In a significant development for Bulgaria’s energy sector, environmental inspectors uncovered serious compliance issues at the Bobov Dol thermal power plant during surprise inspections conducted in mid-April. These inspections revealed that the facility was in breach of its integrated environmental permit, leading to the initiation of formal enforcement actions by regulatory authorities.
The inspections targeted both the internal operations of the plant and its surrounding environment, resulting in the identification of multiple emission sources. Investigators reported uncontrolled and diffuse gas releases from critical areas such as the boiler house and gas duct system, alongside emissions from designated discharge points. Monitoring efforts confirmed that pollutant levels consistently exceeded legal thresholds across various locations.
According to officials from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water based in Sofia, a notable concern was the improper handling of exhaust gases generated during plant operations. These gases failed to pass through essential treatment systems, including desulfurization units, and were instead emitted directly into the atmosphere due to infrastructure damage. This situation constitutes a clear violation of established environmental regulations.
<pThis incident is part of a broader pattern of regulatory challenges for the Bobov Dol facility. Earlier in April, authorities had already initiated another investigation regarding air quality concerns following a previous unannounced inspection. As a result, an administrative penalty process has been triggered, with potential sanctions anticipated within the stipulated legal timeframe.
In response to these findings, the inspectorate has committed to intensifying monitoring activities at Bobov Dol to ensure adherence to environmental standards and mitigate future emissions-related infractions. This proactive approach underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by thermal power plants in Bulgaria as they navigate regulatory landscapes aimed at reducing environmental impacts.
