started · updated
Gospić waste site remediation plan launched amid criminal investigation
The Croatian government has introduced a remediation plan for an illegal waste site in Gospić, where approximately 44,000 tons of hazardous and non-hazardous waste have been discovered. The project, estimated to cost over 55 million euros, will be executed in four distinct phases, with each phase expected to last no longer than 13 months. The total process is projected to be completed within roughly 18 months.
Initial work has already commenced, with the company Kostak beginning the temporary covering of buried waste using waterproof geomembranes to prevent rainwater from contaminating soil and groundwater. This preliminary step is valued at 270,000 euros and is expected to be completed within 30 days.
In the Croatian Parliament, debates have begun regarding amendments to the Waste Management Act. These proposed changes aim to strengthen oversight, introduce mandatory video surveillance at waste sites, and implement GPS tracking for waste transport vehicles. The legislation also emphasizes the ‘polluter pays’ principle to ensure financial responsibility for illegal dumping.
Amidst the technical response, officials have raised concerns regarding potential criminal involvement. Mirko Budiša, Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Fund, stated that available information suggests a link between individuals in institutions and organized crime regarding the illegal disposal of waste.
Entities
Branko Bačić · CE-ZA-R · Croatian Parliament · Damjan Ćulafić · Environmental Protection Fund · European Commission · Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency · Gospić · Kostak · Luka Balen · Marija Vučković · Mirko Budiša
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Environmental Protection Fund selected a group of bidders to remove 4,500 tons of scattered waste near the former PPK Velebit silo. lidermedia.hr · www.poslovni.hr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Between 33,000 and 37,000 tons of waste have been illegally buried at the former PPK Velebit site in Gospić. lidermedia.hr
- [● 4 SOURCES] A consortium led by CE-ZA-R won a contract worth 8.77 million euros (excluding VAT) to remove 4,500 tons of scattered waste. lidermedia.hr · www.poslovni.hr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Construction Branko Bačić will preside over the presentation of the remediation plan.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 44,000 tons of hazardous and non-hazardous waste are located at the site. lidermedia.hr · www.poslovni.hr · teleskop.hr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The remediation plan is estimated to cost over 55 million euros. teleskop.hr · lidermedia.hr
- [● 4 SOURCES] The remediation will be carried out in four phases. lidermedia.hr · www.poslovni.hr · teleskop.hr · n1info.hr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The remediation is expected to be completed within approximately 18 months. teleskop.hr · lidermedia.hr
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Croatian Parliament has begun debating amendments to the Waste Management Act. likaclub.net.hr · www.24sata.hr · glas-slavonije.hr · www.novilist.hr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mirko Budiša stated that available information suggests a link between individuals in institutions and organized crime. ogportal.com · n1info.hr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The remediation plan for the Gospić waste site is estimated to cost over 55 million euros. teleskop.hr · lidermedia.hr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The total remediation work is expected to be completed in approximately 18 months. teleskop.hr