Hong Soon-ok, Bupyeong District Council Member: "Completed Gulpo Stream, Stone Bridge Flooded and Algal Blooms Occurred... Emergency Management Needed"

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 the site inspection, Council Member 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. Council Member Hong showed a photo of the algal blooms that had formed on the riverbed, stating, "It has not been long since completion, yet algal blooms have already been discovered, raising doubts among residents about water quality," and questioned, "Is this a problem that can be solved simply by cleaning?"

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

Council Member Hong stated, "As spring arrives, more residents will visit Gulpo Stream, but if algal blooms and mosquitoes accumulate, causing odors, resident satisfaction will plummet," and urged, "We must solidify the continuous management system and carefully analyze the issues that have emerged to ensure they are reflected in the upcoming phase 2 restoration plan."

In her concluding remarks, Council Member Hong emphasized, "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 stabilizing water quality and facility management in the early stages of completion."