하수도법

Article 1Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to provide for matters regarding the planning, installation, operation, management, etc. of sewerage system for the proper treatment of sewage and foul waste, thereby contributing to the prevention of flooding damage caused by sewage overflow, the sustainable development of local communities and improvement of public hygiene, as well as conserving the water environments of public waters. <Amended on Oct. 16, 2018; Jan. 5, 2021>

Article 2Definitions

The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on Jan. 7, 2009; Jun. 8, 2010; Nov. 14, 2011; Jul. 16, 2013; May 26, 2020>1. The term "sewage" means water contaminated by a mixture of liquid or solid created from human living and economic activities (hereinafter referred to as "wastewater"), and rainwater and ground water that flow from the premises of buildings, roads, and other facilities into sewerage systems; provided, those from farming agricultural products are excluded herefrom;

2. The term "foul waste" means liquid or solid contaminants collected from collecting type toilets (including sludge created in the course of cleaning private sewage treatment facilities);

3. The term "sewerage system" means the entire system of sewage culverts, public sewage treatment plants, simplified public sewage treatment plants, sewage retention facilities, foul waste treatment plants, drainage systems, private sewage treatment facilities, and other structures and facilities installed for the discharge or treatment of sewage and foul waste;

4. The term "public sewerage system" means a sewage system installed or maintained by each local government; provided, private sewerage is excluded herefrom;

5. The term "private sewerage" means a drainage system, private sewage treatment facilities, and other annexed facilities installed for the discharge or treatment of sewage created from a building, facility, etc. by the builder or owner of the relevant building, facility, etc.;

6. The term "sewage culvert" means pipelines and annexed facilities installed or managed by a local government for transporting sewage to a public sewage treatment plant, simplified sewage treatment plant, or sewage retention facility, or discharging it to a river, sea, or any other public water;

7. The term "combined sewage culvert" means a sewage culvert for combined stream of wastewater and rainwater or ground water flowing into a sewerage system;

8. The term "separate sewage culvert" means a sewage culvert handling wastewater separately from rainwater or ground water flowing into a sewerage system;

9. The term "public sewage treatment plant" means a treatment plant and its ancillary facilities installed or managed by a local government for treating sewage and discharging it to a river, sea, or any other public water;9-2. The term "simplified public sewage treatment plant" means a treatment plant and its ancillary facilities installed or managed by a local government to swiftly treat sewage and discharge it to a river, sea, or any other public water when the amount of sewage flowing into a public sewage treatment plant increases temporarily due to rain;

10. The term "sewage retention facility" means a facility (excluding facilities under subparagraph 3b of Article 2 of the River Act and facilities reducing rainwater outflow under subparagraph 6 of Article 2 of the Countermeasures against Natural Disasters Act) to temporarily store sewage, or remove or reduce pollutants in sewage for reducing the discharge of pollutants in sewage flowing into a sewage culvert into a river, sea, or any other public water, and for discharging sewage smoothly;

11. The term "waste treatment plant" means a plant that treats foul waste in such processes as sedimentation and dissolution;

12. The term "drainage system" means drainage pipes and other draining facilities installed through which sewage effluent from buildings, facilities, etc. flows into a public sewerage system;

13. The term "private sewage treatment facility" means a facility for treating wastewater effluent from buildings, facilities, etc. in such processes as sedimentation and dissolution;

14. The term "drainage area" means an area publicly announced pursuant to Article 15 as an area where sewage is allowed to be discharged through a public sewerage system;

15. The term "sewage treatment area" means an area publicly announced pursuant to Article 15 as an area where sewage is required to be treated through a public sewage treatment plant.

Article 3Responsibilities of the State and local governments

(1) The State shall be responsible for establishing a basic policy on the installation and management of sewerage system, the development of related technology, etc. and giving technical and financial support to local governments as required for their earnest performance of responsibility under paragraph (2).

(2) The head of each local government shall be responsible for the proper treatment of sewage and foul waste created within his or her jurisdiction and for the prevention of any damage from flooding caused by sewage overflow through the installation and management of public sewerage system. <Amended on Dec. 27, 2022>

Article 4Formulation of master plan for nationwide sewerage system

(1) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment shall formulate a master plan for nationwide sewerage system covering a span of 10 years (hereinafter referred to as "master plan") for a systematic development of the national policy on sewerage system. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(2) The master plan shall include the following:

1. Matters concerning the conditions of sewage treatment;

2. Matters concerning the goals of sewage treatment;

3. Matters concerning the policy directions, including the implementation strategy for sewage treatment and the detailed implementation plan;

4. Matters concerning the promotion of region-wide sewerage projects;

5. Matters concerning the extension and rearrangement of public sewerage system;

6. Matters concerning the rearrangement and distribution of private sewerage;

7. Matters concerning the research on and technical development of sewerage system;

8. Matters concerning the improvement of the sewerage management system;

9. Matters concerning the securing and training of human resources relating to sewerage system;

10. Matters concerning the estimation of the expenses incurred in the implementation of the projects related to sewerage system and the raising of funds therefor.

(3) Where the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment intends to formulate or modify the master plan, he or she shall consult in advance with the heads of related central administrative agencies, the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, a Metropolitan City Mayor, a Special Self-Governing City Mayor, a Do Governor, and a Special Self-Governing Province Governor (hereinafter referred to as "Mayor/Do Governor"), and when he or she has formulated or modified the master plan, he or she shall notify the heads of the related administrative agencies and the Mayor/Do Governor thereof. <Amended on Apr. 5, 2011; Jul. 16, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025>(4) When the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment intends to formulate or modify the master plan, he or she may request the heads of related administrative agencies and the Mayor/Do Governor to submit relevant data. In such cases, the heads of related administrative agencies and the Mayor/Do Governor shall comply with such request unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on May 26, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>(5) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment shall review the feasibility of the master plan when 5 years elapse after the date the master plan was formulated and shall revise such plan if necessary. <Amended on May 26, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 4-2Formulation of basin sewerage maintenance plan

