The government has announced the full opening of the Baekje Dam gates on the Geum River to reduce summer algal blooms and restore aquatic ecosystems. With the opening of the Baekje Dam, the water flow of the Geum River will be unified with the already opened Sejong and Gongju Dams.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment stated that all three gates at the Baekje Dam, located in Buyeo County, South Chungcheong Province, will be opened from June 10 until October 15.
The Baekje Dam, which is 311 meters long, is situated downstream on the Geum River. The Sejong and Gongju Dams have already had their gates fully opened. This action is expected to improve the overall flow in the river system by fully opening all three dams.
The government explained that this measure is part of its water management policy aimed at reducing summer algal blooms and restoring aquatic ecosystems. Opening the dams is a strategy that has been consistently pursued to decrease water retention time, inhibit algae growth, and enhance the river's self-purification capabilities.
Once the Baekje Dam gates are fully opened, the current water level of approximately 2.8 meters will be gradually lowered to maintain a level between 1 and 2 meters. To minimize ecological shock from changes in water levels, the reduction will occur gradually at a rate of 3 centimeters per hour rather than all at once.
The Ministry plans to minimize the impact on aquatic life, including fish and shellfish, during the opening process and will also assess groundwater usage. In areas where there are concerns about agricultural water shortages, the government will develop alternative wells and support measures for water supply.
The decision to open the Baekje Dam was made after consultations with the local community. This year, the Ministry has held several meetings with the Geum River Natural Restoration Public-Private Council and local residents to discuss the need for the opening and agricultural water measures. At the end of last month, agreements were signed with the Geum River Basin Environmental Office, Korea Water Resources Corporation, groundwater and geothermal organizations, and local residents to devise plans to minimize agricultural damage.
The government intends to closely monitor changes in the aquatic ecosystem and the impact on groundwater usage before and after the opening of the Baekje Dam. If the effects of reducing algal blooms and the impact on water usage are confirmed, this information will be used in future discussions regarding the operation of dams on the Yeongsan and Nakdong Rivers.
The government is also considering expanding the Geum River model to other river systems. Discussions are underway with local communities regarding simultaneous openings of the Seungchon and Juksan Dams on the Yeongsan River and a phased opening of eight dams on the Nakdong River.
Water resource authorities plan to incorporate the confirmed effects of dam openings on algal bloom responses and river ecosystem restoration into future water management policies.
Song Ho-seok, the Director of Water Resource Policy at the Ministry, stated, "Through cooperation with the local community, we have opened all three dams on the Geum River. We will closely analyze the results of improved water flow to develop applicable measures for other river systems."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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