Naples – "In a few years, we will probably have a crowd at Poggioreale because of whoever is irresponsibly committing this crime in Bagnoli." This is a harsh attack from Vincenzo De Luca, former president of the Campania region, during a Facebook Live broadcast dedicated to the construction work underway in western Naples ahead of the America's Cup.
According to De Luca, Bagnoli could have represented "an extraordinary opportunity for economic and tourism development," but the project's management is turning the event into "a national example of bribery, illegality, and violations of environmental and health laws."
The failed route and the accusations against the technicians
The former governor's primary focus is the lack of an Environmental Impact Assessment. "Who decided not to do it?" he asks. "I want the name and surname of the ministerial director or the heads of the public structures who authorized the construction of the port without an Environmental Impact Assessment."
De Luca disputes the theory that these are "removable" structures: "They're covering the entire Bagnoli coastline with concrete, a stretch of concrete along the entire coast. It's anything but a deserted area and temporary structures."
The issue of contaminated materials
Another critical point concerns the management of waste materials. "Where does the contaminated soil that's excavated end up?" De Luca insists. "There's general talk of a tank, but no one's answering."
And again: "Who should remove the 130-square-meter reinforced concrete fill? It will remain there for centuries. Claiming that it can all be removed is false, a forgery of a public document: therefore, a double criminal offense."
Fine particles exceed limits: Arpac data
The former president then turns his attention to air pollution. Citing ARPAC data, De Luca states that as of January 30, 2026, the average daily concentration of fine particles in Bagnoli would reach 113 micrograms per cubic meter, compared to a legal limit of 50.
But the most alarming data concerns the peaks: "At six in the morning," he claims, "values of 330 micrograms are recorded, then 367. Six or seven times above the limit. This is how people die." And he adds: "They tell me that traffic police are working with masks. And what about the citizens?"
Political silence and citizen protests
De Luca finally denounces what he calls a "general silence": "Between Italia Nostra, the Five Star Movement, the Democratic Party, and the Greens, no one is saying anything. Always ready to protest, but this time everyone's silent. Fake environmentalists, blind, deaf, and mute."
Meanwhile, a citizens' demonstration has been announced: "To them," he concludes, "I send my greetings."
Official confirmations and checks
The data cited by the former governor are supported by official data: ARPAC (National Environmental Protection Agency) has confirmed that Bagnoli has the highest concentration of fine particulate matter in the entire Campania region. The regional agency has recommended "scrupulously" implementing all measures required to reduce particulate and pollutant emissions.
In recent days, the Carabinieri of the Forestry Unit also intervened at the construction site for further checks.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
The article is interesting, but there are many problems in Bagnoli that remain unresolved. People don't know what to do about the pollution and fine particles; the authorities need to be more vigilant. I don't understand why everyone is so silent.