Hong Soon-ok, Bupyeong District Councillor: “The Completed Gulpo Stream, Stone Bridge Flooded and Algal Blooms Occurred… Urgent Management Needed”

The Gulpo Stream, a symbol of Incheon Bupyeong District, has been restored as an ecological stream and returned to the residents, but concerns have been raised about flooding and water quality issues since the early stages of completion, highlighting the need for thorough post-management.

Hong Soon-ok, a member of the Bupyeong District Council's Urban Environment Committee (Independent, Galsan 1·2, Samsan 1-dong), pointed out the on-site issues of the Gulpo Stream ecological restoration project during the 5th Urban Environment Committee meeting of the 274th extraordinary session held on the 3rd, urging the district to take proactive measures.

Presenting photos taken during an on-site inspection, Councillor Hong pointed out, “In mid-January, even though there was only a little snow and not much rain, the stone bridge at the end of section 3 was completely submerged, making it impossible for residents to cross.”

In response, a district official stated, “During the trial operation of the maximum flow rate of 40,000 tons per day, we identified that some sections of the stone bridge were constructed too low,” and added, “We have instructed the construction company to make repairs, and once the supplementary work is completed, there will be no flooding even at maximum capacity.”

Concerns about water pollution also continued. Councillor Hong showed a photo of algae that had formed on the riverbed, stating, “It has not been long since completion, yet algae has already been found, raising residents' doubts about water quality,” and questioned, “Is this a problem that can be solved simply by cleaning?”

The district responded, “The water flowing in the Gulpo Stream is treated sewage, which retains nutrients, making it prone to algal blooms,” and added, “Currently, the water quality is at a level 2, which is good, but for aesthetic reasons, we will establish a plan to remove algae through river maintenance services and manage it continuously.”

Councillor Hong remarked, “As spring arrives, more residents will visit the Gulpo Stream, but if algae or mosquitoes accumulate and cause odours, resident satisfaction will plummet,” and urged, “We must solidify the management system and carefully analyse the issues that have emerged, ensuring they are reflected in the upcoming phase 2 restoration plan.”

In her concluding remarks, Councillor Hong emphasised, “As much effort has been put into creating the ecological stream after the removal of the covered section, please focus the department's capabilities on stabilising water quality and managing facilities in the early stages of completion.”