"This is a real crime." Residents of the Leningrad Region recorded an appeal to the Investigative Committee against the construction of a waste landfill.

Activists from St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region have recorded a petition against the Rakhya landfill, which is planned to be built several kilometers from Lake Ladoga. The authorities have not yet responded to the petition. 

"We plan to support the Clean Ladoga project so that the future landfill site is included in the project. We propose passing a law banning the construction of landfills at least 10 kilometers from Lake Ladoga and the rivers flowing into it," the activist told NeMoskva. 

Residents already tried They tried to get the landfill construction cancelled in court. However, the court denied their request.

"The judge of the Dzerzhinsky Court said that when the endangered animals and plants file a complaint with the court, then we will consider and take into account the damage caused to flora and fauna," the activist noted. 

Activists continue to file complaints with various authorities, but all their concerns are forwarded to the Leningrad Region Waste Management Committee. Authorities assure that the project has passed an environmental assessment and that all documents are in order.

"The site where they plan to build the landfill is very beautiful. Right now, they're cutting down trees there and digging pits for waste disposal. The pits are filling with water; I counted six quarries with clear, turquoise water at the landfill. Behind the landfill is a huge cranberry bog. It's a real crime—it's right next to Lake Ladoga and a drinking water intake," the activist adds.

Residents of the Leningrad Region aren't the only ones suffering from their proximity to landfills. In the Ryazan Region, people out to a meeting against the construction of a similar facility. And in the Moscow region, residents of several villages even have asked Regarding the evacuation: due to the burning of garbage at the landfill, children began to suffocate, some developed rashes and other health problems.

Video: VK group "Against the Rakhya Landfill. Save Lake Ladoga"