The first environmental control point in Ukraine has been launched in the village of Sadky, Zhytomyr region. During the 2 weeks of its operation, environmental inspectors conducted 24 raids in the Zhytomyr, Bereziv and Oliyiv communities.
This was reported by Denys Voynash, an employee of the State Ecological Inspectorate, according to Suspilne Zhytomyr media outlet.
During the inspections, the inspectors found 12 illegal landfills and illegal deforestation. The experts handed over all the materials on the violations to law enforcement agencies. In particular, the environmental inspectors took soil and water samples in the communities of Zhytomyr region.
Photo: suspilne.mediazhytomyr
The environmental control point is equipped with modern technology, including devices for measuring water, air, and soil parameters, GPS and digital recording systems. These tools allow us to respond quickly to violations and collect evidence.
"There will be a think tank here that will administer and summarize information, prioritize work and define tasks, and document the results. There are 3 main tasks (points): to respond, to detect, to prevent. Accordingly, there will be mobile crews that will be constantly on duty and carry out their functional duties – patrolling or raiding activities," says Denys Voynash.
Photo: suspilne.mediazhytomyr
The center will operate in a test mode for 6 months. Its goal is to replace the outdated model of environmental control with a modern system using technology, mobility, and transparent monitoring. If the project proves to be effective, similar stations are planned to be set up in other regions of Ukraine.
The machinery, equipment, and software were purchased with funds from the Swiss government and the United Nations Development Program. The project is being implemented on the basis of the State Ecological Inspectorate in the Central, Polissia, and Southwestern districts. According to Voynash, if the control point proves to be effective, a new law on state environmental control will be drafted.
As a reminder, the Ukrainian government has approved the Strategy for Reforming State Environmental Control until 2029.
