Representatives of Czech "Arnika", " Center for Community Mobilization and Support" and "EcoLur" NGOs witnessed the pollution of the Akhtala, Shnogh and Chqnagh rivers in Lori Region, where mining waste was mixed with heavy rains.
From July 27 to August 2, teams from these three organizations took samples of river sediments, soil, and dust, as well as bio-samples from locals to be tested in a Czech accredited laboratory.
In 2021, the scope of the study was expanded. The specialists visited Alaverdi, Shnogh, Akori, Akhtala, Teghut, Haghpat, Sanahin, Tchotchkan, Mets Ayrum, Shamlugh, Pokr Ayrum, Armanis and Mghart settlements, which are located in the impact zone of the infrastructures of Akhtala Mining and Processing Plant, “Multi Group Concern” LLC, “Teghut" CJSC and "Sagamar" CJSC.
According to e "Hydrometeorology and Monitoring" SNCO, Akhtala and Shnogh rivers have the highest fifth-class pollution. There are no data on the Chqnagh River, which is affected by the landfills of the Armanis gold-polymetallic mine.
The Akhtala River was muddy in the area below "Nazik" tailing dump: it was gray. It was obvious that rainwater was flowing over the tailing dump and flooding the river. The water flows mingling with the landfills of Armanis gold-polymetallic mine gave a rusty color to the Chqnagh River. The Shnogh River overflowed with rain, and samples were taken in the parts of the river where there had been leaks from the Teghut tailing dump in the past.
During the visits, the residents who took part in the study spoke about their health problems, which are mainly related to mining activities. They were able to conduct similar research on the environment in terms of the risks to their health. They stressed that being aware of the dangers is very important and can help mitigate or prevent those dangers in the future. The results of the research will be announced in the fall of 2021.
River Chqnagh
Akhtala river
Area Near Akhtala River
Shnogh river
Chqnagh river
August 02, 2021 at 13:12