Russia sues two districts over illegal hazardous waste dumps in protected zones
Russia sues two districts over illegal hazardous waste dumps in protected zones
Russia sues two districts over illegal hazardous waste dumps in protected zones
Russia’s environmental watchdog, Rosprirodnadzor, has taken legal action against two districts in Primorsky Krai. The lawsuits follow the discovery of illegal landfills in protected water zones, causing serious soil contamination. Both cases involve hazardous waste and substantial financial claims against local authorities. The legal proceedings target Olginsky and Khasansky municipal districts. In Olginsky, an unauthorised dump covering 5,000 square metres was uncovered. A smaller but equally illegal site of 650 square metres was found in Khasansky. Both contained hazardous waste classified as Class IV, posing environmental risks.
The watchdog filed two separate claims: Case No. A51-6804/2026 against Khasansky District and No. A51-6806/2026 against Olginsky District. The total compensation demanded exceeds 8 million rubles. Local authorities had previously failed to address the damage, prompting the lawsuits. A preliminary hearing for Olginsky District is scheduled for May 12. The Khasansky District case will be heard on June 11.
The court cases aim to recover costs for environmental harm caused by the illegal dumps. If successful, the rulings will require both districts to pay for soil remediation. The outcomes could set a precedent for similar violations in the region.