site.btaKronospan Suspension Shows that Government Places Environment and Health above Business Interests – Minister

Commenting on Friday's suspension of particleboard production at the Kronospan plant in Veliko Tarnovo, outgoing Environment and Water Minister Manol Genov said that the government places ecology and public health above all business interests. The measure is "a clear sign that when air quality and citizens’ health are at risk, there can be no compromises," Genov said in a statement published on his ministry's Facebook page.

Earlier on Friday, the Environment and Water Ministry reported that the Veliko Tarnovo Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water had suspended production on the particleboard line at the wood-processing plant. Kronospan said they will appeal the decision.

Genov commented that Bulgarian and foreign investments are important, but economic development cannot come at the expense of the environment and human health. "The Ministry of Environment and Water applies the law consistently and without exceptions when violations occur or obligations under integrated permits are not met," he said.

At present, other production facilities in the country are under intensive monitoring. "When public interest and the right to clean air are threatened, the possibility of further compulsory measures remains very real," the Minister said, adding: "We work in full coordination with local authorities."