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The Environmental Protection Committee is meeting about waste in Gospić.
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsCenter6 days ago

The Environmental Protection Committee is meeting about waste in Gospić.

The Environmental Protection Committee will soon hold a session in Gospić to address the issue of hazardous and illegally dumped waste at the former agricultural combine facility. The discussion centers around approximately 37,000 tons of dangerous waste, including plastic, rubber, textiles, and metal particles, some of which have been buried. The government has extended the deadline for bids related to the cleanup of this waste until August 25. There is also a proposal for a public hearing involving several high-ranking officials, though opposition parties argue such hearings are unnecessary since the public already knows who is responsible. Additionally, there is a proposed amendment to the Criminal Code introducing 'ecocide' as the most severe environmental crime. This case has become a major political issue in Croatia after the USKOK agency released findings highlighting the environmental risks posed by the industrial complex in Gospić.

Minister of Environment and Green Transition Marija Vučković confirmed on Friday that she has returned to Gospić despite initial reports suggesting otherwise. During a press conference in the town, she stated that water quality in Gospić and its surroundings remains safe for human consumption, citing regular and additional sampling efforts. The Ministry of Environment and Green Transition, along with the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency, have taken over responsibility for the remediation of the illegal waste dump in Bilajska Street, Gospić, following technical and staffing requirements. They have initiated necessary legal and preparatory steps, including a meeting with representatives of the Parliamentary Committee for Nature Protection and the Environment, which had been postponed due to the fire in Omis. The meeting was held alongside local authorities, including the mayor Ernest Petryj and his team, to ensure accurate information was shared regarding ongoing activities aimed at timely remediation of the waste site. Vučković noted that no companies had responded to the first public tender for the cleanup of approximately 4,500 tons of hazardous waste, as their analyses showed deviations from initial parameters. As a result, a second tender has been extended until August 25. Additionally, a separate tender for the cleanup of 650 tons of non-hazardous waste in bags has been launched with the same deadline. Following the release of a comprehensive report by the Faculty of Geotechnics and its supplement concerning findings in groundwater, the ministry has further investigated the market and contacted between 60 and 70 operators abroad. Vučković announced preparations for urgent procurement documentation, parallel work on additional tasks, and planned additional boreholes at recommended locations and depths. She emphasized that monitoring will continue before, during, and after the remediation process, with protective measures implemented throughout. Vučković addressed concerns about why action had not been taken earlier, stating that the issue involved a long-term and serious criminal act against the environment, with an ongoing international investigation. She mentioned that the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development received the last, and only, citizen complaint related to another incident on June 21, 2023, while the State Prosecution began proceedings on June 27, 2023, collaborating with competent bodies. She noted that the period of incrimination started in 2019, and the charges will clarify whether certain individuals and entities should be suspected. A parliamentary committee meeting on environmental protection is scheduled for Gospić, having been postponed due to wildfires in Dalmacia. The meeting will address the issue of 37,000 tons of hazardous and illegally disposed waste at the former agricultural complex. A second public tender for the cleanup of around 4,500 tons of hazardous waste has been extended until August 25, and a separate tender for 650 tons of non-hazardous waste in bags has been issued with the same deadline. There is a proposal for a public hearing involving Vučković, the director of the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, health minister Irene Hrstić, and other relevant officials. If accepted, hearings would take place on Tuesday, August 18, in Gospić. Members of the ruling party, however, believe public hearings are unnecessary, arguing that the public is already aware of the actors and events. They claim documents presented by colleagues clearly show who bears responsibility in terms of criminal and political accountability. Opposition parties demand an extraordinary session of the Parliament and intend to initiate a vote of no confidence in the government. A proposed law aims to amend the Criminal Code to include ecocide as the most severe crime against the environment, with the bill introduced by representative Marija Selak Raspudić. The situation in Gospić has become the main political topic in Croatia since the beginning of September when the military intelligence agency USKOK released a report and expert opinions on the location of the industrial complex in Gospić, Bilajska 50, and a supplement prepared by the Faculty of Geotechnics at the University of Zagreb. Civil initiatives have previously warned about the dangers of illegal waste disposal, emphasizing its threat to the environment and public health. At the former PPK Velebit site in Gospić, it was found through geotechnical analysis that approximately 37,000 tons of waste were buried, with nearly 33,000 tons being buried. The waste consists of heterogeneous industrial materials, including plastics, rubber, textiles, and metallic particles, with microplastics, elevated concentrations of heavy metals, and ecotoxic properties detected. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals," were confirmed in groundwater downstream of the landfill, although this water is not part of the public water supply. Residents of Gospić and surrounding areas, as well as all of Croatia, must receive information on risk assessments for health, potential exposure zones, relevant pathways of contamination spread, planned health protection activities, and the type and timing of the remediation plan, according to Dušica Radojčić in a call for the committee meeting.

