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HAKOB SANASARYAN: INACTIVE TAILING DUMPS IN ARMENIA CONSTITUTE A SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT
by Karina Manukyan
ARMINFO
Friday, June 27, 03:10
The inactive tailing dumps constitute a serious environmental threat,
Hakob Sanasaryan, Head of the Green Union of Armenia, told ArmInfo.
The environmentalists have repeatedly pointed out that the
recultivation of the inactive tailing dumps is not done properly.
Along with the lack of isolation of the bottom of the tailing
dump, this contributes to penetration of the heavy metals into the
groundwater systems. Moreover, the surface dust of the tailing dumps
spreads in the environment.
Sanasaryan pointed at 3 inactive tailing dumps in Agarak, where the
toxic dust raises in the air in a windy weather due to the lack of
recultivation. He also pointed out the negative effects of the lack of
control over the abandoned dumps on the River Vokhchi such as Darazam,
Pkhrut and Vorotan.
The expert said that in the area of Darazam tailing dump the local
residents grow potatoes and cabbages. Pkhrut and Vorotan are actually
half-ruined, but notwithstanding this, one can see cattle grazing
there. Thus, the heavy metals penetrate into the human body through
the dairy and may cause serious diseases.
Sanasaryan said that like other tailing dumps, the territory of the
Dastakert tailing dump is not fenced either. This means that any may
enter the dump of the mining wastes without any obstacle.
Another two 30 year old inactive tailing dumps are located at the
territory of Alaverdi town. Wind spreads dust full of heavy metals
from the surface of these dumps and intoxicates gardens and grazings
with dangerous elements. Sanasaryan said that the government has to
tighten control over this sphere and take measures for recultivation
of the tailing dumps.
To note, according to the data of Armenia's Emergency Ministry, there
are 19 active and inactive tailing dump in Armenia with a total area
1400 ha.
by Karina Manukyan
ARMINFO
Friday, June 27, 03:10
The inactive tailing dumps constitute a serious environmental threat,
Hakob Sanasaryan, Head of the Green Union of Armenia, told ArmInfo.
The environmentalists have repeatedly pointed out that the
recultivation of the inactive tailing dumps is not done properly.
Along with the lack of isolation of the bottom of the tailing
dump, this contributes to penetration of the heavy metals into the
groundwater systems. Moreover, the surface dust of the tailing dumps
spreads in the environment.
Sanasaryan pointed at 3 inactive tailing dumps in Agarak, where the
toxic dust raises in the air in a windy weather due to the lack of
recultivation. He also pointed out the negative effects of the lack of
control over the abandoned dumps on the River Vokhchi such as Darazam,
Pkhrut and Vorotan.
The expert said that in the area of Darazam tailing dump the local
residents grow potatoes and cabbages. Pkhrut and Vorotan are actually
half-ruined, but notwithstanding this, one can see cattle grazing
there. Thus, the heavy metals penetrate into the human body through
the dairy and may cause serious diseases.
Sanasaryan said that like other tailing dumps, the territory of the
Dastakert tailing dump is not fenced either. This means that any may
enter the dump of the mining wastes without any obstacle.
Another two 30 year old inactive tailing dumps are located at the
territory of Alaverdi town. Wind spreads dust full of heavy metals
from the surface of these dumps and intoxicates gardens and grazings
with dangerous elements. Sanasaryan said that the government has to
tighten control over this sphere and take measures for recultivation
of the tailing dumps.
To note, according to the data of Armenia's Emergency Ministry, there
are 19 active and inactive tailing dump in Armenia with a total area
1400 ha.