Kyrgyzstan approves procedure for radioecological monitoring of former uranium tailings dumps

The approved monitoring procedure covers lands where uranium was previously mined and processed and where radioactive waste was stored. According to the resolution, radioecological monitoring must be carried out after all reclamation measures at such sites are completed.

Responsibility and financing of monitoring

Several agencies will be involved in implementing this resolution. Responsibility is assigned to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, and the Ministry of Health.

Financing of the measures is provided from the republican budget for the relevant years, as well as from other sources not prohibited by law.

What the document does not specify

The published text of the resolution does not detail some key points. In particular, it does not specify the frequency of inspections, a complete list of sites, or specific radiation monitoring indicators and the procedure to follow if permissible levels are exceeded. These details must be set out in a separate provision that is an annex to the document.