Oil slicks on the Nistru prompt monitoring; Soroca may halt water pumping
Environmental authorities were alerted after oil slicks appeared on the Nistru near Naslavcea and Otaci on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 10. Specialists are investigating the pollution source and monitoring the situation.
The Ministry of Environment reports that responsible agencies have been on site since early morning. Specialists from the Environmental Laboratory of the Environmental Agency collected water samples at multiple downstream points to assess water quality and the extent of the pollution.
“After reports of oil slicks upstream of Naslavcea, we confirm that all environmental agencies have been monitoring the situation from the first hour. The Environmental Laboratory team has collected water samples at several downstream points for analysis to provide a clear, data-based picture of water quality,” the Ministry of Environment said.
Authorities report that the Public Institution “National Administration Apele Moldovei” is in direct contact with Ukrainian counterparts, to whom it sent an official request for information to clarify the source and impact of the spill.
Field information indicates the leak originates near the Ukrainian city of Dnestrovsk and is moving downstream along the Nistru. The oil slicks could reach the Soroca municipality area by evening.
Local authorities are considering temporarily halting water pumping from the Nistru, and the Soroca Emergency Situations Commission will meet to decide on necessary measures.
The Soroca City Hall has urged residents to avoid using Nistru water for household needs, animals, or other activities until the situation is clarified. Citizens are asked to report any changes in water color, petroleum odors, or other signs of pollution to the authorities.