(1) The head of a basin environmental office or the head of a regional environmental office (hereinafter referred to as "head of a local environmental agency") shall formulate a 20-year plan for the installation, integrated operation, and management of sewerage in each zone prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment based on the master plan (hereinafter referred to as "basin sewerage maintenance plan") in order to prevent overlapping installations of public sewerage systems and ensure the efficient operation and management thereof. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(2) Where a zone prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment in accordance with paragraph (1) spans the jurisdictions of at least 2 heads of local environmental agencies, or where any compelling reason exists, the head of a local environmental agency prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment shall formulate the relevant basin sewerage maintenance plan. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) The basin sewerage maintenance plan shall include the following: <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013; Jan. 5, 2021>1. Objectives and strategies for the management of sewerage system in the basin to Implement a comprehensive basin water management plan formulated under Article 28(1) of the Framework Act on Water Management;

2. Establishment of the standards for effluent water quality referred to in the proviso of Article 7(1);

3. Integration of the installation, operation, and management of sewerage systems in the basin;

4. Occurrence and treatment of sewage discharge in the basin, and planning to reuse such treated sewage (referring to sewage treated in public sewage treatment plants);

5. Installation and operation of sewerage system in consideration of water circulations in the basin, the chance of flooding in cities, and the like;

(1) The standards for collecting, transporting, and disposing of foul waste under Article 41 (1) and (3) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(4) Where the head of a local environmental agency intends to formulate or revise a basin sewerage maintenance plan, he or she shall consult in advance with the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies, Mayors/Do Governors, and the heads of the relevant Sis/Guns, and where the head of a local environmental agency has drawn up or revised a basin sewerage maintenance plan, he or she shall give notice thereof to the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies, Mayors/Do Governors, and the heads of the relevant Sis/Guns. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(5) Where the head of a local environmental agency intends to draw up or revise a basin sewerage maintenance plan, he or she may request the relevant Mayor/Do Governor and the head of a relevant Si/Gun to submit necessary materials. In such cases, the relevant Mayor/Do Governor and the head of the relevant Si/Gun shall, upon receipt of such request, comply therewith unless there is a compelling reason not to do so.

(6) The head of a local environmental agency shall review the feasibility of a basin sewerage maintenance plan every five years from the date the plan is formulated and shall revise the plan if necessary.[This Article Added on Feb. 1, 2012]

Article 4-3Designation of areas for priority control of sewerage maintenance

(1) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may designate an area where flood damage occurs, or is likely to occur, due to sewage inundation or an area which is likely to worsen the quality of public waters as an area for priority control of sewerage maintenance (hereinafter referred to as "priority control area"), after consultation with the competent Mayor/Do Governor. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(2) The Special Metropolitan City Mayor, a Metropolitan City Mayor, or the head of a Si/Gun (excluding the head of a Gun in a metropolitan city) may request the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment to designate an area the sewerage maintenance of which is deemed urgent as a priority control area after consultation with the competent Mayor/Do Governor. The same shall apply where a designated priority control area is changed. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) When the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, a Metropolitan City Mayor, or the head of a Si/Gun (excluding the head of a Gun in a Metropolitan City) requests the Minster of Climate, Energy and Environment to designate a priority control area or to change such designation, he or she shall establish sewerage maintenance measures, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and submit them to the Minister; provided, when the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment designates a priority control area in accordance with paragraph (1), he or she may establish sewerage maintenance measures for the priority control area after such designation. <Amended on Jan. 27, 2016; Oct. 1, 2025>(4) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may subsidize the expenses incurred in implementing sewerage maintenance measures under paragraph (3) within the budget. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(5) When it is deemed necessary to revoke the designation of a priority control area in cases where a reason for the designation thereof ceases to exist, where a necessity to maintain such designation has significantly declined, or in other similar cases, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may revoke the designation. <Amended on Jan. 27, 2016; May 26, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>(6) The criteria for designation, procedures for designation and for revocation of designation of a priority control area, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>[This Article Added on Feb. 1, 2012]

Article 4-4Formulation of plans for maintenance and management of sewage culverts

(1) To prevent disasters such as flooding and facilitate the flow of sewage, the public sewerage management authority under Article 18 (hereinafter referred to as "public sewerage management authority") shall formulate a plan for maintenance and management of sewage culverts for the following year for the following areas by the end of each year:

1. A priority control area;

2. An area deemed at risk of flooding caused by sewage among areas zoned to manage natural disaster risks under Article 12 of the Countermeasures against Natural Disasters Act.

(2) A plan for maintenance and management of sewage culverts under paragraph (1) shall include facilities installed and managed by the public sewerage management authority, such as pipelines, storm overflow chambers, manholes, and street inlets. In such cases, the public sewerage management authority shall conduct maintenance and management at least once each year in accordance with the relevant plan for maintenance and management of sewage culverts, and shall take necessary measures, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) Methods for formulating a plan for maintenance and management of sewage culverts under paragraphs (1) and (2), the specific scope of maintenance and management, the frequency of inspection of sewage culverts, and other necessary matters shall be determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>[This Article Added on Dec. 27, 2022]

Article 5Authority for establishing framework plan for sewerage maintenance

(1) The Special Metropolitan City Mayor, a Metropolitan City Mayor, a Special Self-Governing City Mayor, a Special Self-Governing Province Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun (excluding the head of a Gun within a Metropolitan City) shall establish a 20-year framework plan for sewerage maintenance for each basin in their respective jurisdictions (hereinafter referred to as "framework plan for sewerage maintenance") based on the master plan and the basin sewerage maintenance plans with a view to the improvement of public hygiene and living environment essential for the protection of human health, the maintenance of the standard water quality prescribed by the Framework Act on Environmental Policy, and the prevention of flood inundation in their respective jurisdictions. In such cases, the aforesaid plan for a specific area shall be formulated based on the basic urban plan prescribed in Article 18 of the National Land Planning and Utilization Act, if such plan is established for the area. <Amended on Apr. 5, 2011; Apr. 14, 2011; Feb. 1, 2012; Jul. 16, 2013>(2) Where a sewerage system spans two or more jurisdictions of the Special Metropolitan City, Metropolitan Cities, or Sis/Guns (excluding a Gun within a Metropolitan City) or where any compelling reason exists, the Mayor/Do Governor or the head of each Si/Gun (excluding the head of a Gun within a Metropolitan City) designated by Presidential Decree shall formulate the relevant framework plan for sewerage maintenance. <Amended on May 26, 2020>(3) The framework plan for sewerage maintenance shall include the following: <Amended on Jan. 7, 2009; Nov. 14, 2011; Feb. 1, 2012; Jul. 16, 2013; Jan. 5, 2021; Dec. 27, 2022; Oct. 1, 2025>1. Basic principles for sewerage management;

