EcoLur is launching a series of articles aimed at raising awareness and ensuring transparency regarding the environmental remediation and regeneration project of “Nairit” chemical plant.
The Government of the Republic of Armenia intends to dismantle “Nairit” plant, clean up the site, and make it environmentally safe and suitable for construction.
The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia has held several discussions with the World Bank, particularly regarding the neutralization and removal of the plant’s equipment and chemical waste.
According to the World Bank, more than 14,000 tons of hazardous chemical substances are stored at “Nairit” under deteriorating conditions. The degrading chlorine gas containers pose additional risks of leakage and explosions.
The World Bank has submitted to the Government of Armenia a draft memorandum on environmental restoration and land reclamation in the Nairit plant area, proposing a multi-phase programmatic approach:
· Phase 1 – Preparation, site selection, and chemical cleanup and removal
· Phase 2 – Legal, financial, and urban planning
· Phase 3 – Dismantling and demolition of the plant
· Phase 4 – Soil and/or groundwater remediation
On September 1, 2025, President Vahagn Khachaturyan signed a decree approving the Grant Letter Agreement between the Republic of Armenia and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) — part of the World Bank Group — for the preparation of Nairit Plant Environmental Remediation and Regeneration Project.
Under this agreement, Armenia will receive or has already received a grant of USD 1.5 million, to finance the following preparatory activities:
In September 2025, at the invitation of the World Bank Yerevan Office, a meeting was held between World Bank experts and representatives of civil society. During the meeting, the World Bank team presented details of the planned project and responded to questions from civil society organizations.
It is necessary to develop emergency response plans to ensure quick and effective action in the event of leakages or unforeseen chemical reactions, as well as to undertake other safety measures.
It is also essential to prepare recommendations for the safe disposal or storage of waste and residues generated at the Nairit site, identifying appropriate locations or facilities. A comprehensive strategy must be developed for the removal and stabilization of chemical substances, including technical specifications and contractor qualification criteria.
The project activities will be implemented by the Government of Armenia, for which a special office will be established under Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan. The World Bank will provide support for the implementation of these works.
EcoLur requested that examples of successful international experience be shared — cases where similar industrial sites were cleaned and redeveloped into safe, usable areas. One such example is the “Sadovye Kvartaly” residential complex in Moscow, built on the former territory of “Kauchuk” plant, which was first decontaminated of toxic substances.
The grant completion deadline is set for December 31, 2026.
According to the World Bank, the full project is expected to cost around USD 60 million.
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October 24, 2025 at 16:30