Dongbok Dam expansion project changed to extension method instead of increase.

The Dongbok Dam expansion project, which will be used as a major water source for Honam semiconductors, will be promoted through an 'extension' method of constructing a new dam rather than an 'increase' method of raising the height of the existing dam.

According to Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City on the 27th, the city and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment judged that the method of increasing the height of the existing dam by about 15m was difficult due to stability issues, and changed the plan to build a new dam.

As a result of a review by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, which is promoting the project, it was found that it would be difficult for the structure to withstand the increased water pressure if the height increased from 44m to 59m by raising a 15m high structure on the existing dam.

For this reason, the plan was changed to build a new structure 200m downstream from the current dam, with a stronger foundation to withstand more water.

The height of the new dam will be 59m, which is higher than the current dam, and the storage capacity of Dongbok Dam is expected to increase by more than 100 million tons from 99.5 million tons, exceeding 200 million tons.

As the new dam is being built, the existing dam will be demolished in stages and a temporary water storage facility will be built upstream to ensure that there are no problems with water supply.

Stone material generated during the dismantling of existing dams is recycled for the construction of new dams.

The Ministry of Climate Change plans to change the business plan, go through design, and begin construction in the second half of next year.

It is scheduled to be completed in 2030, when Honam Semiconductor will be located at Gwangju Military Airport, and will be used for semiconductor water.

The government plans to supply 650,000 tons of water to the semiconductor cluster by 2030, including 300,000 tons from Donbok Dam, 150,000 tons from Juam and Jangheung Dam, 100,000 tons from Boseong River Dam, and 100,000 tons from Naju Dam.

Currently, a plan is being promoted to convert the Dongbok Dam, which serves as a water source for Gwangju, into a multi-purpose dam and have it managed by the government.

When the project begins in earnest, it is expected that flood damage in upstream areas due to dam expansion and measures to relocate residents will become issues.

If the dam water level rises by 15m, it is estimated that 8 to 10 villages and 266 households in the upstream area of ​​Hwasun and Damyang-gun will be submerged.

An official from the integrated city said, "The expansion of Dongbok Dam is to secure Gwangju's residential water as well as industrial water in preparation for the situation where precipitation variation increases due to climate change." He added, "Services are in progress for submergence damage due to the expansion of Dongbok Dam, and measures will be prepared according to the results."