The European Commission has approved an investment of €4.7 million from the Cohesion Fund to clean up and close down of a longstanding industrial hazardous waste disposal site in the village of Marinići in Croatia. The project aims to protect both the environment and public health. The project is divided in two phases (from 2018 to 2023 and from 2024 to 2026) and will benefit from a total of €62.5 million from the Cohesion Fund.
Known as the Sovjak pit, the site has been identified as a priority ‘hot spot’ in Croatia’s 2023-2028 Waste Management Plan. The project started implementation in 2018 and is divided into two phases. While the first phase has involved project design, applications for building permits, submission of documents and site preparation that were implemented until end 2023, the second phase will include the remediation of the highly polluted site itself and will last in principle until summer 2026.
Once completed, the project will regenerate 0.8 hectares of highly polluted land, which will benefit a total area of over 13 km2 and about 46 000 people.
For more information on EU-funded projects in Croatia, please visit Kohesio.
Brief
"On 01/03/2023, the European Commission announced an investment of €4.7 million from the Cohesion Fund to clean up and close down a hazardous waste disposal site in Marinići, Croatia. The project aims to protect both the environment and public health by remediating the highly polluted Sovjak pit, benefiting over 13 km2 and 46,000 people, with completion expected by summer 2026."
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Purpose
The European Commission has approved a significant investment of €4.7 million from the Cohesion Fund to tackle the environmental and health hazards posed by the Sovjak pit, an industrial hazardous waste disposal site in Croatia’s village of Marinići. This project is designed to protect both the environment and public health through the remediation of this polluted area.
The approval grants a total of €62.5 million from the Cohesion Fund over two phases (2018-2023 and 2024-2026) for this crucial initiative. The funding is part of Croatia’s efforts outlined in its 2023-2028 Waste Management Plan, which identifies Sovjak pit as one of several priority ‘hot spots’ requiring immediate attention.
Effects on Industry
The closure and cleanup project has significant implications for industries and communities affected by the pollution. By addressing the hazardous waste disposal site at Sovjak pit, the initiative will directly benefit a total area of over 13 km² and approximately 46,000 people residing in this region. The project’s completion is expected to positively impact public health and safety.
Moreover, this investment contributes to Croatia’s broader efforts in managing its waste, aligning with EU environmental policies and directives. This move not only tackles immediate pollution issues but also sets a precedent for sustainable waste management practices within the country.
Relevant Stakeholders
The stakeholders directly affected by or involved in this project include:
- The European Commission: Providing funding through the Cohesion Fund.
- Croatian authorities: Implementing the project as part of their national waste management strategy and addressing specific environmental and health concerns highlighted in Croatia’s 2023-2028 Waste Management Plan.
- Local communities and residents: Benefitting from improved public health, safety, and the regeneration of polluted land.
- Environmental protection organizations and advocacy groups: Supporting efforts to address hazardous waste disposal and promote sustainable practices.
Next Steps
The completion of this project involves two distinct phases. The first phase has been implemented (2018-2023), focusing on project design, securing necessary permits, document submission, and site preparation. The second and final phase will entail the actual remediation of the polluted site, expected to conclude by summer 2026.
For accurate and detailed information about this project or EU-funded initiatives in Croatia, stakeholders are advised to visit Kohesio for further details and updates.
Any Other Relevant Information
This investment is a significant step towards mitigating environmental risks associated with hazardous waste disposal. By prioritizing the cleanup of areas like the Sovjak pit, Croatia not only fulfills its obligations under EU environmental policies but also sets an example for responsible waste management practices within Europe.
The project’s timeline and division into two phases underscore the comprehensive approach to tackling this issue. The €62.5 million investment from the Cohesion Fund is a testament to the European Commission’s commitment to supporting member states in addressing critical environmental challenges, thereby contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
