Moldova to declare environmental alert on Dniester River basin for 15-day period

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu today convened a government meeting, in order to approve the declaration of an environmental alert on the Dniester River basin for a period of 15 days. The decision aims to implement additional measures to limit pollution with oil products, which occurred following Russia’s attack on the Novodnistrovsk Hydroelectric Power Plant.

The PM noted that he had taken this decision, in order to make sure that any risk to public health is prevented.

‘’Because of the continuous wave of pollution with oil products, the risk of pollution spreading and the exceedance of contaminant levels in the northern area of the Dniester River, it is necessary to quickly mobilize resources. The competent institutions will continue to monitor the situation, intervene in affected areas, inform the population and provide the necessary recommendations,” Munteanu said.

At a meeting of the coordination cell of the National Crisis Management Center (CNMC), the authorities analyzed the evolution of the situation and the impact of contamination on the water. Ongoing monitoring shows variable concentrations of oil substances, especially in the northern part of the river, which requires urgent interventions to protect water supply systems.

As a preventive measure, the authorities have restricted the use of Dniester water for localities located between Rezina and Dubasari. Starting March 14, water intake has been halted in Cosauti, Naslavcea, and in the districts of Soroca, Balti, Floresti, and Sangerei. The affected localities will secure alternative water sources and inform the population that water from the Dniester cannot be used for household consumption or for watering animals.

To limit the spread of pollution, the authorities have ordered the installation of dams and systems for capturing petroleum products at strategic points, including in the northern area and downstream up to the water intake station for Chișinău, as well as additional barriers in the Dubasari area.

Water supply service operators are instructed to check the present reserves and prepare alternative sources. The authorities continue to monitor the situation, in cooperation with national institutions and international partners, informing the public in transparently.

After the government meeting at 15:00, Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder will hold a news conference.

The contamination of the Dniester River with oil substances occurred following Russia’s attack on a hydropower plant in Ukraine. As a result of the incident, the pollutant entered the river course and began moving toward the territory of  Moldova. Under these conditions, the Moldovan authorities mobilized intervention teams and initiated measures to monitor and limit the pollution, including the installation of filters and barriers to capture oil substances.

In recent days, protective dams have been installed and assistance from Romania has been requested, while Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has requested, through the Interior Ministry, the activation of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. Additionally, the PM requested the intervention of the Defense Ministry with military personnel, equipment and technical units.