Alert on Kukulyanovo, the sulfur pipeline is again above the permitted level, the police have launched an investigation

Alarm has been raised once again at Kukuljanovo after sulfur dioxide levels were found above permissible limits, prompting police to launch an investigation. The incident occurred near the facility of Orada Adriatic, a company engaged in fish farming and processing, where elevated concentrations of the hazardous gas were detected both in the sewage system and in the air around drainage openings close to the plant. According to Željko Linšak, director of the Public Health Education Institute of the Primorsko-Goranska County, these findings have been confirmed by both the institute and employees of the Water Supply and Sewage Company (ViK). Both entities have submitted new reports to the Water Inspection of the State Inspectorate of the Republic of Croatia (DIRH), indicating that the measured values exceeded legal thresholds. However, neither party disclosed the exact figures recorded during the inspections. The situation comes just under two years after a worker at Orada Adriatic died due to poisoning from gases, which had already sparked significant public concern and regulatory scrutiny. This recent incident follows multiple complaints from residents about unpleasant odors spreading across the Industrial Zone of Kukuljanovo, particularly near the Orada Adriatic facility. In response to these concerns, the Water Inspection of the State Inspectorate conducted an inspection at the fish processing plant. During this visit, inspectors determined that blockages in the wastewater treatment pump system caused the high sulfur dioxide levels. These issues were addressed during the inspection, and samples of wastewater from the technological process were collected. The inspection process is ongoing, and further measures will be taken based on the results of the wastewater analysis, according to officials from the Inspectorate. Daily measurements continue to be carried out by ViK staff, who monitor gas concentrations throughout the entire drainage system within the Industrial Zone. On Thursday, no concentration of sulfur dioxide exceeding the allowable limit of 5 parts per million (ppm) was recorded near the Orada Adriatic facility, and there is currently no threat to human health, as confirmed by ViK yesterday. The Water Supply and Sewage Company has filed a formal complaint regarding the discharge of wastewater from Orada Adriatic's production unit into the public drainage system. However, the company does not have the authority to prohibit such discharges, which fall under the jurisdiction of inspection bodies. The company continues its daily monitoring efforts, conducting measurements in the morning and afternoon hours across the entire drainage network in the area. The incident has reignited concerns over environmental safety and corporate responsibility, especially given the tragic death of a worker nearly two years ago. The current investigation aims to determine whether the elevated sulfur dioxide levels resulted from a blockage in the wastewater treatment pump at Orada Adriatic or if the gas originated from another source. As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to provide more detailed information about the causes and potential consequences of the incident. The outcome of this probe could lead to stricter regulations or enforcement actions against the company, depending on the findings. Meanwhile, local residents remain anxious, hoping for transparency and effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.