The 'Kristall' plant, located in Tash-Kumyr and commissioned in 1989, was engaged in the production of polycrystalline silicon. Currently, this enterprise is not operational, and its production facilities still contain residues of chlorine-containing substances, which pose a threat to both the environment and the health of local residents.
At the first meeting of the intergovernmental working group, measures were discussed to bring the technological containers on the territory of OJSC 'Kristall' to a safe state, as well as further work with the toxic substances contained within them. Representatives from the Federal State Unitary Enterprise 'Federal Environmental Operator' (FSUE 'FEO', part of the Environmental Block of the state corporation 'Rosatom'), as well as relevant ministries and agencies of Kyrgyzstan, participated in the event, as reported by local media.
During the discussion, it was noted that the project would consist of several stages. The first stage is planned to bring the containers with hazardous substances to a safe state, which includes opening, pressure equalization, as well as cleaning and neutralizing the emitted gases using specialized capture and disposal systems. This stage is expected to be completed by December 2026.
“The main task of the first stage is to eliminate the possibility of uncontrolled emissions and create safe conditions for the further extraction of waste,” noted Stanislav Zhabrikov, Director of Environmental Project Implementation at FSUE 'FEO'.
Once the condition of the containers is stabilized, the second stage will begin, which involves the extraction of waste and its safe disposal. This work is planned to be completed by December 2027. Technical consultations with the National Academy of Sciences and relevant state structures of Kyrgyzstan will be conducted for a final decision on handling hazardous waste.
“When opening the containers and extracting residual hazardous chemicals, it is extremely important to ensure safety and independent monitoring of the environmental condition. In this regard, environmental control posts from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan will operate throughout all the work, and representatives from the Ministry of Emergency Situations will be on duty,” emphasized Azamat Mambetov, First Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic.
“The working group will coordinate the actions of all participants, ensuring transparency in decision-making and prompt resolution of emerging issues. This will allow for timely responses to changes in the situation and achieve the goals of safely eliminating accumulated waste at the site,” added Lyudmila Plyushch, head of the project office for implementing international projects at FSUE 'FEO'.
In October 2024, experts from FSUE 'FEO' conducted a technical audit on the territory of the plant. As part of the audit, archival materials were analyzed, an inventory of buildings and structures was conducted, areas outside the industrial zone were surveyed, and photo and video documentation of structural defects and chemical waste storage sites was carried out. Additionally, specialists conducted instrumental inspections of containers with chemicals, equipment, and engineering systems. As a result, all tanks were identified, the wear of metal structures was assessed, the volume of stored chemicals was determined, and the content of harmful substances in the air was evaluated.
