The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change announced it launched a series of inspections starting July 1 after allegations of microplastic pollution in the Mediterranean sea and on the coast.
As a result of inspections carried out in Adana, Antalya, Hatay, Mersin and Muğla, a total of 47 million 599 thousand lira in administrative fines was imposed on 23 facilities.
The ministry's central inspection teams also began checks at waste recycling facilities and wastewater treatment plants in Adana and Mersin.
While 142 facilities with high pollution potential were included in the inspection planning, 39 inspections have been carried out since July 27.
Inspections revealed that a portion of the wastewater was being discharged untreated at the Seyhan Wastewater Treatment Plant, operated by the Adana Metropolitan Municipality Water and Sewerage Administration (ASKİ). The facility, which was fined last year for the same violation, has now been fined 5 million 874 thousand lira.
Including the Seyhan Wastewater Treatment Plant, a total of 20 million 732 thousand lira in fines were imposed on 7 businesses found operating in violation of environmental regulations. Inspections in the region are ongoing.