Karabatan Utility Solutions Cited for Environmental Violations in Atyrau Region

Karabatan Utility Solutions LLP — an infrastructure operator under the Samruq-Qazyna Fund — has been cited for environmental violations following an unscheduled inspection by the Atyrau Region Department of Ecology, Orda.kz reports.

The inspection was prompted by public concerns after reports surfaced that large vacuum trucks were discharging liquid industrial waste in locations not designated for disposal.

According to officials, the company held a valid environmental permit for wastewater treatment since June 20, 2022, and had an agreement with IDOS Services for waste removal beginning in November 2024.

However, the inspection found that the required environmental assessments had not been conducted, and project requirements were not met.

During the inspection, specialists from the department identified several violations: the companies failed to conduct a required environmental assessment prior to discharge, did not implement corrective measures, and did not follow design or permitting requirements. Wastewater was also discharged in inappropriate locations, resulting in land damage,the Department of Ecology stated. 

Both companies were held administratively liable under shortened proceedings — a process where the offense is acknowledged, and the responsible party agrees to pay the fine voluntarily. The case materials have also been transferred to law enforcement for further review under the Criminal Code.

Karabatan Utility Solutions operates in the National Industrial Petrochemical Technopark Special Economic Zone. Despite its strategic importance, this is not the first time the company has drawn scrutiny from environmental authorities.

In 2024, it was fined 7.2 billion tenge for discharging pollutants without a permit; in 2023, the company faced a 7 billion tenge penalty for exceeding emission limits.

Original Author: Daniel Arturov