Prague [Czech Republic], September 9: The discovery of drums containing hazardous chemicals at a former military training area has caused alarm in the Czech Republic.
New investigations have revealed that there are around 200 dilapidated drums and 1,000 tons of contaminated soil at the site, Environment Minister Igor Cerveny said on Tuesday.
Substances detected include dioxins and furans, mercury, arsenic and organic solvents.
The site in question is the former Soviet-era military training range 'Dobra Voda' ("Good Water") which operated from 1952 until the end of 1991.
The extensive densely wooded area is situated in the Šumava National Park, near the border with the German state of Bavaria. Large parts of the former restricted military zone remain off-limits to this day due to the danger posed by unexploded ordnance and contaminated sites. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune