In response to rising sulfur dioxide (SO₂) levels detected in Dimitrovgrad, Bulgarian environmental authorities have mandated immediate emission reductions at the Maritsa 3 thermal power plant. This action comes after monitoring indicated a significant increase in pollution levels on January 26, prompting the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW) in Haskovo to take preventive measures.
The elevated SO₂ levels were identified by an automated air quality monitoring station, leading to urgent directives for the plant operator to undertake corrective actions. An on-site inspection by environmental inspectors later that day revealed that the combustion unit was operating at approximately 50 MW, within its standard technical parameters. However, despite this compliance, SO₂ concentrations in Dimitrovgrad were found to exceed legal limits.
Measurements indicated that SO₂ levels reached 1.27 times the maximum allowable hourly average of 350 micrograms per cubic meter. Officials highlighted that while emissions from Maritsa 3 contributed to the exceedance, they were not solely responsible. Adverse weather conditions, such as fog and unfavorable wind patterns, played a significant role in the transport of pollutants from the broader Maritsa industrial zone into the city.
To mitigate further air quality deterioration, RIEW has imposed binding instructions on Maritsa 3, requiring a reduction in SO₂ emissions until pollution levels are substantially below regulatory thresholds and further exceedances are avoided. This intervention underscores ongoing regulatory vigilance in addressing air quality issues linked to industrial operations.
This incident follows a similar occurrence on January 20, when monitoring stations again reported SO₂ concentrations surpassing permitted levels, reaching 1.28 times the legal limit. The recurrence of these exceedances raises continuing concerns regarding air quality management in Dimitrovgrad and its surrounding areas.
