Răut River pollution: Chemical discharge probed near Orhei
The Environmental Protection Inspectorate (EPI) has launched an investigation after reports of a chemical discharge into the Răut River.
Authorities were alerted by local residents who reported seeing white foam on the water's surface in recent days.
The head of the Inspectorate, Ion Bulmaga, said the phenomenon was 'likely caused' by recent rain and discharges from local businesses into the Orhei municipal wastewater treatment plant.
The plant's effluent flows directly into the Răut River near the village of Pohorniceni.
Mr Bulmaga told Moldova 1 the pollution was caused by rain and businesses discharging waste, adding that "liability falls on those who manage the plant" once standards are exceeded.
Specialists are currently taking water samples to determine the level of pollution and the impact on the aquatic ecosystem.
Orhei City Council has not yet commented on the reports.
This is not the first time the river has been polluted. In mid-September, specialists and locals reported the death of fish, crayfish, and amphibians in the nearby Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Nature Reserve, after a similar contamination.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
