The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) discovered a spill of hazardous plant protection products during an official inspection at the warehouses of a large agricultural holding in Vardim, near Svishtov, on the Danube. Officials reported that substantial quantities of banned or expired pesticides and fertilizers were previously located at the site. During the inspection, conducted in the presence of a criminal investigator, BFSA officials observed a spill of a yellow liquid of unknown origin, which emitted an odor resembling a pesticide, into the soil adjacent to unregulated warehouses.
In the immediate area, officials found empty metal drums labeled as a plant protection product containing pendimethalin. Nearby, 54 drums, each holding 1,000 liters, were labeled as liquid fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus. The BFSA cautioned that if pesticides seep into the soil, there is a risk of contaminating drinking water.
Pendimethalin is noted as a persistent and toxic substance with a soil half-life exceeding 120 days; products containing it are classified as acutely and chronically hazardous to aquatic environments. A representative from the company owning the facility was present but declined to sign the inspection report. Consequently, the company will receive statements of violation, and the prohibited and unsuitable chemicals and fertilizers found must be destroyed.
The established violations have been referred to multiple authorities, including the National Police, the Directorate General for Fire Safety, and the Regional Inspectorate for Environment and Water. The BFSA is urging prompt testing of the local soil and water, and cooperating with law enforcement to prevent the destruction of evidence.
Topics: #hazardous #pesticides #found
This discovery raises serious questions about agricultural storage safety and regulatory oversight in the region.
What specific regulations govern the storage and disposal of pesticides at agricultural facilities in Bulgaria?