Hazardous waste: Creosote-soaked railroad ties abandoned for years in Rūjiena parish
Hundreds of old railroad ties saturated with creosote, a substance considered hazardous by the EU, have been left in nature in Rūjiena parish, Valmiera municipality. The local municipality did not initially regard them as hazardous waste, but the State Environmental Service has ordered their removal by July 1.
For years, hundreds of used railway sleepers have been dumped in the open in Rūjiena parish, Valmiera municipality. These sleepers, previously used as the base for railway tracks, contain creosote – a substance classified as hazardous by the European Union.
The local municipality told the TV program "4. studija" that they did not initially consider these sleepers to be hazardous waste. However, the State Environmental Service (VVD) has intervened, issuing an order to remove the hazardous waste from the site by July 1.
Creosote, a coal tar derivative, poses risks to both the environment and human health if improperly disposed of. The prolonged storage in unsuitable conditions has raised concerns. Now, the municipality and responsible authorities must ensure urgent disposal to prevent further environmental contamination.
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