Concern Grows Over Situation in Stepanavan: Alarm Raised

The municipality of Stepanavan in Lori Province has issued a statement: “Residents are reporting that unclear substances are being dumped into the Dzoraget from the Armanis mine in large quantities. Today, the mayor of Stepanavan, along with representatives from the relevant commission and police, visited the area of Dzoraget where the waste is being discharged. In the mentioned area, it becomes clear that water containing heavy metals is being freely discharged into the river, changing the color of the water. Additionally, in the same location, dried trees are visible, likely a consequence of this waste.

It should be noted that this alarm has been raised more than once. Representatives of the commission formed at the mayor's office took water samples from three sections of the river, which will be sent for examination, and the established report will be sent to the Lori regional administration. The Stepanavan municipality urges the mine operators to take measures as soon as possible to prevent this disaster.”