Following reports about air pollution caused by the operations of the “Bobov Dol Thermal Power Plant” AD, experts from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water - Sofia carried out an unscheduled on-site inspection yesterday.

During the inspection, unorganised emissions were detected escaping from the boiler house building, where the power plant’s generating units are located, as well as from compromised sections of the flue gas ducts leading to the combustion plant. It has been established that part of the emission streams generated in the combustion plant do not follow the process route specified in the integrated permit. This means that they do not pass through all the mandatory purification facilities – electrostatic precipitators and desulphurisation installations – and are released prematurely into the atmosphere.

An administrative penalty procedure has been initiated in respect to the established breach and a penalty notice is due to be issued.

The Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water – Sofia monitors the operations of “TPP Bobov Dol” AD on a daily basis. The power station is subject to constant monitoring, including through regular inspections, both scheduled and in response to reports from members of the public. Immediate sanctions are imposed for any identified violation in accordance with current legislation.

Since the start of the year alone, experts from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water - Sofia have carried out 20 inspections of the plant’s operations and issued 10 reports of administrative violations.

RIEW - Sofia will continue to exercise strict control over the operations of “TPP Bobov Dol” AD with a view to protecting air quality.