Power station effluent leak in western Iran causes environmental damage

Text of Iranian TV report,
Television of the Islamic Republic of Iran Network 1, Persian, 1730 GMT, January 2, 2000

HAMEDAN, Iran -- An effluent leak from a power station in the Vyan area of Hamedan [in western Iran] has caused damage to the environment.

[Correspondent - recording] In spite of the fact that the officials of the Shahid Mofatteh power station in Hamedan are busy clearing the effluent in the Vyan area, the area is still polluted. Announcing the news, the director-general of the Environmental Protection Department of Hamedan [Alami, according to the caption] added: The pollutant has seeped into the soil in the area. But, due to the lack of rainfall, the operations to bring the pollution under control in local waterways is progressing easily.

[Alami - recording] Studies have revealed that 40,000 to 50,000 litres of furnace oil have leaked, polluting 1 Km of the river. We will not be able to witness the environmental effects for some time, and to see if the pollution has been cleared. The effects will remain for some time.

[Correspondent] Two years ago, a furnace oil leak from the Shahid Mofatteh power station in Hamedan, caused extensive environmental damage and killed about 2,000 migrant birds.