Closure of illegal refineries promised

Erbil to take measures against environmental pollution

2024-08-04 | 15:44

ERBIL – Erbil’s environmental and administrative authorities convened on Sunday to tackle pressing environmental issues, resulting in the adoption of seven key resolutions aimed at mitigating pollution.

The most critical of these is the closure of 138 illegal oil refineries in the area.

“Today’s meeting with relevant parties has led to decisive actions to protect Erbil’s environment,” Governor Khoshnaw stated at a press conference. The primary resolution requires the immediate shutdown of these refineries, with non-compliant operators facing legal action and possible arrest.

Discrepancies exist in the reported number of refineries across the Kurdistan region, with estimates ranging from 300 to 400. However, a former member of the Kurdistan Region’s parliament noted that only about 15 of the 192 refineries identified meet legal and environmental standards.

The authorities have also set a 10-day deadline for legally operating refineries to address any environmental shortcomings, under threat of legal consequences.

The Kurdistan Region’s legislature passed Law No. 3 in 2021 to govern the import, storage, and sale of petroleum products, compelling the Ministry of Natural Resources to ensure compliance.

Additional resolutions include mandatory environmental compliance for factories and generator operators, with severe penalties for non-compliance, including arrest and business closure.

Traffic police will seize vehicles causing significant pollution, requiring owners to rectify the issues promptly or face penalties.

The resolutions also set stringent deadlines for the government-operated Khabat station and private sector projects to meet environmental standards.

To oversee these initiatives, a high-level committee led by the deputy governor will monitor the implementation process.

Erbil, recently ranked as the second most polluted city in Iraq after Baghdad, faces challenges from vehicle emissions, factory smoke, and waste management issues contributing to its pollution levels.