On 2 October, the Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body (EPMIB) suspended operations at an asphalt concrete plant in Tsovagyugh settlement, located 1,560 metres from Lake Sevan, due to excessive emissions of toxic substances into the atmosphere and violations of legislation on the protection of Lake Sevan.
The decision followed an inspection conducted after an investigative article published by the Hetq media outlet in August. It was forwarded to the Compulsory Enforcement Service for enforcement.
What Did Inspection Reveal?
From 4 to 18 September, the EPMIB inspected the asphalt concrete plant operated by Tsovagyugh Road Construction and Maintenance Company LLC on the premises of SUNNY LAND LLC. Emissions measurements conducted during the inspection revealed violations of permissible limits:
Carbon monoxide (CO) emissions exceeded the limits specified in the permit for emissions into the atmosphere from stationary sources.
A high concentration of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) was detected, although its emission was not covered by the company’s permit establishing maximum permissible emissions.
The plant is located 1,560 metres from Lake Sevan, within the lake’s immediate impact zone.
Legal Grounds
Under Article 10, Part 2(a) of the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Lake Sevan, emissions that are environmentally harmful and exceed the limits established by law are prohibited within the lake’s immediate impact zone.
Pursuant to Article 29.1 (1(9)) of RA Law on Environmental Supervision, Head of Gegharkunik Territorial Division of EPMIB issued a decision to suspend the plant’s operations on 2 October.
The company’s director was held administratively liable.
EcoLur had previously reported that SUNNY LAND LLC also planned to produce cement, gypsum and mineral powder at the same site. On 18 September, the state Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) examination issued a negative conclusion on that project.
October 12, 2026 at 12:17