Once again Asopos turns into a swamp - toxic substances found in vegetables

The pollution skeletons in Asopos remain well hidden since five years after the discovery of the biggest environmental scandal, the state still does not impose strict rules that will wise up major polluters.

Recent measurements in the river not only confirm that the industry does not comply with the recommendations of KYA, but also that Asopos continues to receive their toxic waste, so the analyses of samples show levels of hexavalent chromium at 2,500 micrograms per liter!
 
They keep on polluting, encouraged by the crisis

Those following the eco drama at Inofita argue that such high concentrations were never detected in the past,  since the maximum values ​​did not exceed 500 micrograms per liter. The state’s answer is that the industries have "gone wild."

Encouraged by the crisis, they appear unable to make the necessary investments and implement the strict limits set by the environment ministry for the content of hexavalent chromium at 3 micrograms per liter in their effluents. Eyewitnesses report that hazardous waste is rejected by the industries in the toxic mud of the river at night and on weekends, and immediately after rainfall to mix it with rainwater and cover the size of the pollution.

Very few industries (incl. Pepsico, ELVAL and Maillis) have invested in modern wastewater treatment systems, which have not yet been declared effective. As for shutting down factories the state is staying mum.

Even companies caught polluting and stripped of their license have transferred their business elsewhere. A characteristic case involves a well-known carrot processing company supplying all super markets, which was caught throwing tonnes of carrot mud in Yliki and has since moved its business to an area beside the lake. 

1 million cubic meters of water per day from Yliki are wasted

Apart from the apathy of the industry itself, the state has also shown very low reflexes in the case of Asopos. It still needs to provide clean water to the industrial area of Inofyta, when the Yliki reservoir shows water wastage at a daily rate amounting to 1 million cubic meters instead of pouring it into Evoikos. With special care and relevant projects, that water could replenish the plants in the region with safe water. But the state’s answer is that there is no money for the necessary projects.

EYDAP has begun supplying Inofyta with drinking water from Mornos but despite the effort, there are still villages in the surrounding areas that do not get clean water. "EYDAP supports this, but can not pay for the transfer of water from Yliki to the industry", says a man who knows the situation first hand and admits that there are long delays in the provision of clean water.