Two pits containing an unknown dark liquid were discovered on an industrial site in Taldykorgan. Police recorded the find and passed the materials to environmentalists. However, by the time the specialists arrived, the pits had already been filled in with earth. The environmentalists took samples for laboratory testing.
WHAT WAS FOUND ON THE SITE
As reported by the Telegram channel «HALYQSTAN», on 12 October residents of Taldykorgan reported a suspicious site containing two pits filled with a thick dark-brown liquid.
The first pit contained large plastic containers almost completely submerged in the liquid. The second contained two large blue barrels.
The area was littered with construction waste. Dark stains resembling traces of petroleum products or technical fluids were visible on the ground. Journalists also noted a pungent smell.
WHY THE POLICE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY GAIN ACCESS TO THE SITE
Journalists filmed what was happening and called the police. The local beat officers who arrived were initially not allowed onto the site.
Access was only granted after the arrival of a rapid response team from the police department of the Zhetysu region.
Police officers recorded what had been found on video, drew up the materials and sent them to the Department of Ecology for the Zhetysu region.
WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE THE ENVIRONMENTALISTS ARRIVED
Two days after the pits were discovered, a tractor carrying out earthworks was seen on the site.
The Department of Ecology confirmed receipt of the materials from the police and reported that specialists had been dispatched. However, by the time of the inspection both pits had already been filled in.
Despite this, the environmentalists took samples and sent them for laboratory testing. The results should help establish the presence of pollutants and any possible threat to the environment.
WHICH QUESTIONS REMAIN UNANSWERED
The reasons for filling in the pits are as yet unknown. It has also not been established who ordered the earthworks to be carried out or where the containers and their contents disappeared to.
The question also remains open as to whether the filling in of the pits affected the ability to determine the original composition and volume of the substances, and to assess the potential environmental damage.
The journalists' video footage shows an industrial facility bearing the «Zhetysu mai» logo. However, there is no confirmation that the pits or their contents are connected to the enterprise.
HALYQSTAN has sent additional questions to the environmentalists and is establishing who owns the site. The results of the laboratory examination have not yet been published.