2. Detailed execution plans formulated in accordance with a basin sewerage maintenance plan;

3. Areas where sewage can be discharged or treated depending upon the sewerage systems;

4. Layout, structure, and capacity of basic facilities for the sewerage systems;

5. Placement of combined sewage culverts and separate sewage culverts;5-2. Analysis for predicting risks of flooding and prevention of flooding in jurisdictions through smooth discharge of sewage;5-3. Measurement and treatment of sewage during heavy rain;

6. Priority-setting in implementing sewerage maintenance projects;

7. Plan for reducing pollutants discharged from drainage areas and the installation of sewage retention facilities;

8. Plan for disposal of sludge created in the course of treatment of sewage by public sewage treatment plants and the installation of treatment plants;8-2. Reuse of treated sewage;

9. Plan for treatment of foul waste and installation of foul waste treatment plants;

10. Interconnected treatment of sewage and foul waste;

11. Estimation of expenses incurred for the implementation of sewerage-related projects and securing financing;

12. Installation and management of private sewage treatment facilities;

13. Formulation of sewerage maintenance measures referred to in Article 4-3(3);

14. Other matters publicly notified by the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment as deemed necessary for sewerage maintenance.

Article 6Formulation of framework plan for sewerage maintenance

(1) Where the person authorized to establish the framework plan for sewerage maintenance under Article 5(1) and (2) (hereinafter referred to as "authority for formulating the framework plan for sewerage maintenance") intends to formulate the framework plan for sewerage maintenance, he or she shall obtain approval thereof from the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. The same shall apply when intending to modify any approved important matter prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on May 26, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>(2) Where the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment intends to grant approval or a modified approval under paragraph (1), he or she shall have a prior consultation with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025>(3) The authority for formulating a framework plan for sewerage maintenance shall review the feasibility of the plan every five years after obtaining approval under paragraph (1) and shall revise the plan if necessary. <Amended on May 26, 2020>(4) Where there arises any cause for revision of the framework plan for sewerage maintenance, such as the formulation or revision of an urban or Gun master plan under Article 18 of the National Land Planning and Utilization Act, a basic plan for constructing a dam under Article 11 of the Act on Construction and Management of Dams and Assistance to Their Environs, or any other public plan, the authority for formulating the framework plan for sewerage maintenance shall reflect such cause in revising the framework plan for sewerage maintenance. <Amended on Apr. 14, 2011; Jun. 15, 2021>(5) Where important matters in the master plan or the basin sewerage maintenance plan have been altered owing to a change in policy direction or any other similar reason, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment or the head of a local environmental agency may request the authority for formulating the framework plan for sewerage maintenance to revise the framework plan accordingly. <Amended on Feb. 1, 2012; Oct. 1, 2025>(6) If the authority for formulating the framework plan for sewerage maintenance does not modify the framework plan for sewerage maintenance without good cause, although there has arisen a cause constituting a reason for modification of the framework plan, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may request that authority to modify it. <Amended on May 26, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 7Standards for effluent water quality

(1) Standards for the quality of effluent water discharged from public sewage treatment plants, simplified public sewage treatment plants, foul waste treatment plants, and private sewage treatment facilities shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment; provided, standards may be separately prescribed for either of the following areas: <Amended on Jul. 21, 2011; Feb. 1, 2012; Jul. 16, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025>1. A special measures area referred to in Article 38 of the Framework Act on Environmental Policy or an area determined by Presidential Decree which requires strict standards to preserve the water quality of water supply sources or to conserve the living environment;

2. An area for which strict standards are required to efficiently accomplish objectives of water quality management in each zone referred to in Article 4-2(3)1, among zones for which basin sewerage maintenance plans are drawn up pursuant to Article 4-2(1).

(2) The Special Metropolitan City, a Metropolitan City, the Special Self-Governing City, a Do, or the Special Self-Governing Province (hereinafter referred to as "City/Do") may establish the standards for the effluent water quality more strictly than the standards referred to in paragraph (1) by ordinance of the relevant City/Do, if it is deemed impractical to maintain the environmental standards referred to in Article 12(3) of the Framework Act on Environmental Policy. <Amended on Apr. 5, 2011; Jul. 21, 2011; Jul. 16, 2013>

Article 8Access to land owned by others

(1) The head of a local government or a person with an order issued or an authority delegated by the head of a local government may have access to another person's land or use temporarily another person's land currently vacant with no specific purpose of use as material storage yard, passage or temporary road, if necessary for the inspection, survey, construction works, or maintenance of public sewerage system, and may also remove or alter trees, shrubs, and other obstacles (hereinafter referred to as "obstacles"), wherever particularly required to do so.

(2) Any person who intends to enter another person's land pursuant to paragraph (1) shall notify the occupant of the land of his or her intended entrance in advance, and any person who intends to use another person's land or remove or alter obstacles therein shall notify in advance the owner and occupant of the land of his or her intended action to hear their opinions; provided, such a notice may be given by a method prescribed by Presidential Decree if it is difficult to deliver a notice in advance. <Amended on May 26, 2020>(3) No one may enter other person's residential premises or land surrounded by a wall or fence before sunrise or after sunset without the consent of the occupant of the relevant land. <Amended on May 26, 2020>(4) Any occupant of land shall not reject or interfere with the access or use under paragraph (1) without good cause.

(5) Everyone who intends to enter other person's land pursuant to paragraph (1) shall carry an identification showing his or her authority to present it, whenever demanded by the people concerned.

