#1
#1 out of 161.54%
world8h ago
UK and Europe’s hidden landfills at risk of leaking toxic waste into water supplies
- New continent-wide mapping links thousands of landfills to flood-prone zones in Britain and Europe, signaling potential water contamination risks.
- Experts warn flood risks could release toxic leachates, including PFAS and PCBs, into groundwater and food chains.
- The Guardian-led project found that more than 61,000 landfills are in areas where groundwater fails water quality standards.
- The EU and UK acknowledge data fragmentation and pledge improved records and monitoring of landfill sites.
- Coastal landfills are especially at risk, with hundreds within 200 meters of coastlines examined for erosion and storm surge exposure.
- Defra and EU agencies say drinking water safety must be ensured and remedial action taken where exceedances occur.
- Investigators noted illegal waste dumping as a significant problem linked to organized crime in parts of Europe.
- Analysts warn that historic landfills predate protections and may lack adequate pollution controls.
- Experts urge funding and policy action to tackle threatened landfills and protect habitats and drinking water.
- The report highlights a lack of centralized landfill records across the EU and fragmented data by member states.
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