For years, the ‘Woodland’ timber processing plant had been operating right in the heart of a residential neighbourhood in the town of Rozhysche, leading to numerous complaints from local residents about the loud noise and wood processing waste ending up in flower beds and on windowsills. As it turned out, the business had been operating all this time without the necessary environmental permits. Consequently, the Volyn Regional Prosecutor’s Office has opened a criminal case against the company for breaching environmental safety regulations.
This was reported by the ‘Power of Truth’ Centre for Investigative Journalism.
The result of years of complaints
Previously, a garment factory had operated on the site of the controversial production facility. It did not cause any particular inconvenience to those living nearby, as it did not produce as much noise or pollution. However, as early as 2017, new production processes – woodworking – began in the old premises.
It was then that people began to face the full consequences of having such a neighbour. The loud unloading of timber logs, resin and wood shavings in the air settling on all surfaces around the factory – this was precisely the cause of the complaints against Woodland Ltd.
The publication reported on the lack of an environmental impact assessment as far back as 2023. Local residents had been trying to seek justice for a long time, constantly appealing to the regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies.
Toxic Neighborhood
The operations of the woodworking company proved not only “inconvenient” for residents, but also harmful. In 2025, the Volyn Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention laboratory confirmed that the air contained excessive levels of chemical substances and that nitrates were present in the drinking water. Samples were taken near the premises of LLC "Woodland".
Local residents experienced such toxic exposure firsthand. They reported deteriorating health and general well-being, leading them to appeal to the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection and to the police.
No Permits-Then or Now
Numerous complaints from Rozhyshche residents eventually led to an unscheduled inspection by specialists from the regional State Environmental Inspectorate. As a result, at the beginning of June 2026 (with the enterprise operating since 2017), it was established that "Woodland" was operating without an environmental impact assessment.
“The identified violation-the absence of an environmental impact assessment conclusion for the planned activity, namely wood processing (chemical processing of wood, production of fiberboard, woodworking using synthetic resins, wood preservation by impregnation),” quotes “Syla Pravdy” from the response given by environmental experts.
Therefore, according to local residents, since March 2026 the prosecutor's office has been investigating a criminal case regarding "Woodland" and its operations in violation of environmental standards.
Owners and Beneficiaries
LLC "Woodland" was established in 2009. The company, registered in Rozhyshche, produces plywood, veneer, wooden boards and panels. Additionally, its business activities include the supply of hot water and steam, logging operations, and freight transportation.
According to official documents, the owner of the company is Svitlana Hrabovets, while the director is Yevhen Bondarenko. However, the business as a whole is part of the "Pan Kurchak" agro-industrial group. Within this group, the key figure is Serhiy Martyniak, who served as a Member of Parliament in the 7th and 8th convocations. Notably, for "Woodland Ukraine" LLC, he was listed as founder and owner until 2022.
In its previous digest of environmental crimes, EcoPolitica reported on a number of high-profile cases of environmental pollution. For example, an enterprise in Dnipro operated without an emissions permit, causing environmental damage amounting to 8.7 million UAH, and the head of one of the municipal enterprises in Ternopil region allowed pollution of the Zbruch River.