(6) Necessary matters regarding the identification under paragraph (5) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 9Compensation for damages

(1) The head of a local government shall compensate any person who sustains damages or losses by the access, use, removal or alteration of obstacles made under Article 8(1) for such damages or losses, if any.

(2) The head of a local government shall make an agreement with the person who has sustained damages or losses on the compensation for such damages or losses under paragraph (1).

(3) Either the head of a local government or the person who has sustained damages or losses may file an application for adjudication with the competent Land Tribunal as prescribed by Presidential Decree, if they fail to reach an agreement under paragraph (2) or are unable to negotiate each other. <Amended on May 26, 2020>

Article 10Expropriation and Use of Land (1

Any person who intends to install a public sewerage system may, when necessary for the installation of the public sewerage system, expropriate or use the land, etc. prescribed in Article 3 of the Act on Acquisition of and Compensation for Land for Public Works Projects.

(2) If there is the public notice under Article 11(2), or the authorization and public notice of such authorization under paragraphs (3), (4) and (7) of the same Article, or the permission and public notice of such permission under Article 16, it shall be deemed that there are the project approval and the public notice of such project approval prescribed in Articles 20(1) and 22 of the Act on Acquisition of and Compensation for Land for Public Works Projects, and an application for adjudication may be filed during the project execution period publicly notified pursuant to Article 11 or 16, notwithstanding Articles 23(1) and 28(1) of the same Act. <Amended on Jan. 7, 2009; Jul. 16, 2013>(3) Except as provided for in this Act, the Act on Acquisition of and Compensation for Land for Public Works Projects shall apply mutatis mutandis to the expropriation or use of land, etc. under paragraph (1).

Article 10-2Compensation for use of underground portion of land

(1) Where a person installing a public sewerage system intends to use the underground portion of the land of another to install the public sewerage system, he, she, or it shall compensate for the use thereof in consideration of the use value of the land, the depth of the underground site, and the level of interference with the use of the land.

(2) Specific compensation standards and methods for the use of the underground portion under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.[This Article Added on Jan. 5, 2021]

Article 10-3Registration of creation of divided surface right

(1) Where a person who intends to install a public sewerage system reaches an agreement on the use of the underground portion of land with the owner of or the person who has the right to use the land, etc. pursuant to the Act on Acquisition of and Compensation for Land for Public Works Projects, he, she, or it shall create or transfer a divided surface right.

(2) Where a person who intends to install a public sewerage system receives a decision to expropriate or use the land by which he or she creates or transfers a divided surface right pursuant to the Act on Acquisition of and Compensation for Land for Public Works Projects, he or she may individually apply for the registration of creation or the registration of transfer of the surface right by applying Article 99 of the Registration of Real Estate Act mutatis mutandis.

(3) Procedures for registration of a divided surface right created for the use of the underground portion of land shall be prescribed by the Supreme Court Regulations.

(4) Notwithstanding Articles 280 and 281 of the Civil Act, the divided surface rights under paragraph (1) and (2) shall exist until the date the relevant public sewerage system exists.[This Article Added on Jan. 5, 2021]

Article 11Installation of public sewerage system

(1) The head of each local government shall install a public sewerage system in compliance with the framework plan for sewerage maintenance.

(2) Where a Mayor/Do Governor intends to install a public sewerage system, he or she shall issue a public notice of the location and area of the construction site under the planned project, the types of facilities to be installed, the project execution period, etc., as prescribed by Presidential Decree. The same shall apply to any intended revision or abolition of the matters publicly notified. <Amended on May 26, 2020>(3) Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu (referring to the head of an autonomous Gu; hereinafter the same shall apply) intends to install a public sewerage system, he or she shall obtain authorization from the Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 7, 2009>(4) Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu intends to modify or abolish the matters authorized in accordance with paragraph (3), he or she shall obtain authorization therefor from the Mayor/Do Governor; provided, this shall not apply to any intended modification of minor matters prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Added on Jan. 7, 2009; Oct. 1, 2025>(5) Deleted. <Jul. 16, 2013>(6) When a Mayor/Do Governor intends to issue a public notice under paragraph (2) or grant under paragraphs (3) and (4) concerning the public sewerage system that he or she plans to install with a subsidy from the State, he or she shall consult in advance with the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment about the raising and spending of funds necessary for the installation thereof, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 7, 2009; May 26, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>(7) When a Mayor/Do Governor grants authorization pursuant to paragraphs (3) and (4), he or she shall give public notice of the details of the authorization, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 7, 2009; Jul. 16, 2013>(8) When the head of any local government does not follow the framework plan for sewerage maintenance in installing a public sewerage system, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may request the head of the relevant local government to install the public sewerage system in compliance with the framework plan for sewerage maintenance. <Amended on Jan. 7, 2009; May 26, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 12Standards for installation

(1) Where the public sewerage management authority intends to install a public sewerage system, it shall conform to the following matters: <Amended on Jan. 7, 2009; Dec. 27, 2022>1. Considering for safety against earthquake;

2. Standards prescribed by Presidential Decree with regard to scale of facilities, disposition, discharging points, etc. of public sewerage system.

(2) The technical standards for the structure of public sewerage system shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) The materials used for installation of sewerage system shall conform to the standards prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on May 26, 2020>

Article 13Execution of construction works for combined-purpose structures

(1) Where a facility consisting of a public sewerage system serves combined purposes of use to provide the utility of a road, a dike, or any other public facility or structure (hereinafter referred to as "combined-purpose structure"), the public sewerage management authority may execute construction works or works for maintenance of the combined-purpose structure, on its own or in prior consultation with the person who is responsible for managing the combined-purpose structure, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the "manager of combined-purpose structures"), or may have the manager of combined-purpose structures to execute construction works or works for maintenance for such public sewerage system. <Amended on Jan. 7, 2009; Jan. 5, 2021>(2) Construction works or works for maintenance executed by a public sewerage management authority for any combined-purpose structure pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be deemed construction works or works maintenance executed for the public sewerage system involved.

