site.btaAir Emissions at Kronospan Bulgaria in Veliko Tarnovo Below Limits but Nuisance Persists

Air quality checks found no breaches of emissions limits at the Kronospan Bulgaria plant in Veliko Tarnovo, the Ministry of Health said in a report published on Monday. The report nonetheless calls for further measures, as emissions from the factory still cause discomfort among residents.

Over 400 complaints about odours and eye and respiratory irritation were received in 2025, marking a steep rise from the previous year. Local checks in 2024 and 2025 found no emissions exceeding legal norms, yet authorities repeatedly registered odours drifting off-site, prompting several administrative infringement notices, all currently under appeal.

Health data for Veliko Tarnovo do not show increased incidence of diseases sensitive to environmental factors or a rise in emergency medical visits on days with complaints against the plant. However, the working group warns that continued exposure to industrial odours is a negative influence on public health.

The report recommends that Kronospan Bulgaria conduct a thorough study to propose corrective measures with a clear implementation timetable. It also insists that authorities require further steps if, despite using the best available technology and mitigation efforts, the plant fails to prevent discomfort among local residents.

Kronospan Bulgaria’s plant became a major focus of public and institutional attention in autumn 2025 amid complaints of persistent air pollution and unpleasant odours. The Environment Ministry and the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water carried out inspections and, in one case, ordered a shutdown of a production line over environmental-compliance issues. The case also prompted a coordinated response involving an interdepartmental working group, parliamentary scrutiny and deadlines for corrective action, while the Health Minister ordered an urgent investigation into air quality and removed the head of the regional health inspectorate. In parliamentary discussions, the Environment Minister said the company had pledged substantial investment (about BGN 20 million) in environmental equipment to address the problem.