Environmental protection during BelNPP construction viewed as top priority

The Belarusian Hydrometeorological Center regards environmental protection and nuclear safety during the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant (BelNPP) as top priorities. The statement was made by Maria Germenchuk, the head of the National Center for Hydrometeorology, Radioactive Pollution Control, and Environmental Monitoring of Belarus, at a press conference that marked the 55th anniversary of the Belarusian system of environmental protection, BelTA has learned.

“The Belarusian Hydrometeorological Center is currently facing a serious task of ensuring environmental protection and nuclear safety during the construction of the BelNPP. We are monitoring the radiation environment and the background levels near the plant. This is what we have at this stage, when the construction of the BelNPP is not completed yet,” Maria Germenchuk explained.

Besides, the center is controlling the quality of water, soil, and air at the BelNPP construction site and monitoring the hydrological and meteorological processes. “The work is fully underway,” Maria Germenchuk stressed.

The Belarusian nuclear power plant is being built near Ostrovets. The BelNPP will have two power-generating units with the total output capacity of up to 2,400MW (2x1,200MW). The Russian merged company OAO NIAEP – ZAO ASE is the general designer and the general contractor of the project. The first power-generating unit of the nuclear power plant is scheduled for launch in 2018, the second one in 2020. The construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant proceeds in full compliance with the master schedule specified by the general contract of 18 July 2012. As much as 100% of the construction and installation operations intended to be completed in 2014 have been fulfilled.