A joint inspection of transmission tower construction sites nationwide will be conducted in preparation for heavy summer rainfall.
The Korea Forest Service announced Tuesday that it will carry out comprehensive inspections and joint inspections with related agencies at 682 transmission tower construction sites across the country.
The inspection targets include a total of 682 sites, comprising transmission tower and auxiliary facility sites currently under construction nationwide — including the East Coast–Shin-Gapyeong 500 kV HVDC transmission line project — as well as sites undergoing restoration work.
The Korea Forest Service, regional forest offices and local governments will jointly conduct on-site inspections, examining forest damage inside and outside permitted zones, soil runoff and drainage facility conditions, safety measures for cut and fill slopes, proper installation of disaster prevention facilities, waste left on site, and implementation of restoration plans.
In particular, inspectors will focus on drainage maintenance and slope stabilization measures at steep slopes and cut-and-fill slopes that are highly vulnerable to landslides during heavy rainfall.
To ensure the safety of residents near transmission line construction sites, the Korea Forest Service plans to establish emergency contact and evacuation systems with local governments, including Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, Samcheok City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Bonghwa County, and will also conduct resident evacuation drills.
Based on the inspection results, the Korea Forest Service plans to comprehensively analyze the forestland management status of transmission tower construction sites and review institutional improvements to prevent disasters and forestland damage.
"Given the high risk of landslides and soil runoff during heavy rainfall, we will continue to strengthen field-centered inspections and management," said Cho Young-hee, director general of the Forest Welfare Bureau at the Korea Forest Service.
