In Wrocław, in the picturesque and protected natural area of the Bystrica Valley scenery Park, which is part of the Natura 2000 area of Łęgi nad Bystrica, a serious ecological threat has been revealed. In Jarnołtów, right at the entrance to the park, residents discovered an illegal waste dump. The scale of the case has alarmed the local community and officials, and the case may shortly go to the prosecutor's office.
Intervention following notification of residents
"In connection with information from residents on the illegal landfill of waste in Jarnołtów, in the area of the Bystrica Valley scenery Park, partially in the Natura 2000 area of Łęga nad Bystrzyca, Councillor Robert Suligowski asked for control to the Provincial Inspectorate of Environmental Protection in Wrocław, Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection and – in connection with possible crime – to the prosecution", she reported. Radiozet.pl.
According to the intervention letter, an illegal landfill, including scrap, is located in the ruins of old Arnold's Mill. The councillor stressed that:
"The visible part from the street is waste stored on primers, while behind the barrier and in the ruins of the mill there are many more. The waste is, according to the residents, stored in an unprotected way, straight on the ground, there are old machines, barrels with remains of indeterminate substances.”
Environmental and human hazard
The situation is aggravated by the fact that the landfill was flooded with water during last year’s flood alarm, which could have contributed to the contamination of the surrounding waters and soil. This area is peculiarly susceptible to rainwater. The councilman alerts:
"In Bystrica, according to the locals, after intense rainfall, there is simply a coloration of water, and with advanced humidity of the air it is possible, according to them, to odor characteristic of chemistry. Therefore, hazardous waste is suspected to be landfilled without legal permissions.’
Long-term problem and limited service activities
How long has this been going on? Suligowski admits that:
"The scale of the dump was not known to us. We knew that there were any waste stored there, there were actions taken by the city police, The Department of Environment of the Wrocław City Office, but unfortunately these competences which they have proved besides weak".
It besides stresses the unique natural value of this area:
"On the 1 hand, we have wonderful paths and the shore of Bystrica, on the other, an illegal landfill. We gotta deal with this subject and make it a mess."
The case goes to the D.A.
According to the information provided to the media, the councilman referred the case not only to environmental authorities, but besides to the prosecution, indicating the anticipation of committing a crime. This is about violations of the rules of:
- Article 183(1) – a crime of pollution,
- Article 187(1) – demolition of protected areas,
- Article 188 k.k. – mismanagement of waste.
The intent of the notification is not only to measure the scale and kind of hazard, but besides to collect and test samples in certified laboratories. It will besides be essential to conduct an investigation and, if the allegations are confirmed, criminal proceedings.
Need for immediate response
In his intervention, the councilman requested an urgent check in the police ass to guarantee the safety of the actions and transparency of the proceedings.
"I am already after the first talks with the ERDC in Wrocław, which transmits this announcement to the right cells and I hope that we will rapidly get free of this dumpster from 1 of the most valuable natural areas in Wrocław" - said Suligowski.
The issue is of large importance not only for nature conservation, but besides for the wellness of the inhabitants and users of Bystrica. The presence of illegal chemicals in a place of legal protection is simply a serious violation which cannot be ignored.
More here:
Toxic problem in the heart of nature – illegal landfill in Bystrica Valley Park under the scrutiny of the services and prosecutors
