Meeting Held with Representatives of Cement Manufacturing Enterprises to Improve Ambient Air Quality in Rustavi.

The First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, along with the Member of Parliament, Mr. Irakli Shatakishvili, representing Rustavi and ten communities of Gardabani, held a meeting with representatives of cement manufacturing enterprises in Rustavi.


The parties focused on the functioning of continuous self-monitoring systems for emissions of harmful substances released into the atmosphere by industrial facilities, emphasizing the importance of balancing effective environmental protection and state oversight with the need to ensure uninterrupted industrial production.


“Over recent years, we have been actively working to improve air quality in Rustavi. Moreover, several important regulations have been adopted, including the obligation for large enterprises to implement continuous monitoring of emitted pollutants, which has already yielded certain positive results. However, it is necessary to plan additional, comprehensive measures to achieve even better outcomes in the near future. We listened to the challenges faced by enterprise representatives regarding the operation of self-monitoring systems and discussed ways to improve these systems without disrupting production, while ensuring that the state maintains effective control mechanisms,” stated Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili.


During the meeting, the parties discussed the challenges that enterprises face in complying with regulatory requirements.


“All enterprises whose representatives we met with at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture are integrated into a 24-hour continuous monitoring system. Despite certain difficulties faced by business entities, there is a clear willingness on their part to further refine technological processes. The Ministry is also ready to support manufacturers to ensure that no disruptions occur during the implementation and operation of monitoring systems,” stated Mr. Irakli Shatakishvili.
 

It is worth noting that, under legislative amendments in force since June 1, 2021, large industrial enterprises are required to install continuous automatic self-monitoring systems for emissions and submit relevant data to the Ministry. In the event of non-compliance with established requirements, including the absence or non-use of gas and dust filtration systems, enterprises are subject to significant sanctions under the law for excessive emissions. 

The Head of the National Environmental Agency, Mrs. Elene Ghubianuri, the Head of the Environmental Supervision Department, Mr. Levan Jgharkava, and the Heads of relevant departments of the Ministry attended the meeting.