Transport minister calls for review of environmental agency’s role in Nemunas dredging case
Transport Minister Juras Taminskas has said the ongoing pre-trial investigation into alleged environmental violations during the dredging of the Nemunas River should examine the actions of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state broadcaster LRT reports.
Speaking at a maritime conference on Friday, Taminskas questioned why the EPA had not intervened during the two-year dredging process, only raising concerns after its completion. “For two years, while the work was underway, the Environmental Protection Agency saw nothing—no dredging, no equipment in the Nemunas,” he said. “Now, suddenly, after two years and after the process is finished, everyone’s eyes are open. The pre-trial investigation should answer whether the EPA acted appropriately during that time.”
The minister also criticised environmental institutions under his ministry for excessive caution, stating that “fear someone will chain themselves to a tree or sit all night by a bird’s nest” was hindering progress. “We need to overcome these fears, educate the public, and not give in to intimidation,” he added.
The Kaunas Regional Prosecutor’s Office launched a pre-trial investigation in late November into potential violations of environmental protection rules during the dredging of the Nemunas near Alytus. The probe follows findings by the EPA that the Inland Waterways Directorate (VVKD), a ministry-owned agency, had caused €8 million in environmental damage by deepening the riverbed without proper impact assessments. The work reportedly reduced fish, mollusc, and bottom-dwelling invertebrate populations in the affected areas.
The VVKD has disputed the EPA’s conclusions and announced plans to challenge them in court. Following the allegations, the agency’s board dismissed its director-general, Vladimir Vinokurov, who had led the organisation since 2018. Deputy Director Gediminas Vasiliauskas is currently serving as acting head.
The Transport Ministry holds full ownership of the VVKD.