site.btaVeliko Tarnovo Villages Protest against Planned Limestone Quarry

Residents of several villages in the Veliko Tarnovo Region protested on Wednesday against a proposed limestone quarry in the village of Balvan land area. The demonstration took place in front of the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW) in Veliko Tarnovo, where locals voiced their concerns about the potential impact on air, water, land, and public health.

The area exploration began in 2015, with the investment proposal initially presented in 2017 and has since been renewed. Balvan Mayor Nedyu Georgiev maintains a firm position against the project, emphasizing that the community demands for the quarry not to be developed.

So far, 154 residents of Balvan have signed a petition against the project, and around 60 individuals have submitted separate objections to the RIEW, said local resident Penka Kasarova. She noted that the investor's plan outlines annual extraction of 40,000 cubic meters of limestone, but an environmental impact report suggests this could rise to 100,000 cubic meters, pending further approvals. Initial development would destroy approximately 160 decares of forest and 60 decares of farmland (third and fourth category), with the potential for even more land use if the project expands.

Neighbouring villages could also be impacted by the planned quarry, with concerns raised about possible threats to underground water sources and catchment areas. The proposed site lies in the path of prevailing westerly winds that could carry dust and pollutants toward nearby villages and Veliko Tarnovo itself. Protesters argue that the quarry would affect thousands of residents and are calling on RIEW not to issue a positive environmental impact assessment.

At its July session, the Veliko Tarnovo Municipal Council unanimously adopted a declaration opposing the quarry project. During the protest, the director of RIEW pledged to hold a meeting with local council members, village mayors, and residents before the expert council convenes to assess the environmental report.