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TMK obtains its first integrated environmental permit

TMK’s Taganrog Metallurgical Plant (TAGMET) has obtained an integrated environmental permit, a single permitting document containing mandatory environmental protection requirements and standards for industrial enterprises under the Federal Law On Environmental Protection. TAGMET is the first enterprise within TMK Group to obtain an integrated environmental permit and is now one of the 25 such permit holders in Russia.

TMK consistently delivers on its three-year environmental road map to obtain integrated environmental permits for its enterprises. The program comprises upgrades to the existing treatment facilities and the construction of new ones, as well as measures to ensure safe waste management, reduce noise pollution, enhance soil reclamation and overhaul water recycling systems among other initiatives.

TAGMET’s integrated environmental permit was issued by the Interregional Department of the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources for the Rostov Region and the Republic of Kalmykia and is valid until the end of September 2028. Initiated in the first quarter of 2020, the process to obtain the permit included the development and approval of necessary documentation, conducting an air emissions inventory and waste source accounting. The plant also put together an Environmental Performance Improvement Program and evaluated the technical performance of best available technologies (BAT).

“TMK has always prioritized environmental protection and the application of best available technologies in its development. The Company emphasized environmental considerations when implementing its ambitious modernization program which saw all plants, including TAGMET, fully transition to more environmentally friendly electric arc furnace operations, install advanced gas cleaning equipment and recirculating water supply systems, introduce separate waste collection and involve a significant part of industrial waste in recycling. We uphold national environmental laws and were among the first to commence the relevant process and obtain a new integrated environmental permit – four years ahead of the deadline set by the state,” said Sergey Bilan, Managing Director of TAGMET.

Integrated environmental permits, introduced by the Russian Government, contain mandatory environmental protection requirements and replace a whole range of previous permits for enterprises. They will enable state regulation in this area according to the degree of site-specific impact on the environment. Before January 1, 2023, 300 facilities that contribute at least 60% of the total emissions and discharges in Russia must apply for integrated environmental permits. The remaining category 1 facilities must obtain integrated environmental permits by January 1, 2025.