SERGEY KAPINOS: NUBARASHEN TOXIC WASTE DUMP IS A DIRECT THREAT TO THE HEALTH AND LIFE OF PEOPLE
ArmInfo
2010-05-07 15:06:00
ArmInfo. Nubarashen toxic waste dump is a direct threat to the
health and life of people, said Sergey Kapinos, Head of OSCE Office
in Yerevan, during the working session on the given problem on Friday.
Earlier on March 4 2010 the experts of the Emergency Situations
Ministry revealed that the upper layer of the dump is damaged and
toxic chemicals have occurred on the surface. Moreover, the drainage
system is damaged as well, which has resulted in emergency situation
in the territory of the dump.
"The dump is not far from Yerevan and we should not underestimate
this danger. We are ready to mobilize the world community and render
assistance in settling this problem. However, an exact plan of actions
is necessary where every structure will have its part of the work. All
the actions must be coordinated," Sergey Kapinos said. He pointed out
that John Vigen, the international expert, who had recently visited
the dump, was horrified when he saw it. "Experts say that the official
data on the dump of the Soviet period do not correspond to reality.
There is need for additional research. We are ready to draw the
map of all the dangerous toxic burials and develop an action plan
to liquidate the threats in cooperation with the Armenian Nature
Protection Ministry," Kapinos said. He said that another international
expert is expected to pay a three-day visit to Armenia on May 10 to
get first hand view of the situation at the dump.
Nubarashen toxic waste dump was build in 1976 by the decision of the
USSR Council of Ministers. It is located in an active landslide zone
not far from the reserve of wild cereals. A total of 600 tons of toxic
pesticides were buried directly in the ground, including 512 tons
of first and second hazard class. Crucial is that the Armenian Women
for Health and Healthy Environment (AWHHE) organization revealed the
dump yet 10 years ago. Despite its numerous applications to government
structures, the only measures taken over those years were prohibitory
signs and barbed wire fence.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
