'Noise, Vibration, Dust' Complaints Surge in Gyeonggi Province

Environmental pollution complaints in Gyeonggi Province related to 'noise, vibration, and dust' from various land development projects and apartment construction have emerged as the most prevalent issue.

According to the province's complaint statistics released on the 13th, among 428 environmental pollution complaints received by each city and county through the end of July this year, complaints about noise, vibration, and dust accounted for 268 cases (62.6%), followed by odors at 68 cases, water pollution at 29, air pollution at 28, and others at 35 cases.

By region, Namyangju topped the list with 58 complaints, followed by Gwangju and Anseong with 36 each, Hwaseong with 31, Suwon with 28, Yangpyeong with 24, Paju with 23, and Seongnam, Goyang, and Bucheon with 20 each. The complaints from these 10 cities and counties (296 cases) more than double those from the remaining 21 cities and counties combined (132 cases).

Namyangju, Gwangju, Hwaseong, and seven other regions are currently undergoing various land development and apartment construction projects. The province attributes the high volume of complaints to noise, dust, and vibration generated from construction sites in these areas.

To prevent noise-related disputes beforehand, the province plans to conduct on-site training for construction site managers at major construction projects and encourage dust-generating business facilities to install soundproof walls and dust barriers.

A provincial official stated, "Gyeonggi Province has a high proportion of multi-unit housing such as apartments and row houses, and there are many construction projects, resulting in continuous complaints regarding inter-unit noise, noise, and dust." The official added, "Environmental pollution complaints can only be resolved when the parties involved show mutual consideration and cooperation."