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Illegally dumped waste in Gospić contaminated the subsoil
Slovenia🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive9/7/2026

Illegally dumped waste in Gospić contaminated the subsoil

Experts from an institute tested water at three locations around an illegal waste dump in Gospić, upstream, directly at the site, and downstream. The results showed a significant difference: water upstream was nearly clean, while water directly under the dump contained 89% of all detected plastic. At the downstream location, they measured 737 micrograms of polystyrene (styrofoam) per liter, an extremely high concentration not typically found in natural environments. Spectroscopic analysis revealed various plastics including polyethylene, polypropylene, PET packaging, and PTFE (Teflon), which belongs to the PFAS family known as forever chemicals that rarely degrade in nature. Microplastics, invisible to the naked eye, were also identified and found to be carried through karst cracks by rainwater. The report explicitly mentions the river Lika as part of this underground basin, confirming the risk of contamination reaching the main flow of the Lika River via underground channels. After years of warnings from residents and environmental organizations, authorities began investigating businessman Josip Šincek and his company Tipos Resurs in February. The investigation found that waste was

The underground water system beneath Gospić has been contaminated with microplastics due to an illegal waste dump, according to a report by the Institute for Research and Development Josip Juraj Strossmayer, published by Croatia’s Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Office (Uskok). Citizens have demanded immediate cleanup of the area and legal accountability for those involved. Experts from the institute tested water at three locations around the illegal dump, upstream, directly at the site, and downstream. According to reports from the website Index.hr, results showed a dramatic difference: water flowing toward the location was nearly clean, while water under the dump contained 89 percent of all detected plastics. At the downstream location, measurements found 737 micrograms of polystyrene (foam) per liter, an extremely high concentration in natural conditions. Such plastic should not be present in a clean groundwater system, yet it was confirmed in massive quantities here. Rainwater carries this plastic directly through the karst formations, according to Index.hr. Spectroscopic analysis revealed that the subsurface contains not just crushed foam, but also polyethylene used for bags and films, polypropylene, PET packaging, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is better known as Teflon, a compound from the family of perfluorinated compounds (PFAS), often referred to as forever chemicals because they rarely break down in nature. Experts and protesters specifically highlighted the dangers of these substances since the discovery of the dump. In addition, experts analyzed particles measuring up to five micrometers, indicating microplastic invisible to the naked eye. Because the specific density of this plastic is almost equal to that of water, the particles do not settle at the bottom but instead move effortlessly through karst cracks via the groundwater. The report explicitly mentions the river Lika as part of the groundwater body of this aquifer, confirming the direct risk that contamination from Gospić could end up in the main flow of the Lika River through underground karst channels. After years of warnings from residents and environmental organizations, authorities began investigating businessman Josip Šincek and his company Tipos Resurs in February. The investigation revealed that waste from Italy and Slovenia had been brought into the Lika under the guise of raw materials for the supposed production of building blocks, which were then illegally buried and left unattended on sensitive karst terrain. This amounts to approximately 37,000 tons of waste. The investigation quickly expanded to local institutions, with higher-ranking county advisor for environmental protection Jerko Kostelac, a long-time employee of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), ending up under scrutiny. He is suspected of allowing Tipos Resurs to obtain permits even after inspections found irregularities, including forging official records of inspections at sites already filled with thousands of tons of improperly disposed waste. The scandal shook Croatia's political scene, reaching its peak last Saturday when more than ten thousand people gathered in Zagreb for the protest "March for Lika, March for Croatia." Protesters from across the country demanded immediate cleanup of the area and criminal liability for all involved. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković presented concrete steps for the cleanup during a visit to Gospić earlier this week, according to the Croatian newspaper 24sata. The company Kostak-Graditeljstvo Tehnologija Sirovine from Zagreb is reportedly participating in the cleanup efforts. It is a Croatian branch of the Slovenian Kostak from Krsko, for which Slovenian inspectors discovered that the company had illegally buried communal waste at its Center for Waste Management in Lower Old Town.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

4 reports

N1 Slovenija logoN1 SlovenijaIndependentProgressiveFactual 96Objective 929/7/2026
Institute of Certificates: Illegal landfill in Gospić underground contaminated with microplastics

An illegal waste dump in Gospić, Croatia, has contaminated groundwater with microplastics, according to a report by the Institute Josipa Juraja Strossmayer. The study, conducted by experts at the institute, tested water samples at three locations around the site and found high concentrations of various plastics, including polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, PET packaging, and PTFE (Teflon). These chemicals, particularly PFAS, are persistent in the environment and pose significant health risks. The contamination could potentially reach the Lika River through underground karst channels, posing a threat to local water resources. Despite years of complaints from residents and environmental organizations, authorities only began investigating the company Tipos Resurs in February. The investigation revealed that approximately 37,000 tons of waste were illegally disposed of, with some officials suspected of enabling the operation through controversial permits.

Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights systemic failures in environmental regulation and accountability, emphasizing the role of officials who may have enabled illegal dumping through questionable permits. While the focus is on environmental harm, the framing leans toward criticizing institutional negligence and a右

Why factuality (96): This article accurately summarizes the findings from the Institute Josipa Juraja Strossmayerja, citing the exact percentages of microplastics found and the types of materials identified. It also mentions the involvement of the Uskok agency and aligns closely with the other articles. The details matc

Why objectivity (92): The tone remains objective throughout, presenting the data without editorializing or bias. It includes direct citations from the report and focuses on conveying the scientific findings without injecting personal opinion or emotional language.

24ur (POP TV) logo24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 909/7/2026
Illegally dumped waste in Gospić contaminated the subsoil

Experts from an institute tested water at three locations around an illegal waste dump in Gospić, upstream, directly at the site, and downstream. The results showed a significant difference: water upstream was nearly clean, while water directly under the dump contained 89% of all detected plastic. At the downstream location, they measured 737 micrograms of polystyrene (styrofoam) per liter, an extremely high concentration not typically found in natural environments. Spectroscopic analysis revealed various plastics including polyethylene, polypropylene, PET packaging, and PTFE (Teflon), which belongs to the PFAS family known as forever chemicals that rarely degrade in nature. Microplastics, invisible to the naked eye, were also identified and found to be carried through karst cracks by rainwater. The report explicitly mentions the river Lika as part of this underground basin, confirming the risk of contamination reaching the main flow of the Lika River via underground channels. After years of warnings from residents and environmental organizations, authorities began investigating businessman Josip Šincek and his company Tipos Resurs in February. The investigation found that waste was

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual findings from experts and includes quotes from multiple sources, including environmental groups and local institutions. It does not show clear bias toward any political side but highlights the involvement of local officials and their alleged misconduct.

Why factuality (95): The article provides detailed technical information about the types of plastics found, including PTFE (teflon), and references specific locations like the Lika River. It accurately reports the findings from the Institute Josipa Juraja Strossmayerja and aligns closely with the other articles. The onl

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the facts in a largely neutral manner, using descriptive language rather than overtly emotional or biased phrasing. It includes direct quotes from the report and avoids taking a clear stance beyond reporting the scientific findings.

Delo logoDeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 94Objective 919/7/2026
In Gospić, the underground is contaminated with microplastics

A report by the Institute Josip Juraj Strossmayer confirmed that groundwater in Gospić has been contaminated with microplastics due to an illegal waste dump. The contamination was discovered after tests conducted at three locations around the site showed extremely high levels of plastic particles, particularly polystyrene, in the water beneath the dump. Experts warn that these plastics, including materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and PTFE (commonly known as Teflon), are persistent pollutants that do not degrade naturally. The pollution threatens to spread through underground karst channels into the river Lika, which flows into the main river system. Authorities began investigating the owner of the company involved, Josip Šincek, and his firm Tipos Resurs, after years of warnings from residents and environmental groups. The investigation revealed that approximately 37,000 tons of waste from Italy and Slovenia were illegally dumped under false pretenses. Local officials, including environmental advisor Jerko Kostelac, are now under suspicion for potentially facilitating the illegal dumping.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual findings from an independent institute and includes quotes from experts and officials without overtly favoring any side. It reports on environmental damage caused by illegal activity and mentions ongoing investigations involving local authorities, but does not take a立场.

Why factuality (94): The article accurately conveys the findings of the Institute Josipa Juraja Strossmayerja regarding the presence of microplastics in the groundwater near the illegal dumpsite. It includes specific figures such as the 737 micrograms of polystyrene per liter and the types of plastics detected. However,

Why objectivity (91): The article maintains an overall neutral tone, focusing on the scientific findings and public reactions. While it includes some direct quotes and references to the involved agencies, it avoids strong subjective language or advocacy, keeping the focus on the factual aspects of the situation.

RTV Slovenija (MMC) logoRTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 789/7/2026
Microplastics from illegal landfill contaminated the underground in Gospić

A report by the Institute Josip Juraj Strossmayer confirmed that microplastics from an illegal waste dump in Gospić have contaminated groundwater. The waste site, located in a sensitive karst area, has released high concentrations of various plastics, including polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and PTFE (commonly known as Teflon). These materials are part of a broader class of persistent chemicals called PFAS, which do not degrade naturally and pose significant environmental risks. Testing showed that water near the dump contained extremely high levels of microplastics, which are carried through underground fissures into the river Lika. This contamination threatens the main flow of the river. Authorities began investigating the owner of the waste site, Josip Šink, after years of warnings from residents and environmental groups. The investigation revealed that approximately 37,000 tons of waste were illegally imported under the guise of raw materials for construction blocks and then dumped in the area.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual findings from an independent institute and includes quotes from environmental organizations and authorities. It does not exhibit overt bias toward any political side but highlights the environmental and legal implications of the illegal dumping. The tone remains neutral,

Why factuality (85): The article reports on findings from a study conducted by the Institute of Josip Juraj Strossmayer, as confirmed by the Croatian Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Agency (Uskok). It provides specific data such as concentrations of microplastics and types identified (polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.

Why objectivity (78): The article presents the findings in a factual manner but uses emotionally charged language like 'nepredstavljivo visoka koncentracija' (unimaginably high concentration) which may influence reader perception. While it remains largely objective, there is a slight tilt towards emphasizing the severity

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