Health problems abound
Health surveys of the villagers performed in 2003 found that forty-five percent of the population was chronically ill. Then and now, individual accounts reflect a broad range of ailments, most commonly 
Testing the soil in Berezovka headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and balance, sore throat, cough, and gastrointestinal problems. A 2003 survey of 100 high school students revealed that 95 suffered from overall weakness, 83 regularly experienced severe headaches, 77 were suffering from memory loss and had frequent fainting spells, 67 had skin ailments, and 34 were experiencing regular nose bleeds. Blood samples taken by an independent laboratory in 2004 indicated that the villagers were suffering from exposure to hydrogen sulfide and other toxins associated with petroleum extraction and refining. Villagers currently claim that only one out of every ten Berezovka men is found fit for military service.
The court comes to Berezovka
Over three hundred residents of Berezovka attended an April 30, 2010 court session in connection with a lawsuit brought by Green Salvation 
on their behalf. The suit charges the government of Kazakhstan with failure to act to ensure the safety of the village residents, and seeks relocation. The judge, together with representatives of the government and local authorities, came to hear the Berezovka residents give their opinions about living near the oil field. Not surprisingly, they learned that the residents want to be relocated.
Compensation from the companies?
While the villagers continue to seek redress from their own government, they also believe that the consortium that owns and operates Karachaganak owes them a duty to not harm their health and lands. Because two European companies- BG Group (an English company) and ENI (an Italian company)- are the majority owners and operators of the field, EDLC was asked to find legal representation for the villagers to explore possible claims in the courts of Europe against the responsible companies.
EDLC enlisted London-based Leigh Day, a firm with an international reputation for pursuing violations of human rights norms around the world. A team of lawyers visited the community in 2010, accompanied by a U.S. toxicologist enlisted by EDLC. The firm is exploring the villagers’ claims, including compensation and relocation. The people of Berezovka hope for better days ahead.
-Svetlana Anossova, community organizer and founder of the Berezovka Initiative Group