site.btaDead Fish, Unusually Dark Water Reported in Struma River

Citizens have reported dead fish and unusual darkening of the waters of the Struma River in the area of Kyustendil and Dupnitsa.

Photos posted on social media purportedly show dead fish in the river and stretches where the water appears unusually dark. According to the posts, the affected species include nase, barbel and chub.

The Sofia Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water told BTA on Thursday that it had carried out an inspection following the report.

Tsveta Boyadzhieva of the Inspectorate said no industrial facilities that could potentially have caused pollution were found near the location concerned.

The report has also been referred to Kyustendil Municipality and the Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture. Statements from the other competent authorities and the results of further checks are pending.