Environmental authorities have intervened after elevated sulfur dioxide (SO₂) concentrations were recorded in Dimitrovgrad, prompting immediate action linked to the operation of the Maritsa 3 thermal power plant. The alert followed continuous monitoring that showed a steady rise in pollution levels on 26 January.
The increase was detected by an automated air quality monitoring station, leading the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW) in Haskovo to initiate preventive measures early on 26 January. The plant operator was instructed to urgently implement corrective actions aimed at reducing SO₂ emissions.
Environmental inspectors conducted an on-site inspection at the power plant later that morning. Data from the control room indicated that the combustion unit was operating at around 50 MW, functioning within its standard technical parameters at the time of the visit. Despite this, SO₂ levels in Dimitrovgrad exceeded legal limits.
Measured concentrations reached 1.27 times the maximum allowable hourly average of 350 micrograms per cubic meter. Officials noted that emissions from the plant were not the sole cause of the exceedance. Adverse weather conditions, including fog and unfavorable wind patterns, significantly contributed to the accumulation and transport of pollutants from the broader Maritsa industrial zone toward the city.
To prevent further deterioration in air quality, the inspectorate imposed binding instructions on the power plant, requiring a reduction in SO₂ emissions. These measures will remain in place until pollution levels fall well below regulatory thresholds and the risk of additional exceedances is eliminated.
The incident follows a similar episode on 20 January, when monitoring stations again recorded SO₂ concentrations above permitted levels, reaching 1.28 times the legal limit. The repeated exceedances underscore ongoing concerns over air quality in Dimitrovgrad and the surrounding area.