Lika region waste scandal: PFAS and heavy metals found in groundwater

An environmental crisis is escalating in Croatia's Lika region following reports of massive illegal waste disposal. Investigations in Gospić have revealed approximately 37,000 tons of mixed waste, including electronic and medical waste. Soil and groundwater analyses have detected high concentrations of heavy metals—such as copper, lead, and antimony—alongside PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals."

New allegations from Most MP Marin Miletić suggest a second illegal waste site has been discovered on state-owned land in Udbina. Miletić has requested an urgent investigation by the Ministry of the Interior to determine the nature of the waste and its potential impact on the region's groundwater and public health.

Political tension is rising as Nikola Grmoja, president of the Most party, accused the government of involvement in a "criminal link" regarding the waste management scandal. He specifically criticized the slow pace of remediation and called for political accountability from Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Environment Minister Vučković. Local officials, including Gospić Mayor Darko Milinović, have warned of potential public protests in Zagreb if immediate action is not taken to sanitize the contaminated areas.