Four remediation options considered for illegal waste dump in Gospić

Authorities are considering four possible solutions for cleaning up an illegal hazardous waste dump in Gospić after an expert assessment commissioned by anti-corruption prosecutors confirmed contamination at the site.

The Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund estimates that remediation costs could range from two million to 125 million euros, depending on the method chosen.

Deputy Director Mirko Budiša said the least expensive option would involve sealing the waste under a waterproof barrier to prevent pollutants from reaching groundwater, with an estimated cost of two to three million euros.

Other options include excavating the waste and transporting it to a hazardous waste landfill abroad, which would cost between 20 and 25 million euros, chemically stabilising the waste at an estimated cost of 10 to 15 million euros, or excavating and incinerating the waste, a solution that could cost up to 125 million euros.

Most MP Zvonimir Troskot has called on the Government to declare an ecological emergency, describing the illegal dumping as one of Croatia's most serious environmental crises.

Troskot warned that the contamination could spread beyond Gospić and the Lika region, potentially affecting areas downstream toward Senj and the northern Adriatic islands.

"People are not even aware of the destructive significance of these so-called 'forever chemicals'," Troskot said. "They are called 'forever chemicals' because once they enter the ecosystem, they can never be removed."

He called for immediate action on remediation and said he plans to file criminal complaints against those responsible for the illegal disposal of hazardous waste.