Business news

MINSK, 18 October (BelTA) – Ecologists from Belarus and Russia teamed up to survey the construction site of the Belarusian nuclear power plant near Ostrovets, BelTA learned from Yuri Solovyov, Chairman of the Board of the Belarusian public association Ecological Initiative, on 18 October.

The Russian ecologists took measurements using their own equipment. They took dosimetry measurements of the materials used to build the nuclear power plant as well as rolled metal and equipment. Ecologists did not have results of such surveys at the construction site in the past.

The interregional public ecological movement Oka took part in the survey project on behalf of the Russian side. The movement’s leader Alan Khasiyev underlined Belarus’ openness in disclosing information regarding the construction of the nuclear power plant. “We’ve received answers to all the questions. Our requirements concerning measurement sites were fully met. We’ve had zero rejections. It is extremely important,” believes Alan Khasiyev.

According to the source, Oka’s representatives were able to take measurements in 220 locations right at the construction site and near the town of Ostrovets.

“Results of all the expeditions are documented, photos and videos are available. It allows us to objectively reflect the real state of affairs. We rely only on facts instead of speculations,” stressed Alan Khasiyev. In his opinion, it is inadmissible to exploit environmental affairs for political purposes or for the sake of unfair competition.

Ecologists from Russia spoke in positive terms about the work of the Belarusian nuclear power plant’s information center. “The general public and environmental organizations can get familiar with the situation at the nuclear power plant in the information center. The center provides very good conditions for that,” believes the leader of the Oka movement.

Preparations for the expedition took place through the entire year of 2016. Oka ecologists spent the time studying environmental, radioactive, and nuclear safety parameters of Russian power-generating units featuring VVER-1200 reactors. The expedition is supposed to put together an environmental passport of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. The passport will be the baseline for consequent surveys of the environmental situation at and around the nuclear power plant.

The Belarusian nuclear power plant is a project to build a VVER-1200 type nuclear power plant 18km away from Ostrovets, Grodno Oblast. The BelNPP will have two power-generating units with the total output capacity of up to 2,400MW (2x1,200MW).

The interregional public ecological movement Oka was established in 1989. The organization focuses on studying environmental and energy security matters. The expedition to the Belarusian nuclear power plant construction site was arranged as part of the long-term program on the general public’s oversight over the nuclear energy industry. Since 2010 the movement has arranged nearly 30 expeditions to nuclear power plants.