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7 reports

Index.hr logoIndex.hrIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 9011 days ago
What are the "eternal chemicals" found in Gospić and how dangerous are they?

An analysis conducted by the Faculty of Geotechnics at the University of Zagreb has revealed high levels of heavy metals and persistent chemical compounds known as 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) in soil and groundwater near the waste disposal site in Gospić. The findings have raised concerns among the local population due to potential health risks associated with these contaminants. Soil samples showed extremely high concentrations of copper, lead, and antimony, far exceeding permissible limits for agricultural land. In groundwater, PFAS compounds were detected downstream from the site, though their presence was minimal upstream. While some of the most problematic PFAS compounds were not quantifiable in the samples, their detection raises environmental and health concerns.

Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights environmental contamination and potential health risks linked to industrial activity, which are typically covered with a focus on public welfare and regulatory oversight, common themes in left-leaning media. The emphasis on public concern and the need for environmental safety,

Why factuality (90): The article thoroughly covers the chemical analysis results from the waste site in Gospić, providing detailed information on the types and levels of contaminants found. It aligns closely with the primary source in terms of factual accuracy and scientific data.

Why objectivity (90): The article remains highly objective, presenting the findings of the analysis without any apparent bias. It focuses on the technical aspects of the contamination and its implications, maintaining a neutral stance throughout.

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8012 days ago
Mirela Holy: This is the best indicator of how much the government, and the opposition, care about the environment.

Mirela Holy, former Minister of Environmental Protection, appeared on the show 'Novi Dan' hosted by Tihomir Ladišić. The discussion focused on the waste disposal site in Gospić. The article does not provide specific details about the conversation, but it highlights that the topic of environmental protection was central to the interview.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral overview of an interview involving a former minister discussing environmental issues. There is no evident framing that favors one side over another, and the content remains balanced without explicit ideological slant.

Why factuality (85): The article discusses Mirela Holy’s opinion on the government and opposition’s lack of commitment to environmental protection based on the Gospić waste case. While it accurately reflects her viewpoint, it doesn’t provide additional factual details beyond her perspective. It generally agrees with the

Why objectivity (80): The article presents Mirela Holy’s opinion without overtly pushing her view as superior or inferior. It allows her to express her stance while maintaining a relatively neutral tone, though it focuses more on her personal assessment than on balanced reporting of the event itself.

HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) logoHRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 706 days ago
The Environmental Protection Committee is meeting about waste in Gospić.

The Environmental Protection Committee will soon hold a session in Gospić to address the issue of hazardous and illegally dumped waste at the former agricultural combine facility. The discussion centers around approximately 37,000 tons of dangerous waste, including plastic, rubber, textiles, and metal particles, some of which have been buried. The government has extended the deadline for bids related to the cleanup of this waste until August 25. There is also a proposal for a public hearing involving several high-ranking officials, though opposition parties argue such hearings are unnecessary since the public already knows who is responsible. Additionally, there is a proposed amendment to the Criminal Code introducing 'ecocide' as the most severe environmental crime. This case has become a major political issue in Croatia after the USKOK agency released findings highlighting the environmental risks posed by the industrial complex in Gospić.

Bias read (Center): The article presents multiple perspectives, including proposals for public hearings, criticism from opposition parties, and the introduction of new legislation. It does not exhibit clear bias toward any side but rather provides a balanced overview of the situation and various viewpoints.

Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed information about the upcoming meeting of the Environmental Protection Council in Gospić, mentioning the 37,000 tons of hazardous waste and the extension of tenders. It references official actions such as public hearings and legal proposals, aligning with common reporti

Why objectivity (70): The tone leans slightly towards supporting the call for public hearings and accountability, especially through the mention of political parties and their criticisms. While factual, there is an underlying emphasis on transparency and responsibility, which may reflect a more activist perspective.

