Hazardous waste at Porumbeni landfill under environmental investigation
Allegations have surfaced regarding the storage of hazardous medical waste at the landfill in Porumbeni, Criuleni district. Environmental specialists conducted an investigation at the site and uncovered multiple irregularities.
Images from the scene reveal thousands of IV tubes and tons of plastic waste.
"Wherever you dig, you find medical waste and hazardous materials. There’s a massive pile of plastic stored downstream of the Ichel River. It’s plastic waste, not mixed garbage, and it’s evident that it has been here for many years."
To investigate the situation, the Environmental Protection Inspectorate started control procedures to document the facts on-site and assess any environmental damage.
In addition, the relevant authorities will be informed about the identity documents discovered in the dump.
The Inspectorate for Environmental Protection will work with relevant authorities to review the file and enforce necessary penalties, said the head of the institution, Dorin Poverjuc. The results of the review will be shared with the public.
We would like to remind you that in recent days, over 20 cubic meters of extremely hazardous waste, including mercury, used syringes, and expired medicines, were discovered illegally stored in 21 bags in the Republic of Moldova.
Laboratory analyses conducted by the National Public Health Agency confirmed the presence of mercury vapour, indicating air contamination in a warehouse in the village of Goian, part of the Ciorescu commune, a suburb of Chisinau.
To ensure a thorough assessment of the situation, independent laboratory services from the European Union will be contracted to take additional samples, as announced by the Minister of Environment. Once the final results are available, the environmental damage will be evaluated, and the complete report will be submitted to the Prosecutor General's Office.
