NEWS

Pollution at Markopoulo racetrack

The pollution of Eastern Attica’s water table is extremely widespread, but unfortunately it has not been given the proper attention by the state authorities. For example, there are accusations that waste from the new racetrack at Markopoulo has been discarded in dangerous and illegal ways. Last year, on June 15, prefectural councilor Christiana Frangou told the Environment Inspectors Service that wastewater was being disposed of illegally outside the racetrack. In a document dated August 31 of last year, the Environment Inspectors Service stated that there was particular concern about the origin of this wastewater because of general issues with waste disposal at the track. The service’s report noted that the racecourse management did not have a license to dispose of either liquid or solid waste. Also, the system for collecting and processing litter had not been properly studied, and liquid waste from the cleaning out of stables had not been properly processed in accordance with environmental regulations. The Olympic Equestrian Center and the new racetrack opened just before last summer’s Olympic Games, but failed to comply with a number of environmental regulations. After last summer, a document was drawn up about the problems. However, no one has officially responded to Frangou’s June 15 charge. Recently, claims were made that the water pouring out from the track was the result of a downpour, as if there had been heavy rains that June. What is bizarre about this case is that the Environmental Inspectors Service sent documents to Frangou regarding a violation of environmental conditions and recommending a fine, but not in connection with the charge she had made. Instead, the service recommended a fine for improper disposal of litter.

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