Uzbekistan Begins Environmental Review of NPP

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has formed an expert group to conduct a state environmental review of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) materials for the country’s nuclear power plant project, Uzatom said.

The decision was made in accordance with national environmental review legislation and is aimed at ensuring a comprehensive and objective assessment of the strategically important project.

According to official information, the group includes Uzbek national experts as well as representatives of the Republican Center for State Environmental Expertise, Training, Advanced Training and Retraining under Belarus’ Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. The involvement of foreign specialists is intended to incorporate international expertise in assessing the environmental aspects of nuclear energy facilities.

The expert group is carrying out a detailed analysis of the EIA materials, including the potential impact on air quality, water resources, soil, flora and fauna, as well as the hydrogeological and seismic characteristics of the area. Particular attention is being paid to measures aimed at preventing environmental pollution and reducing potential ecological risks.

As part of the review process, specialists visited the planned nuclear power plant site in the Farish district of Jizzakh region. During the visit, they examined the area’s climatic, hydrological and geomorphological characteristics relevant to the environmental assessment of the project.

The review process also includes proposals and comments submitted during public hearings. Upon completion of the assessment, the expert group will prepare a state environmental review conclusion containing recommendations and mandatory environmental requirements for the дальнейшая implementation of the project.