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 8012 days ago
Puchowski: Collapse of the government is possible, but not a realistic option

The article features a discussion between guest Tihomir Ladišić and political analyst Žarko Puhovski, focusing on the ecological crisis caused by the delayed disposal of hazardous waste in Gospić. The conversation highlights concerns over environmental issues and the potential implications of political decisions on such matters. While the content centers on environmental policy and its challenges, there is no detailed elaboration on specific political actions or outcomes beyond the general mention of the issue.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a discussion on an environmental issue but does not take a clear ideological stance. It focuses on the problem itself rather than promoting a particular political agenda or criticizing specific parties. The framing remains neutral, with no evident leaning toward either left or右翼

Why factuality (75): The article mentions political analyst Žarko Puhovski discussing the ecological crisis caused by illegal waste disposal in Gospić but provides little specific information beyond this. It lacks concrete details about the incident itself, such as who was involved, what actions were taken, or any offic

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the discussion in a neutral manner, focusing on the views of Žarko Puhovski without overt bias. The tone remains professional and avoids strong emotional language or clear favoring of one side over another.

Telegram.hr logoTelegram.hrIndependentCenterFactual 65Objective 559 days ago
Radojčić: "It is incomprehensible to me that the tragedy in Omiš is used for shooting"

Ministra zaštite okoliša Marija Vučković objasnila je situaciju oko ilegalnog odlagališta otpada u Gospiću, naglašavajući da je voda za piće zdrava i da se poduzimaju mjere za sanaciju. Sjednica Odbora za zaštitu okoliša otkazana je zbog požara u Omišu, dok se Ministarstvo i Fond za zaštitu okoliša suočavaju s tehničkim i kadrovskim zahtjevima. Prvi natječaj za sanaciju nije bio prihvaćen, pa je otvoren drugi natječaj, a Ministarstvo kontaktiralo je više internacionalnih operatera. Također, grad Gospiću je omogućena sufinanciranje za mjere zaštite.

Bias read (Center): Članak donosi neutralnu analizu političke situacije vezane uz zaštitu okoliša i sanitaciju otpada, bez jasno izraženog političkog stajališta. Informacije su prikupljene putem službenih izvora i objektivno prikazane, što ukazuje na centrističku liniju.

Why factuality (65): This article appears to be a mix of unrelated content, including political commentary and other news items, making it difficult to assess the factual accuracy of the waste-related portion. It lacks coherence and depth in addressing the specific issue at hand.

Why objectivity (55): The article has an inconsistent tone, shifting between different topics without clear separation. This lack of focus affects its objectivity, as it fails to present a coherent and balanced view of the waste issue.

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 506 days ago
Vjekoslav Busic: The institutions had information, but they were playing us with authority. They were aware of the dangers!

The article features an interview with Vjekoslav Bušić from the initiative 'Gospić je naš dom' discussing his expectations from today's session of the local council's Environmental Protection Committee in his town. The conversation takes place with Hanan Nanić from 'Novi Dan,' focusing on the community's concerns regarding environmental protection measures. The piece includes interactive elements such as comments and social media engagement prompts, but does not provide detailed content beyond the setup of the interview.

Bias read (Center): The article presents an interview with a local activist and includes a discussion about municipal governance and environmental issues. There is no clear ideological framing or emphasis on specific political positions. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the community's expectations rather than any

Why factuality (60): This article appears to be incomplete or possibly a placeholder, as it contains repeated phrases and lacks substantive content about the event. There is no clear information about the meeting, the waste issue, or any specific details about the environmental council. The text seems to be a template o

Why objectivity (50): The article has a very limited objective stance due to its lack of content. It does not provide balanced or neutral information, nor does it present different viewpoints. Instead, it appears to be a non-functional piece of content with little to no journalistic value.

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 25Objective 3013 days ago
N1 comment: Ecological disaster in Gospić

The article presents a morning analysis by Katarina Plantak from N1 Hrvatska discussing an ecological disaster in Gospić. The content appears to focus on environmental issues affecting the region, likely involving pollution, natural disasters, or human-induced damage to the ecosystem. However, due to the limited text provided, specific details about the incident, its causes, or its impact remain unclear. The piece invites viewer comments and encourages engagement through social media platforms.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses an environmental issue but does not present any overtly political stance, framing, or biased language. It focuses on the event itself rather than taking a position on related policies or political actors.

Why factuality (25): The article appears to be a generic commentary piece with no specific factual content or reference to a primary source. It includes only promotional elements like 'jutarnja analiza' and 'katarina plantak', suggesting it is more of an invitation for reader engagement rather than a substantive report.

Why objectivity (30): The tone is informal and lacks neutrality. The text encourages readers to share opinions and engage in discussion, indicating a subjective approach rather than presenting balanced information. There is no attempt at objective reporting.

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