Volunteers and staff tackle massive waste cleanup near Kazakh hydroelectric dam

A major cleanup effort has taken place near the Ust-Kamenogorsk Hydroelectric Station dam on the Irtysh River. Volunteers and staff work regularly to remove large amounts of waste from the area. The litter, often carried by water currents, poses risks to both the environment and the plant’s operations. The Ust-Kamenogorsk Hydroelectric Station deals with significant waste buildup each year. Around 100 cubic metres of trash are removed annually from the waters near its dam. Most of this waste originates from the Bukhtarma Reservoir, which feeds into the river system.

To protect its hydrotechnical equipment, the plant has installed grates to block debris. Staff also conduct frequent cleanups, clearing the area at least ten times every summer. Each operation fills an entire truck with collected waste.

A recent effort focused on the Ulba River, where students and volunteers gathered dozens of bags of trash. Aidos Adilbekov, head of the regional youth resource centre, led the initiative. The litter along this stretch had been carried downstream by the current from Ridder to Ust-Kamenogorsk. The waste not only harms the local ecosystem but also affects the appearance of the reservoir. Regular cleanups by staff and volunteers help reduce the environmental impact. These efforts aim to keep the waterways cleaner and safer for both wildlife and infrastructure.