The proposal to include in the project recommendations of the State Duma Committee on Ecology, Natural Resources, and Environmental Protection the issue of regulating and controlling emissions of “ambient odors” was voiced at a meeting held on March 26.
Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov stated that some cities participating in the “Clean Air” project have already begun to tackle the unpleasant smell, but emissions of hazardous substances still exceed established targets.
In 12 industrial cities within the framework of the “Clean Air” project, emissions have been reduced by 13.2%, equivalent to 250,000 tons. However, such a reduction has not reached the targeted 20% set by the plan.
To reduce air pollution, emission quotas have been introduced, houses have been switched to gas heating, coal-fired boilers have been closed, and trams and trolleybuses have been purchased. However, companies unwilling to cooperate have not yet been penalized.
Starting from September 1, 2024, the Ministry of Natural Resources plans to initiate similar work in 29 more cities in Russia. However, implementing these measures seems challenging, as new cities have their own characteristics of air pollution. A crucial step will be transitioning the residential sector to gas, but substantial investments will be required for this.
Complaints about unpleasant odors continue to come from various regions of Russia. Therefore, special attention should be paid to regulating and controlling emissions of pollutants causing “ambient odors.”
In cities participating in the “Clean Air” program, efforts are already underway to identify sources of emissions of malodorous substances.
However, another problem has emerged: not all first-category hazardous enterprises, which have a significant negative impact on the environment, have obtained comprehensive environmental permits specifying the relevant environmental requirements.
This procedure must be completed by January 1, 2025; otherwise, industries will face an increase in fees for adverse environmental impact.
Out of approximately 6,000 enterprises, only 509 have received the necessary documents, another 3,765 have indicated plans to submit applications soon, and 1,200 have not taken any action. Some industries hope that the authorities will extend the deadlines, but lawmakers do not consider such an idea, as it concerns preserving the environment and the health of Russians.
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