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Višnjik Landfill, Gradačac
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Višnjik Landfill

Above guideline value

Gradačac Landfill Site ID: BiH-FBIH-23 Report date: 2025-09-02

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
  • Subsoil
  • Sediment
  • Water

Summary

The former Višnjik landfill sits by the main entrance to Gradačac, only about 400 metres from the town centre and within the catchment of the significant Okanovići drinking-water source. The dump was officially closed in 2012 but the site is still used for waste sorting. 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; an accumulation of leachate was also observed on site. The nearby surface water met the assessed quality limits.

Assessment findings

Findings of concern

  • Elevated cadmium was found in the soil and sediment, above the level at which land is no longer considered clean, in every sample.
  • In the deeper soil layer, cobalt and zinc were above that level, and nickel in the sediment of the nearby watercourse.
  • An accumulation of leachate was observed on site, and the landfill lies within the catchment of a drinking-water source, so leachate and runoff can carry contamination toward the shallow groundwater and the local watercourse.

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.
  • Pollutants associated with combustion were within limits in every soil and sediment sample.
  • The nearby surface water met the assessed quality limits.
  • Copper, lead, chromium, selenium 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

  • Decision on the characterization of surface and groundwater, reference conditions and parameters for water status assessment and water monitoring (Official Gazette of FBiH No. 01/14)
  • Rulebook on limit and remediation values of polluting, harmful and hazardous substances in soil (Official Gazette of RS No. 82/21)

Due to the absence of reference values for soil and sediment in the Federation of BiH, the Republika Srpska rulebook is applied as a reference framework to ensure methodological consistency between the entities.

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The Catalysing the Green Transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina Portfolio (GTP) is a joint initiative of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by UNDP, and co-chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, with the support and strategic partnership of Sweden and the Government of Switzerland. It brings together UN agencies, including FAO, ILO, UNECE, UNEP, UNODC and UN Women, along with national institutions and authorities at all levels, to drive the country’s green, inclusive, and sustainable transition across four key areas: decarbonization, depollution, biodiversity and nature, and circular economy.