The Seoul Metropolitan Government told Tuesday that underground water around Yongsan garrison and Camp Kim has polluted, and the city has removed about 2000 tons of oil-contaminated water. 568liters of floating oil and 1,970tons of polluted water have been extracted since 2001 near Yongsan Garrison and camp Kim, camps located in central Seoul.

Seoul city presumes 11,776 square meters of land around Noksapyeong station and 459 square meters around camp Kim continue to be contaminated. Pollution may have started from an old oil tank broke-down in January 2001 around Yongsan garrison.

The official from the city government said extracted polluted water contained harmful chemicals such as benzene,toluene and xylene. Seoul city has carried out clean up operation and will be until 2016.

Source: The Korea Times, JoongAng Daily