THE ENVIRONMENT Ministry (MŽP) disapproves of the proposal for oil pipeline operator Transpetrol to connect the Adria (coming from Austria) and the Druzhba (coming from Ukraine) oil pipelines.
The plan calls for pipeline infrastructure in the Žitný ostrov region, which is the most fertile part of Slovakia, the TASR news agency reported.
According to the Environment Ministry, the proposal does not rule out the risk of oil leakage seeping into the ground water of the Žitný ostrov protected area, and subsequently into the river Danube.
Being the main sources of water in Western Slovakia, Žitný ostrov is one of Slovakia's most protected areas.
"According to an environmental impact report, possible leakage would have a disastrous impact on surface and ground water in the region," said Pavel Virag from the Slovak Water Management Enterprise.
The Environment Ministry recommends looking for an alternative route for the oil pipeline.