Article 14Execution of accompanying construction works

A public sewerage management authority may execute any construction work other than public sewerage system works along with the public sewerage system works, where such work has become necessary as a consequence of such public sewerage system works or in order to execute such public sewerage system works (hereinafter referred to as "accompanying construction work"). In such cases, the relevant accompanying construction work shall be deemed a work for public sewerage system in application of this Act. <Amended on May 26, 2020>

Article 15Public announcement of commencement of service

(1) Every public sewerage management authority shall, when it plans to open a public sewerage system for service, publicly announce the time for opening the service, the drainage area (or the sewage treatment area where a public sewage treatment plant is involved; hereinafter the same shall apply), the current status of combined and separate sewage culverts, and other matters prescribed by Presidential Decree, and shall make related drawings available to the general public for inspection. <Amended on Apr. 5, 2011; Jul. 16, 2013; May 26, 2020>(2) Every public sewerage management authority shall determine the sewage treatment area referred to in paragraph (1) within a straight-line distance of 300 meters from a sewage culvert, but detailed standards for the designation scope of a sewage treatment area may be determined by ordinance of a local government. <Amended on Apr. 5, 2011; Jul. 16, 2013>

Article 16Execution of construction works by persons, other than public sewerage management authority

(1) Any person, other than the head of a local government, may execute any construction or maintenance work related to a public sewerage system only with permission from the competent public sewerage management authority; provided, any minor maintenance work specified by Presidential Decree may be done without such permission. <Amended on May 26, 2020>(2) When each public sewerage management authority grants permission pursuant to the main clause of paragraph (1), it shall publicly notify the details thereof, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on May 26, 2020>

Article 17Legal fiction of authorization and permission

(1) Where the head of a local government issues a public notice under Article 11(2), or grants authorization under paragraphs (3) and (4) of that Article, or permission under Article 16(1), matters on which the Minister of Environment or the head of a local government has reached an agreement with the head of the relevant administrative agency in accordance with paragraph (2) shall be deemed to have obtained permission, authorization, license, agreement, approval, or release under any of the following subparagraphs (hereinafter referred to as "authorization, permission, etc.") for the installation of the public sewerage system concerned, and where a public notice under Article 11(2) and (7), or 16(2) has been issued, it shall be deemed that a public notice of authorization, permission, etc. has been issued under any of the following statutes: <Amended on Apr. 6, 2007; Apr. 11, 2007; Dec. 27, 2007; Mar. 21, 2008; Jan. 7, 2009; Jun. 9, 2009; Apr. 15, 2010; Nov. 14, 2011; Jul. 16, 2013; Jan. 14, 2014; Jun. 3, 2014; May 26, 2020; Jul. 20, 2021; Mar. 21, 2023; Aug. 8, 2023; Feb. 6, 2024>1. Obtaining permission for the occupation and use of public waters under Article 8 of the Public Waters Management and Reclamation Act, obtaining approval or reporting on an implementation plan for the occupation and use under Article 17 of the same Act, obtaining a license for reclamation of public waters under Article 28 of the same Act, obtaining agreement or approval for reclamation conducted by the State, etc. under Article 35 of the same Act and obtaining approval for an implementation plan for reclamation of public waters under Article 38 of the same Act;

2. Deleted; <Apr. 15, 2010>3. Obtaining permission for an act of development under Article 56(1) of the National Land Planning and Utilization Act and authorization for an implementation plan under Article 88 of the same Act;

4. Obtaining permission or an agreement on the conversion of farmland under Article 34 of the Farmland Act;

5. Obtaining permission for the execution of road construction works under Article 36 of the Road Act and permission for the occupation and use of a road under Article 61 of the same Act;

6. Obtaining permission under Article 35(1)1 and 2 of the Act on the Conservation and Utilization of Modern and Contemporary Cultural Heritage, permission for the use of the State-owned cultural heritage and State-owned natural heritage under the proviso of Article 66 of that Act (including cases applied mutatis mutandis in accordance with Article 63 of the Act on Conservation and Utilization of Natural Heritage), and permission under Article 17(1)1,2,4, and 5 of the Act on Conservation and Utilization of Natural Heritage;

7. Obtaining permission for the opening of a private road under Article 4 of the Private Road Act;

8. Obtaining permission for the restrictions on acts within an area subject to protective measures against land erosion under Article 14 of the Erosion Control Work Act and the revocation of designation of an area subject to protective measures against land erosion under Article 20 of the same Act;

9. Obtaining permission of the conversion of a mountainous district under Article 14 of the Mountainous Districts Management Act;

10. Obtaining permission for or reporting on timbering standing trees under Article 36 of the Creation and Management of Forest Resources Act; provided, forests for seeds collection and experimental forests and forest protection district under Article 7 of the Forest Protection Act shall be excluded herefrom;

11. Obtaining the designation of a project executor under Article 16(1) of the Industrial Sites and Development Act or approval for an implementation plan under Articles 17(1),18(1), and 19(1) of the same Act;

12. Obtaining permission for the disposition of a grave situated in another person's land under Article 27(1) of the Act on Funeral Services;

13. Obtaining permission for the conversion of grassland under Article 23 of the Grassland Act;

14. Examination on the publication of maps, etc. under Article 15(4) of the Act on the Establishment and Management of Spatial Data;

15. Obtaining permission for river works under Article 30 of the River Act or permission for the occupation and use of a river under Article 33(1)1 through 4 of the same Act.

