A Russian court has ordered a construction company to pay over 1.7 million rubles in compensation for environmental damage in the Far East’s ecologically sensitive Kamchatka Peninsula. The Arbitration Court of Kamchatka Krai ruled against the construction firm “Trest” following a lawsuit filed by Russia’s federal environmental watchdog, Rosprirodnadzor, holding the company accountable for significant soil pollution near the Avacha River.
The legal action was triggered by an on-site inspection in October 2024, which revealed a substantial spill of industrial drilling mud covering an area of almost 242 square meters. The incident occurred while the company was constructing a pressure collector in the city of Elizovo. The spillage represented a serious breach of environmental protocols in a region famed for its pristine natural landscapes.
Subsequent laboratory analysis of soil samples taken from the site provided definitive proof of the violation. Tests confirmed that the concentration of contaminants far exceeded legally permissible levels, posing a direct threat to the local ecosystem. The findings formed the core of the evidence presented by Rosprirodnadzor, the state agency responsible for enforcing environmental law.
Before initiating legal proceedings, the environmental agency gave “Trest” an opportunity to voluntarily pay for the calculated damages. The company’s refusal to comply with this initial demand prompted the regulator to seek a court order. After reviewing the case, the court determined that the fact of soil pollution resulting from the developer’s commercial activities was fully proven.
In its final verdict, the court fully satisfied the regulator’s claim, ordering “Trest” to pay 1.714 million rubles for the environmental harm. Additionally, the company was required to pay 76,000 rubles in state duties, underscoring a stringent enforcement action against corporate pollution in one of Russia’s most unique natural territories.