Željko Tomljanović: All water analyses in the Senja area are correct

Željko Tomljanović, mayor of Senj, has confirmed that all previous analyses regarding water quality in his municipality have been accurate. This comes amid ongoing concerns over potential contamination linked to waste disposal operations in the area. Tomljanović made these remarks following reports that a married couple, the Šinceks, and their company Tipos Resurs had previously signed contracts with both the municipal utility company in Senj and the local government in Gospić for waste disposal activities. According to Tomljanović, the contract with the Senj-based communal company, Komunalca, lasted approximately one year. Under this agreement, the Šinceks were required to provide cover material for the waste, which they did free of charge, except for certain plastics they reportedly recycled for their own benefit. The agreement also mandated the creation of bunds and other protective elements around the landfill site to prevent contamination. However, Tomljanović stated that the company failed to meet its obligations under the contract, leading to its termination. He estimated that while the contract stipulated the delivery of around 4,000 tons of cover material, only about 2,600 tons were actually delivered. Tomljanović clarified that he was not in office during the time the contract was active but contacted the director of Komunalca after recent developments in Gospić to obtain information requested by N1. He emphasized that the discussions centered on water quality in Senj and the broader drainage basin, including areas within the Primorsko-Goranska and Licko-Senjska counties. Water analysis conducted in 2025 tested samples from the islands of Rab and Pag, and the results were negative for perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Additional tests carried out this year included samples from Senj and Rab, and again, no PFAS elements were detected beyond permissible levels. Tomljanović acknowledged public concern but noted that misinformation has spread recently, particularly from Gospić, where some individuals have used the situation to create unnecessary panic. To address these concerns, Tomljanović revealed that the municipality has signed an agreement with the County Administration for additional monitoring and further water testing. Samples were collected from two locations within Senj yesterday, and results are expected in about a month. He highlighted that the landfill site in Sveti Juraj, located in Senj, was remediated in 2018 and features a protective geotextile layer to prevent leachate from reaching groundwater. Tomljanović expressed confidence that expanding the investigation to include Senj and Sveti Juraj would make it easier to detect any potential contamination if it exists. He noted that neither the State Institute for Environmental Protection and Nature Conservation (USKOK) nor the Croatian Environment and Energy Agency (DORH) have formally responded to requests for clarification. Nevertheless, the municipality has sought an official statement to determine whether current conditions hinder remediation efforts and to understand the present status. The mayor reiterated that although the landfill in question is no longer operational and has been officially remediated, there remains a legal obligation to ensure its continued safety, supported by funding from the Ministry of Environment and Energy. He stressed that the community's expectations remain high for timely responses and transparency in addressing environmental concerns.