A recent oil product spill into the Strėva River in Lithuania has prompted authorities to investigate its source after a pipe was discovered at the site.
On February 18, Kaunas fire rescue services received reports of oil products leaking into the sewage treatment facilities on Kranto Street in Žiežmariai. Upon arrival, firefighters found that the oil products had begun spilling into the Strėva River, prompting immediate action to prevent further contamination. They installed 15 meters of barriers to stop the flow of the oil and proceeded to break down the products and flush the pipes belonging to the local water utility company, UAB 'Kaišiadorių vandenys'.
A week later, the situation had not improved, and a concerned local resident reached out to 15min to report that a potential polluter had been identified. He supplied video footage showing that pollutants were still visible floating on the surface of the river, while an employee of the responsible company was seen diligently collecting the contaminants into a container placed on the shore. This ongoing pollution raises concerns about the effectiveness of the cleanup efforts and the potential environmental impact on the Strėva River ecosystem.
Environmental authorities have since taken over the investigation, aiming to determine the origin of the leak and hold accountable those responsible. The incident highlights the challenges local communities face in dealing with pollution and underscores the importance of rapid response from emergency services to mitigate environmental damage. As the investigation progresses, the local community remains vigilant about protecting their natural resources and demanding accountability from businesses operating in the area.
