Gwangju SRF Facility to Undergo Improvements Amidst Persistent Odor Complaints
GWANGJU, South Korea – POSCO E&C, operator of the solid refuse fuel (SRF) facility in Yanggae-dong, Nam-gu, Gwangju, is implementing measures to address ongoing odor complaints and prevent the acceptance of non-compliant waste. The company announced plans, following a September 1st inspection by the Gwangju City Council, to halt operations for improvements by September 19th.
POSCO E&C identified the source of increased odors as stemming from the processing of household waste into solid fuel. to mitigate the issue, the facility will prioritize sealing potential leak points to contain odors and implement stricter waste acceptance protocols to exclude ineligible materials.
Immediate steps include reinforcing chemical cleaning towers and activated carbon adsorption facilities, alongside the installation of air curtains at residue areas. If odor issues persist after resuming operations on September 20th,POSCO E&C plans a extensive facility diagnosis in December,with full-scale improvements scheduled for May of next year.
However, City Council members expressed concerns over the delayed response to years of resident complaints, dating back to 2023. “The odor problem is not yesterday,” stated Representative Lim Mi-ran. Representative Choi Ji-hyun questioned the effectiveness of the planned measures, noting residents’ desire for immediate relief.
Recent pollution tests conducted by the Korea Institute of Health and environment revealed multiple instances of complex odors exceeding legal standards. In response, Gwangju City is forming a public-private task force, including representatives from Nam-gu, the City Council, Gu Council, and environmental experts, to address the situation.
Nam-gu has designated the SRF facility as subject to odor emission reporting and will enforce immediate operational shutdowns if emission allowances are exceeded.
“We will improve the odor management system during this operation period so that it will not be damaged by the residents again,” said a POSCO E&C official.
