Air Pollution from Point
The industry
and energy sectors were substantial air polluters in the past.
According to data provided by the former Central Statistic Department,
in the 80-s emissions from point sources constituted 30-34% of all
emissions into the air. 80% of this amount were emitted from 9 large
plants, namely:
1. Thermal
power station in Gardabani (near Tbilisi);
2. Thermal
power station in Tkvarcheli;
3. Oil
refinery in Batumi;
4.
Metallurgical plant in Rustavi;
5.
Ferro-manganese alloys plant in Zestafoni;
6. Chemical
plant in Rustavi;
7. Truck
manufacturing plant in Kutaisi;
8. Cement
plant in Kaspi;
9. Cement
plant in Rustavi.
In 1995 most
of the enterprises in Georgia were not working or were working only at
minimal capacity, just to assure their existence. Last year the
economic decrease stopped and some revitalization in the field of
industry and energy could be noticed. New plans, projects, and hopes
are coming into life. In this situation it is of great importance to
consider environmental issues at the government level.
Pollution quality
Air quality
was and is measured by “Hydromet” (Hydrometeorogical Department,
formerly Hydrometeorogical Service), which is now part of the MoE. In
the past “Hydromet” exploited 34 stationary measuring stations in 11
towns. Concentrations of dust, SO2, NOx and CO2
were measured. Additionally, based on the actual technological
processes of industrial enterprises located in the town,
concentrations of some specific substances were measured. For example,
in Tbilisi phenol and formaldehyde concentrations were measured, in
Rustavi - ammonia, in Kutaisi - phenol, in Batumi - manganese dioxide.
Tbilisi,
Rustavi, Kutaisi and Zestafoni were included in the list of the most
polluted towns of the Soviet Union.
