No evidence of pollution from Ukraine in the Bulgarian Black Sea area

The Ministry of Environment and Waters continues the regular monitoring of possible environmental damage in the Bulgarian Black Sea area following the destruction of the wall of the Nova Kakhovka dam, located on the Dnieper River in Ukraine.

The latest satellite images from yesterday (July19) show no pollution in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone. According to the data from the regular survey of the coastal waters from the coastal points, there are no concerns related to the bathing areas on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.

This is shown by the data of the Ministry of the Environment from the regular monitoring of the status of the sea waters.

The Basin Directorate "Black Sea Region" with the assistance of the Regional Directorate "Border Police" and the Regional Laboratory - Varna at the Executive Environment Agency (ExEA) monitor the status of the sea waters on a weekly basis, including at the three additional points in the coastal zone - Durankulak coast, Shabla coast and Kaliakra coast.

The Ministry of Environment and Waters (MoEW) exchanges information on a daily basis with the Ukrainian, Moldovan and Romanian authorities on potential pollution of the Black Sea waters.

According to the data from the regular survey of the coastal waters from the coastal points, there are no concerns related to the bathing areas on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The measured values for indicators of petroleum products, polychlorinated biphenyls, metals and pesticides in all points are below the maximum permissible concentrations and average annual values. The results for cesium-137 and tritium indicators are below the limit of quantification of the method.

The MoEW monitors and informs the institutions that are responsible for the prevention and response to identified risks. Up-to-date information on the results of the measurements made is provided in a timely manner to the relevant institutions and the public.

Reports of possible signs of pollution along the coastline can be submitted to the Environment Ministry’s Green Phone: 0887 088440 or 02/9888205, as well as to the email address: nccw@moew.government.bg and also to the Green Phone of the Regional Inspectorate of Environmental Protection - Varna: 0884 290 634 or 052/634 582, Regional Inspectorate of Environmental Protection - Burgas: 0889 096 577 or 056/813 212, Black Sea Region - Varna. 0886 406 816.