Toxic Waste Disaster Looms in Šumava National Park
Approximately 1000 tons of contaminated soil and 200 barrels of hazardous chemicals, including mercury, arsenic, dioxins, and chlorinated solvents, have been found in the Šumava National Park. The cleanup, estimated to cost 192 million crowns, will begin in the fall and last until June 2028. Some barrels have leaked, potentially contaminating groundwater. Minister Igor Červený has warned that under certain conditions, these chemicals could turn into a toxic gas similar to phosgene. Police have secured the site, and military pyrotechnics may be involved. Červený plans to file a criminal complaint against his predecessor Petr Hladík.8 sourcesSee all sources