For several months, residents of Ełk, the third largest city in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, have been reporting a problem with an annoying smell that significantly impedes their daily functioning. While the problem of the stench that plagues the capital of Masuria is well known to its residents – residents and a group of city councilors intervened in the matter, and the city authorities also sent letters to various institutions – now the Razem party has become interested in it.
The party decided to act on the request of the residents. Magdalena Biejat, Deputy Marshal of the Senate and co-chair of the Razem party, together with Bartosz Grucela prepared letters to two institutions: the Provincial Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (WIOŚ) in Olsztyn and the Inter-Municipal Association “Gospodarka Komunalna”.
In a letter addressed to the Union, Biejat asks for details regarding the waste disposal site in Siedliska, including the number of tons of waste accepted in 2018-2023 and the sources of the waste.
The deputy marshal asked WIOŚ to provide the results of previous inspections at the landfill. She would also like to receive details about the methodology of measurements and tools used to study the odor scale, which, in her opinion, could shed light on the causes of unpleasant odors.
The senders of both letters (dated September 2) are waiting for the addressees’ response.
Although the issues that the deputy marshal is asking for clarification have already been discussed, for some residents the mere fact that a person of such rank has taken an interest in the matter may be some – yet another – hope for the future. Earlier, the issue of the stench plaguing the capital of Mazury was presented in parliament by Anna Wojciechowska, a member of parliament from Ełk.
Maciej Chroscielewski
