Seongnam City announced on the 25th that it will pursue ‘comprehensive fine dust management measures’.
This comprehensive measure aims to lower the average annual concentration of ultrafine dust, which was 18㎍/㎥ (microgram per cubic meter) as of last year, to 15㎍/㎥ by 2027.
To this end, the city will invest 63.7 billion won this year alone to implement 20 projects in 7 fields, including transportation, industry, living, and establishment and response of a systematic management base.
In the transportation sector, 4,098 eco-friendly vehicles, including electric passenger cars, trucks, and hydrogen cars, will be supplied, and the total project cost will be KRW 39.9 billion.
4.4 billion won will be invested to prematurely scrap 1,246 old diesel vehicles or install reduction devices.
The city decided to implement this as a preemptive response measure as the transportation sector accounts for 53.6% (625 tons) of the 1,165 tons of annual ultrafine dust emissions in Seongnam region.
In the industrial sector, 18 small businesses that lack management of air pollutant emission facilities due to a lack of technology and professional manpower will be systematically maintained by providing up to 5 million won in replacement costs for prevention facility consumables.
Eight private inspectors will strengthen surveillance activities at 172 businesses generating fugitive dust and 138 businesses emitting air pollutants. 26 fine dust living environment monitors will be deployed to vulnerable areas such as construction sites and roadsides.
In the residential area, 20 sprinkler trucks and 17 street sweepers are always on standby to reduce road dust.
In addition, when fine dust warnings or emergency reduction measures are issued, four step-by-step response measures are taken according to the disaster site action manual.
Seongnam City has continued its fine dust reduction policy, which is closely related to the health of citizens, and the number of days with ultrafine dust levels (36㎍/㎥ or higher) has decreased from 99 days in 2017 to 43 days last year.
The average annual concentration of ultrafine dust decreased from 23㎍/㎥ in 2019 to 19㎍/㎥ in 2021 and 18㎍/㎥ last year.
Ultrafine dust refers to dust with a diameter of 2.5μm (micrometer) or less. ▲0~15㎍/㎥ is good ▲16~35㎍/㎥ is normal ▲36~75㎍/㎥ is bad ▲76㎍/㎥ or more is bad indicates very bad condition.