Grazzanise – A clandestine mechanical workshop, a nearly open-air hazardous waste dump, and the leakage of toxic substances into the sewer system.
This is the scenario discovered yesterday morning by the Carabinieri of the Ecological Operations Unit (NOE) of Caserta, in collaboration with the military of the Grazzanise Station, in the heart of the so-called "Land of fires". The operation, aimed at combating environmental crimes, led to the arrest of a 36-year-old local man.
Clandestine workshop in a private home
The operation was triggered by a report of an unauthorized mechanic's shop in the municipality of Grazzanise. Officers raided the premises, located on the ground floor of a private residence, surprising the 36-year-old—already known to law enforcement and subject to a mandatory police report for previous convictions of receiving stolen goods and theft—working on a car being repaired.
The inspection revealed two operational areas: an internal room of approximately 35 square meters and an external one, covered by a 50 square meter roof, which served as a proper landfill.
Hazardous waste dumped directly into the sewer
Inside the external area, the Carabinieri found the illegal waste disposal plant:
Five cars awaiting repair or scrapping;
Three dismantled engines from which abundant used oil was dripping;
A metal drum with approximately 20 litres of used oil;
Numerous mechanical parts were not cleaned and soaked in oily substances and toxic coolant.
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The most serious aspect emerged on the floor: large oil stains and traces of chemical liquids near a manhole connected to the public sewer. According to the police findings, the man regularly dumped hazardous liquid waste into the sewer, including engine coolant containing ethylene glycol, a substance highly harmful to the environment and human health.
The 36-year-old was unable to produce any permits: the entire business lacked permits, registrations with the relevant authorities, and documentation for the disposal of the waste produced.
The amateur mechanic was arrested in flagrante delicto and in violation of the Consolidated Environmental Act on 21 December 2019. He was charged with the illegal management of hazardous waste and littering. After the usual formalities, the 36-year-old was placed under house arrest and placed at the disposal of the judicial authorities.
The operation of the NOEand the Grazzanise Station is part of the constant and intensive environmental monitoring activity conducted by the Carabinieri to reclaim and protect the Caserta area from crimes that continue to undermine public health.
Comments (1)
It's truly worrying that such situations exist in our country. Illegal waste management and environmental pollution must be stopped with increased controls and appropriate sanctions for those who violate public health and safety regulations.