Goyang Special City (Mayor Lee Dong-hwan) announced on the 6th that it has announced the basic plan for the facility project to promote the ‘Goyang City Byeokje Water Quality Restoration Center Stage 3 Expansion Private Investment Project’ and that it plans to promote the project in earnest starting with recruiting project operators.
Byeokje Water Quality Restoration Center was a facility completed in 2007, and was experiencing difficulties in sewage treatment due to high concentration of sewage flowing in and the facility overload and accelerated deterioration due to the continuous increase in the amount of inflow sewage.
In addition, last August, a fire broke out due to overheating of the air circuit breaker (ACB) due to the record-breaking heat wave, and the operation of the treatment plant was temporarily suspended. However, the damage was minimized by completing restoration within a short period of time thanks to the city’s prompt initial response.
Accordingly, in order to prevent recurrence of damage, the city plans to install automatic fire extinguishing equipment throughout all high-voltage electrical facilities at the Goyang City Water Quality Restoration Center in the first half of next year. In addition, through the expansion project, we plan to promote stable sewage treatment in the wall treatment area by reducing the load on existing old facilities due to the installation of new facilities.
The private investment project for the third stage expansion of the Byeokje Water Quality Restoration Center will be promoted through a profit-and-loss sharing type private investment project (BTO-a). The scale of the project is equivalent to expanding the sewage treatment facility by 9,000 tons/day and operating the entire facility by 48,200 tons/day, and the project operator will operate the Byeokje Water Quality Restoration Center and all related facilities for 20 years.
The first stage of participation qualification (PQ) document submission for participation in the project will be held until December 25th of this year.
Related matters, such as qualification requirements for project participation and preparation of a business plan, can be viewed on the Goyang City and Public Investment Management Center and Korea Environment Corporation websites (homepages).
A city official said, “The third-stage expansion facility will be built on the site of the current Byeokje Water Quality Restoration Center, so it is possible to reduce odor by completely undergrounding it. “We plan to do our best to improve the residential environment of nearby residents and improve public hygiene by creating resident-friendly facilities in the upper space,” he said.
Meanwhile, Goyang Special City (Mayor Lee Dong-hwan) announced that it will be accepting applications for the 2025 organic fertilizer support project from November 11 to December 10.
The fertilizers eligible for support are three types of organic fertilizers (mixed oil cake, mixed organic fertilizer, and organic complex fertilizer) and two types of composted organic fertilizers (livestock manure compost and compost).
Organic fertilizers are subsidized at KRW 1,600 per 20kg bag, and composted organic fertilizers are subsidized at KRW 1,300 to KRW 1,600 depending on the grade. In the case of composted organic fertilizer, the application amount cannot exceed 2,000 kg (100 bags/20 kg) per 1,000 m2.
Those eligible to apply are farmers, agricultural corporations, and those who have registered or are scheduled to register an agricultural business, and can submit an application stating the type of fertilizer, supply period, supplier, and quantity to the administrative welfare center in the area where the farmland is located.
Economy Queen Reporter Hongmi Kim / Photo Goyang City
Interview Between Time.news Editor (E) and Environmental Expert (X)
E: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We’re eager to learn about the recent plans announced by Goyang City regarding the Byeokje Water Quality Restoration Center. Can you start by explaining why this expansion project is so crucial for Goyang City?
X: Thank you for having me. The expansion of the Byeokje Water Quality Restoration Center is critical due to the increasing demand for efficient sewage treatment in Goyang City. The existing facility, established in 2007, has faced significant challenges due to an overload of sewage, which can lead to pollution and health hazards for the community. By expanding the facility, the city aims to enhance its capacity and ensure better water quality, which is essential for public health and environmental sustainability.
E: You mentioned the challenges that the current facility faces. What specific problems have arisen, and how did the recent fire incident impact operations?
X: The Byeokje facility has been grappling with a high concentration of sewage inflow, which has caused operational strains and accelerated deterioration. The overheating incident last August illustrated the vulnerability of these infrastructures, especially during extreme weather events. While the city was quick to restore operations, it highlighted the urgent need for upgrades and more robust safety measures.
E: Speaking of upgrades, can you elaborate on the city’s plans to install automatic fire extinguishing equipment? How will that enhance the facility’s safety?
X: Absolutely. The installation of automatic fire extinguishing systems in high-voltage areas is a proactive measure to prevent future incidents. Such systems can detect and respond to fires more quickly than manual interventions, reducing the risk of extensive damage and ensuring that the sewage treatment processes remain uninterrupted. This is especially vital given the rising temperatures and the increased incidence of heat-related failures in infrastructure.
E: The project also involves private investment under a profit-and-loss sharing model. What does this entail, and why is it significant for this type of infrastructure project?
X: The profit-and-loss sharing model is significant because it encourages private investment, which can alleviate the financial burden on public funds. By involving private operators who will manage the facility for 20 years, the city can leverage expertise and innovation that often comes from the private sector, leading to more efficient and effective operations. This model fosters a collaborative environment where both parties share the risks and rewards, ultimately benefiting the public.
E: The expansion aims to treat an additional 9,000 tons of sewage per day. How does this improve the overall capacity, and what impact will this have on the community?
X: Currently, the facility operates at a limit, and the additional capacity will allow for a total treatment of 48,200 tons per day. This means that the city can handle more sewage without compromising on treatment quality, leading to cleaner waterways and improved environmental health. For the community, this translates into reduced pollution, lower health risks, and a more sustainable approach to wastewater management.
E: as the project progresses, what steps should the community and potential investors take to stay informed and involved?
X: The city has made it clear that interested parties can submit documents for project participation by December 25. It’s crucial for the community and investors to engage with the information available on the Goyang City and Public Investment Management Center’s websites. Open communication and transparent processes will encourage community support and ensure that the project aligns with public interests.
E: Thank you for your valuable insights today. The Goyang City expansion project not only appears vital for immediate sewage management but also sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects.
X: Thank you for having me. It’s a transformative initiative that we should all watch closely, as it could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges.