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- Ελληνικά
The competent authorities of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (Department of Environment, Department of Agriculture and Department of Water Development) investigated yesterday the pollution incident in the area of Achna dam, in cooperation with the President of the Community Council of Achna, Mr. Nikos Vassilas, following a complaint made on Sunday, 25/2/2024.
The complaint concerned a failure of an evaporation tank for liquid animal waste that resulted in large quantities of waste being spilled into adjacent agricultural crops and ending up in the Achna dam.
During the on-site investigation, the competent authorities found the following:- Failure of the evaporation tank for liquid animal waste and spillage of an estimated 50,000 cubic metres of waste. It is noted that the Operator of the Livestock Farming Unit (Cow Farming Unit) holds a relevant Waste Discharge Licence in force, which, inter alia, includes the possibility to dispose of the liquid livestock waste from this Unit in appropriate evaporation tanks.
- The failure of the evaporation tank (retreat of the external walls of approximately 5 metres in width) is prima facie thought to be due to a problem of static stability.
- The spreading of the liquid animal waste initially occurred towards adjacent agricultural land, affecting agricultural crops (mainly cereals and potato crops) over an area of about 2 km2 . - In view of the above, the following actions were taken or initiated. It should be noted that the tank in question is being monitored so that in the event of any further failure, immediate remedial action can be taken. - Inventory in the first instance, by the Department of Agriculture, of all agricultural parcels and their crops affected by the livestock waste. Subsequently, a detailed assessment of the relevant impacts and the measures to deal with them are planned.
- Sampling of water from the Achna dam and its immediate analysis by the Water Development Department in order to determine the level of potential pollution. Subsequently, monitoring through sampling of the groundwater quality of the affected area is planned in order to detect any degradation. Appropriate measures will be taken on the basis of the results of the chemical analyses.
- Immediate implementation and enforcement by the Environment Department of the existing legislation regarding the "polluter pays" principle.
- Coordination, continuous monitoring of the issue and taking appropriate measures in cooperation with all stakeholders.
[EN]
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