Soil degradation in Losiny Ostrov
Road construction and deforestation with heavy machinery are destroying the soil — the lifeblood of the national park’s ecosystem
What damage is being caused to the soil?
Asphalt and asphalt-concrete debris generated during the demolition and repair of road surfaces is classified in the Federal Waste Classification Catalogue under code 83020001714 and belongs to hazard class IV for the environment.
Under Parts 1 and 2 of Article 51 of Federal Law No. 7-FZ, production and consumption waste must be collected, accumulated, utilized, neutralized, transported, stored, and disposed of in ways that are environmentally safe and regulated by the legislation of the Russian Federation.
Clause “l” of Article 15 of Federal Law No. 33-FZ of March 14, 1995 prohibits the creation of waste disposal facilities within the boundaries of national parks.
The placement of hazardous waste directly on natural soil and vegetation cover within the recreational zone of a national park constitutes a serious violation of the protection regime established by Federal Law No. 33-FZ and leads to direct and unavoidable soil contamination, disruption of ecosystems, and destruction of the natural environment of a specially protected natural area.
Under Parts 1 and 2 of Article 51 of Federal Law No. 7-FZ, production and consumption waste must be collected, accumulated, utilized, neutralized, transported, stored, and disposed of in ways that are environmentally safe and regulated by the legislation of the Russian Federation.
Clause “l” of Article 15 of Federal Law No. 33-FZ of March 14, 1995 prohibits the creation of waste disposal facilities within the boundaries of national parks.
The placement of hazardous waste directly on natural soil and vegetation cover within the recreational zone of a national park constitutes a serious violation of the protection regime established by Federal Law No. 33-FZ and leads to direct and unavoidable soil contamination, disruption of ecosystems, and destruction of the natural environment of a specially protected natural area.
Soil expert examination
Expert examination: Due to the import of asphalt granulate into Losiny Ostrov National Park, the concentration of a hazardous carcinogen in the soil exceeded the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) by six times
The concentration of the hazardous carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene in the soil beneath piles of asphalt crumb on a forest clearing in Losiny Ostrov exceeds sanitary standards and the requirements of SanPiN 1.2.3685-21 for environmental safety by six times.
Compared to forest soil located 30 meters away from the clearing, the soil beneath the asphalt crumb contains eight times more benzo[a]pyrene and twice as many petroleum hydrocarbons.
These findings are confirmed by laboratory test results conducted by the accredited laboratory “Ecology of Living Space” of the company Ecospace. Soil samples were provided by forest defenders from Mytishchi, Tatyana and Sergey. Following the laboratory’s sampling instructions, one soil sample was taken from beneath the asphalt crumb layer at the beginning of the clearing between forest compartments 18 and 26, while the second sample was collected from undisturbed forest soil 30 meters away. Both samples — labeled “Road” and “Forest” — were delivered to the laboratory on the same day along with the official sampling report.
The results confirmed that asphalt crumb releases chemical substances into the soil, including benzo[a]pyrene, petroleum products, and heavy metals. According to Wikipedia, benzo[a]pyrene “has extremely strong carcinogenic activity and is highly toxic. In terms of its effects on the human body, it belongs to the highest hazard class (Class I).”
The dumping of asphalt crumb onto the dirt forest clearing began on the night of July 16. Outraged residents filed complaints with the police, requesting the initiation of a criminal case under Article 262 of the Russian Criminal Code (violation of the regime of specially protected natural areas) and the involvement of the environmental watchdog Rosprirodnadzor to assess the environmental damage. However, an investigator from Police Department No. 1, Major Badmaev, refused to open a criminal case. This decision was later overturned by the прокуратура (Public Prosecutor’s Office), which returned the materials for additional review.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Federal State Institution “Losiny Ostrov National Park” also failed to respond to citizens’ appeals, citing that the asphalt crumb was allegedly intended for major road repairs.
By granting the state road authority Mosavtodor the right to conduct works along the route of the planned road, the Director of the Losiny Ostrov National Park, Olga Shulgina, confirmed in a servitude agreement that the use of park land for capital repairs, reconstruction, subsequent operation, and routine maintenance of a road does not contradict the park’s special protection regime. Where the benzo[a]pyrene, heavy metals, and petroleum products originate from appears to have been disregarded.
At present, the asphalt crumb pile stretches for approximately 350 meters, with a layer thickness of up to 50–60 centimeters. Those responsible for poisoning the national park must be held accountable.
Compared to forest soil located 30 meters away from the clearing, the soil beneath the asphalt crumb contains eight times more benzo[a]pyrene and twice as many petroleum hydrocarbons.
These findings are confirmed by laboratory test results conducted by the accredited laboratory “Ecology of Living Space” of the company Ecospace. Soil samples were provided by forest defenders from Mytishchi, Tatyana and Sergey. Following the laboratory’s sampling instructions, one soil sample was taken from beneath the asphalt crumb layer at the beginning of the clearing between forest compartments 18 and 26, while the second sample was collected from undisturbed forest soil 30 meters away. Both samples — labeled “Road” and “Forest” — were delivered to the laboratory on the same day along with the official sampling report.
The results confirmed that asphalt crumb releases chemical substances into the soil, including benzo[a]pyrene, petroleum products, and heavy metals. According to Wikipedia, benzo[a]pyrene “has extremely strong carcinogenic activity and is highly toxic. In terms of its effects on the human body, it belongs to the highest hazard class (Class I).”
The dumping of asphalt crumb onto the dirt forest clearing began on the night of July 16. Outraged residents filed complaints with the police, requesting the initiation of a criminal case under Article 262 of the Russian Criminal Code (violation of the regime of specially protected natural areas) and the involvement of the environmental watchdog Rosprirodnadzor to assess the environmental damage. However, an investigator from Police Department No. 1, Major Badmaev, refused to open a criminal case. This decision was later overturned by the прокуратура (Public Prosecutor’s Office), which returned the materials for additional review.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Federal State Institution “Losiny Ostrov National Park” also failed to respond to citizens’ appeals, citing that the asphalt crumb was allegedly intended for major road repairs.
By granting the state road authority Mosavtodor the right to conduct works along the route of the planned road, the Director of the Losiny Ostrov National Park, Olga Shulgina, confirmed in a servitude agreement that the use of park land for capital repairs, reconstruction, subsequent operation, and routine maintenance of a road does not contradict the park’s special protection regime. Where the benzo[a]pyrene, heavy metals, and petroleum products originate from appears to have been disregarded.
At present, the asphalt crumb pile stretches for approximately 350 meters, with a layer thickness of up to 50–60 centimeters. Those responsible for poisoning the national park must be held accountable.
Collected documents and evidence
How you can help
Everyone can make a difference. Check the list of practical actions to protect the park and choose where to start.
