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BHS
Ruđice Landfill, Čajniče
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Ruđice Landfill

Above guideline value

Čajniče Landfill Site ID: BiH-RS-17 Report date: 2025-10-22

Note. This is a preliminary assessment. The general conclusion of the report is that the location requires further detailed analysis. The data shown is not a final risk determination.

Media tested

  • Soil
  • Sediment
  • Water

Summary

The Ruđice landfill is Čajniče municipality's solid-waste disposal site, in a rural area about 17 km from the town centre. It is unfenced, lacks the infrastructure of a sanitary landfill, and is considered an unregulated dump. Preliminary testing of soil, sediment and water found several metals in the soil and sediment above the level at which land is no longer considered clean, while no finding reached the level indicating that cleanup is needed; the nearby surface water also showed some exceedances of the prescribed limits. The general conclusion of the report is that the location requires further detailed analysis.

Assessment findings

Findings of concern

  • Elevated nickel was found in the soil and sediment, above the level at which land is no longer considered clean.
  • Cobalt was above that level in the soil sample and in one sediment sample, and selenium in one sediment sample.
  • In the nearby surface water, one sample exceeded the limits for lead and for pollutants associated with combustion, and another sample for copper, lead and oil-related pollutants.
  • Because the dump is unfenced and lacks proper infrastructure, rainfall can carry contamination through the soil toward groundwater, and runoff down the slopes toward local watercourses and the Drina river basin.

Positive findings

  • No measured parameter in the soil or sediment reached the level indicating that cleanup is needed.
  • Oil-related pollutants were within limits in every soil and sediment sample.
  • Total pollutants associated with combustion were within limits in every soil and sediment sample.
  • Cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, chromium and molybdenum were within limits in every soil and sediment sample.

Photo gallery

The project results have been submitted to the competent institutions as a basis for improving regulation and for strategic planning of further activities.

Legal basis

  • Rulebook on limit and remediation values of polluting, harmful and hazardous substances in soil (Official Gazette of RS No. 82/21)
  • Decree on water classification and watercourse categorization (Official Gazette of RS No. 42/01)

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