Toxic hydrocarbons in Odra reveals opposition
Tests have shown the presence of toxic hydrocarbons in the River Odra, which are not of natural origin but a technological by-product, two opposition MPs said on Monday in Olsztyn, northern Poland.
In recent months the Odra, Poland's second longest river, has been the site of one of the worst ecological calamities to strike Poland in recent years, with large parts of its fish population dying for still unknown reasons.
Dariusz Joński and Michał Szczerba, MPs from the main opposition grouping Civic Coalition (KO), told a press conference that the hydrocarbons found in the river were poisonous and had to be introduced into its waters externally. They especially pointed out the discovery of mesitylene as well as other highly toxic organic compounds.
"There is no doubt that toxins have found their way into the Odra... someone must have done this, and we would like to know who did it," the MPs said, adding that that they were convinced the prime minister had been informed about the findings.
In its response, Poland's Chief Inspectorate Of Environmental Protection (GIOŚ), later on Monday, said tests carried out on the River Odra on June 28 and August 1 and 8 showed the concentration of such substances to be below the danger level.
