EcoLur
The plant on processing petroleum products constructed by 'ArmOil' CJSC in Yeghvard Town, Kotayk Region, has almost been constructed, nevertheless, its risks haven't been assessed yet.
EcoLur has sent an inquiry to RA Ministry for Emergency Situations asking to provide the results of the examination of this hazardous object risks by 'ArmOil' CJSC.
In reply to this inquiry, Chief Secretary of RA Ministry for Emergency Situations Vahagn Ohanyan informed that the construction of the plant hasn't undergone expert assessment.
The administration of 'ArmOil' CJSC had applied to National Center for Technical Safety of RA MES to be registered as an industrial hazardous object and to undergo relevant expert assessment of technical safety. It will possible to give clear answers to your questions after receiving the statements of comprehensive expert assessments,' the MES letter says.
It should be mentioned that the construction of the plant by 'ArmOil' CJSC hasn't undergone environmental expert assessment as well. Despite all this, on 30 August 2018 the Armenian Government granted customs and tax privileges to the company postponing the payment of VAT for three years.
At the Cabinet meeting, RA Nature Protection Minister Erik Grigoryan said that 'Expert Center for Environmental Impact Assessment' SNCO of RA Nature Protection Ministry is examining the application by 'ArmOil' CJSC.
'The company still doesn't have any positive statement of the EIA process. Whether or not it is subject to expert assessment should be decided by 'Expert Center for Environmental Impact Assessment' SNCO. If it turns out that a negative statement issued, no operations can simply be conducted,' RA Nature Protection Minister said.
It should be mentioned that 'Expert Center for Environmental Impact Assessment' SNCO twice returned the documentation submitted by 'ArmOil' Company because of lack of some documents. As EcoLur was informed by 'Expert Center for Environmental Impact Assessment' SNCO 'ArmOil' Company hasn't submitted documents for new expert assessment.
September 25, 2018 at 18:48