Environmental management basics

Environmental violations do not accept "I didn't know"

Violating environmental laws does not end with fines. It can lead to suspension of operations, revocation of permits, and criminal penalties. Particularly, employees who actually handle discharges can also be penalized, not just the employer.

3 Major Media in Manufacturing

Air

• Installation and reporting/permitting of air pollution control facilities required (e.g., paint booths, dryers, boilers, dust collectors)
• Main targets: dust, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Mandatory self-measurement — semi-annual to monthly, depending on facility type

Water

• Reporting/permitting of wastewater discharge facilities
• Specific harmful water pollutants (e.g., copper, lead, chromium, cadmium, cyanide) are heavily regulated. This applies to electroplating and surface treatment industries.
• If discharged water exceeds quality standards → improvement order → suspension of operations

Waste

• Reporting of business site waste dischargers
• Allbaro electronic transfer document mandatory

"Discharge Allowance Standards" Vary by Region

Even for the same pollutant, standards differ based on Clean Zone / General Zone / Non-Zone / Special Zone. Most industrial complexes in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do are in Non-Zones, but areas near water sources are much stricter.

> Confirm with the environmental officer exactly which regional standard applies to our factory.

Common Mistakes for New Employees

Learn to distinguish between stormwater and wastewater drains. Their covers and markings differ.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Businesses of certain scale (e.g., industrial park development, large-scale factory construction/expansion) must obtain an environmental impact assessment before starting construction. Smaller-scale businesses are subject to small-scale environmental impact assessment.

Integrated Environmental Permit

This system consolidates multiple permits (air, water, waste, etc.) into one. Industries with large annual air/water pollutant discharges (e.g., power generation, refining, chemicals, non-ferrous metals, 19 industries) are targets, and it is reviewed every 5 years.

First Week Check List

• What air and water discharge facilities are at our factory
• Location and operational status of pollution prevention facilities (dust collectors, scrubbers, wastewater treatment plants)
• Stormwater / Wastewater drain identification markings
• Who is the environmental officer (environmental technician)