site.btaVeliko Tarnovo Authorities Suspend Kronospan Particleboard Line amid Odour, Smoke Complaints; Company to Appeal

The Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW) in Veliko Tarnovo Friday ordered the suspension of the particleboard production line at the Kronospan wood-processing plant following an unscheduled January 15 inspection prompted by numerous citizen complaints about strong odours and haze in residential areas.

The Environment Ministry said the measure will remain in force until the facility fully complies with the conditions of its integrated environmental permit, which requires that production activities do not lead to the spread of odours beyond the site boundaries. Inspections detected characteristic wood-processing odours and visible haze in several neighbourhoods, with experts concluding that the particleboard line was the likely source. The RIEW noted that similar violations were recorded in previous months and that over 430 complaints were filed in 2025 alone. 

Outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that citizens have the same right to clean air as elsewhere in the European Union and that regulatory bodies must act when violations occur. Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Daniel Panov said the order had taken effect and that the company has been given 24 hours to submit a plan for safely halting production. Environment Minister Manol Genov described the suspension as proof that public health and environmental protection take precedence over business interests. 

From the parliamentary rostrum, Vazrazhdane MP Angel Yanchev described the decision as a long-overdue victory for residents, recalling years of complaints and criticizing previous authorities for failing to take similar action. 

Kronospan Bulgaria announced it will appeal the order. Plant manager Nikolay Bankov said the measure is unlawful and disproportionate, arguing that no exceedances of emission limits were established through instrumental measurements. He warned that the shutdown of the particleboard line would affect about 170 directly employed workers and have significant economic impact. The company said it will prepare a shutdown plan within the required timeframe and continue operating its other production lines.