Last week, representatives from INA met with local and regional authorities to provide updates on the remediation of historical subsurface contamination at the Rijeka Refinery. The meeting, held at the refinery, included members of the international consortium Lamor & Litoclean. During the session, INA and its partners presented a permanent technical solution aimed at preventing any discharge into the sea.
The following day, a thematic session of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Assembly, held together with the Kostrena Municipal Council at the Kostrena Public Library, focused on environmental conditions and remediation efforts in the area around the refinery. The event was attended by representatives from the County, the Municipality of Kostrena, INA, and expert institutions. The aim was to share information and enhance cooperation on soil and marine protection measures.
Before the session, Members of Parliament, County officials, and representatives from nearby cities and municipalities visited the refinery as part of a working meeting.
At the assembly session, Bojan Lončar, Head of Maintenance at the Rijeka Refinery and Programme Manager for Remediation, provided an update on the “Subsurface Remediation and Sea Protection” project. He described the construction of a hydraulic barrier as a comprehensive and long-term solution. Lončar also mentioned a series of short- and medium-term measures including regular pumping, sewer and tank rehabilitation, and the use of ocean booms to protect the environment.
“Our focus is on removing historical contamination from the subsurface and preventing its migration towards the sea. The latest findings from the Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County show that seawater quality in front of the refinery has significantly improved, which is the result of a systematic and responsible approach to remediation,” said Lončar. He added that INA, in cooperation with Lamor & Litoclean, plans to implement the permanent technical solution by 2027 to fully eliminate any risk of discharge into the sea.
Participants at both the refinery visit and assembly session noted significant progress since the start of the year, especially in communication and coordination between INA and the local community.
County Prefect Ivica Lukanović described discussions as constructive and encouraging: “The County understands the need for development and will support such processes, but we expect the ultimate protection of the environment and citizens’ health. This must be a shared priority for all stakeholders,” he said.
Chairman of the County Assembly Marko Boras Mandić thanked INA for its cooperation and emphasized maintaining balance between industry, community, and tourism. Mayor of Kostrena Dražen Vranić stated: “I believe that we will soon reach a comprehensive solution to this issue.”
Participants agreed that mutual understanding and open dialogue among INA, the County, and Kostrena Municipality are key to resolving this ongoing challenge.
