Residents of Shymkent complained about an unpleasant smell and deteriorating air quality. After residents' appeals, state bodies conducted laboratory tests which revealed that the maximum permissible concentration of mineral oil mist was exceeded by 30–40 times. However, the source of the pollution has not yet been established.
WHAT RESIDENTS COMPLAINED ABOUT
The problem of air pollution in Shymkent was reported by journalist Mikhail Kozachkov in his Telegram channel “Kozachkov offside”. According to him, city residents reported that in recent weeks it had become difficult to breathe in the city.
After the publication about the exceeding of standards in the area of the oil refinery, the akimat sent an official comment with explanations about the inspections carried out and the measures taken.
WHAT THE LABORATORY TESTS SHOWED
According to the akimat of the city of Shymkent, after a resident's appeal via the e-Otinish portal, the Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Department of the Yenbekshinsky district together with specialists from the National Centre of Expertise carried out sampling of atmospheric air.
Samples were taken at night on 21 and 22 October at the boundary of the enterprise's sanitary protection zone.
Laboratory tests revealed that the maximum permissible concentration of mineral oil mist was exceeded by 30 and 40 times. However, it has not yet been possible to establish the specific source of pollution.
The akimat explained that other industrial enterprises also operate in the Yenbekshinsky district, so the authorised bodies continue to determine the origin of the emissions.
WHAT VIOLATIONS WERE IDENTIFIED AT THE ENTERPRISE
Separately, the akimat reported on an inspection of Petro Kazakhstan Oil Products LLP, which the Department of Ecology of the city of Shymkent conducted from 20 July to 7 August.
Based on the results of the inspection, specialists identified six violations of environmental protection legislation. The enterprise was fined a sum of over 200 million tenge and issued an order to remedy the violations.
In addition, on 9 October a working group including residents and media representatives visited the enterprise. Participants were shown the technological processes, treatment facilities and the automated emissions monitoring system.
According to the results of measurements on the territory of the enterprise, no exceedances of the maximum permissible concentrations of pollutants were found.
CONTEXT
In September, a similar situation unfolded in Ust-Kamenogorsk. At that time, city residents also complained about an unpleasant smell and deteriorating air quality.
After numerous appeals from residents, the Department of Ecology of the East Kazakhstan Region (EKR) conducted an unscheduled inspection of the metallurgical site of Kazzinc LLP. Based on its results, specialists confirmed exceedances of emission standards and identified violations in the operation of gas-cleaning equipment.
It was previously reported that more than 80 million tenge had been recovered from Kazzinc for excess emissions and violations in the operation of gas-cleaning equipment. In particular, 20.1 million tenge consisted of fines following inspections in February and March, and a further 60.5 million tenge for violations identified in May at the Zinc Plant.
