Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Prefect Ivica Lukanović has requested that water analyses for metals and PFAS compounds be conducted monthly instead of the previous twice-yearly schedule, although official analyses so far show no contamination.
Following the publication of expert findings from the illegal waste dump in Bilajska Street in Gospić, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Prefect Ivica Lukanović has decided to intensify the monitoring of water quality supplied to the island of Rab. It is estimated that the site contains around 37,000 tonnes of mixed waste, and analyses have confirmed soil contamination and the presence of PFAS compounds, the so-called "forever chemicals," in groundwater downstream of the landfill.
Although no contamination has been detected in the public water supply system, the concerns of citizens, especially those on Rab, prompted the Prefect to act. The water for the island comes from the mainland via the Hrmotine spring, which draws from the Lika and Gacka rivers, making it susceptible to potential adverse effects from such environmental incidents.
After receiving the latest information, Prefect Lukanović spoke with Željko Linšak, Director of the Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. In a public statement, he conveyed the key conclusions of that discussion.
Given the indications of illegal import and disposal of waste in Gospić, I understand the anxiety of the residents, especially on Rab, where water is obtained from the mainland via the Hrmotine spring, which uses the waters of the Lika and Gacka rivers. Today I had a conversation with the Director of the Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Željko Linšak, about the current situation and the activities already undertaken. It is important to emphasize that official analyses so far have not established that the case in Gospić affects the quality of water on Rab.
The Prefect emphasized that, despite the good results so far, he does not want to leave anything to chance.
As a key measure, Lukanović has requested a drastic increase in the frequency of laboratory water analyses. Previously, testing for the presence of metals and PFAS compounds was conducted twice a year, but under the new decision, it will be done every month.
However, I do not want to risk anything. I have requested that monitoring be further intensified, testing for metals and PFAS substances will now be carried out every month, instead of twice a year as before. The health of people and reliable water supply are my top priorities. Preventive measures and clear public communication are the most effective ways to address the fears that this case has raised.
The Prefect stated that the public will be regularly informed of all results from the intensified monitoring.
