OREANDA-NEWS. September 15, 2010. Environmental issues were discussed at a meeting attended by K. Masimov, Kazakhstan's prime minister, B. Sagintaev, akim of Pavlodar oblast, representatives of Mazhilis of Parliament, various ministries and agencies. Following the agenda, the KAZAKHMYS group told about environmental protection programmes aimed at reducing environment pollution levels. The group also informed the gathering on completion of environmental protection measures which are part of a programme designed to restore nominal capacity and improve environmental aspects at the power plant. Investments are going to exceed 147 bn. tenge, reported the press-centre of KASE.

In 2010 the KAZAKHMYS group intends to spend more than 1,2 bn. tenge on environment protection which would exceed last years package by almost 20%. Along with installation of modern electric filters and preparation for restoration of three dormant power generating units, the company has built storage for solid waste. The group continues reconstruction and modernization of ash-removal and dust-reduction systems, improvement of industrial premises and sanitary protection zone. Since 2008 Ekibastuz GRES-1 carrying the glorious name of Mr. B. Nurzhanov implements environmental protection measures in accordance with ISO 14001.

"Today we have made the government officials familiar with the progress of environmental protection measures carried out in accordance with the programme of accelerated industrial-innovative development which means intensive growth of industry and energy sector of the country. At the power plant there is a programme of industrial environmental control, which ensures an efficient monitoring of the impact the power plant makes on the environment", said N. Korobovsky, director of energy department of the group.