Environmental Threat Over Smolyan: How Logging for Photovoltaics Above Ustovo District Pitted Citizens Against Institutional Indifference and the Lack of Clear Answers

Member of Parliament Larisa Savova from Velichie party submits a question to the Minister of Environment and Water, Manol Genov, regarding the protection of the natural environment above the Ustovo district in Smolyan, where large-scale logging and investment plans for a photovoltaic plant are creating tension among residents and concerns about environmental risks.

Question by Larisa Savova Regarding Environmental Risks in Ustovo District

Chair: Question from Member of Parliament Larisa Borisova Savova regarding the protection of the natural environment and the prevention of environmental risks in the area above the Ustovo district in the city of Smolyan. Please proceed, Ms. Savova, to elaborate on your question.

Larisa Savova: Dear Madam Chair, Members of Parliament, dear Mr. Genov. My question concerns an investment project in Smolyan Municipality, city of Smolyan, Ustovo district.

Citizens alerted me to large-scale logging on a steep and environmentally sensitive terrain located directly above a residential area, as well as to a prepared project for a photovoltaic installation. There is no public information indicating that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure or a screening for the need for such has been carried out.

The terrain is indeed of exceptional importance to the local community, as for decades it has been used as a recreation area—for leisure, tourism, and walking. This is explicitly stated in the citizens’ objection submitted to the Municipal Council. Residents insist that the site be preserved in its current condition and developed as a park or public-use area, rather than allowing damage to the natural environment, destruction of stabilizing vegetation, and potentially risky construction on a steep slope above their homes.

The legal framework for environmental protection requires mandatory assessments for activities that lead to significant terrain modification, risk to groundwater or water resources, affected vegetation, or a change in the designation of areas with a public function. Citizens have already taken legal steps to file objections and participate in procedures, which underscores the seriousness of the case, and have organized two protests.

My question is: has an EIA procedure or a screening for the need for one been conducted? What actions will your ministry take to guarantee that this area—long used by residents for recreation and tourism—will be protected from environmental risks? Thank you.

Response by Minister Manol Genov

Chair: Thank you. Minister Genov, please respond.

Manol Genov (Minister of Environment and Water): Dear Madam Chair, distinguished Members of Parliament, dear Ms. Savova. In response to your question, I can provide the following limited information.

As of this moment, no notification of an investment proposal related to the construction of a ground-mounted photovoltaic power plant within the scope of the mentioned terrain has been submitted to the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW) – Smolyan. The territory is urbanized and does not fall within protected areas under the Protected Areas Act or protected zones under the Biological Diversity Act. The nearest protected area is “Western Rhodopes,” designated for the conservation of natural habitats and wild flora and fauna, located approximately 5 km away.

Upon notification of the competent environmental authority, respectively RIEW – Smolyan, a decision will be issued in accordance with the requirements of the applicable environmental legislation and subordinate regulatory framework. Thank you.

Reply and Rejoinder

Chair: Thank you. For a reply, Ms. Savova, do you wish to speak? Please proceed.

Larisa Savova: Thank you. Mr. Minister, should I understand correctly that only the local authorities are responsible for people’s health, and that the Ministry of Environment and Water in this case has none? Thank you.

Chair: Thank you. Minister Genov, your rejoinder, please.

Manol Genov: Your question is somewhat unclear to me—whether local authorities are responsible for people’s health or not. Regional inspectorates are responsible both for health-related aspects and for environmental protection.

You are asking me a difficult question to answer, because I have already stated—there is no investment proposal submitted to RIEW – Smolyan. If there are publications—newspaper or media reports—and people are understandably concerned, let such an investment proposal appear. It will then be assessed according to the established procedure by the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water in Smolyan, and it will be determined whether it affects public health and whether such an investment proposal is permissible. Therefore, discussing something that currently does not exist, in my opinion, is unnecessary. Thank you.