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Balkan environmental crises: Zeta River pollution and hazardous waste discoveries
Environmental concerns and illegal waste disposal are causing significant unrest across the Balkan region. In Montenegro, residents of Danilovgrad have staged protests against the pollution of the Zeta River. Protesters allege that companies Primato P and Naša farma are discharging waste that turns the river black, red, or white, and they are demanding stricter inspections and the enforcement of ecological regulations.
In Croatia, an investigation linked to Europol has exposed a waste disposal mafia that operated across Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, and Germany. In the town of Gospić, it was discovered that approximately 37,000 tons of hazardous waste, including medical and mercury-based materials, were buried in the ground. This discovery has raised alarms regarding long-term soil and water contamination in the Lika region.
Addressing concerns regarding water safety in Zadar County, Croatia, the Zadar Institute of Public Health has confirmed that tap water remains safe for consumption. Despite fears regarding illegal waste and PFAS chemicals, officials stated that rigorous multi-level monitoring is in place, with the institute testing up to 5,000 samples annually to ensure public safety.
Entities
Europol · Gospić · Primato P · Zadar Institute of Public Health · Zeta River
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Primato P and Naša farma are identified by protesters as current polluters of the Zeta River. biznis.me
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Zadar Institute of Public Health tests between 4,500 and 5,000 water samples annually. zadarskilist.novilist.hr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The buried waste in Gospić included medical, aluminum, iron, and mercury. radiogornjigrad.blog
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The waste mafia operated in Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, and Germany. radiogornjigrad.blog