Pompeii – The offensive against pollution in the Sarno basin continues. As part of a large-scale environmental monitoring operation, officers from the USES (Special Emergency Unit Sarno) of the Naples Metropolitan Police have seized the "La Ciliegina srl" laboratory and factory, a well-known dairy production facility located in the municipality of Pompeii.
The “trick” of the electric pump
The investigation, coordinated by the Torre Annunziata Public Prosecutor's Office, uncovered a well-established illegal disposal system. During the inspection, conducted in conjunction with GORI technicians, it was discovered that a significant portion of the process water—derived from milk processing—was being channeled into a hidden underground tank.
From here, thanks to the aid of an electric pump activated when necessary, the wastewater was discharged directly into the public sewer system, bypassing any purification system and, above all, in the total absence of the authorizations required by the Consolidated Environmental Act (Legislative Decree 152/2006).
Seals and health deficiencies
To prevent the crime from being repeated, the police proceeded with the preventive seizure of:
The entire production laboratory;
The collection grids and the two accumulation tanks;
The electric pump used for the spill.
The deteriorating situation was further aggravated by the intervention of the competent local health authority (ASL) staff. Health inspectors found serious hygiene and sanitation deficiencies within the facility, imposing immediate measures to restore the premises to protect public health.
The Pact for the Sarno
The January 8th intervention is not an isolated incident, but represents one of the first fruits of the new Memorandum of Understanding signed on December 17th. The agreement unites the Public Prosecutor's Offices of Torre Annunziata, Nocera Inferiore, and Avellino, along with ARPAC and the police forces, in a permanent task force dedicated to repressing environmental crimes that are choking the Sarno River and its tributaries.
The investigation is now continuing to ascertain further responsibilities and monitor other industrial sites along the river, marking a clear step forward in the protection of the Campania region.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (3)
It's scandalous to see public health being put on the back burner for profit. Law enforcement must do more to protect the area and ensure these incidents never happen again.
I don't understand why certain laboratories can do such things without being stopped first. Fines should be more severe and inspections more frequent, otherwise pollution will continue to grow.
This situation is very worrying and makes us reflect on how environmental laws are often ignored. We hope that the authorities continue to work to protect our environment and that similar situations do not happen again. It is important to act.