Ministry conducts microplastic inspections in the Mediterranean: 47.6 million lira fine for 23 facilities

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has imposed a total of 47 million 599 thousand lira in administrative fines on 23 facilities during inspections launched following allegations of microplastic pollution in the seas and coasts of the Mediterranean region.

The series of inspections carried out by Ministry teams since July 1 have been intensified in Adana, Antalya, Hatay, Mersin, and Muğla. In addition to the checks by provincial directorates, the Ministry's central organization inspection teams also launched investigations into waste recycling facilities and wastewater treatment plants in Adana and Mersin.

142 facilities deemed to have high pollutant potential were included in the inspection planning. Within this scope, 39 inspections have been carried out since July 27.

During the check conducted at the Seyhan Wastewater Treatment Plant, affiliated with the Adana Metropolitan Municipality Water and Sewerage Administration (ASKİ), it was determined that a portion of the wastewater was being discharged without being taken into the treatment plant and without passing through the treatment process.

While it was stated that the same facility was fined last year for a similar violation, ASKİ was this time issued an administrative fine of 5 million 874 thousand lira.

A total of 20 million 732 thousand lira in fines was imposed on 7 businesses, including the Seyhan Wastewater Treatment Plant, which were determined to be operating in violation of environmental legislation. The Ministry reported that inspections in the region are ongoing.