Volyn-Cement, one of the largest environmental polluters in Rivne Oblast, plans to burn chemical and industrial waste at its industrial site in Zdolbuniv. This is revealed in a new environmental impact assessment (EIA) report. The document contains an expanded list of alternative fuels.
If the plant receives a permit for planned activities, hazardous emissions from combustion could negatively affect the health of the local residents and the environment. The substances will be deposited in residential areas, agricultural plots, recreational areas, and the shore of Basiv Kut Lake.
The public still has the opportunity to influence potentially hazardous activities by submitting comments and suggestions to the EIA report.
What is the danger
The incineration of chemical and industrial waste will result in the release of dioxins, furans, and heavy metals into the air. These toxic chemical compounds can cause cancer, cardiovascular diseases and affect the immune system of people if inhaled for a long period.
Toxic substances can migrate through food chains, accumulate in the soil, and enter groundwater. This will inhibit the growth and development of plants and affect their productivity. The quality and safety of agricultural products will also deteriorate.
How to prevent the danger
The public can submit comments or suggestions to the EIA report until April 13, 2023 (within 25 working days since its publication).
Due to the full-scale war, access to the EIA register has been restricted. Therefore, to familiarize yourself with the report, you need to:
1) Submit a request for access to public information. To do this, send an email to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources. Here you can find the request form. Expect a response to your request within five days.
2) Send suggestions and comments to the EIA report to the email address of the EIA department of the Ministry.
We emphasize that the attention of the public and activists is extremely important. Employees of the Ministry’s responsible body will review the submitted comments and identify violations or hidden threats. This will help to formulate a conclusion on the permit for planned activities. Read more about the case here.