Bulgaria probes emissions compliance at Bobov Dol power plant after surprise inspections

Environmental regulators in Bulgaria have moved to enforce compliance at the Bobov Dol thermal power plant after unannounced inspections in mid-April uncovered emissions irregularities. The findings matter for investors and operators because they point to potential breaches of the facility’s integrated environmental permit—an issue that can translate into administrative penalties and tighter ongoing oversight.

Permit breaches and uncontrolled emissions sources

Inspectors carried out checks both inside the plant and in surrounding areas, identifying multiple sources of emissions. Investigators reported uncontrolled and diffuse gas releases from parts of the boiler house and from the gas duct system, alongside emissions from regulated discharge points. Monitoring results indicated that pollutant levels exceeded permitted thresholds in several locations.

Exhaust gases not routed through mandatory treatment

The Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water in Sofia said some exhaust gases generated during operation were not properly directed through mandatory treatment systems, including desulfurization units. Instead, the regulator reported that gases were released directly into the atmosphere through damaged infrastructure components, which it described as a violation of environmental standards.

Enforcement follows earlier air-pollution procedure

This is not the first recent regulatory action involving the site. Earlier in April, authorities had already initiated a separate procedure related to air pollution after another unannounced inspection. Following the latest review, an administrative penalty process has now been opened, with sanctions expected within the legally defined timeframe.

More monitoring expected

The inspectorate also said it will intensify monitoring activities at Bobov Dol to verify compliance with environmental regulations and reduce the risk of further emissions-related violations.