The Seim River. Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Chernihiv Oblast
A new pollution zone has been observed in the Seim River. However, it does not pose the same threat as the previous one.
The head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, Vyacheslav Chaus, shared this information on his Telegram channel.
“As reported by the head of the relevant department of the Regional State Administration, a new spot has been observed in the Seim, but it does not pose the same threat as the previous one. The water quality in the Seim and Desna rivers is gradually improving», — the post reads.
Previously, a massive fish die-off was detected in the Seim River in Sumy Region. The cause was identified as a large influx of organic matter into the river, which reduced oxygen levels in the water. In Ukraine, the Seim flows into the Desna. Ecologist Oleh Lystopad, an expert with the ANTS Network, spoke about this on Hromadske Radio:
“The State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection and the State Ecological Inspectorate took water samples and conducted relevant analyses. According to their data, the samples show reduced oxygen levels in the water, leaving the fish without air to breathe.»
On 28 August, Kyivvodokanal issued a statement following reports of Russian pollution in the Seim River, the largest tributary of the Desna. The statement reassured residents that the water in Kyiv homes is safe and its quality is continuously monitored.
Kyivvodokanal specialists regularly take water samples both during intake and at all stages of water treatment. Any changes in water quality would be promptly detected, allowing for adjustments in the water purification and disinfection process. It was emphasized that the water supplied to Kyiv residents is safe, with constant monitoring ensuring no threats to consumers.
“Kyivvodokanal, in cooperation with government agencies, continuously monitors the water quality in the Desna River. Should any threats arise, all necessary measures will be taken.»
According to Lystopad, the Seim River, which was the first to be polluted, is now “dead,” with all aquatic life lost. The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute confirmed that the pollution was caused by the discharge of organic substances (molasses) from the treatment facilities of a sugar factory in the Russian city of Tyotkino. This was most likely an unintentional incident.
On 17 September, the Seim River experienced further pollution in the Sumy region. Water quality deteriorated at upper monitoring points, extending to the village of Mutyn.
Additionally, on 9 September, a slight unpleasant odor and discoloration of the Desna River’s water, which flows through Chernihiv, were observed. A massive fish die-off was recorded in the reservoir, as reported by Chernihiv’s acting mayor, Oleksandr Lomako.
On 13 September, ecologist Oleh Lystopad stated that if treatment facilities function properly, the pollution in the Desna and Seim rivers would not affect the safety of Kyiv’s tap water. He also noted that the capital has alternative water sources.