Demolition waste: result of Kakhovska hydropower station disaster

The explosion of Kakhovska hydropower station, that is, demolition of dam, set up by Russians, has proven to be utter ecological catastrophe which size and consequences can now hardly be predicted. Unique reserve areas inhabited by even animals and birds from the Red book are now under the threat of extinction. The water had covered cities, villages, and fields and took with it everything on its way. Therefore, tons of chemicals, soil, and sewage has been discharged into the Black Sea.

The explosion of hydropower station had caused an ecological anthropogenic disaster. Particularly, according to Head of Kherson regional military administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, around 600 sq. km. of the region were flooded, including Korabel, a microdistrict in Kherson. Fully or partly flooded still are Hola Prystan, Mykolayivka, Olhivka, Lvove, Tiahynka, Ivanivka, Tokarivka, Poniativka, Prydniprovske, Sadove. Damages caused by flooding are reported in over 80 locations.

High water busts everything on its way, it destroys residential areas, buildings, industrial and commercial facilities. Thus, the so called “demolition waste” emerge. Cracked concrete blocks, steel structures, ruined buildings, and bricks consitute these waste, adding up to environment pollution.

Demolition waste consist of basic and minor components. The basic components are parts of buildings, infillings of door, and window passages, networks, sanitary appliances, etc. Among the minor components are materials and objects located inside or near the building at the time of its damaging (destruction) or dismantlement, for instance, utensils, personal belongings, household use items (furniture, home appliances), organic substances.

“Among demolition waste, there repeatedly emerge hazardous oncogenic asbestos-containing waste, prohibited in Ukraine only since September 6, 2022, by Law “On system of public health”. Asbestos-containing goods were long promoted because of their heat resistance, thermal conductivity, durability, and relative cheapness. Moreover, roofing slate has for a long time been traditional for roofs and is still praised by publicity”, – comments waste management expert, NGO “Ekoltava”, Maryna Sadkina.

According to Directive of Cabinet of Ministers №1073, removal of demolition waste is done in several important phases. First and foremost comes clearing the area (collection of demolition waste, with their segregation whenever possible). Collected debris are taken to waste management facilities or to temporary storage. Then comes their processing or recycling, if the latter is needed. Demolition waste can be potentionally used as auxiliary material or energy resources. Otherwise they are removed or buried on specialized locations.

“Debris were taken downstream to the Black Sea. There they went adrift and were washed ashore to Odesa. Sometimes even whole “undamaged” buildings were delivered. In fact, within the impacted area there were plenty of destroyed buildings and their parts, taken by the stream throughout the already flooded regions. Concrete, bricks, tiles, steel, and other ingredients of demolitions waste may be picked out, processed and re-used while renovation of damaged objects. Though one must keep to safety precautions and appeal to local authorized bodies before clearing the area to avoid collapse hazard or encounter with dangerous explosive substances which may have been possibly brought by stream”, – explains Maryna Sadkina.

On June 19, 2023, Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has approved the procedure of municipal waste management in extreme conditions, particularly in the zones of former or current warfare. The very same document contains the sequence of actions towards solid municipal waste during elimination of anthropogenic, natural, or military emergencies. For instance, this directive stipulates establishment of temporary storage of municipal waste that complies with requirements for environmental, and fire safety, environmental protection, etc. It is prohibited to store municipal waste beyond predefined locations or grounds for temporary storage.

We remind our readers that Kakhovska hydropower station was among Ukraine’s biggest and most important constructions in energy sector. According to Ukrhidroenerho, its capacity made up 334,8 MW, which was enough to supply electricity, irrigation, and water to droughty Ukrainian South. Experts compare explosion of Kakhovska hydropower station to that of Chornobyl nuclear power station. The consequences differ, but the long-term impact on population and land is quite the same. It is important to take urgent measures to rebuild damaged facilities and renovate the environment. And more to that, to punish the responsibles for another ecological crime against Ukrainian nature.