Environmental impacts of Belene NPP

The chapter focuses on the changes in the environment as a result of a normal operation of the NPP, the possible changes due to accidents and the expected impacts of the power plant operation on the ecosystems and the population. The discussed aspects cover air, water and surface contamination, thermal pollution, underground water changes as a result of the power plant construction at the proposed site, electrostatic effects. The expected consequences are numerous, most of them considered to have cumulative effect. The waters of the Danube river in the region are already toxically and saprogenically burdened and an additional pollution could be crucial. The conclusion of the authors is that the construction of the Belene NPP should be stopped. 17 refs. (R.Ts.)