Improvement of Omsk ecology by means of social cooperation

An open offsite meeting of the Expert Board on Chemical Industry, Biotechnology and New Materials of Delovaya Rossiya (Business Russia) Committee took place in Omsk. The implementation of industrial ecologization programs in Omsk with cooperation between society, business and government was subject-matter of the meeting.

Experts from Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, representatives of executive and legislative authorities of Omsk region, representatives of industrial enterprises, science and education, members of industry and ecological organizations, social activists took part in the event. Igor Antropenko and Igor Popov, Deputies of the Legislative Assembly of Omsk region, Sergey Solovyov, head of Biodiversity Monitoring Laboratory of Omsk Scientific Center of Siberian branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Nina Popolzukhina, head of Ecology, Nature Management and Biology Chair of Omsk State Agriculture University, and Olga Bazhenova, professor of Ecology, Nature Management and Biology Chair of Omsk State Agriculture University participated in the meeting.

The meeting of the Expert Board started from the overview of the implementation of the National Project «Ecology» and ecological risks during investment into new production enterprises. A report of Olga Startseva, Chairman of the Regional Public Organization «Ural Ecological Initiative», member of Ecology and Nature Management Committee of the RF Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Deputy Chairman of Public Chamber of Yekaterinburg was devoted to this topic.

The law on emission quota allocation was endorsed in June, where 12 cities defined in the National project were included. Emissions will be decreased by 22%. This is an All-Russian, Federal and Regional approach to monitoring. All sources of emissions will be taken into account, and monitoring will be carried out under «Clean air» project. If experience of these 12 cities is successful, the approach will be applied to other cities. In my opinion, emission abatement program shall be developed in each of the cities. The monitoring system shall be multi-level — both municipal and regional, and all-Russian and international», — said Olga Startseva.

Svetlana Artyushina, head of the Industry and Innovation Technology Department of the Ministry of Industry of Omsk region told that there were tens of investment projects at various stages of implementation in the region. The projects deal with the modernization of production facilities including upgrading to the best available technologies. The Group of Companies «Titan» is one of the enterprises that implement such projects.

Many industrial enterprises stand out for environmental responsibility and implementation of resource-saving technologies. In their activity they propose solutions aimed at reduction of impact on the environment. Namely this is the objective pursued by ecologization measures undertaken by «Omsky kauchuk» plant, which were represented by Yan Kirsanov, General Director of the «GC «Titan» JSC. He noted the reduction of emissions of monitored substances within the framework of the modernization of organic synthesis production, introduction of resource-saving equipment, enhancement of automation as well as Agreement on Ecological Partnership with the Ministry of Nature of Omsk region. Yan Kirsanov said that at the moment the Group of Companies «Titan» was implementing the project for the reconstruction of cumene production with isopropyl alcohol production unit. The implementation of this project can form the basis for the production of eco-friendly product range — car care products.

Mikhail Sutyaginsky, head of the Chemical Industry, Biotechnology and New Material Committee of Delovaya Rossiya emphasized that the Group of Companies «Titan» was open to provide data regarding impact on the atmosphere.

There were many questions concerning ecological aspects of projects implemented by the GC «Titan» from community activists and ecologists who had also been invited to the meeting. Tatiana Nagibina (Omsk division of the political party «Yabloko», ecology bloggers Igor Fedorov, Oris Brut (Vladimir Lifantiev), Vyaheslav Byrnosov, Vyacheslav Sibirsky were able to ask their questions and get answers.

«I live in such a place that the entire city spreads before my eyes. All northwestern industrial area, I always see flames, clouds. There was a lot of different inconsistent information regarding the document signed with Japanese corporation in mass media. Therefore I would like to know what technology will be used at phenol production unit. Will it be Japanese or national?» enquired Tatyana Nagibina.

«We signed an agreement of intent with Sojitz Corporation to examine the option of organic synthesis production aimed at more advanced refining. Today we want to cooperate with the Japanese corporation, to perform joint analysis to define possible efficiency of future production plants», — replied representatives of the GC «Titan».

In conclusion Olga Startseva noted importance of social cooperation and consolidation of public leaders. «Roundtable discussion was constructive, the parties heard one another and we had a dialogue. On the one side there was ecologically responsible business, and on the other side — active citizens. I wish we held such events regularly and created a workgroup involved in issues of urban ecology. It is important to balance the interests of state, business and community. Therefore, all parties must be involved», emphasized Olga Petrovna.

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