In the Mangystau Region, Eco-Mangistau LLP was fined 1.73 million tenge for violations of industrial waste management rules and environmental legislation requirements. An inspection revealed the underground burial of 17,694.32 tonnes of untreated waste, disturbance of the soil layer and construction work carried out without the necessary environmental permits.
HOW THE VIOLATIONS WERE DISCOVERED
According to Lada.kz, the Mangystau Region Ecology Department conducted an unannounced inspection of Eco-Mangistau LLP. Inspectors established that between 2019 and 2023 the company failed to ensure the proper treatment and removal of industrial waste to specially designated sites.
Instead, 17,694.32 tonnes of waste were buried underground on the territory of the processing complex. These wastes had previously been accepted for processing by KalzhanKurylis LLP. In 2023, a court had already considered an administrative case on this matter and applied liability measures to that company.
WHAT OTHER VIOLATIONS THE INSPECTION UNCOVERED
In addition to the burial of waste, inspectors recorded disturbance of the natural soil layer as a result of excavation works.
Furthermore, at the temporary storage, processing and disposal facility for industrial and hazardous waste, internal construction and preparatory works were carried out without prior issuance of the necessary environmental permits.
WHAT THE FINE WAS IMPOSED FOR
Following the inspection, administrative protocols were drawn up against Eco-Mangistau LLP under Part 4 of Article 337, Part 2 of Article 334 and Part 4 of Article 328 of the Administrative Offences Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Under the simplified procedure for the consideration of administrative cases, fines totalling 1,730,000 tenge were imposed on the company.
WHAT ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION PROVIDES
According to the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, waste may only be accumulated in specially designated and equipped locations. When using land plots, it is necessary to prevent contamination, littering and degradation of the soil, as well as to take measures to remediate the consequences of contamination.
In addition, the construction and operation of Category I and II facilities without the appropriate environmental permit are not allowed.
The publication also notes that Eco-Mangistau LLP should not be confused with the non-governmental institution Eco Mangystau, which is engaged in environmental activities and regional public initiatives.
CONTEXT
Earlier it became known that almost 9 thousand tonnes of oil waste on the territory of the village of Zhetibai in the Karakiyan District were recognised as ownerless property and transferred to the communal ownership of the district. The further remediation of the contaminated area now depends on research being carried out and a source of funding being identified.
