Croatia environmental crisis: Illegal waste contaminates groundwater in Gospić and Benkovac

illegal waste disposal PFAS contamination microplastics groundwater pollution environmental crime

Investigations by USKOK have confirmed significant environmental contamination in Croatia, specifically in Gospić and Benkovac, due to the illegal disposal of thousands of tons of hazardous waste. In Gospić, analysis by the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) revealed the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called ‘forever chemicals,’ in both waste eluates and local groundwater. While concentrations in groundwater were noted as lower than those at similar international sites, the presence of these compounds and microplastics has sparked public concern.

In Benkovac, specifically at the Kukalj site, experts identified at least 6,427 tons of heterogeneous waste, including plastics, rubber, textiles, and metals, alongside microplastics and elevated levels of antimony.

Government officials, including Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, have stated that public drinking water remains safe, as contamination was detected in local piezometers rather than the public supply. Remediation efforts in Gospić are set to begin shortly, with the first phase involving the removal of approximately 650 tons of non-hazardous waste. The state plans to fund the cleanup and subsequently seek reimbursement from those responsible. The investigation, which began in 2023, involves multiple individuals and legal entities, with an indictment potentially expected by late September or early October.

Entities

Andrej Plenković · Andreja Plenković · Benkovac · Branko Bačić · Croatian Institute of Public Health · Gospić · HDZ · Ivan Turudić · Josip Juraj Strossmayer Water Institute · Josip Šincek · Lika · Nikola Grmoja

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] PFAS levels in water exiting the landfill area were twice the limit for drinking water. likaclub.net.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] About 37,000 tons of waste were illegally deposited in the Gospić region.
[● 3 SOURCES] The official expert report was completed on August 7 but remained unreleased for 30 days. www.bl-portal.com · prigorski.hr
[● 5 SOURCES] The Josip Juraj Strossmayer Water Institute confirmed high concentrations of microplastics in groundwater. prigorski.hr · www.bl-portal.com · www.dnevno.hr
[● 2 SOURCES] Nikola Grmoja alleged coordinated action between the government and the State Attorney's Office to delay the report. prigorski.hr
[● 10 SOURCES] USKOK released findings confirming groundwater contamination near Gospić. prigorski.hr · www.bl-portal.com · likaclub.net.hr · www.poslovni.hr · www.telegram.hr · +1 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated that public drinking water remains safe for consumption. dnevnik.ba
[● 2 SOURCES] Mario Šiljeg stated that illegal waste must be removed from Gospić and Varaždin as soon as possible. riportal.net.hr
[● 4 SOURCES] The investigation was initiated by the Ministry of the Interior in 2023.
[● 4 SOURCES] The state attorney's office could issue an indictment by late September or early October.
[● 2 SOURCES] Marijana Puljak stated that the cost of remediation should not be borne by citizens.
[● 3 SOURCES] The investigation involves 14 physical persons and four legal entities. www.poslovni.hr