Analiza potrdila: v Gospiću je zakopana ekološka bomba

In the small town of Gospić, located in central Croatia, residents have long feared the presence of hazardous waste buried beneath the former Mesna Industry Velebit site. A recent analysis conducted by the National Institute for Public Health “Dr. Andrija Štampar” in 2024 has confirmed these fears, revealing the existence of dangerous waste that poses serious environmental and health risks. The findings were finally released after more than a year and a half, following persistent pressure from local activists and community groups. The results confirm that the area is contaminated with toxic heavy metals, including antimony, which can contaminate soil and groundwater, posing a threat to both the environment and human health. The analysis was carried out under the supervision of the State Inspectorate and was initially kept confidential until now. It was made public through efforts led by the initiative “Gospić je naš dom,” which has been advocating for the cleanup of the site for over a year and a half. According to Vjeko Bušić, a representative of the initiative, the findings confirm that the waste is classified as hazardous and includes infectious medical waste. Most of the heavy metal values measured were elevated, indicating a severe contamination issue. Antimony, a highly toxic heavy metal, is particularly concerning because it can become harmful when it comes into contact with rainwater, potentially polluting underground water sources. Darija Došen, another member of the initiative, emphasized the need for immediate action. She stated that they had insisted on starting measurements of the quality of groundwater near the polluted location. The situation has drawn attention from several officials, including the city’s public defender, Tenu Šimonović Einwalter, and Minister of Environmental Protection Marija Vučković, who publicly promised urgent remediation efforts as early as February of last year. Despite these assurances, the residents remain concerned about the slow pace of the cleanup process. Residents living in the area, particularly those in Lici, express deep frustration and fear. Katarina Jelinić, a mother of four, described her concern over the potential impact on her family's health. She expressed hope that the authorities would take decisive steps to remove the hazardous waste. Similarly, Željka Šikić voiced her anxiety, stating that she feels threatened by the possibility of harm to herself and her children. Both women highlighted their sense of helplessness, noting that despite years of waiting, little has been done to address the problem. The initiative continues to call for expert interpretation of the analysis to determine the exact nature of the waste and the necessary steps for its proper disposal. While some progress has been made, such as the initiation of public procurement procedures for the removal of scattered waste, much work remains. The Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency has already published analyses related to the first two phases of the cleanup, scattered waste around silos and waste stored in large bags. These analyses were shared with potential interested economic entities as part of an ongoing market analysis for the safe disposal of buried waste. Efforts are also underway to find solutions for the approximately 35,000 tons of mixed waste, which has been blended with soil, sand, and debris. In addition to seeking bids for waste removal, the Fund has reached out to 11 international operators managing hazardous waste sites within the European Union and is exploring options for disposal in closed former salt mines used for permanent storage. This represents a broader effort to identify viable and sustainable methods for dealing with the environmental crisis in Gospić.