In Ust-Kamenogorsk, excess emissions of pollutants were recorded at the metallurgical site of Kazzinc LLP. An inspection revealed that the company violated environmental requirements during a period of adverse weather conditions.
What the inspection found
According to the Department of Ecology of the East Kazakhstan Region (EKR), an unscheduled inspection was carried out concerning the Ust-Kamenogorsk metallurgical site of the Kazzinc LLP metallurgical complex.
During control measurements at emission sources, specialists recorded exceedances of standards for several pollutants:
- sulphur dioxide — by 3.5 times;
- carbon monoxide — by 2 times;
- nitrogen oxide — by 1.5 times.
Reasons for the violations
It is noted that the identified facts indicate that the enterprise's dust and gas collection equipment is operating insufficiently effectively and does not ensure the designed degree of purification of waste flue gases.
Furthermore, a failure to comply with requirements to reduce emissions on days of adverse meteorological conditions was established. These requirements are enshrined in the company's environmental permit.
What measures have been taken
Following the inspection, Kazzinc LLP has been held administratively liable. The fine amounted to approximately 20 million tenge.
The company has also been issued with an order mandating the elimination of the identified violations.
Context
Previously, Kazzinc LLP had already been held accountable for environmental violations in the EKR. As a result of inspections, the company received fines totalling more than 1.7 billion tenge, as well as additional penalties of 60.9 million tenge.
Additionally, residents of Ust-Kamenogorsk have also complained about smog and a deterioration in their health during periods of adverse weather conditions. Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov stated that the General Prosecutor's Office intends to inspect Kazzinc LLP for compliance with environmental legislation.