Minister says no danger from north Serbia landfill

“The results of tests on samples taken from the regional landfill will be available in about a month but it’s obvious that there is no danger to the population and the environment,” the minister said during a visit to the landfill two weeks after investigators found what they said was hazardous waste illegally dumped at the landfill.  

The investigation was followed by the arrest of two managers at the FCC EKO company which operates the landfill on charges of pollution, importing, illegally storing and processing hazardous waste.  

Trivan expressed the hope that no drastic changes to the environment would be found.  

The Radio TV Vojvodina (RTV) reported that the area around the landfill was contaminated, prompting the visit by Trivan who said that every area of Serbia has to be checked for hazardous waste.  

The minister’s advisor Slobodan Tosovic said the level of contamination has no effect on the environment but added that the laboratory tests might bring new details.  

The FCC EKO company said that it is cooperating with the police and prosecution and added that it’s too soon to reach any conclusion since the investigation is underway. The company said its “basic interest is to be in line with the law”.   “The FCC is convinced that the laboratory test results will confirm that the company respects all existing laws and regulations,” a statement said.