Moldova scales up Nistru River cleanup with Romanian and Slovakian support
Environmental crews have replaced five of the seven primary absorbent booms in Arionești, Dondușeni, to contain oil slicks on the Nistru River. Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder confirmed that specialized chemical solutions and absorbent materials are being dispersed multiple times daily to neutralize pollutants.
Romanian experts joined Moldovan teams on-site this Tuesday, April 7, providing strategic technical expertise. Despite the recent surge in pollution, official laboratory tests confirm that water quality parameters remain within safe legal limits for the population.
The intervention will expand on Wednesday, April 9, to the Dubăsari Hydroelectric Power Plant. Operations will include maintenance of existing barriers and a comprehensive inspection of the reservoir to ensure long-term containment.
International assistance has bolstered the response, with Slovakia delivering a strategic technical package this week. The aid includes 154 meters of absorbent booms, 220 liters of biodegradable liquid sorbent, and 10 high-capacity industrial pumps.
The crisis began on April 3, when a new wave of oil slicks was detected near the Unguri bridge in Ocnița. The Prime Minister immediately activated the National Crisis Management Center, placing all environmental and emergency services on maximum mobilization.
Recent spikes in pollution levels are attributed to rising river levels caused by heavy rainfall and upstream reservoir discharges. However, Minister Hajder noted that pollution levels upstream from the Arionești barriers have significantly decreased following the latest interventions.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
