Armenia to employ effective landfill monitoring systems, according to Deputy Minister

YEREVAN, September 24. /ARКА/. Armenia aims to introduce efficient landfill monitoring mechanisms to assess their impact on the environment and public health, according to Deputy Minister of Environment Ara Mkrtchyan, who presented a series of related amendments to the Law on Waste and the Code of Administrative Offenses to parliament today.

"This proposed legislation addresses monitoring issues to assess the effects of landfill fires or the accumulation of substantial waste on individuals," remarked Mkrtchyan.

He underscored the importance of identifying specific individuals responsible for monitoring. The amendments provide clarity on the definitions of "landfill," "waste owner," "waste accumulation," and the principles of effective waste management.

Furthermore, the legislative proposal outlines requirements for the management and licensing of hazardous waste activities and specifies the authorities of the government and the designated body. It will also establish rules and requirements for waste tracking and utilization, along with the submission of statistical reports regarding hazardous waste.

The deputy minister noted that the approval of these amendments would aid in preventing the operation of unauthorized landfills, ensuring that landfill managers comply more closely with proper operational standards.

The bill has received a positive evaluation from the relevant parliamentary committee. Previously, Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan insisted that a tender for the construction of a waste processing facility be organized and completed by the end of the year, threatening personnel actions if this was not accomplished.

The construction of a waste processing plant in Yerevan has been a recurring subject of discussion, especially in light of frequent fires at the Nubarashen landfill, which have caused smoke and fumes to permeate the city.-0-