Black Liquor Leak in Eastern Slovakia Pollutes Ondava River, Measures Imposed

Hencovce, 19 February (TASR) - Pollution has been detected in the Ondava River after a black liquor leak at an industrial facility in the village of Hencovce in Presov region, the Slovak Environment Inspectorate (SIZP) told TASR on Thursday, adding that measures have been imposed on the polluter to remedy an extraordinary deterioration in water quality and to eliminate the harmful consequences. The leak occurred at the site of a former pulp mill on Monday (16 February). The water quality deteriorated significantly due to black liquor leaking from a damaged pipeline. "Black liquor produced during pulp production is a technological waste solution with a high content of organic substances (especially lignin derivatives) and high alkalinity," said SIZP in a statement. Members of the Fire and Rescue Corps also took action at the site, sealing the damaged pipe and diluting the leaking pollutant with water until the sealant hardened. According to SIZP, the substances produced by the mill drained into a so-called black water sewer system, which flows into a wastewater treatment plant. During an inspection of the outlet structure of the wastewater treatment plant, water was observed leaking into the Ondava. The inspectorate therefore asked the Slovak Water Management Company to cooperate in taking samples and analysing them at a laboratory. Pollution of the Ondava watercourse was confirmed when the results from the water samples came back. The Kosice Environmental Inspectorate is dealing with the incident in accordance with the Water Act. The entity responsible for ensuring that the necessary measures are taken is a bankruptcy trustee in bankruptcy proceedings. Mayors from the Towns and Villages Association of the Vranov Area drew attention in February to the deteriorating situation at the former Bukoza plant, which is a target of theft and also poses an environmental risk. They called on the competent state institutions to find an solution urgently. Bukoza Holding ceased operating at the end of 2024. The premises of the company, which is in bankruptcy, are currently managed by several management companies. am/df