Vučković: Ne postoji hitna sanacija ovakvog heterogenog sastava otpada. Građani su s razlogom zabrinuti!

Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition Marija Vučković has stated there is no urgent remediation process for such a heterogeneous waste composition, emphasizing that citizens have valid reasons to be concerned. During her appearance on the show Novi Dan with host Hanan Nanić, she commented on the results of the USKOK investigation into contamination at an illegal waste dump in Gospić, discussed plans for remediation, and outlined possibilities for preventing similar incidents in the future. A year and a half after the discovery of the illegal disposal of medical waste, USKOK released findings from its artificial intelligence analysis spanning 365 pages. The reports confirmed serious soil contamination at the site in Gospić, with harmful substances such as copper, zinc, lead, and antimony found in elevated concentrations. Additionally, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” were detected in groundwater. The analysis warns of potential further spread of contamination if left unaddressed. Residents living near the landfill have long harbored fears, which have now been substantiated by official findings. The reports indicate significant local environmental degradation, with lasting changes already observed in the surrounding area. Without proper remediation, the landfill could remain a persistent source of pollution, posing risks to both the environment and public health. Vučković was asked whether the findings would alter the Ministry’s remediation plan. She responded that while the report provides more detailed insights, the overall assessment of the ecological disaster had been ongoing since the beginning. She emphasized that the Ministry has consistently addressed the issue of environmental crime, highlighting that all initiated procurement procedures indicated the presence of hazardous waste. The report helped clarify the depth, scope, and composition of the heterogeneous waste through drilling efforts. However, she noted that each such procedure requires time, yet it aids in the remediation process. Currently, two open public procurement cases exist, one concerning hazardous waste, amounting to over four thousand tons, and another involving 650 tons of less hazardous waste, as mentioned in the Faculty of Geotechnics report. The greatest challenge, according to Vučković, lies in the so-called “phase three” waste, buried waste, which the report estimates at 32,000 tons. This type of waste is particularly complex and demanding to address. She added that the outcome of the remediation will determine the extent of the problem, underscoring the need for careful handling. When questioned about public concern regarding PFAS and their possible impact on groundwater and drinking water sources, Vučković deferred interpretation to specialists. She acknowledged that while the Faculty of Geotechnics identified multiple PFAS compounds, only one was confirmed, and she did not wish to misinterpret the findings. She stressed that the Ministry continues to pursue timely remediation, though she expressed frustration over the lack of clear guidance on expedited procedures for such complex waste types. These procedures typically take between 15 to 30 days, and despite repeated inquiries, no concrete steps were provided. Other participants in these discussions have corroborated this sentiment. A conservative approach was already applied in recent inquiries regarding buried waste, with the Ministry advising that due to the principle of caution, the waste should be considered ecotoxic. This possibility was included in market research prior to the current report's release. Vučković also addressed comments from the head of state prosecutor Ivan Turudić, who suggested the public should have been informed earlier about the scale of contamination. She countered that citizens deserve complete information, noting that the Ministry has published relevant data throughout the procurement processes.