The temporary change of the color of water in the Byk was caused by the drained heat colored with fluorescein that reached the river. Fluorescein is a brown powder that becomes green as a result of interaction with water. As it is a biodegradable substance, it decays in several days, Termoelectrica said in a press release that is quoted by IPN.

The heat supplier noted that it uses this coloring agent as an indicator for discovering possible leaks of heat. On April 14, the company’s teams rehabilitated a damaged section of a heat pipe near Calea Moșilor St in Chisinau. Today, representatives of the Environment Agency, accompanied by representatives of the company, went to the scene to take samples and determine if the green substance discharged in the Byk is toxic or not. The test results will be made public in five-six days.

Termoelectrica said such discharges are not illegal as they meet the norms set out by the regulations on the collection, treatment and discharge of wastewater in sewerage systems.

Earlier, the State Ecological Inspectorate collected samples of water from the heat pipes of Termoelectrica and the chemical lab tests showed there were no toxic substances there.

Termoelectrica provided details following posting of images showing how the water in the Byk was turning green.