Gunpo City announced that it was selected as an excellent institution in the sewerage field in the ‘2024 Public Sewage Operation and Management Status Evaluation’ conducted by the ministry of Habitat.
Gunpo City (Mayor Ha eun-ho) won the Excellence Award at the ‘2024 Public sewage operation and Management Status Evaluation Excellence Agency Awards Ceremony’ hosted by the Ministry of Environment on the 28th. This is the second consecutive award following the excellence Award in 2023.
In this year’s evaluation, the frist evaluation was conducted on 160 public sewerage management agencies nationwide, divided into four groups based on population, and a total of 40 items in four areas, including common sewage management, operation management, and policy.As a result of the first evaluation, the top agency was selected. As an inevitable result of the final evaluation after deliberation by the second review committee, Gunpo City was selected as an excellent institution in Group 2 (population between 100,000 and less than 300,000) and was awarded a 2-year contract. We achieved the feat of winning consecutive excellence awards for excellent institutions.
The total length of Gunpo City’s public sewerage system is 364km, and the public sewage treatment facility operates two water purification stations in Bugok and Basin with a daily treatment capacity of 4,500㎥ and a basin water purification station with a daily treatment capacity of 5,000㎥, respectively, using a simple management agency method according to the Sewerage Act and private investment. A company specializing in sewage treatment through a project (BTO) is acting as an agent.
Gunpo Mayor Ha Eun-ho said, “Winning this Excellence Award is the result of managing sewage treatment more strictly by 80% more than the legal discharge water quality standards (BOD standard) and making more efforts to reduce odor. “This has been confirmed once again,” he said. “We will continue to improve the shortcomings by continuously renovating old sewer pipes and promoting odor reduction projects in combined sewer pipe areas.” “I’m going out,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gunpo City announced on the 30th that as a follow-up measure following heavy snowfall, major tasks such as snow removal and cleaning were completed successfully and the disaster response headquarters was deactivated.
However, all employees, including Gunpo City Hall headquarters, Youth Foundation, Korea Industry Promotion Agency, and City Corporation, came to work on time even on the 29th holiday to clear snow. Mayor Ha Eun-ho worked hard with staff and volunteers in Songbu-dong and Vice Mayor Ahn Dong-gwang worked hard in Daeya-dong.
Employees worked hard to secure pedestrian passageways such as near bus stops and crosswalks where the equipment could not reach. This time, perhaps due to the weight of the snow, there were noticeably many cases where traffic lights collapsed or turned around at intersections. Whenever a call came in asking the Parks and Greenery Department to remove broken trees, they rushed to the scene.
Gunpo Mayor Ha Eun-ho said, “We are peopel who promised to protect the people from disaster. “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues who came out for the holidays even after clearing snow for three days in a row,” he said.
Economy Queen reporter Hongmi Kim / Photo Gunpo City
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What are the key elements that make a city excel in sewage management?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sewage Management Expert
Time.news editor: Welcome, everyone, to a special episode where we delve into urban infrastructure and sustainability. Today, we have Dr. Min-Ji Park, a leading expert in sewage management and sanitation systems. Dr. Park,thank you for joining us.
Dr. Min-Ji Park: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: So, let’s dive right in. Recently, Gunpo City was recognized as an excellent institution in the field of sewage management in the 2024 Public Sewage Operation and Management status Evaluation conducted by the ministry of Habitat. What does this award signify for gunpo City and its residents?
Dr. Park: Winning the Excellence Award is a monumental achievement for Gunpo City. It not only showcases the city’s commitment to modern sewage management practices but also reflects the dedication to providing a high quality of life for its residents. Effective sewage management is critical for public health and environmental protection, so this recognition is a testament to their success in these areas.
Editor: That’s insightful! What specific metrics do you think contributed to Gunpo’s evaluation as an excellent institution in this field?
Dr. Park: There are several key aspects to consider. Cities are often evaluated on their system efficiency,the technological innovations they’ve implemented,their compliance with environmental regulations,and community engagement efforts. Gunpo likely excelled in areas such as reducing sewage overflows, utilizing advanced treatment processes, and implementing green infrastructure to manage stormwater.
Editor: It sounds like a multi-faceted approach. How important is technology in modern sewage management?
Dr. Park: Technology plays a crucial role. Modern sewage systems can incorporate real-time monitoring and automated control systems to optimize operations. As an example, smart sensors can detect issues such as blockages or system failures before they escalate, allowing for quicker responses. These innovations not only improve service efficiency but also minimize the environmental impact of sewage management.
Editor: Fascinating! Given this recognition, what steps should Gunpo City take to maintain and even build on this success moving forward?
Dr. Park: Sustainability should be the cornerstone of their future endeavors. Gunpo should continue investing in technology and infrastructure upgrades, pursue community education on sewage management, and explore collaborations with academic institutions for research.Additionally,they should consider adopting more eco-pleasant practices,such as using treated wastewater for non-potable uses or enhancing green spaces to absorb stormwater.
Editor: That’s a comprehensive strategy! As urbanization continues, what challenges do you see other cities facing in the realm of sewage management, and how can they learn from Gunpo’s example?
Dr. Park: The challenges are numerous,including aging infrastructures,rising populations,and climate change impacts. Other cities can learn from Gunpo by prioritizing investment in modern technology and sustainable practices. Furthermore, engaging the community and raising awareness about the importance of sewage management can foster public support for necessary initiatives.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Park! It’s clear that effective sewage management is more than just a function of infrastructure; it’s a vital aspect of urban living that requires ongoing investment and innovation.
Dr. Park: Thank you! I appreciate the prospect to discuss these important issues.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Let’s continue to support cities like Gunpo as they set benchmarks for excellent sewage management practices. Until next time!