The Ministry of Environment called for strengthened measures to secure adequate sewage treatment systems in military bases, at the meeting with the Ministry of National Defense, Gyung-gi province, and other relevant parties on Oct. 2. It was found that 30 out of 170 military bases have not installed the sewage treatment plants, and that more than 70 plants require annual improvements due to system superannuation.

As a response, the Ministry of National Defense announced its plans to make sound investments on sewage treatment systems in military bases, US $40 billion in 2003, and US $67 billion in 2004. As well, staffs responsible for environmental tasks will be expanded to 1,609. The Environment Inspection Group will also make efforts by providing special guidance to 71 military bases on proper sewage treatment methods. By undertaking toughened inspections, it also plans to levy strict charges on those who exceed pollution discharge standards.

Furthermore, local government and military force will cooperate in performing sewage treatment inspections at least once a year. In particular, the members of local government and of environmental inspection group will participate during the base inspection processes in order to induce proper management of sewage systems. In this line, the inspection results will be taken into account in force evaluations.

- The source from "Ministry of Environment" -