(2) When issuing a public notice under Article 11(2), or granting authorization under paragraphs (3) and (4) of that Article or permission under Article 16(1), the head of a local government shall consult in advance with the head of the relevant administrative agency, if the project plan includes any matter under any of the subparagraphs of paragraph (1). In such cases, the head of the relevant administrative agency shall, upon receipt of a request for such consultation, present his or her opinion within 30 days. <Amended on Jan. 7, 2009; Jul. 16, 2013; May 26, 2020; Jan. 30, 2024>(2) Except as provided in paragraphs (1) and (2), Articles 24 through 26 of the Framework Act on Administration shall apply mutatis mutandis to the standards, effects, etc. of the legal fiction as authorization, permission, etc. <Amended on Jan. 30, 2024>[Title Amended on Jul. 16, 2013]

Article 18Public sewerage management authority

(1) The head of the competent local government shall act as the public sewerage management authority. In such cases, the scope of management of each public sewerage management authority for a public sewerage system shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(2) If a public sewerage system spans two or more jurisdictions of the heads of local governments, or if any compelling reason exists, the head of a local government specified in the guidelines prescribed by Presidential Decree shall act as the public sewerage management authority. <Amended on May 26, 2020>(3) The public sewerage management authority under paragraph (2) shall make a public announcement on the matters specified by Presidential Decree, including the facilities or areas, etc. of the public sewerage system to be under his or her control. <Amended on May 26, 2020>

Article 19Operation and management of public sewerage system and prohibition of destruction and interference

(1) A person who operates and manages a public sewerage system shall prepare the standards for operation and management of a public sewerage system pursuant to the standards prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 7, 2009; Feb. 1, 2012>(2) No person who operates and manages a public sewage treatment plant, a simplified public sewage treatment plant, or a waste treatment plant shall commit any of the following without good cause prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, such as heavy rain, an accident, or where necessary for a treatment method: <Amended on Jan. 7, 2009; Jul. 16, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025>1. Discharging sewage exceeding the standards for discharging water quality (hereinafter referred to as "standards of effluent water quality") referred to in Article 7;

2. Discharging sewage from a sewage treatment area as publicly announced pursuant to Article 15 without making it flow into a public sewage treatment plant (including a simplified public sewage treatment plant when the amount of sewage increases temporarily due to rain; hereafter in this subparagraph the same shall apply), or installing a facility that is capable of discharging such sewage without making it flow into a public sewage treatment plant;

3. Discharging sewage or foul waste influent into a public sewage treatment plant, a simplified public sewage treatment plant or a waste treatment plant without passing through the final discharging outlet, or installing a facility that is capable of discharging such influent sewage or foul waste without passing through the final discharging outlet;

4. Disposing of or discharging foul waste by mixing water with it.

(3) Where sewage in a sewage treatment area is discharged without flowing into a public sewerage treatment plant (including a simplified public sewage treatment plant) due to heavy rain, a person who operates and manages the relevant public sewerage system shall measure and record the quantity and quality of discharged sewage, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, and shall retain the records of the measurements for 5 years. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>(4) A person who operates and manages a public sewage treatment plant, a simplified public sewage treatment plant, or a waste treatment plant shall conduct discharged water quality tests and sludge composition tests, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, and shall retain the records of the tests for five years. <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013; Jan. 5, 2021>(5) Where a person who has installed or manages a waste treatment plant has treatment capacity enough to spare in his, her or its waste treatment plant, he, she, or it may make livestock waste under the Act on the Management and Use of Livestock Excreta flow into the relevant waste treatment plant for treatment. <Amended on May 26, 2020; Jan. 5, 2021>(6) No one shall destroy a public sewerage system or cause any damage to its functions to interrupt sewage flow. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>(7) No one shall manipulate a public sewerage system to interfere with sewage flow without good cause. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>[Title Amended on Feb. 1, 2012]

Article 19-2Agency business for managing public sewerage system

(1) Each public sewerage management authority may have either of the following persons (hereinafter referred to as "management agent") operate and manage a public sewerage system on its behalf: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>1. A person who has facilities, equipment and technical personnel prescribed by Presidential Decree and is registered with the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment;

2. A local public enterprise or a local public corporation engaged in implementing the business prescribed in Article 2(1)6 of the Local Public Enterprises Act which has reported to the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.

(2) Where any of the matters registered in accordance with paragraph (1)1 is modified with regard to an important matter prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, registration for the modification) shall be made.

(3) A management agent shall comply with the matters to be observed as prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as recording and retaining of the matters related to the management of public sewerage system.

(4) Registration procedures for agency business for conducting affairs relating to the operation and management of public sewerage system under paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as "agency business for managing public sewerage system") and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>[This Article Added on Feb. 1, 2012]

Article 19-3Grounds for disqualification

None of the following persons shall be registered as an agency business for managing public sewerage system: <Amended on Feb. 3, 2015; Jan. 27, 2016; Jan. 17, 2017>1. A person under adult guardianship or limited guardianship;

2. A person declared bankrupt and not yet reinstated;

3. A person who has been sentenced to imprisonment with labor or heavier punishment for violating this Act, the Water Environment Conservation Act, or the Wastes Control Act and for whom two years have yet to elapse after the execution of such sentence was terminated (including cases where the execution is deemed terminated) or the exemption of the execution of such sentence was made definite;

4. A person for whom two years have yet to elapse after registration was revoked pursuant to Article 19-4(1) (excluding subparagraphs 2 and 7);

5. A corporation or organization of which an executive officer falls under any of subparagraphs 1 through 4.[This Article Added on Feb. 1, 2012]

Article 19-4Revocation of registration

(1) Where a management agent registered in accordance with Article 19-2(1)1 falls under any of the following cases, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may revoke the registration, or order the suspension of all or part of business for a period of less than 6 months; provided, in cases falling under subparagraph 1 or 7, such registration shall be revoked: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>1. Where he, she, or it registers business by fraud or other improper means;

2. Where he or she has failed to initiate business within one year, or suspended business continuously for at least one year without good cause after making registration pursuant to Article 19-2(1)1;

3. Where he or she has failed to satisfy the requirements for registration referred to in Article 19-2(1)1;

4. Where technical personnel referred to in Article 19-2(1)1 do not work full time at a relevant public sewage treatment plant, etc.;

5. Where he or she has failed to make alteration registration referred to in Article 19-2(2), or made alteration registration by improper means;

6. Where he or she has failed to comply with the matters to be observed referred to in Article 19-2(3);

7. Cases falling under subparagraphs 1 through 3 or 5 of Article 19-3; provided, a juristic person or an organization falling under subparagraph 5 of Article 19-3 which dismisses the relevant executive officer and employs a new executive officer within six months shall be excluded herefrom;

8. Where he or she has operated and managed a public sewerage system in violation of a business suspension order.

(2) Where a management agent which made a report in accordance with Article 19-2(1)2 falls under any of the following circumstances, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may order the suspension of all or part of business for a period of less than 6 months: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>1. Where it has failed to comply with the matters to be observed referred to in Article 19-2(3);

2. Where it has operated and managed a public sewerage system in violation of a business suspension order;

3. Where technical personnel prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment do not work full time at a relevant public sewage treatment plant, etc.

