In the Ludza municipality, the discharge of untreated wastewater and sludge into the Pilda River has been successfully halted. The pollution was discovered following local residents' complaints, and specialists are now assessing the potential damage to the region's water bodies.
The State Environmental Service (SES) has halted the discharge of untreated wastewater and sludge into the Pilda River in the Ludza municipality. The violation was detected on June 5 following complaints from residents.
During an inspection in the Isnauda parish, inspectors found that pollution was entering the river from the Ludza BIO-2800 wastewater treatment plant. Together with the servicing company LLC LNS pakalpojumi, the outlet valve of the biofilter was closed, which allowed for the immediate cessation of further contaminant discharge into the water body.
When examining the area near the bridge over the Pilda River, specialists recorded significant accumulations of wastewater sediment on the water's surface. It was later established that dark, muddy deposits were entering the ditch connected to the river.
As explained by LNS pakalpojumi, the pollution occurred during the scheduled cleaning of the biofilter. During the draining of the water body, sludge entered the general discharge system. Although the water was planned to be directed to reserve ponds, the inspection revealed that the leakage continued even after the work commenced.
It is important for the residents of the region that the pollution was managed to be stopped relatively quickly. However, the final impact of the incident on water quality is yet to be assessed.
Specialists have already taken samples of surface and wastewater and continue enhanced monitoring. Additionally, the SES has notified the Ludza municipality and recommended checking whether the nearby Ludza Lake was affected by the pollution.
The service is currently determining the extent of the consequences and assessing the possible responsibility of the company managing the treatment facilities. A decision on further actions will be made after receiving the analysis results.
The investigation is ongoing, and the SES promises to provide additional information on its outcomes.
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