Fact Check: High-resolution satellite imagery captured in late October 2024 shows wastewater from the Pyongsan uranium facility being discharged into a stream that flows into the Yesong River.

Fact Check: High-Resolution Satellite Imagery Shows Wastewater Discharge from Pyongsan Uranium Facility

What We Know

The claim states that "high-resolution satellite imagery captured in late October 2024 shows wastewater from the Pyongsan uranium facility being discharged into a stream that flows into the Yesong River." Recent reports indicate that North Korea has completed drainage construction at the Pyongsan Uranium Concentrate Plant, and there are allegations of wastewater being discharged into nearby waterways (source-6). Additionally, satellite imagery has shown the construction of a drainage ditch intended to link the settling basin for waste at the facility to a stream (source-4). However, it is crucial to note that the specific claim regarding the timing and exact nature of the discharge into the Yesong River is not substantiated by the available evidence.

Analysis

The sources provide some context regarding the Pyongsan facility and its wastewater management. The construction of a drainage ditch suggests that there is infrastructure in place for potential wastewater discharge (source-4). However, the claim that high-resolution satellite imagery specifically captured wastewater being discharged into a stream flowing into the Yesong River in late October 2024 lacks direct evidence.

The report from Daily NK, which discusses the wastewater discharge, does not provide the actual satellite imagery or detailed analysis to confirm the timing or the specific location of the discharge (source-6). Furthermore, while the Pyongsan facility is known for its role in North Korea's uranium production, the implications of wastewater discharge into the Yesong River are serious and would require more robust evidence to validate the claim.

The credibility of the sources varies; Daily NK is known for its focus on North Korean issues but may have a specific editorial slant. The lack of corroborating evidence from independent satellite imagery or analysis from reputable organizations diminishes the reliability of the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that high-resolution satellite imagery captured in late October 2024 shows wastewater from the Pyongsan uranium facility being discharged into a stream that flows into the Yesong River is not substantiated by credible evidence. While there are reports of drainage construction and potential wastewater management issues at the facility, the specific assertion regarding the timing and nature of the discharge lacks direct verification from reliable satellite imagery or independent analysis.

Sources

1. NASA Worldview
2. NASA Sensor on Space Station Eyes Contamination off California Coast
3. High - Wikipedia
4. Satellite imagery shows drainage ditch being built near Pyongsan uranium mill
5. HIGH Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
6. N. Korea discharges uranium waste into waters flowing to South Korea
7. Pyongsan Uranium Concentrate Plant (Nam-chon Chemical Complex)
8. A Satellite Imagery Review of the Pyongsan Uranium Mill