Atyrau is still investigating the causes of the stench and dirty air that residents have been complaining about. In early September, elevated concentrations of hydrogen sulfide were recorded at certain monitoring posts. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The Ministry of Ecology named the main sources of pollution and reported an unscheduled inspection.
The ministry explained that hydrogen sulfide concentrations in the city rise during weak winds and at night, when pollutants disperse less effectively.
Main sources of pollution
The main sources of pollution were named as:
- 01the Atyrau Oil Refinery;
- 02sewage facilities of the KGP "Atyrau oblysy Su Arnasy";
- 03the "Kvadrat" evaporation site;
- 04heating boilers and the thermal power plant (CHP).
On September 8, the Department of Ecology for the Atyrau Region began an unscheduled inspection of atmospheric air quality.
Monitoring and statements
Large enterprises have automated monitoring systems installed. They transmit emissions data to the National Data Bank on the State of the Environment and Natural Resources.
"The introduction of best available techniques, automated monitoring systems at enterprises, and compliance with current legislation will reduce the level of atmospheric air pollution," the Ministry of Ecology said.
The agency also announced measures to reduce emissions and modernize systems.
Akim's instruction
The day before, the akim of the Atyrau Region, Bolat Akchulakov, held an emergency staff meeting, where he officially acknowledged that the environmental situation in the oil capital had become critical. The head of the region ordered inspections of the plants.
Earlier, "Kursiv" wrote about how the Atyrau Oil Refinery was punished with a fine of 520 million tenge for January emissions.