy metal contamination effects on our coastal waters and rivers regarding the wastewater discharge from North Korea's Pyongsan uranium refining plant.
The Nuclear Safety And Security Commission, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and Ministry of Environment collected samples from a total of 10 points, including Ganghwa Island and the Han River estuary, the closest locations to the mouth of the Yesunggang River flowing from North Korea, on 4th and conducted analyses of radioactive isotopes and heavy metals.
The uranium analysis results showed levels that were relatively lower or similar compared to the year 2019, in which there were no notable issues. The uranium concentration analysis results from the two points at the Han River and Imjin River estuary and two points along the Incheon coast also showed no significant differences.
The concentration of radioactive cesium was confirmed to be below the minimum detectable concentration or below the levels measured in the Yellow Sea over the past five years.
The heavy metal items were also confirmed to be below the standards set by the Marine Environment Conservation Act and the Framework Act on Environmental Policy or non-detectable.
A government official noted, 'For the time being, we will maintain a monthly regular monitoring system for the seven main points surveyed this time, and will continue to operate the consultative body among relevant ministries,' adding, 'We plan to actively respond to issues of public concern at a multi-ministerial level.'