Illegal transportation of timber and fertile soil; air pollution: Results of inspections by the Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body

As part of large-scale inspections carried out across the Republic to prevent environmental violations, inspectors of the Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body (EPMIB) recorded cases of illegal transportation of timber, fertile soil, and air pollution.

In particular:

• In Voskehat village (Armavir region), citizen H.Ch. attempted to illegally transport 3.7 m³ of hornbeam timber in a “GAZelle” vehicle, disguised with charcoal.
• On the Yerevan–Sevan–Ijevan highway (Gegharkunik region), citizen A.P. transported 5.35 m³ of timber in a “GAZelle” vehicle.
• On the same highway, 22 m³ of timber was found in a “KAMAZ” truck driven by G.M., disguised with firewood.

All trucks transporting illegal timber were taken to the protected special area of the Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Reports on all cases will be submitted to the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

Illegal transportation of fertile soil: On the Yerevan–Sevan highway (Kotayk region), four cases of illegal removal of fertile soil were recorded:

• 8 m³ in a “KAMAZ” truck driven by G.A.,
• 4 m³ in a “ZIL” truck driven by N.M.,
• 5 m³ in a “KAMAZ” truck driven by H.Kh.,
• 12 m³ in an “IVECO” truck driven by N.M.

All violators were fined 50,000 AMD each. The illegally removed fertile soil was transferred to communities in accordance with regulations.

Air pollution violations:
In Armavir region (9 cases) and Aragatsotn region (3 cases), truck drivers violated air protection regulations by transporting bulk materials without impermeable covers. Each offender was fined 50,000 AMD.

The inspections and preventive measures are ongoing.