As affairs of “Arbitration Affairs worth less than 500 Million Won” among environmental disputes has transferred from central to provincial government by the revision of the policy of environment dispute settlement on Dec. 26, 2002, Gyeonggi-do will take part in settling 「Small Sum Arbitration Affairs」 with its other environment dispute affairs starting on June 27, 2003.

The environment dispute settlement system is for resolving environmental disputes quickly, inexpensively and with simplicity. The system is divided into, intercession for settlement by mutual agreement between both parties, mediation by creating a dispute arbitration proposal and advice acceptance from both parties, arbitration measurement which is a quasi-judicial procedure to judge the reason for damage and damage suits.

As urbanization is rapidly progressing in development for new cities, reconstructing public housing and road constructions, pollution in water, air and waste and noise from various construction sites are increasing. Environmental dispute settled by Gyeonggi-do has been increasing yearly by 18 cases in 2000, 27 in 2001 and 59 in 2002.

Gyeonggi-do is planning to revise regulations related with an environment dispute settlement committee which will efficiently manage and relieve residents health and estate damages from environmental pollution. A grievance mediation committee of experts will be appointed to attend for various affairs for a fair judgment.

A person from the province said, “an exclusive branch taking responsibility on environmental disputes will be established to settle disputes fairly and professionally and enhance administration services to residents. And a permanent specialist will be appointed to establish a standing committee executive office.”