Zhytomyr region agricultural company caught on illegal sand mining worth almost UAH 5 million

Zhytomyr region agricultural company caught on illegal sand mining worth almost UAH 5 million zhit.gp.gov.ua

Anna Velyka

Its head concluded a contract with a contractor for sand extraction on an industrial scale under the guise of clearing and deepening the bottom of the reservoir

The head of an agricultural enterprise in the Radomyshl community of Zhytomyr region organized sand extraction from a reservoir without any permits for such work. In 2023, more than 4.3 thousand cubic meters of sand were removed from the irrigation reservoir, causing almost UAH 5 million in environmental damage.

This was reported by the Zhytomyr Regional Prosecutor's Office.

zhit.gp.gov.ua

zhit.gp.gov.ua

Sand was mined on the plot leased by the farm with the help of special equipment – a dredger and an excavator. Then it was taken by dump trucks to other leased areas for leveling the surface.

zhit.gp.gov.ua

zhit.gp.gov.ua

Investigators of the Korostyshiv District Prosecutor's Office informed the head of the farm about the suspicion of illegal mining of minerals, because carrying out such types of work requires the prior obtaining of a special permit, a mining right-of-way and a plan for the development of a mineral deposit. They also seized the special equipment and are taking measures to recover from the suspect the damages caused to the state and the environment.

In March, EcoPolitic reported that in Volyn municipal workers were accused of mining sand for 1.2 million hryvnias. We also told that in Transcarpathia the company mined sand under the guise of fish breeding.

Related
Environmental crimes of the week: privatization of nature reserves, protection of primeval forests, pollution costing millions
Environmental crimes of the week: privatization of nature reserves, protection of primeval forests, pollution costing millions

Due to criminal conspiracies led by forestry officials, thousands of trees continue to be illegally cut down in Ukraine

Fish deaths recorded in Zhytomyr. Environmental inspectors are looking for the cause
Fish deaths recorded in Zhytomyr. Environmental inspectors are looking for the cause

At the same time, oxygen levels in the water are within normal limits

Forests in Kharkiv are being destroyed for sand extraction. The creation of a nature reserve is being blocked
Forests in Kharkiv are being destroyed for sand extraction. The creation of a nature reserve is being blocked

Criminal cases are brought against activists and they are persecuted

Environmental crimes of the week: tens of millions in losses from mineral extraction, deforestation, and pollution
Environmental crimes of the week: tens of millions in losses from mineral extraction, deforestation, and pollution

Total losses due to deforestation alone exceeded UAH 100 million