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19 clusters · 135 sources · 58 days · First seen about 2 months ago · Last updated about 17 hours ago

Gospić waste scandal: Remediation and criminal scrutiny

Overview

The environmental crisis in Gospić has escalated into a significant political and legal issue for the Croatian government. Following the discovery of approximately 37,000 tons of illegally deposited waste, including hazardous materials and PFAS compounds, the ruling HDZ party faces intense scrutiny. Political tensions have intensified following claims by Lika-Senj County Prefect Ernest Petry that top levels of the Croatian state were aware of the illegal waste disposal issue, contradicting previous statements by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. The Croatian government has unveiled a multi-phase remediation plan for the former PPK Velebit site, targeting approximately 44,000 tons of waste across 7.5 hectares. While initial estimates suggested costs exceeding 55 million euros, updated projections indicate the total cost could reach 40 million euros if waste is pre-treated on-site. The plan aims to complete remediation activities within 18 months, followed by five years of environmental monitoring. Key stages include the removal and incineration of hazardous waste and the excavation of buried material. The situation has taken on a criminal dimension. In early 2025, thirteen individuals were arrested for the illegal import of hazardous waste from Italy, Slovenia, and Germany. This aligns with statements from Mirko Budiša, Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Fund, regarding links between “individuals in institutions and organized crime.” Local residents have reported significant health concerns due to the detection of toxic PFAS chemicals, copper, and lead in the soil and groundwater, leading to local protests and international media attention. In a recent update, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, alongside the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, released a detailed four-phase remediation plan addressing approximately 33,000 tons of waste. Minister Marija Vučković stated the process should conclude within 18 months, with five years of subsequent monitoring.

Entities

Gospić · Andrej Plenković · Marija Vučković · Croatian Parliament · Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency

Claims

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

Coverage disagrees

Sources make claims that cannot both be true. CLSTR reports the disagreement; it does not decide who is right.

"PFAS chemicals have entered the groundwater downstream from the Gospić site."

vs

"According to the Croatian Institute of Public Health, water testing at depths of 100 to 300 meters shows no concerning levels of contamination in Gospić." teleskop.hr · likaclub.net.hr · glas-slavonije.hr · www.poslovni.hr · www.danas.rs · +1 more

One claim asserts PFAS chemicals have entered the groundwater, while the other asserts water testing shows no concerning levels of contamination.
"PFAS levels in Gospić's water supply are below detectable limits."

vs

"Expert analysis confirmed the presence of PFAS chemicals in groundwater."

One claim asserts expert analysis confirmed the presence of PFAS chemicals, while the other asserts PFAS levels are below detectable limits.
"According to the Croatian Institute of Public Health, water testing at depths of 100 to 300 meters shows no concerning levels of contamination in Gospić." teleskop.hr · likaclub.net.hr · glas-slavonije.hr · www.poslovni.hr · www.danas.rs · +1 more

vs

"Expert analysis confirmed the presence of PFAS chemicals in groundwater."

One claim asserts expert analysis confirmed the presence of PFAS chemicals, while the other asserts testing shows no concerning levels of contamination.
"PFAS levels in Gospić's water supply are below detectable limits."

vs

"PFAS substances were detected in groundwater downstream from the site."

One claim asserts PFAS substances were detected in groundwater, while the other asserts PFAS levels are below detectable limits.
"According to the Croatian Institute of Public Health, water testing at depths of 100 to 300 meters shows no concerning levels of contamination in Gospić." teleskop.hr · likaclub.net.hr · glas-slavonije.hr · www.poslovni.hr · www.danas.rs · +1 more

vs

"PFAS substances were detected in groundwater downstream from the site."

One claim asserts PFAS substances were detected in groundwater, while the other asserts testing shows no concerning levels of contamination.
"PFAS chemicals have entered the groundwater downstream from the Gospić site."

vs

"PFAS levels in Gospić's water supply are below detectable limits."

One claim asserts PFAS chemicals have entered the groundwater, while the other asserts PFAS levels are below detectable limits.

[DISPUTED] PFAS chemicals have entered the groundwater downstream from the Gospić site.
[DISPUTED] According to the Croatian Institute of Public Health, water testing at depths of 100 to 300 meters shows no concerning levels of contamination in Gospić. teleskop.hr · likaclub.net.hr · glas-slavonije.hr · www.poslovni.hr · www.danas.rs · +1 more
[DISPUTED] PFAS levels in Gospić's water supply are below detectable limits.
[● 12 SOURCES] The request concerns the illegal disposal of hazardous waste in Gospić.
[● 10 SOURCES] Approximately 37,000 tons of hazardous and medical waste were illegally dumped in Gospić.
[● 9 SOURCES] The Government must appoint a Chief State Inspector within 15 days.
[● 9 SOURCES] The Parliament Speaker is required to convene the session within eight days of receiving the request.
[● 9 SOURCES] The Government must begin permanent remediation of the landfill immediately.
[● 9 SOURCES] The Government must meet with citizen representatives within three days.

