Gospić faces environmental crisis from hazardous waste contamination

An environmental crisis is unfolding in Gospić and the Lika region of Croatia following the illegal disposal of approximately 37,000 tons of hazardous and medical waste. Investigations suggest that the waste, which was allegedly imported from abroad and covered with soil over a two-year period, has led to the contamination of local soil and groundwater.

Expert analysis has confirmed elevated concentrations of heavy metals in the soil near the disposal site and has identified that ‘forever chemicals’ (PFAS) have penetrated underground water sources at two locations downstream. This contamination poses a direct threat to the drinking water supply for several towns and municipalities located downstream from Gospić.

The incident has drawn comparisons to major international environmental cases, such as the DuPont and 3M settlements in the United States regarding PFAS contamination. Local residents have reported an increased reliance on bottled water due to concerns over the safety of tap water.