Optimum management scheme to control nonpoint pollution in Korea

Area of Science:

• Environmental Management
• Water Quality Protection
• Environmental Policy

Background:

• South Korea established comprehensive nonpoint source pollution control measures in 2004.
• Implementation faced challenges due to a lack of legal and institutional frameworks.
• Polluted runoff from workplaces and construction sites lacked specific management regulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose legal arrangements for effective nonpoint source management.
• To define the scope of a nonpoint source control system for industries and construction sites.
• To suggest strategies for implementing nonpoint source control in Korean workplaces and construction sites.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of existing nonpoint source management policies in South Korea.
• Review of legislative amendments to the "Water Quality Preservation Act" (effective April 2006).
• Examination of the application of a nationally mandated nonpoint source control system.

Main Results:

• Amendments to the "Water Quality Preservation Act" were enacted in April 2006 to address management gaps.
• A nationally mandated nonpoint source control system is now applicable to industries and construction sites.
• The study identifies the need for defined scope and strategies for this system.

Conclusions:

• Legal and institutional frameworks are crucial for effective nonpoint source pollution control.
• The amended "Water Quality Preservation Act" provides a basis for managing industrial and construction site runoff.
• Further development of specific strategies is needed for successful nonpoint source control implementation.