In the river Ljubija near Vrhnika, a low-lying area has uncovered decades-old waste

A low water level in the Ljubija River near Vrhniki has exposed decades-old waste, including old pipes, walls, pots, tires, and even construction materials dating back to 1972 when the Verd viaduct was built. Local residents have called for authorities to use the low water level to clean the river. The discovery came during a routine inspection led by local community leader Dejan Novak and diver Martin Podlipovec, who walked through the riverbed and retrieved items such as old stoves, tractor doors, containers, and large tires. According to Podlipovec from the Vrhnik Diving Club, which has been cleaning the river with the local community for six years, they have already removed numerous items from the water, yet the amount of waste remains overwhelming. The waste includes remnants from the construction of the Verd viaduct, as noted by Novak, based on reports from locals. He stated that the waste likely stems from the time period around 1972. Despite annual clean-ups, the problem persists, with Podlipovec noting that their efforts alone are insufficient. “We clean the river every year, but there’s still too much waste,” he said. “It would require a more structured approach.” Novak added that they expect a response from the Water Directorate and Darsa, which he described as the legal successor to former Yugoslav companies responsible for the viaduct's construction. Environmental protection agencies have warned that removing long-standing waste could pose risks to fish and other organisms in the river, especially if hazardous substances are buried among the debris. The Ljubija River is also described as black, unclean, and inaccessible in some areas, with locals suspecting fecal discharges. A representative from Komunale Vrhnika explained that the issue arose due to a malfunction at a pumping station several months ago, though the problem has since been resolved. They confirmed that the pump station is now operating normally but have not yet received information about a new discharge incident, which is currently under investigation. In another section of the river, felled trees have been found, which should have been removed by the concessionaire Hidrotehnik. In some areas, access to the riverbank is blocked by fences erected by industrial sites or Darsa. Residents continue to await responses from the relevant authorities regarding these issues. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining the cleanliness and accessibility of the Ljubija River, despite regular efforts by local groups and organizations.