Video: Srednogorski Bagri Magazine
The contamination is registered in the area of the village of Chavdar (Chavdar municipality) in direction towards the village of Priboene. According to unofficial sources, the source of the contamination is the mining waste depot “Benkovski 2” located in close proximity to the villages.
Anonymous source of Iskra.bg explained that the mining depot is the only potential source of the pollution in the area. Furthermore, according to the source, the river’s waters were clean before the construction of the depot.
Video: Srednogorski Bagri Magazine
The mining waste depot “Benkovski 2” belongs to “Geotehmin” OOD a company in the possession of one of the wealthiest Bulgarians Tsolo Vutov. “Geotehmin” is a group of 22 companies operating in a number of industries.
The pollution in question occurs during the mining process and more specifically during the extraction of ore from the rock. The waste is typically stored in specially dedicated waste depots. Such depots expand over time with the expansion of the mining operations and slowly turn into an ecological hazard, especially if not constructed and maintained in accordance to the established ecological standards.
The contamination of Topolitsa river was reported earlier today and the authorities responsible for the monitoring of the local water supplies “Iztochnobelomorski rayon” – Plovdiv, have already taken samples of the river water. The results of the samples are yet to be announced, as well as the source of the contamination to be officially confirmed. The authorities are also yet to announce the needed measures for purification of the water and any financial sanctions for the ecological damages caused.
Translation: Ivaylo Yotov
