Fish Mass Die-off Due to Influx of Paint Contaminated Water in Suwoncheon

In Suwoncheon, Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province, an environmental accident occurred, resulting in the mass die-off of hundreds of fish due to the influx of paint contaminated water.

According to Suwon City on the 20th, a report was received around 9:20 PM the previous day stating that "fish were found dead en masse over a 260-meter stretch from Maesegyo Bridge to Secheongyo Bridge in Suwoncheon."

In response, officials from Suwon City and Paldal District Office immediately dispatched to the scene to assess the situation.

As a result of the investigation, it was confirmed that about 500 fish, including minnows and carp, had died. Authorities have been engaged in collecting the deceased fish over the past two days.

Cause of Environmental Pollution and Follow-up Actions

The cause of the mass die-off is presumed to be due to a nearby company that improperly discharged paint contaminated water, generated from vehicle painting operations, without proper treatment into the storm drain.

This contaminated water appears to have caused serious damage to the aquatic ecosystem in Suwoncheon.

Suwon City has requested water quality testing from the Gyeonggi Provincial Health and Environment Research Institute to determine the exact cause. Furthermore, it was announced that the representative of the offending company will be reported for accountability regarding the environmental pollution activities.

Image Source: Suwon City