The Scoping Decision of the National Environmental Agency on the Project of “Rustavi Steel” LLC

On October 13, 2022, the National Environmental Agency published a scoping decision on the Project of “Rustavi Steel” LLC on changing the exploitation conditions of metallurgical production.

We would like to remind you, that the public deliberation on the abovementioned project was held on September 21, 2022. Detailed information about the deliberation and “Gavigudet” comments on the scoping report can be seen here.

We would like to highlight some of our comments, which are as well pointed out in the scoping decision of the National Environmental Agency.

– Our movement stressed the fact, that according to the scoping report, installation works of the new, 35 tons/hour furnace have been completed and the furnace is operating in the test mode. It should be noted that the mentioned furnace was installed even a year ago; the furnace operation in “test mode” for a year is unjustified.

The scoping decision of the Agency makes it clear, that while the on-site visit, the representative of the Agency detected, that the furnace was in operation mode, so the fact of violation was reported to the Department of Environmental Supervision for further response.

– Both, our team and the Agency have pointed out the necessity to provide detailed information in the EIA report about the preventive measures against unorganized emissions or ignition while processing the scrap in the open area.

– The issue of the introduction and implementation of the self-monitoring system was also the same concern for us and the Agency.

– Comment by “Gavigudet” – “there is no ventilation system in one of the workshops in order to ensure organized emissions from the factory. Consequently, this information needs to be clarified” – was as well reflected in the Agency’s scoping decision.

– Our movement expressed interest in why the filtration system of the 35t/h furnace was not put in exploitation, given the fact that the furnace itself was already operating. While the Agency, in its scoping decision, also requires clarification of this matter.

– Clarification of slag disposal conditions and subsequent management issues are noted in the comments submitted by both parties.

– Regarding unorganized emissions, our movement and the Agency pointed out, that EIA report should provide detailed information about organized, as well as unorganized sources of emission; emitted harmful substances and the measures to reduce or prevent the spread of harmful substances.