The competent Authorities of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (Department of Environment, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Water Development) conducted an investigation yesterday into the pollution incident in the area of the Achna dam, in cooperation with Achna community leader, Mr. Nikos Vasilas, following a relevant complaint made on Sunday, 25/2/2024.
The complaint concerned the malfunction of a liquid livestock waste evaporation tank, resulting in large quantities of waste spreading to adjacent agricultural cultivations and ending up in the Achna dam.
During the on-site investigation, the competent Authorities found the following:
• Malfunction of the liquid livestock waste evaporation tank and leakage of waste estimated at 50,000 cubic meters. It is noted that the Operator of the Livestock Farming Unit (Cattle Farming Unit) holds a valid Waste Disposal Permit, which includes the option of disposing of the liquid livestock waste of the said Unit in suitable evaporation tanks, among other provisions.
• The malfunction of the evaporation tank (subsidence of the external walls approximately 5 meters wide) is initially estimated to be due to a stability problem.
• The leakage of liquid livestock waste initially spread to adjacent agricultural plots, resulting in the impact on agricultural cultivations (mainly cereals and potato crops) in an area of approximately 2 square kilometers.
• Subsequently, the liquid livestock waste, after traveling approximately 2 kilometers, ended up in the Achna dam.
In view of the above, the following actions have been taken or scheduled:
• Immediate restoration of the malfunction of the tank by the Operator of the Livestock Farming Unit, resulting in the termination of the leakage. It is noted that the said tank is under monitoring so that in case of any new malfunction, immediate restoration measures are taken.
• Initial recording by the Department of Agriculture of all affected agricultural plots and their crops due to livestock waste. Subsequently, a detailed assessment of the relevant impacts is planned, as well as measures to address them.
• Water sampling from the Achna dam and immediate analysis by the Department of Water Development to determine the level of potential pollution. Subsequently, monitoring of the quality of groundwater in the affected area through sampling will be scheduled to ascertain any degradation. Based on the results of chemical analyses, appropriate measures will be taken.
• Immediate implementation and enforcement by the Department of Environment of the existing legislation regarding the principle of “polluter pays.”
• Coordination, continuous monitoring of the issue, and taking appropriate measures in cooperation with all involved stakeholders.
