The agency inspected the temporary garbage disposal site “Mostina”: additional measures have been ordered to protect the health of citizens

The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Development of the North announced that at the request of Rozai citizens, the Environmental Protection Agency inspected the “Mostina” waste disposal site and found violations in the implementation of prescribed measures.

They reminded that on April 2, 2024, at the request of citizens, the Agency initiated the procedure for determining environmental damage or imminent risk of damage at the location of the temporary waste disposal site “Mostina” in the municipality of Rožaj, in accordance with Article 9 of the Law on Liability for Environmental Damage (Official Gazette of Montenegro, No. 27/14, 55/16).

“On July 10, 2024, the company “Komunalno” doo Rožaje informed the IAEA about the measures taken to protect the health of residents in the surrounding villages. The implemented measures included the installation of LED lighting, video surveillance, the construction of gates and fences, and the hiring of a person in charge,” the announcement said.

However, as they said, today’s visit showed that all the measures in the previous letter were not fully complied with.

In view of the constant complaints from citizens regarding the frequent fires at the site and the health hazards posed to residents of the surrounding villages, the Environmental Protection Agency ordered “Komunalno” doo Rožaje to implement the following additional measures:

1. Fence the area: Since the temporary landfill is located along the main road Rožaje – Dračenovac, the area of ​​the temporary landfill should be adequately fenced. In addition, it is necessary to establish additional signals in order to promptly warn drivers of the presence of the landfill.

2. Lighting: The temporary disposal area has sufficient lighting to ensure safety.

3. Receiving and dispatching area: A receiving and dispatching area shall be set up with vehicle scales, parking areas, and car washing areas to prevent special vehicles from polluting the main road when docking.

4. Gates and access control: Gates are set up during and outside working hours at the landfill to prevent entry of unauthorized persons.

5. Porter’s Office and Security Service: Porter’s office with supporting facilities and security service should be set up to keep records of waste. After the waste is received, measured and visually inspected, all data must be recorded in detail.

6. Video surveillance: Establish a comprehensive video surveillance system for the entire area of ​​the temporary landfill.

7. Working hours: Clarify the working hours of the temporary disposal site and ensure that it is closed outside working hours to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering.

8. Covering of wastes: Specify intervals for covering wastes with a protective layer of neutral material, treating wastes with rodenticides, and destroying other organisms, and keep accurate records of all actions taken.

9. Firefighting: Provide fire-fighting means and establish an effective fire-fighting system.

“The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development and the Environmental Protection Agency will continue to monitor the situation at the Mostina site and take all necessary measures to ensure the protection of the health of the population and the environment,” they added in the announcement.

They invite citizens to continue reporting violations, as their contribution is essential to maintaining and improving environmental standards in Montenegro.