Minister Kim Sung-hwan said on the 29th, "It is concerning that green algae may occur in most regions of the country due to the heatwave," adding, "We will strengthen proactive measures such as removing pollutants and ensure that there are no disruptions to the safety of drinking water."
The Minister visited the Soyanggang Dam in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, and the upstream area at the Inje Bridge that day to inspect the current status of green algae occurrence and the operation of algae reduction facilities. This field visit was made in response to the recent rise in temperatures that caused green algae to appear in the upstream area of the Inje Bridge.
According to the Ministry of Environment, pollutants such as livestock manure entered rivers and lakes due to heavy rains in July, and the ongoing heatwave has increased the likelihood of green algae occurrence nationwide.
The Ministry of Environment has previously collaborated with local governments, including Inje County, to inspect major pollutants such as stockpiled compost before the rainy season. The Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) is currently operating two water circulation devices and one algae removal vessel upstream of the dam while implementing measures to reduce green algae.