Companies in Yeosu Industrial Complex asked for easing the environmental regulations. (image: Expo 2012 Yeosu panoramic view by Wikimedia Commons)
SEOUL, Oct. 15 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea appears to ease regulations on the green belt zone as it gives a green light to building more energy infrastructures to be allowed within the green zones.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) announced on October 14 that it will be permitted that oil pipelines and other approved structures are built in the space of parks and green spots in a city, in an attempt to ease some challenges many local companies have faced so far.
The ministry pre-announced the new legislative provisions about the permission for occupation and use of city parks and green areas, as far as they are not damaged, for the purpose of augmenting their availability from October 15 through 20.
It is welcoming news to companies, in particular, located in Yeosu Industrial Complex. They have complained about the issue and asked a remedy. The regulations make it clear that an oil pipeline should be structured under the park or green property, but if it is impossible, the pipeline is allowed to be placed on the ground unless it does not destroy the property.
A solar energy generating facility and an earth anchor, a device that is designed to support structures, can also be built under the same condition as the oil pipeline.
The provisions are expected to enhance competitiveness of the companies concerned by effectively lifting barriers they have encountered — largely caused by a unique topography within an industrial complex like Yeosu Industrial Complex.
The renewed provisions about the permission will be officially announced and enacted at the end of November after the completion of legislative and other public proceedings.
By Eugene Yu (eugene@koreabizwire.com)
