The volume of toxic emissions in the Transnistrian region rose by 40% in the first quarter of this year. This is mainly due to the partial switchover by the Thermoelectric Plant in Dnestrovsk town from natural gas to coal and crude oil.

According to “Novyi Region” Agency, quoted by IPN, in all the other settlements of the region, except Dnestrovsk, the quantity of noxious emissions decreased. In Dnestrovsk, these emissions grew 5.5 times compared with the first quarter of 2012.

The plant in Dnestrovsk started to partially use solid fuel after the prices of natural gas for the private sector went up at the start of 2013.

The inhabitants of the south of the region in March expressed their concern about the sudden rise in the volume of toxic emissions at the plant. In April the authorities set a 50% quota on the use of coal.