(3) Detailed criteria for administrative dispositions under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment in consideration of the type, severity, etc. of the relevant offense. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>[This Article Added on Feb. 1, 2012]

Article 19-5Conclusion and termination of management outsourcing contracts

(1) Where a public sewerage management authority has a management agent conduct affairs relating to the operation and management of public sewerage systems on its behalf pursuant to Article 19-2(1), it shall conclude an outsourcing contract. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>(2) Where a management agent with which a public sewerage management authority has concluded an outsourcing contract has received disposition on revocation of registration, the public sewerage management authority shall terminate the contract within six months from the date of receipt of the disposition and shall have another management agent perform the affairs.

(3) When a public sewerage management authority intends to integrate the operation and management of public sewerage systems between relevant local governments in accordance with a basin sewerage maintenance plan, it may terminate such outsourcing contract concluded under paragraph (1). In such cases, it shall notify the relevant management agent of the fact six months prior to the termination of the contract. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021>(4) Each public sewerage management authority shall evaluate the performance of each relevant outsourcing contract for each period prescribed by Presidential Decree from the date the outsourcing contract is concluded under paragraph (1). <Added on Jan. 5, 2021>(5) Where matters requiring improvement are found as a result of an evaluation conducted under paragraph (4), the public sewerage management authority may require the relevant management agent to take corrective measures. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021>(6) Except as provided paragraphs (1) through (5), necessary matters concerning the types of and periods for outsourcing contracts, renewal periods, performance evaluation methods and the like shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021>[This Article Added on Feb. 1, 2012]

Article 19-6Succession to status of management agent

(1) Any of the following persons shall succeed to the status of a management agent; provided, this shall not apply where a person referred to in subparagraph 2 or 3 through 4 or 3 falls under any of subparagraphs 1 through 4 of Article 19-3:

1. Where such management agent dies: His or her heir;

2. Where such management agent transfers his or her business: The transferee;

3. Where such management agent that is a corporation merges with another corporation, the corporation surviving the merger or resulting from the merger.

(2) If an heir who has succeeded to the status of such managing agent pursuant to paragraph (1)1 falls under any of subparagraphs 1 through 4 of Article 19-3, or a corporation or organization that has succeeded to the status of such managing agent pursuant to paragraph (1) falls under subparagraph 5 of Article 19-3, the heir or the corporation or organization shall transfer the heir's or its status as the managing agent to another person or replace a disqualified executive officer within six months from the date of commencement of inheritance, date of acquisition by transfer, or date of merger.

(3) A person who succeeds to the status in accordance with paragraph (1) shall file a report it with the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>[This Article Added on Jan. 5, 2021]

Article 20Technical diagnosis

(1) Every public sewerage management authority shall perform technical diagnosis of public sewerage system under its jurisdiction once every five years to examine the state of maintenance of the public sewerage system.

(2) Every public sewerage management authority shall formulate and implement an improvement plan for any public sewerage system in bad condition discovered as a result of technical diagnosis performed under paragraph (1).

(3) Necessary matters concerning the subject matters, details, etc. of the technical diagnosis under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 20-2Outsourcing of technical diagnoses

(1) A public sewerage management authority may outsource technical diagnosis required under Article 20(1) the Korea Environment Corporation under the Korea Environment Corporation Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") or a person who files for registration pursuant to paragraph (2) (hereinafter referred to as "specialized technical diagnostic institute") ; provided, where the Corporation or a specialized technical diagnostic institute falls under any of the following, it shall not outsource technical diagnosis: <Amended on Jun. 10, 2022>1. Where it is a management agent that operates and manages the relevant public sewerage system on behalf of a public sewerage management authority under Article 19-2(1) or an affiliate thereof (referring to an affiliate defined in subparagraph 12 of Article 2 of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act; hereafter in this paragraph the same shall apply);

2. Where it is a person who has performed the planning, design, construction, or supervision with regard to the relevant public sewerage system or an affiliate thereof.

(2) A person who intends to be registered as a specialized technical diagnostic institute shall register with the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, after complying with registration requirements prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as facilities, equipment, and technical personnel. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) Where a specialized technical diagnostic institute modifies any registered matter with regard to the important matters prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, it shall file a report of such modification with the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(4) When the Corporation or a specialized technical diagnostic institute performs technical diagnosis, it shall comply with the matters to be observed as prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as recording and retaining of the results of technical diagnosis.

(5) Procedures for the registration of specialized technical diagnostic institutes, reporting of any modification to registered matters, deadlines for such procedures, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>[This Article Added on Nov. 14, 2011]

Article 20-3Reasons for disqualifications from registration as specialized technical diagnostic institute

None of the following persons shall file for registration as a specialized technical diagnostic institute: <Amended on Feb. 3, 2015; Jan. 5, 2021>1. A person under adult guardianship or limited guardianship;

2. A person declared bankrupt and not yet reinstated;

3. A person in whose case two years have not passed since a sentence of imprisonment with labor or a heavier punishment pronounced upon him or her on account of violation of this Act, was completely executed (including cases deemed completely executed) or finally and conclusively exempted from execution;

4. A person in whose case two years have not passed since his or her registration was revoked pursuant to Article 20-4 (excluding cases where the registration of such person was revoked under subparagraph 1 or 2 of this Article);

5. A corporation or organization of which an executive officer falls under any of subparagraphs 1 through 4.[This Article Added on Nov. 14, 2011]

Article 20-4Revocation of registration of specialized technical diagnostic institute

(1) Where a specialized technical diagnostic institute falls under any of the following subparagraphs, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may revoke the registration of such specialized technical diagnostic institute or issue an order it to suspend all or some of its business affairs specifying a period up to 6 months; provided, such registration shall be revoked in cases falling under subparagraph 1 or 6: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>1. Where such institute has filed for registration by fraud or other improper means;

2. Where such institute fails to commence its affairs within one year from the registration under Article 20-2(2) or continues to suspend its affairs for at least one year without good cause;

3. Where such institute fails to meet registration requirements under Article 20-2(2);

4. Where such institute fails to report any change under Article 20-2(3) or reports any change by improper means;

5. Where such institute fails to comply with the matters to be observed under Article 20-2(4);6.

6. Where such institute comes to fall within subparagraph 1 through 3 or 5 of Article 20-3; provided, such registration shall not be revoked where an executive officer in a corporation or organization comes to fall within subparagraph 5 of Article 20-3 but a new executive officer is appointed within six months in replacement of such executive officer;7.

