Environmental crime at Rethymno, Crete
By Yannis Koutelidas - 08/12/2009
The marine research team of Archipelagos was faced with pictures of destruction and extreme environmental degradation at the coastal area of Latzima at Rethimno (view related video HERE). Archipelagos rushed to the area, together with scientists from the Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory of the National Technical University of Athens following complaints from residents, citizen bodies and the “Rethimno Observatory of Archipelago”, for extensive pollution to the land and marine environment in the specific area.
Sampling and analysis of water specimens from wells and boreholes at the Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry laboratory of the National Technical University of Athens preceded the arrival of the research team at Rethimno, as well as microbiological analyses at the Archipelagos laboratory, which revealed, without any obvious cause, levels of pollution in excess of the legal limits.
Members of the Archipelagos marine research team travelled to Rethimno and carried out an extensive on the spot research, together with members of the Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory of the National Technical University of Athens and the Rethimno Observatory of Archipelago.
The research was carried out with underwater visual census at the coastal zone ecosystems, with the usage of snorkeling and diving, under difficult conditions, due to the restricted access to the area in question. This area houses pig farms (where according to information, the annual production approaches 35000 animals) at a distance of about one kilometre from the sea.
Overflow and excretion of organic waste through the limestone rocks were observed, and these ended up in the sea. This phenomenon of overflow is indicative of the extensive contamination and pollution, while the long term effects of the inevitable dramatic charge on the ground water is not possible to be predicted.
The analyses conducted by the Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry laboratory of the National Technical University of Athens on ground waters (bore holes) in the area, revealed extensive pollution of the ground water as a result of the release of organic waste from the pig farms in land with natural cracks. In accordance to the geological map of the Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration, it follows that the facilities of the Unit, which is one of the largest in the industry of sausage manufacturing, are situated on the surface of heavily cracked rocks.
During the on spot research, the extreme stench was just the rationale for the case, while the results of the water quality analyses at the Archipelagos laboratory in Samos confirmed the original indications of the source of pollution.
The content in total coliform and E. colithat were identified in the sea water samples makes swimming extremely dangerous for the public health and charges considerably the marine ecosystem of the area, which, it is noted, is only half a kilometre away from the nearest hotel.
Some indicative comparative results of the analyses in the area under consideration, and at a distance of only two kilometres away, can be seen in the following table.
Analysis | Sample location | MicrobiologicalparametersCfu/100ml |
|
| Total coliforms | E. coli |
Maximum Legal Limits |
|
| <250 = very good bathing water quality >900 = poor water quality |
1. | Sample 2 miles away from pig farm | 782 | <10 |
Relatively high amount of total coliforms but no E.coli. Relatively good quality swimming water. |
2. | Marine area in front of the pig farm | 2005 | 1013 |
The amount of E.coli and total coliforms is really high. Unsuitable area for swimming, dangerous for public health and ecosystems. |
3. | Water dripping from rock 200m west from the pig farm | 2005 | 1652 |
The amount of E.coli and total coliforms is really high. Unsuitable area for swimming, dangerous for public health and ecosystems. |
This situation affects any meaning of civilization and respect for the natural environment and inflates each day the danger to the public health, the environment and the health of the ecosystems in the area.
Opposed to this embarrassing and criminal reality that has been constructed by some businessmen who are prepared to leave a permanent legacy to the district and the island, we call upon the Health Directorate of the District, the Special Service of Environmental Inspectors and any other competent authorities to recognize their responsibilities and take immediate action.
On our side, we will continue to follow closely the case and take any appropriate action to put a stop to this promiscuity, and descent to which some have condemned the natural environment of the area and the future of the health of their children.
Archipelago's marine reserarch team before diving into the "Latzima" region at Rethymno
Organic waste overflowes through the limestone rocks
The water samples that have been analysed in Archipelago's laboratory on the island of Samos showed a significant high level of pollution