Tuz Khurmatu district says legal action planned against polluters

TUZ KHURMATU, Iraq — The district administration of Tuz Khurmatu in Saladin province announced that legal action will be taken against factories and facilities responsible for rising gas emissions and environmental pollution in the area. District Governor Zulfikar Heyder said heavy fuel combustion, gas flaring operations and asphalt plants are the main sources of air pollution, and that the emissions contain sulfur and carbon oxides. Heyder said the emissions are contributing to an increase in respiratory, skin and cancer-related illnesses. He added that the Administration Unit held a meeting with Agriculture Department head Hussein Ali and Environment Department head Saba Safuk to discuss reducing pollution, monitoring violations on state-owned agricultural lands and strengthening field inspections. The governor said coordinated legal steps will be taken with relevant institutions against factory and facility owners who damage the environment and public health. Local authorities warned that if emissions continue, the burden on health centers in the area will grow. Residents near asphalt plants, heavy fuel operations and gas flaring sites in Tuz Khurmatu have for months complained of heavy odors and dense smoke, according to local officials.