Çınarcık swimming ban issued following Marmara Sea pollution

A ban on swimming has been implemented in the Çınarcık district of Yalova, specifically between the Kestanelik Family Tea Garden and the Karpuzdere area, following the detection of sea pollution in the Marmara Sea.

Investigations by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change revealed that untreated wastewater was being discharged into the sea and local streams. Inspections found that sewage from the Çınarcık Municipality was leaking through multiple points in the Taş Liman and Vali Akı areas. Additionally, the Mavi Deniz Wastewater Treatment Union was found to have non-operational facilities, leading to the discharge of accumulated waste into the Teşvikiye Stream.

As a result, the Çınarcık Municipality was fined 5,034,000 TL, and the Mavi Deniz Wastewater Treatment Union received a fine of 2,097,000 TL, totaling over 7 million TL in administrative penalties. Local residents have reported foul odors and health issues, claiming that the pollution has affected both the environment and public well-being. Çınarcık Mayor Avni Kurt stated that the discharges were necessary temporary measures to allow for system maintenance.