Jiu River pollution triggers investigations and criminal case in Romania

Authorities in Romania are investigating significant environmental issues affecting the Jiu River. In the Turceni area, reports of dead fish have prompted Apele Române Jiu to collect water samples and inspect hydrotechnical installations to determine if improper dam maneuvers or water quality changes caused the mortality.

In a separate but related environmental crisis, the Gorj Environmental Guard has launched a criminal investigation following the discharge of inadequately treated fecal-domestic wastewater into the Jiu River near Românești. Inspections of the Târgu Jiu sewage and purification system revealed major operational deficiencies. Laboratory results confirmed that the water discharged from the Târgu Jiu treatment plant exceeded legal limits for suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5).

These findings indicate that the river's ecological status has degraded from ‘good’ to ‘moderate’ downstream of the discharge point. The operator of the sewage system has been sanctioned with a fine of 60,000 lei, and the case is being handled in collaboration with the Gorj County Police Inspectorate.