site.bta66 Inspections of Large Combustion Plants Carried out Since October, 2025 – Environment Minister

Since October 2025, Bulgarian authorities have carried out 66 inspections of large combustion plants, outgoing Environment and Water Minister Manol Genov said on Nova TV here on Saturday.

The Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW) in Stara Zagora (South Bulgaria) conducted 30 inspections, issuing fines against the Brikel thermal power plant totaling BGN 30,000, though the sanctions are currently under appeal. The RIEW in Haskovo carried out 11 inspections and imposed fines worth BGN 90,000 on Maritsa East 3 Thermal Power Plant (TPP), including for unauthorized use of biomass beyond permitted limits. One penalty of BGN 1,000 has been paid.

The RIEW in Sofia conducted 25 inspections, including 21 at the Bobov Dol TPP, resulting in four statements of violation and 13 penalty decrees. Genov said sanctions imposed there over the years amount to BGN 9 million, with BGN 3 million upheld by court rulings. Penalties totaling BGN 300,000 have also been issued against the Pernik TPP. 

Commenting on Sofia’s waste management problems, Genov said dozens of mandatory prescriptions and statements of violation have been issued, but administrative sanctions have failed to produce results. He stressed that responsibility for waste management lies with Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev, despite state offers of assistance. 

Genov added that a draft deposit-return system for packaging is ready, but said the state should act as the main regulator. Amendments to the Waste Management Act have been prepared and could be adopted if Parliament shows political will, he added.