Romania to spend EUR 120 mln on decontamination of OMV Petrom sites, applies for EU money

Romania will spend EUR 120 million on revamping contaminated sites in the next two years, and money will come from EU funds, according to a project currently on debate on the Ministry of Environment’s website. The project was prepared in support for Romania’s reimbursement request for environment expenses within the Petrom privatization contract, according to Mediafax. The investment covers decontamination at the Doljchim platform, at the Petrobrazi platform, as well as at Arpechim. It also includes decontaminating the lakes Dâmbovnic and Suseni – Arpechim, as well as oil residues and product deposits. This is the first time when the Environment Ministry applies for reimbursement of funds for these investments. Romania sold Petrom in 2004, and buyer OMV took over the environmental dues. The state however has until 2019 to pay back to OMV any decontamination expenses resulted from before the sale. A EUR 50 mln fund was created at the Treasury to cover for such expenses. editor@romania-insider.com