The 'Kristall' plant, located in Tash-Kumyr and opened its doors in 1989, once engaged in the production of polycrystalline silicon. Currently, the enterprise is not operational, and hazardous chlorine-containing substances remain in its workshops, posing a threat to the ecology and health of local residents.
At the first meeting of the intergovernmental working group, measures to bring the technological containers of OJSC 'Kristall' to a safe condition and further actions with the toxic substances contained in them were discussed. Representatives from the Federal State Unitary Enterprise 'Federal Environmental Operator' (FSUE 'FEO', part of the environmental block of the state corporation 'Rosatom') participated in the meeting, as well as officials from relevant ministries and agencies of Kyrgyzstan, the media reports.
During the discussion, it was noted that the project involves several stages. In the first stage, containers with hazardous substances will be brought to a safe condition. This includes opening, pressure equalization, and cleaning, as well as neutralization of vented gases using special systems. The completion of the first stage is scheduled for December 2026.
“The main task of the first stage is to minimize the risk of uncontrolled emissions and create safe conditions for further waste removal,” emphasized Stanislav Zhabrikov, Director for the Implementation of Environmental Projects at FSUE 'FEO'.
After the completion of the first stage, the second stage will begin, aimed at extracting waste and its safe disposal. This work is to be completed by December 2027. Technical consultations with the National Academy of Sciences and relevant state bodies of Kyrgyzstan are planned for the final determination of the approach to hazardous waste management.
“When opening containers and extracting remaining hazardous chemicals, it is extremely important to ensure safety and independent monitoring of the environmental condition. For this purpose, environmental monitoring posts from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan will be organized during the work, as well as duty units from the Ministry of Emergency Situations,” noted Azamat Mambetov, First Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyzstan.
“The working group will monitor the coordination of actions among all participants, ensuring transparency in decision-making and prompt resolution of arising issues. This will allow for quick responses to changes in the situation and achieve the goals of safely eliminating accumulated waste at the site,” added Lyudmila Plyushch, head of the project office for the implementation of international projects at FSUE 'FEO'.
In October 2024, specialists from FSUE 'FEO' conducted a technical audit of the plant's territory. During the audit, an analysis of archival materials was carried out, an inventory of buildings and structures was conducted, inspections of areas beyond the industrial site were performed, as well as photo and video documentation of structural defects and chemical waste storage locations. Experts also conducted instrumental inspections of containers with chemicals, equipment, and engineering communications. As a result, all container infrastructure was identified, metal wear was assessed, the volumes of stored chemical substances were established, and the content of harmful substances in the air was evaluated.
