Kyrgyzstan approves radioecological monitoring for former uranium sites

Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev signed a resolution in Kyrgyzstan to establish radioecological monitoring at former uranium production sites and radioactive waste storage facilities.

This move follows the rehabilitation of areas where uranium was mined and processed during the Soviet era. The Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, and the Ministry of Health will manage the monitoring process.

These agencies will assess radiation levels and evaluate the condition of affected areas to ensure public safety. The government will fund these activities through the republican budget and other legal sources. While the resolution sets the framework, the specific details regarding inspection frequency, the list of monitored sites, and the exact radiation indicators remain to be defined in future regulations. The monitoring aims to address risks from legacy waste, some of which sits near water bodies and residential areas.

The resolution becomes effective in 10 days.