Lublin river pollution: Petroleum substance contaminates Czerniejówka

An unknown petroleum-like substance with a solvent odor is contaminating the Czerniejówka river in Lublin, Poland. The pollution, which has persisted for several days, is flowing directly into the Bystrzyca river.

Investigations suggest the contamination entered the river via a storm drain outlet near Robotnicza Street. Despite efforts by firefighters and Wody Polskie to deploy sorbent booms at three different locations, the barriers have proven insufficient to contain the chemical spread. One barrier near the Garbarska Street pedestrian bridge reportedly allowed almost the entire substance to pass through.

The environmental impact is already visible, with dead fish floating in the river. The Provincial Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (WIOŚ) in Lublin has collected water samples for laboratory analysis to determine the chemical composition of the substance. Additionally, the Provincial Veterinary Inspectorate has intervened, removing several animals from the affected area.