Algae-covered Yudeung Stream (Image provided by Daejeon Environmental Movement Federation)
DAEJEON, South Korea, June 12 (Korea Bizwire) — A surge of green algae in Daejeon’s three main rivers — the Gapcheon, Yudeungcheon, and Daejeoncheon — has sparked criticism from environmental groups, who argue the bloom is a direct result of large-scale dredging operations carried out in recent years.
In a joint statement released Wednesday, the Green Korea United of Daejeon-Chungnam and the Daejeon Environmental Movement Federation denounced the city government, saying, “The current ecological abnormality is unprecedented and has emerged in the wake of extensive dredging.” The groups called on the city to conduct a scientific assessment of the dredging’s environmental impact and to release the findings transparently.
Green algae typically thrive in stagnant, nutrient-rich waters. According to the activists, the current proliferation is a sign that the rivers have become increasingly stagnant and polluted, potentially due to changes in flow patterns and reduced self-purification capacity caused by dredging.
Algae-covered Yudeung Stream (Image provided by Daejeon Environmental Movement Federation)
“While dredging removes sediment from riverbeds, it also undermines the rivers’ natural ability to cleanse themselves, ultimately worsening water quality,” the statement read. “The transformation of once-fast-flowing rivers into sluggish streams is a key factor in this ecological deterioration.”
The groups condemned what they called a “policy failure,” blaming unplanned and hasty dredging efforts that ignored the rivers’ ecological structures. They argue the projects have led not only to water quality degradation and loss of biodiversity but also to inconveniences in daily life for local residents.
The environmental coalitions are now urging Daejeon’s city government to formulate a comprehensive restoration plan and to adhere to previously announced commitments for ecological impact assessments and citizen-inclusive planning for future dredging initiatives.
The controversy highlights growing tensions between infrastructure-driven environmental management and ecosystem preservation, as cities across South Korea grapple with balancing flood control, urban development, and ecological resilience.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
