Several factories shut down in Navoi for violating pollution standards, Navoiyazot and others face penalties

The decision follows an environmental inspection led by the Ministry of Ecology, in cooperation with the Prosecutor General’s Office, to investigate sources of air pollution in Navoi city and propose effective countermeasures. The inspection was conducted on the direct order of the Minister of Ecology and focused on two main areas: identifying the source of thick white smoke observed in the city, and improving the overall ecological condition related to industrial emissions.

Harmful emissions exceed legal limits

On July 19, environmental labs collected air samples from 11 locations across Navoi. The analysis found that sulfur dioxide (SO₂) levels were 1.86 times above the legal limit, while ammonia (NH₃) levels exceeded the threshold by 1.43 times.

At 5:30 a.m. that day, video evidence showed a short but intense discharge of emissions in the area near the former “Electrochemical Plant,” where the factories of “Sogda Kimyo Zavod,” “Ferrosplav,” and “Zarafshon Industrial Technology” LLCs are located.

Violations at specific enterprises

Inspections at these enterprises revealed the following:

• Sogda Kimyo Zavod LLC was operating without environmental permits, had created an unauthorized waste dump, and was storing hazardous materials in open ponds. Acidic wastewater from chemical processes was being discharged into the open landscape, and harmful emissions were being released without control. Total damage to the environment was assessed at UZS 7.38 billion.
• Ferrosplav LLC was also operating without a valid environmental assessment. It was emitting pollutants during metal smelting and accumulating industrial waste haphazardly.
• Zarafshon Industrial Technology LLC had violated conditions of its environmental permit. Emission levels were significantly over the allowed thresholds – hydrogen sulfide by 25 times, nitrogen oxides by 12 times, ammonia by 7 times, sulfur dioxide by 2.6 times, and hydrogen sulfide again by 40 times. Hazardous materials were not stored according to regulations.

Due to severe violations and environmental harm, the Ministry of Ecology ordered these enterprises to suspend operations. They were given a 10-day period to implement corrective ecological measures. If they fail to comply, lawsuits will be filed to permanently shut them down.

Additional inspections across Navoi

A second phase of inspections was launched to assess and improve the overall ecological situation in Navoi. Three working groups are examining 168 industrial enterprises in the city and its surroundings.

So far, 42 companies have been investigated. Cases have been prepared for court to impose fines on officials who violated environmental regulations.

Moreover, 22 other companies were also ordered to suspend operations due to severe violations, including lacking environmental expertise, failing to meet land, water, and air protection standards, and creating unauthorized waste sites. These include:

• Brick, slate, and concrete factories
• Lime and granite processing plants
• Chemical warehouses and incinerators
• Dairy and fertilizer producers
• Asphalt and metal treatment facilities

These enterprises were also given 10 days to rectify their violations. Legal action has already been initiated against 19 companies that failed to comply.

Navoiyazot cited for pollution and illegal waste storage

Investigations into Navoiyazot JSC revealed that construction waste was being stored in unauthorized areas, and air pollution was caused by incinerating soot waste. On July 29, ammonia levels in its urea workshop were found to be 1.08 times above the legal limit.

Nighttime monitoring on July 29–30 revealed high concentrations of harmful substances in the areas surrounding the plant: at 23:43 in the east, ammonia exceeded the norm by 1.5 times and hydrogen sulfide by 36 times; at 00:16 in the west, ammonia was 6.6 times over the limit, hydrogen sulfide 1.4 times, and sulfur trioxide 1.2 times.

As a result, Navoiyazot was fined and given 10 days to eliminate the violations.

Illegal lime production uncovered

On July 24, an overnight raid uncovered illegal lime production activities in a mountainous area of Karmana district bordering Navoi city. Twenty-four individuals were found operating without permits and in breach of environmental regulations, generating dense smoke and dust pollution. Each was fined UZS 18 million, and the illegal kilns were dismantled.

Ongoing environmental monitoring

The Ministry of Ecology noted that environmental monitoring across Navoi city is ongoing. A detailed action plan will be developed for each enterprise, outlining specific measures to reduce air pollution. This plan will be submitted to the local council for approval.

Background: On July 13, 19, 21, and 22, Navoi was engulfed in thick, foul-smelling smoke, leading to coughing and other health complaints among residents. “Navoiyazot” repeatedly denied responsibility, stating that camera footage showed the smoke originated from businesses built on the site of the former electrochemical plant. Initially, local environmental authorities blamed “Navoiyazot,” but after the company’s firm denials, investigators shifted focus to identifying the actual culprits.