Minister announces additional wells and groundwater monitoring for illegal waste site: 'We will ensure timely remediation'

Croatia's Minister of Environmental Protection, Marija Vučković, has announced enhanced measures to address illegal waste disposal in Gospić, including the installation of more monitoring wells and intensified tracking of groundwater.

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I think it could be solvable.

Vučković characterized the illegal dumping as a "serious environmental crime" and stated that responsibility is being determined by the State Attorney's Office and other relevant authorities. The Ministry is focused on remediation, with the minister expressing optimism that the pollution problem, including persistent chemicals that have entered the soil and groundwater, could be resolved during her tenure.

Preparations are underway to procure and install additional investigative boreholes. The buried waste will be temporarily covered to prevent further leaching. Vučković confirmed that all expert opinions support these actions, which she stated will not prolong the overall remediation timeline. The remediation process currently involves two phases, with a third being prepared, contingent on the completion of geotechnical assessments.

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All the expertise supports this; we have to do it, and it will not prolong the remediation time at all.

According to all available reports and samplings conducted since March, the water intended for human consumption has been confirmed as safe. Vučković announced plans to intensify water sampling, monitor groundwater, and provide regular public updates. Approximately 4,500 tons of hazardous waste and 650 tons of non-hazardous waste are present at the surface of the disposal site.

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The water for human consumption is safe according to all reports and samplings so far, and 13 samplings have been carried out since March.

Efforts to remove and dispose of the surface waste have faced challenges, with no bids received in the first procurement process. The estimated value in the repeated process was increased from 2.1 million to 4.72 million euros due to a higher chlorine content, which increases the cost of thermal treatment. Vučković indicated that if no companies express interest, a negotiated procedure will commence immediately. She assured that timely remediation would be secured, though acknowledged it cannot be completed in a matter of weeks.

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We will ensure timely remediation, we will do our best, we have additional solutions.