7. Where such institute enters into a new contract or performs technical diagnosis during any period of suspension of operations.

(2) Detailed criteria for administrative dispositions under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, in consideration of the type, severity, etc. of the relevant offense. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>[This Article Added on Nov. 14, 2011]

Article 21Succession to status of specialized technical diagnostic institute

(1) Any of the following persons shall succeed to the status of a specialized technical diagnostic institute; provided, the foregoing shall not apply where a person referred to in subparagraph 2 or 3 falls under any subparagraph of Article 20-3(1):

1. Where a person registered as a specialized technical diagnostic institute dies: his or her heir;

2. Where a person registered as a specialized technical diagnostic institute transfers his or her business, the transferee;

3. Where a specialized technical diagnostic institute that is a corporation merges with another corporation, the corporation surviving the merger or resulting from the merger.

(2) Where an heir who has succeeded to the status under paragraph (1)1 falls within any of subparagraphs 1 through 4 of Article 20-3, or where a corporation or organization that has succeeded to the status under paragraph (1) falls within subparagraph 5 of Article 20-3, the heir or the corporation or organization shall transfer the heir's or its status to another person, or shall replace a disqualified executive officer, within six months from the date of commencement of inheritance, or from the date of acquisition by transfer or date of merger, respectively.

(3) A person who succeeds to the status in accordance with paragraph (1) shall file a report it with the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>[This Article Added on Jan. 5, 2021]

Article 22Restriction on use

Every public sewerage management authority may designate the whole or part of a drainage area to place a temporary restriction or ban on the use of its public sewerage system, for executing construction works for the public sewerage system, or because of any other inevitable cause or event. In such cases, the authority shall publicly announce the area affected and duration in advance, or notify the people concerned thereof. <Amended on May 26, 2020>

Article 23Installation of hazard-preventive facilities

(1) Every public sewerage management authority may order a person who continually flows sewage that falls under any of the following subparagraphs into the public sewerage system to install facilities for preventing hazards from such sewage (hereinafter referred to as "hazard-preventive facilities") or replace, remove or repair hazard-preventive facilities or take any other necessary measures, as prescribed by Presidential Decree: <Amended on Jan. 7, 2009; May 26, 2020>1. Sewage with water quality that is likely to impede significantly the functions of the public sewerage system or destroy or damage the facilities seriously;

2. Sewage that is likely to cause difficulties in maintaining the standards for the effluent water quality.

(2) The public sewerage management authorities may order a person who has produced obstacles in hazard-preventive facilities by his or her act, such as installation, etc. of other facilities in hazard-preventive facilities to remove the relevant facilities or take any other necessary measures for removal of obstacles. <Added on Jan. 7, 2009>

Article 24Permission for occupation and use

Any person who intends to install a facility or structure, pile up any goods or conduct an act that constitutes occupation and use prescribed by Presidential Decree to the effect that such acts are likely to give an impact on a public sewerage system, shall obtain permission from the competent public sewerage management authority in advance, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on May 26, 2020>

Article 25Work suspension order

(1) If any person who executes construction works for installation of a public sewerage system falls under any of the following subparagraphs, the authority to grant authorization for the installation of such public sewerage system under Article 11 may issue an order to suspend or alter the construction works or to take any other necessary measures: <Amended on Jul. 16, 2013; May 26, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>1. If the person executes installation works for the public sewerage system without obtaining due authorization;

2. If the installation works for the public sewerage system executed by the person are different from the authorization in detail;

3. If there is any other reason prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.

(2) With respect to public sewerage systems under the following classifications, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment or the Mayor/Do Governor may order a person who installs, maintains, or manages any public sewerage system without complying with the standards, etc. under Article 12 or 19 to improve such system or take necessary measures by setting a reasonable period: <Amended on Nov. 14, 2011; Jul. 16, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025>1. In cases of the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment: Public sewage treatment plants, simplified public sewage treatment plants and waste treatment plants;

2. In cases of the Mayor/Do Governor: Sewage culverts, sewage retention facility and other facilities.

Article 26Order to take measures and revocation of permission

(1) Where the manager of combined-purpose structures violates the details consulted under Article 13, the public sewerage management authority may issue an order to take necessary measures, such as suspension, alteration, or implementation of relevant construction works.

(2) Where a person who has conducted construction works or works for maintenance work for a public sewerage system pursuant to Article 16, or a person who has obtained permission for occupancy and use pursuant to Article 24 falls within any of the following subparagraphs, the public sewerage management authority may revoke permission thereof or order him or her/it to take necessary measures, such as suspension, alteration, implementation of relevant works; provided, such permission shall be revoked in cases to which subparagraph 1 is applicable:

1. Where such person has obtained permission under this Act by fraud or other improper means;

2. Where such person has conducted construction works or works for maintenance for the public sewerage system, in violation of the details of permission granted under Article 16;

3. Where such person has occupied and used the public sewerage system, in violation of the details of permission granted under Article 24.

(3) The public sewerage management authority may issue a restoration order to each of the following persons. In such cases, if the person so ordered fails to perform his or her obligation, the public sewerage management authority may execute it by proxy pursuant to the Administrative Vicarious Execution Act.

1. A person who has occupied and used a public sewerage system without obtaining permission for occupation and use under Article 24;

2. A person for whom the permission for occupation and use granted under Article 24 has expired;

3. A person whose permission for occupation and use is revoked under paragraph (2).[This Article Added on Jan. 5, 2021]