Czech Ministry closes Heřmanice spoil tip waste investigation

The Czech Ministry of the Environment has concluded a multi-year investigation into the Heřmanice spoil tip near Ostrava, determining that no perpetrator exists for the suspected illegal dumping of waste within the site's separation wall.

The investigation focused on whether construction waste—including bricks, concrete, wood, and plastic—was mixed with the non-flammable material intended to prevent internal combustion within the 100-hectare site. While photographic evidence and local testimonies suggest the presence of significant waste, the Ministry stated that expert assessments concluded the material is not classified as waste and is not environmentally harmful.

Ridera Bohemia, the company involved in the construction of the separation wall, maintains that it fulfilled all contractual obligations and has provided 14 expert reports supporting its compliance. The company suggested the investigation may have been driven by the interests of private landowners involved in disputes with the state. Meanwhile, the state enterprise Diamo has noted it is awaiting the official decision from the Ministry but remains focused on the priority of remediating the site and ensuring local safety.