The operation of 15 car wash facilities has been suspended
The staff of the Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body have suspended the operations of 15 car wash facilities belonging to various individual entrepreneurs and companies in different regions of Armenia, including Ijevan, Vanadzor, Vayots Dzor, and Kapan.
The Environmental and Mining Inspection Body (EMIB) continues to implement strict measures aimed at ensuring compliance with water resource standards. The activities of these 15 points were suspended due to the lack of drainage systems. According to the message issued by the EMIB, the suspension of 2 car wash points has been lifted on the condition that the violations are corrected.
On November 28, during a government meeting, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had mentioned the operation of one of the car wash points, “Wash It Yourself.” He explained that “the equipment used at this point is quite modern, and it releases a significant amount of water, which was evident in my observations. I realized that, in many cases, the ‘Wash It Yourself’ facilities are located on the edge of the sidewalk, and when the water spray circulates around the vehicle, it’s obvious that the spray goes out towards the sidewalk. I was lucky, some people noticed and said, ‘Wait a minute, the Prime Minister is passing by.’ Of course, I was touched by the respectful attitude, but it raises the question: If the Prime Minister doesn’t walk on that sidewalk, why should a citizen notice that strong water spray is being released towards the street?”
After this incident, the Prime Minister instructed the inspection bodies to investigate the issue. On December 10, the Environmental and Mining Inspection Body employees recorded violations in Syunik and Vayots Dzor. The activity of 5 car wash points was suspended.