NOVKHANI, July 16 — A growing environmental concern is unfolding in the seaside settlement of Novkhani, Azerbaijan, where witnesses report untreated wastewater being discharged directly into the Caspian Sea. According to local accounts, sewage from nearby hotels and restaurants is allegedly flowing into the coastal waters, posing a serious public health risk to swimmers and beachgoers.
Residents and visitors describe strong, foul odors near the shoreline, making the area “unbearable,” with many unaware of the potential contamination in the water they’re swimming in.
“It’s impossible to stay on the beach due to the awful smell,” one local citizen said.
Infrastructure Conflicts and Official Denials
Operators of local tourism facilities have denied any wrongdoing, claiming that their waste systems are connected to the centralized sewage network. However, the visible presence of dark, foul-smelling liquid flowing into the sea has raised alarm.
In response, officials from the Sumgayit City Water Authority acknowledged that there is an issue but denied that the discharge consists of raw sewage. They attributed the pollution to maintenance work, specifically the flushing of a wastewater line.
According to the agency, a pumping station installed in 2014 includes an evacuation line for overflow. Officials have pledged that repair operations will be completed by the end of the day and that the situation will be fully resolved.
Environmental and Health Concerns Mount
Despite the explanation, environmental activists and health experts warn that untreated wastewater—regardless of its origin—poses a significant risk to marine ecosystems and human health, especially during peak summer tourism months.
If sewage contamination is confirmed, the discharge could violate national environmental protection laws and Caspian Sea preservation protocols, prompting potential calls for investigation and regulatory action.
Local residents and environmental groups are urging the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources to conduct an independent inspection and ensure accountability for any ecological damage or public health violations.
