Ecological problems of industrial Kuzbass: a historical aspect

This article discusses the causes of ecological problems in Kemerovo Oblast. The author analyzes factors that have for decades contributed to the environment deterioration in the region. Kemerovo Oblast, with its unique natural resource potential, became the center of the metallurgical, chemical, coal mining and energy production in the time of the first five year-plan. The ecological system at that time was seen as a site for production and a resource base, it had been operated without regard for the environment. In the design and construction of industrial complexes and settlements, specific landscape-climatic conditions and meteorological factors were not considered, sanitation and urban planning requirements were not met. This had resulted in high concentrations of harmful substances in the atmosphere and water of the towns, caused health problems of the population. For the few following decades typical problems of the region were: violation of terms of waste treatment facilities, gas filters, dust collectors and sanitary protection zones organizing; lack of effective environment system quality control; consumerist attitudes to nature. Based on archival documents and periodicals, the author concludes that until the mid-1960s local authorities hardly paid attention to the environment quality, as its condition at this stage was not rated as critical. Issues related to the environment were addressed by experts of the sanitary-epidemiological service and other controlling bodies. Local Councils of People's Deputies became involved in environmental policy implementation in the late 1960s, and until the mid-1980s their role was limited. Growth in production and extensive development of the economy in the 1970s-1980s led to accumulation of environmental damage in Kemerovo Oblast. The data indicate that despite the rise in costs and volume of capital investments for environmental protection, the volume of wastewater almost did not decrease, and the amount of waste gas emissions to the atmosphere continued to rise. Analyzing the situation in the beginning of the 1990s, the author concludes that the rapid development of industry, accompanied by population growth and urbanization, led to a significant environment deterioration and created a negative impact on public health. Inadequate laws and mechanisms of environmental policy, lack of effective natural resources management and control and environmental protection mechanisms did not allow improving or stabilizing the environmental situation in Kemerovo Oblast.

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