site.btaSewage Treatment Plant in Yambol Significantly Decreases Pollution of Tundza River

The positive ecological effect of the modern sewage treatment plant in Yambol is huge for the entire region, as industrial pollution of the Tundzha River has decreased significantly, said Anelia Zheleva, Chief Technologist of the plant, in an interview with BTA on Wednesday. 

"On average, about 650 cubic metres per hour of domestic, industrial and rainwater flows through the inlet collector every day. If there is no sewage treatment plant, everything that arrives here, whatever is thrown away, would go straight into the river," said Zheleva. She explained there are huge quantities of waste, generated in the wastewater, which enter the facility for treatment. "We have about three tonnes of sand per month, and about two tonnes of wet towels and other insoluble substances. Fats that are poured into the sewers are also a big problem," Zheleva noted.

The sewage treatment plant has been operating in Yambol for three years. The total value of the construction of the plant is BGN 44 million, of which BGN 36.6 million are funded by the Environment Operational Programme . The remaining funds come from the national budget, with the exception of BGN 1.1 million provided by Yambol Municipality. 

"This is truly a European facility that fits a European city. It meets all the frameworks, directives, European laws and rules that are required to keep the environment clean," said Zheleva. She noted that without the European funds the construction of facilities of such scale would be impossible in Bulgaria. "The funds invested in the protection of the environment also change our perspective in the direction of more ecological thinking and care for the protection of the environment", she pointed out.