Croatia to Export 30,000 Tons of Hazardous Waste from Gospić Due to Lack of Domestic Disposal Site

Croatia is exporting around 30,000 tons of hazardous waste from Gospić, as the nation lacks a suitable facility for its disposal. Branko Bačić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, stated that the government is elevating its response to the illegal dumping site to the highest level.

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The government understands their concern, but emphasizes that drinking water is completely safe and healthy according to the latest findings from the Croatian Institute of Public Health.

The government's strategy focuses on three key principles: continuous monitoring of water quality, public reporting of findings, and the prompt removal of waste from Gospić, followed by site restoration. Bačić assured Gospić and Lika residents that their concerns are understood, emphasizing that recent tests by the Croatian Institute of Public Health confirm the drinking water is completely safe.

For the buried hazardous waste, estimated at 30,000 tons, the Ministry and the Environmental Protection Fund have initiated a market survey. Inquiries have been sent to about 70 companies across Europe capable of managing such waste. Bačić noted that they are not waiting for the August 25 deadline for a repeated tender for waste remediation.

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We are not waiting for August 25.

If the tender does not yield acceptable offers, a negotiated procedure will include approximately 4,500 tons of surface waste and 650 tons in large bags. The initial phase of this procedure involves market research, followed by requests for final offers from the most qualified bidders. A crucial criterion will be the waste removal timeline. Bačić reiterated that due to the absence of a suitable domestic disposal site, the waste will be managed abroad by the European company offering the most comprehensive solution. Preparations for waste removal are scheduled to be completed by August 25.

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One of the important criteria will be the waste removal deadline.