The Busan Waterworks Authority is launching a large-scale crackdown on illegal facilities and unlicensed business operations within the Hoedong Water Source Protection Zone.
The Busan Waterworks Authority announced Tuesday that it will conduct intensive inspections of illegal facilities within the Hoedong Water Source Protection Zone through June 30.
Hoedong is a clean water source that supplies tap water to residents in Busan's eastern district without drawing from the Nakdong River. However, concerns over water pollution have grown as illegal facilities and unlicensed operations within the protection zone have continued to increase.
The authority has conducted special inspections each year, but with violations recurring, it has decided to intensify enforcement to establish a more effective management system.
In particular, a joint enforcement team will be formed with related agencies, including the Nakdong River Basin Environmental Office, Geumjeong-gu, Gijang-gun, and Yangsan City, to conduct comprehensive crackdowns. Departments in charge of permits—covering environmental health, construction, and urban planning—will also participate, carrying out on-site inspections alongside administrative measures.
Through this inspection, the city plans to identify not only existing violating facilities but also newly built illegal structures, strengthening the management framework for the protection zone.
Key targets include unlicensed buildings, illegal changes of use, unauthorized land alterations, and unlicensed business operations. When violations are found, criminal charges will be filed alongside strong administrative actions such as orders to restore the original condition.
The authority will also re-examine whether existing violators have complied with previous administrative orders. If non-compliance is confirmed, additional sanctions will be imposed, and the violations will be entered into an illegal facility management card system for continuous tracking until the issues are resolved.
For unlicensed buildings, criminal charges including fines will be filed along with corrective orders. If the orders are not followed, enforcement fines will be imposed. Should violations still remain, the city plans to proceed with administrative vicarious execution.
"The Hoedong Water Source Protection Zone is a vital drinking water source for Busan, serving as an alternative to the Nakdong River," said Kim Byung-ki, head of the Busan Waterworks Authority. "Through this intensive inspection, we will eradicate illegal activities and block sources of pollution at their root, doing our utmost to protect this clean water supply."
