Fact Check: Satellite imagery indicates that North Korea began construction of the drainage system for wastewater discharge around March 2022.

Fact Check: "Satellite imagery indicates that North Korea began construction of the drainage system for wastewater discharge around March 2022."

What We Know

The claim suggests that satellite imagery shows North Korea starting the construction of a drainage system for wastewater discharge around March 2022. Recent reports indicate that North Korea has been under scrutiny for its wastewater management practices, particularly concerning its uranium processing facilities. For instance, a report from Daily NK mentions that satellite imagery has revealed North Korea discharging untreated wastewater directly into rivers, raising concerns about environmental impacts.

Additionally, another article from Daily NK discusses high-resolution satellite images showing the construction of a drainage ditch near a uranium mill, which is intended to manage wastewater. However, the specific timeline of March 2022 for the start of this construction is not explicitly confirmed in the available sources.

Analysis

The evidence surrounding the claim is mixed. The reports from Daily NK provide valuable insights into North Korea's wastewater management practices and construction activities related to drainage systems. However, the reliability of these sources can be questioned due to potential biases in reporting on North Korean issues, as they often focus on negative aspects of the regime.

The claim's timeline is particularly crucial. While there are indications of ongoing construction related to wastewater management, the specific assertion that it began in March 2022 lacks direct corroboration from multiple independent sources. The evidence primarily comes from satellite imagery interpretations, which can be subject to differing analyses. The lack of a definitive statement from reputable organizations or government bodies further complicates the verification of this claim.

Conclusion

Needs Research. The claim that North Korea began construction of a drainage system for wastewater discharge around March 2022 is not sufficiently supported by the available evidence. While there are indications of construction and wastewater management issues, the specific timeline and details require further investigation and corroboration from more reliable sources.

Sources

1. Future of the subsurface: urban water management in ...
2. Administrative Package Cover Page Portada de Paquete ...
3. National Waste Report 2022
4. N. Korea discharges uranium waste into waters flowing to ...
5. Satellite imagery shows drainage ditch being built near ...
6. North Korea’s ELWR: Finally Operational After a Long Delay
7. Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center: Snowfall ...
8. Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center