VIDEO // Emergency intervention on Dniester: Moldovan environment minister monitors on site installation of barriers against oil slicks

Emergency works to stop an accidental pollution with oil products have started in northern Moldova. Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder is on site together with the intervention teams, directly coordinating the installation of special filters meant to block the spread of pollutants along the Dniester River.

Teams made up of specialists from the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) and the Environmental Protection Inspectorate have already started installing a containment barrier in the area of the water station at Cosauti.

“The intervention teams are already on site. We have started installing filters to stop the spread and remove the oil slicks. The goal is to collect all this waste before it spreads along the river,” said Minister Gheorghe Hajder, who is on banks of the Dniester where he is overseeing the works.

 

According to the first data collected, the pollution originates from outside the country’s borders. Moldova has sent an official request to Ukraine to clarify the circumstances of the incident. Preliminary information shows that approximately one to one and a half tons of oil products have entered the river. Although these oil products float on the surface and do not mix directly with the main body of water, they can severely affect flora and fauna, if not removed quickly.

The environment minister assured that the situation was under control with regard to drinking water supply:

• Rapid analyses: Water samples were collected as early as yesterday morning, and the laboratory results will be available and communicated to the public later this afternoon.

• Natural barriers: The Dubasari dam acts as a natural filter that retains substances on the surface, thus protecting the lower course of the river.

• Population consumption: There are no indications that the substances pose a risk to public health, but the authorities are maintaining precautionary recommendations until the slicks are completely removed.

The intervention coordinated by the Environment Ministry involves, in addition to IGSU, the National Agency “Apele Moldovei” (Moldova’s Waters). Specialists are monitoring the downstream course of the river, in order to ensure that no oil slicks pass beyond the installed barriers. Minister Hajder emphasized that any such incident required a proactive response, in order to minimize the impact on the environment as much as possible.