Choo Mi-ae Criticizes Samsung and SK Hynix for Lacking Efforts to Reduce Wastewater Discharge

▲ Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae receives a work report.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae, who previously issued administrative guidance to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to reduce their semiconductor wastewater discharge, has once again pressured the two companies to implement practical reduction measures.

The Gyeonggi provincial government announced on the 10th that Governor Choo made the demands while mentioning the two companies during the 4th Semiconductor Hyper-Gap Strategy Meeting held on the 7th.

Governor Choo criticized them during the meeting, saying, "Intel and TSMC's U.S. plants are investing in technology to recycle semiconductor water and move toward zero or minimal discharge. Even when building semiconductor plants in deserts where no people live, they are expanding investments to reduce environmental damage, yet Samsung and Hynix, the world's largest semiconductor companies, are doing the exact opposite."

She continued, "As a result of inspections on semiconductor water, the public sector has established supply measures enabling them to use water cheaply and abundantly—such as supplying an abundant 1.1 million tons of water daily and legalizing water supply from the Hwacheon Dam for power generation. Yet, they are taking advantage of this and making no effort to reduce wastewater discharge."

She then emphasized the need to follow the existing administrative guidance to minimize process water discharge.

In addition, pointing out the lack of strict emission standards at the Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy level, she argued, "Gyeonggi Province must demand the strict application of environmental impact assessments, including discharge standards for Gosam Reservoir in Anseong."

Governor Choo emphasized, "Before these measures are completed, we must inform residents that wastewater will not be discharged and allow them to check the site with their own eyes. Only when this process precedes can we persuade the residents."

Previously, during a work report from the Climate, Environment and Energy Bureau and the Water Resources Headquarters on July 16, Governor Choo instructed officials to issue administrative guidance, saying, "Urge Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to develop technology and invest in expanding the reuse rate of process water to minimize damage to local residents caused by wastewater."

Meanwhile, under the Administrative Procedures Act, administrative guidance refers to an administrative action in which administrative agencies provide guidance, recommendations, or advice to specific individuals to achieve certain administrative objectives within the scope of their jurisdiction.

(Photo provided by Gyeonggi Province, Yonhap News)

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