Calucem cement factory in Pula under scrutiny after sludge discharge video

A video circulating on social media has sparked concerns regarding a potential environmental incident at the Calucem cement factory in Pula, Croatia. The footage shows a truck discharging dark sludge and liquid near the coastline.

Calucem issued a statement claiming the incident was caused by an external contractor who failed to transport the material to a designated location within the factory grounds. The company stated that the substance was rainwater and material from a storm drainage system, rather than wastewater, and expressed regret for the contractor's unauthorized actions near the shore.

However, local environmental group Zelena Istra and city councilor Koviljka Aškić have raised doubts, suggesting this may not be an isolated event. Zelena Istra has reported the matter to the State Inspectorate, noting that the discharge appears to violate environmental permits. Local residents have also expressed long-standing grievances regarding noise, dust, and air pollution from the facility.