Experts from the Black Sea Basin Directorate (BSBD) and the Regional Inspectorate for Environment and Water (RIEW) – Varna, carried out a joint inspection today immediately after receiving reports of oil product pollution of the sea waters and the beach in the area between the Second and Third training wall in the city.

The inspection found oil product pollution on the sand strip on the border with the sea. In some areas, algae contaminated with oil products, thrown out of the sea, were found, and in other areas - a layer of oil products, thrown out of the sea with a dark brown color and a characteristic odor. Opalescence was observed on the surface of the water throughout the coastal zone, as well as in the interior around the training walls. During the inspection, there were vessels waiting at a roadstead in the sea directly opposite the area being inspected.

During the on-site inspection, no coastal source of oil product pollution was found.

Three samples were taken and will be tested for petroleum products, polychlorobiphenyls, benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and styrene. The results of the tests will be announced in a timely manner.

The Director of the Maritime Administration - Varna has been notified about the received signals and the findings during the joint inspection, so as to take action within his competence to identify the potential sources of pollution.

The concessionaire of the polluted sea beaches has been given instructions for cleaning, and the Varna regional governor has been notified about the unguarded sea beach to take the necessary actions.