Timeline

about 17 hours ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 10 sources
Gospić waste remediation plan released by Croatian Ministry
Croatia has unveiled a four-phase, 18-month plan to remediate illegal waste in Gospić, with estimated costs of 40 million euros. Temporary covering works have already begun at the site.
4 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 22 sources
Gospić waste site remediation plan launched amid criminal investigation
Croatia has launched a 55-million-euro, four-phase remediation plan for 44,000 tons of illegal waste in Gospić, amid investigations into potential links between institutions and organized crime.
9 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Ernest Petry claims state leadership knew of Gospić waste crisis
Lika-Senj County Prefect Ernest Petry claims Croatian state leadership was aware of the illegal waste crisis in Gospić, despite Prime Minister Plenković's claims to the contrary.
12 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 8 sources
Regional political tensions rise over waste management and constitutional procedures
Political debates intensify in Croatia over Gospić waste management and constitutional veto procedures in Bosnia and Herzegovina, alongside EU responses to war criminal glorification complaints.
12 days ago

[POLITICS] 5 sources
Labinština leaders oppose hazardous waste disposal in Koromčno
Istrian officials and the Možemo! party are opposing the disposal of hazardous waste from Gospić at the Holcim cement plant in Koromčno, citing environmental and health concerns.
13 days ago

[POLITICS] 25 sources
Gospić waste crisis: Croatia forms Scientific Council for remediation
Croatia has formed a Scientific Council to remediate illegal waste in Gospić. The crisis has triggered political calls for the Prime Minister's resignation and concerns over waste being exported to Bosnia.
16 days ago

[POLITICS] 9 sources
Gospić waste contamination reaches European Parliament
Citizens from Gospić, Croatia, will present evidence of illegal waste and PFAS contamination to the European Parliament following an urgent procedure request by MEP Gordan Bosanac.
16 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
HDZ faces major political crisis over Gospić waste scandal
The Croatian ruling HDZ party faces a major political crisis following a hazardous waste scandal in Gospić, leading to a significant drop in public trust and widespread environmental protests.
16 days ago

[POLITICS] 23 sources
Gospić waste management: Croatian government assigns cement plants for urgent removal
The Croatian government will urgently remove 650 tonnes of non-hazardous waste from Gospić using Holcim Hrvatska and Nexe cement plants, amid political backlash and regional environmental concerns.
18 days ago

[POLITICS] 14 sources
Croatia opposition targets government over waste and no-confidence motion
Croatia's opposition is escalating political pressure, with the SDP filing a motion of no confidence and Možemo! demanding urgent action on illegal waste and groundwater contamination in Gospić.
25 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 34 sources
Gospić waste scandal: Government initiates remediation of 37,000 tons of illegal waste
Croatia faces a major environmental crisis in Gospić over 37,000 tons of illegal hazardous waste. The government has contracted the Kostak group for temporary remediation amid corruption investigations.
29 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
Gospić illegal waste remediation: Four bids received for protective covering
Four bids have been received to temporarily cover illegal buried waste in Gospić, Croatia, to prevent rainwater seepage as part of a larger environmental remediation effort.
29 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Gospić je naš dom organizes protest in Zagreb over illegal waste
The ‘Gospić je naš dom’ initiative is organizing a protest in Zagreb on September 5 to demand action against tens of thousands of tons of illegal waste in Gospić.
about 1 month ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 38 sources
Waste remediation efforts advance in Gospić and Montenegro
Remediation efforts for illegal waste in Gospić, Croatia, have begun with new bids received, while Montenegro initiates land expropriation for its KAP waste site to mitigate ecological risks.
about 1 month ago

[POLITICS] 49 sources
Gospić waste crisis sparks debate in Croatian Parliament
The Croatian Parliament addressed the illegal waste crisis in Gospić, adopting ruling majority conclusions while rejecting opposition proposals. Officials maintain local food and water are safe.
about 1 month ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 13 sources
Gospić hazardous waste crisis sparks political investigation in Croatia
Croatia faces an environmental crisis in Gospić due to illegal hazardous waste dumping, sparking political disputes over institutional oversight, groundwater safety, and the role of the Chamber of Economy.
about 1 month ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 71 sources
Gospić hazardous waste crisis prompts extraordinary Croatian Parliament session
President Zoran Milanović has called for an extraordinary parliamentary session to address the illegal dumping of 37,000 tons of hazardous waste in Gospić and widespread PFAS groundwater contamination.
about 2 months ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Croatia Orders Gospić Lithium Plant to Conduct Full Environmental Study
Croatia’s environment ministry has mandated a full impact study for the Gospić lithium plant, citing misclassification and risks to groundwater and health.
about 2 months ago

[HEALTH] 8 sources
Gospić site identified as ecological bomb with hazardous waste
Gospić waste site was confirmed as an ecological bomb with buried medical waste and high levels of toxic metals, prompting calls for groundwater monitoring and remediation.

Sources

023.hr · 031portal.hr · 24sata.hr · 6yka.com · abcportal.info · aktuelno.me · alpinerecreation.com · antenazadar.hr · argumenti.rs · autograf.hr · balk.hu · banjaluka.net · baranjainfo.hr · beta.rs · bigportal.ba · biznis.kurir.rs · blogodneverina.blog.hr · bmxshow.com · bosnainfo.ba · cginfo.me · cineplex.com.br · dalmacijadanas.hr · dalmacijanews.hr · dalmatinskiportal.hr · danas.rs · dnevnik.ba · dnevno.hr · door.hr · dubrovnikportal.com · emedjimurje.net.hr · etv.me · eventbrite.co.uk · ezadar.net.hr · fenix-magazin.de · firearmsnews.com · fns.org · FoodMap.lu · glas-slavonije.hr · glasistre.hr · h-alter.org · hrvatska-danas.com · hrvatski-fokus.hr · ideje.hr · index.hr · inmedia.ba · journalofscientificexploration.org · jutarnji.hr · kamenjar.com

This summary has been updated 89 times: see revision history