Experts say the Jeju Myths and History Theme Park will generate some 2,700 tons of sewage daily, once it’s completely open. That poses a problem, because the nearest sewage treatment plant is already operating at near full capacity. Joseph Kim reports.




Report

Construction is underway at the sprawling Jeju Myths and History Theme Park.


The park is slated to partially open next year.

And it will fully open in 2019 after being equipped with theme parks, a water park and resort buildings.

[SLUG]
Over 3,500 guest rooms

There will be over 3,500 guest rooms.


About 5,000 jobs will be created and at least 10,000 people on site, will use water daily.


[SLUG]
Estimated 2,700 tons of sewage to be generated daily


The Jeju Myths and History Theme Park is expected to generate up to 2,700 tons of sewage daily and the wastewater goes to the sewage treatment facility in (대정) Daejeong through a system of pipes.


Recording
Representative of park developer
From my understanding, sewage moves to the treatment center from the water and sewer headquarters.
< 람정제주개발 관계자 >
상하수도본부에서 하수종말처리장으로 연결되는 것으로 알고 있습니다.



The capacity of the sewage treatment plant in Daejeong is 10,500 tons a day.


Currently, the plant treats about 9,000 tons of wastewater a day on average. So, the plant is able to treat an additional load of 1,500 tons before reaching maximum capacity.


However, when the theme park is in operation, releasing an additional 2,700 tons of sewage, the total amount of sewage would exceed its capability.


[SLUG]
Province to boost capacity of sewage treatment plant in 2017

The province is expanding the sewage treatment capacity at the plant next year.


But during the summer peak season, the park will release more wastewater. At which point, the island will face a serious conundrum.

Recording
Representative of Daejeong sewage treatment plant
If the amount of sewage exceeds the capacity of the treatment plant, used water with a low oxygen concentration will be discharged into the sea.
< 대정하수처리장 관계자 >
(유입량이 많아지면) 물 용량이 넘치다보니까 물이 계속 저장되지 않고 방류될 겁니다. 물이 많아서. 그럼 미생물들이 사는 여건,// 공기 등이 부족해서 부패된 물이, 바다로 썩은 물이 나가게 되죠.


[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Camera] Kim Yong-min

The island has to clean up after the theme park while foreign companies will reap the benefits.

Joseph Kim, KCTV