The Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan and «ArcelorMittal Temirtau» JSC signed a document obliging the company to reduce emissions by 30% in 2019-2023.
Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan Magzum Mirzagaliev said it would not be the only measure aimed to improve environmental situation in Temirtau.
«It might seem that 30% is a lot, but it is not a reason for us to stop. As we believe, there is a potential to reduce emissions by more than 30% - these are reserves we have found while working with company for the last three months» - M. Mirzagaliyev told reporters, commenting on the terms of the signed agreement.
As Mr. Mirzagaliyev said, ministry would «very serious and tough» monitor the implementation of terms of document by AMT.
«This will definitely be taken under strict control. (…) This can be considered as term, complying with which, company will get permission for emissions. It means if the company has no such permission, it simply has no right to work. That is why these are tough terms».
In addition to reducing emissions, the company also committed to plant about 500 thousand trees in the vicinity of Temirtau.
During the discussion of top environmental issues of Karagandy region and Temirtau M. Mirzagaliev also noted that Temirtau is currently the leader in the list of environmentally neglected cities of the country.
According to him, about 80% of the region’s total emissions in the city’s pollution are contributed by «ArcelorMittal Temirtau» JSC.
As reported by Ministry of Ecology, over the past 6 years, the company has implemented environmental protection measures for about 11 billion tenge.
«It looks impressive in terms of financial costs, but actual reduction of pollutants is a bit more than 13.5 thousand tons. And the numbers are for dust only (6.5% of total). There are no reductions in other toxic gases» said the head of the Ministry of Ecology.
Also, according to the minister, the actual state of air quality in the city has not improved over the past 4 years. «Systematically excess of maximum allowable concentration is recorded for dust, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen sulfide, phenol, and ammonia. Weak efficiency of environmental protection measures and deterioration of atmospheric air quality are legally confirmed by the results of the state environmental control at the facilities of «ArcelorMittal Temirtau» JSC» - said M. Mirzagaliyev.
As a solution to this problem, the above Memorandum was concluded. In addition, with the adoption of the new Environmental code, the obligation of large industrial companies to adopt new technologies in order to reduce the burden on the environment will be introduced.
«An audit will be carried out of large industrial companies in the country, there are 2.2 thousand of them today, and recommendations will be issued for each enterprise on the transition to the best available technologies. If the company switches to BAT, in this case it will be exempted from the payment for emissions. It is both prohibitive and stimulating. If the company does not switch to BAT, then in this case the level of payment for emissions will grow exponentially. This is the method that will allow us to improve the environmental situation in the country» - the minister said.
In addition, according to him, the Ministry will develop an individual environment protection plan for the city of Temirtau.