Waste Found on Land Designated for New Jastrebarsko School

A planned new primary school in Jastrebarsko, Croatia, faces a significant hurdle after geological investigations uncovered 12,000 cubic meters of buried waste on the 18,800-square-meter site. The land, donated by the Jastrebarsko City Council to the Zagreb County for the school and sports hall in 2022, was previously used as a parking lot and fairground.

Drilling revealed the waste primarily consists of soil mixed with household and bulky refuse, including large quantities of glass, plastic, metal, clothing, and construction debris. Historical maps from 1968 indicate the area was once a lake before being filled and leveled. Some reports suggest waste was deposited there decades ago.

Experts are divided on the remediation strategy. Geotechnical specialists hired by the county propose cleaning the site before construction begins. However, IPZ Uniprojekt TERRA, engaged by the city, believes remediation can occur concurrently with school construction. The Ministry of Science, Education, and Youth has stated that all environmental protection laws must be followed.

Concerns about the land's condition are not new. In September last year, city and county officials discussed soil quality testing for the school's construction project. Goran Navoj, vice-president of the Zagreb County Assembly, noted that the land's history as a former fairground and potential waste site presents the biggest challenge. He questioned the decision to proceed with school construction given the findings, placing responsibility for land selection on the city council that donated the plot.

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Who would sign a decision to build a school if you know that there was garbage underneath?