On the surface of the Irtysh River in the Pavlodar Region, spots resembling traces of oil products were spotted. Ecologists are checking the information.
WHERE THE SPOTS WERE FOUND
As reported by the news agency "Our Life", characteristic streaks were noticed on a section known as the warm current. This is a channel through which cooling water from the Aksu Thermal Power Plant flows into the river. Due to the discharge of warm water, this section does not freeze even in winter and connects to the main channel of the Irtysh.
The spots on the water were noticed by blogger Vladimir Klyuchnikov. Video with rainbow streaks on the water's surface was published by him on social media.
"This is not just rubbish or muddy water. It looks like real pollution. We regularly visit the Irtysh — in winter, summer, all year round. And today the water was clearly dirty and had a chemical smell," commented the author of the post.
REACTION FROM ECOLOGISTS
The Department of Ecology of the Pavlodar Region reported that the information is being checked. Specialists have already taken water samples for laboratory analysis.
"The spots really look like petrol. If there is an exceedance for oil products, an unscheduled inspection will be ordered regarding JSC 'EEC' (Eurasian Energy Corporation – editor's note of FBK). If a violation is detected, appropriate response measures will be taken," said the deputy head of the Department of Ecology of the Pavlodar Region, Asset Syzdykov.
WHICH ENTERPRISE OPERATES IN THIS AREA
According to a departmental representative, the only enterprise using water from the Irtysh in this location to cool industrial equipment is the station of JSC "Eurasian Energy Corporation".
Final conclusions about possible pollution will be made after the results of laboratory tests are received.