Illegal Siseta landfill in Gorazde officially closed as inspection warns of heavy fines

Administration Director Emko Rizvanovic stressed that competent inspection authorities determined the landfill posed a serious health hazard to the local population. The sanitary inspector will act in accordance with the Law on the Protection of the Population against Infectious Diseases, applying strict penalties against any legal entities or individuals attempting to deposit waste at the site. The area will remain under continuous monitoring.

"The landfill is closed and no further waste of any kind may be disposed of there. Any attempt to do so will be sanctioned. Fines for legal entities range from 3,000 Bosnian marks (approx. €1,534) to 10,000 marks (approx. €5,113), while the responsible person within a legal entity faces fines ranging from 500 marks (approx. €256) to 2,000 marks (approx. €1,023). Fines for individuals range from 2,000 marks (approx. €1,023) to 8,000 marks (approx. €4,090). In addition, the inspector will issue an order requiring the site to be restored to its original condition. This means that anyone who dumps waste there will have to remove it from the site. Failure to comply with the order will result in further penalties in the same amounts," Rizvanovic explained.

Rizvanovic noted that the Cantonal Forestry Administration will also take direct action alongside inspection authorities.

Furthermore, the Cantonal Administration has notified the Cantonal Ministry of Urban Planning, Spatial Planning and Environmental Protection, urging it to initiate measures under Article 18 of the Rulebook on Waste Collection and Landfill Operations, which mandates site rehabilitation.

"It is not enough simply to stop dumping waste; measures must also be taken to rehabilitate the site. The competent ministry will specify the measures and deadlines," Rizvanovic added.

Authorities are also extending enforcement efforts across the entire city to prevent the formation of new illegal dumpsites.

Rizvanovic warned that a similar situation exists at the Gavric landfill in the municipality of Foca in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Relevant authorities there have failed to comply with the Rulebook or the directives of the Cantonal Administration for Inspection Affairs despite expired deadlines. The competent cantonal ministry has been formally notified to intervene regarding the Gavric site.