Vladimir Shalayev, lawyer, BMS Law Firm: “Under Article 42 of the Constitution, each individual is entitled to have accurate information on the environment. Besides, Article 29 of the Federal Law «On Protection of the Atmosphere” says that individuals, legal entities and non-governmental associations are entitled to obtain information on the condition of the atmosphere, its pollution and sources of pollution of the atmosphere and harmful physical effects on it. Normally such information is provided upon request. Withholding or distorting environment related information entails administrative liability under Article 8.5 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation.

One may also file a complaint related to general pollution issues to the Moscow City Environmental Resources Management Department. If we are talking about a specific facility located near where you reside, such complaint must be file to a public prosecutor’s office. If the air
is polluted because of, say, street sweepers burning trash, you will have to apply to the Association of Administrative and Technical Inspections which controls them”.