Benzene concentration dramatically increased in lake in Hustopeče

The concentration of benzene has risen dramatically at one of the intake points of the water reservoir in Hustopeče nad Bečvou in the Přerov region, which is in close proximity to the train crash involving toxic benzene.

Such high levels could pose an immediate threat to aquatic organisms, although no fish kills have been recorded so far, Miriam Loužecká, a spokeswoman for the Czech Environmental Inspectorate (ČIŽP), told ČTK today. According to the inspectorate, this is most likely the result of rainfall, which facilitated the seepage of benzene into the groundwater.