Hustopeče benzene spill: 12 tonnes of contaminated soil and 260 tonnes of benzene on groundwater

Around 12 tonnes of contaminated soil remain at the site of the toxic benzene spill in Hustopeče nad Bečvou, according to estimates by the Czech Environmental Inspectorate. A further 260 tonnes of benzene is floating on the groundwater surface, covering an area of 25,000 square metres at a depth of up to three metres. Dissolved benzene in the groundwater reaches 1.8 grams per litre. Authorities assured residents the situation is under control, with steel barriers sealing the site. Environment Minister Petr Hladík confirmed no immediate danger, while cleanup plans are being finalised, aiming for speed, cost-effectiveness, and environmental safety.