Yerevan Mayor's Advisor Names Solution to Nubarashen Landfill Problem

YEREVAN, August 12. /ARKA/. The Nubarashen landfill poses a threat to Yerevan's population, Yerevan Mayor's Advisor Kamo Areyan told journalists today.

The fire that broke out at Nubarashen on August 8 has been extinguished, but smoldering spots remain. According to the Armenian Ministry of Environment, sulfur dioxide concentrations exceeded permissible norms by 1.2 times at one observation point from August 3-10.

"The rescue service is on duty 24 hours a day. They extinguish the flames with water. This landfill is unacceptable in all respects: health, ecology, society, and urban development. It is impossible to extinguish the fire indefinitely. A waste processing plant must be built as soon as possible with the participation of the government, the mayor's office, and the private sector. We must preserve this area from further disaster,” said Areyan.

Fires break out at the Nubarashen landfill every summer. High temperatures, decades of accumulated garbage, and wind contribute to the rapid spread of the fire, hindering successful firefighting efforts.

Earlier, the Armenian government reported that the 14.8 million euro Solid Waste Management Program in the Kotayk and Gegharkunik Regions is being implemented in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).-0-