Nizhny Novgorod targets three toxic sites for federal cleanup by 2026

The regional Ministry of Ecology in Nizhny Novgorod has announced plans to submit three contaminated sites in Balakhna District for inclusion in the federal General Cleanup initiative. These sites are currently under state environmental review, with approvals expected by July 2026. Among the sites proposed is an open-type fuel oil storage facility called Nefteyamy. Another location under consideration is an industrial waste landfill from the former Korund Production Association near Bolshoye Kozino. Additionally, acid sludge settling ponds at the former Varja Joint-Stock Company are being assessed for the project.

The ministry also intends to reclaim an acid sludge settling pond at the 21st kilometre of Moscow Highway in Nizhny Novgorod. Once approved, all selected locations will be formally proposed for the federal programme. The cost and timeline for cleaning up these sites will be determined at a later stage. If approved, the three sites will join the federal General Cleanup project. The ministry’s proposals aim to address long-standing environmental contamination in the region. Final decisions on funding and schedules will follow the state review process.