The Company’s key principles of the environmental protection are defined by “The policy in the quality, environment and labor protection and prevention of occupational diseases”, adopted in 2006 as well as by requirements of the relevant Russian and international standards. KuibyshevAzot was the first among national chemical enterprises to implement an integrated management system that in 2007 was certified for 3 standards at a time: quality management system ISO 9001:2000, environmental protection management ISO 14001:2004, occupational health and safety management system OHSAS 18001:1999.

Environmental protection

One of the main constituents of KuibyshevAzot’s development strategy is preservation and protection of natural resources and decrease of development pressure and resources consumption.

This objective is achieved by introduction of waste-free and low-waste technologies, upgrading of the equipment and revamping of the existing production facilities. Constant monitoring is carried out for complying with all requirements of environmental safety. The ecological audit of all projects from idea to implementation is obligatory.

In September, 2007 the Rostekhnadzor commission of Samara Department inspected the slime water collection and treatment plant for safety and data monitoring. It proved to comply with required rates.

While passing regular checks and inspections required by the legislative regulations and ecological standards “KuibyshevAzot” proceeded with its practice of holding public hearings dedicated to environmental impact evaluation of new and revamped plants. In the reporting year the hearings on planned projects were held: liquid carbon dioxide production, air separation plant of gas feedstock preparation plant, abatement of nitrous oxide emissions of thee weak nitric acid plant.

In the reporting year a number of projects related to technical upgrading was realized which allowed decrease of harmful impact on the environment. As a result, in spite of significant production growth and introduction of new capacities the actual gross emissions fell by 2% and amounted to 57,6% of allowed rates.

The abatement of ammonia and nitrogen oxide emissions was a result of lower average concentrations in emissions after installation of the catalytic cleaning at the weak acid plant.

The food grade carbon dioxide plant as a JV was started up at the site of KubyshevAzot. It uses carbon dioxide emissions as a feedstock. This plant designed by Union Engineering, Denmark let reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2,100 tons. This project was the first under the obligations of Russia as a participant of Kioto Protocol on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Reduction of water consumption is another important issue needing a consistent solution within environmental protection measures of KuibyshevAzot. During 2007 potable and river water consumption was controlled by instruments. The amounts of polluted water wastes were regularly measured by instruments for keeping more accurate records.

The operation of the own silt treatment systems resulted in decrease of usage of the municipal waste treatment facilities: effluents were lowered by 87,600 m3, suspended waste content was reduced by 4,2 times.

The erection of the equipment for demi water plant is coming to an end according to the advanced technology. The implementation of this innovation would result in further reduction of waste water amounts.

The recirculation of clarified waste water to water supply system brought the annual consumption of river water down by 465,400 cubic meters/year.

The company seeks consistently the ways of using production wastes as secondary resources, which also yields tangible environmental effect. Last year 18,700 tons of such products were sold, up 4.7% from 2006. Research works on use of 2 types of wastes for production of construction dry mixtures and general mechanical rubber goods were carried out.

A special attention is paid to the production culture and keeping the production site in compliance with sanitary requirements. During the year RUR 3.6m was spent on care, cleaning and planting of the factory area and the adjoining sanitary zone. “KuibyshevAzot” was awarded a diploma of the winner in the municipal competition in the nomination “The Establishment of Beautification and Landscaping”.

In 2007 the company spent in total RUR16.6m. for environmental protection measures.

“KuibyshevAzot” takes an active part in programs related to improvement of the social and ecological situation of the town and the region, providing targeted financial assistance to various environmental organizations. The enterprise contributes to professional training of ecology engineers on the basis of the Togliatti State University and Togliatti Technical and Technology College. We work on fostering the oncoming generation in principles of a careful nature-oriented attitude. Competitions, conferences, exhibitions dedicated to the ecological issues are regularly organized among the students of secondary schools, students of colleges and of higher education institutions in the town. The company is one of the organizers, sponsors and regular participants of international conferences “The environment for us and future generations”, “ELPIT - 2007”, etc.