Russia sues district over illegal dumping and deforestation in protected coastal zone

Russia’s Far Eastern Interregional Directorate of Rosprirodnadzor has taken legal action against the administration of Khasansky Municipal District. The lawsuit, filed in the Arbitration Court of Primorsky Krai, seeks compensation for environmental damage caused by illegal dumping and deforestation. Unauthorised dumpsites of asphalt and asphalt-concrete waste were found on undemarcated municipal lands. One site is located at the entrance to the urban-type settlement of Posyet, and another lies 3 kilometres from the settlement. The total contaminated area spans 1,005 square metres, with the agency demanding 694,958 rubles for soil damage.

The disputed land plots fall within the water protection zone of Expedition Bay in the Sea of Japan. Waste was dumped inside the coastal protective strip, violating environmental regulations. Additionally, environmental specialists discovered that 229 trees had been illegally cut down in Akademichesky Eco-Park at 105 Kirov Street, causing an estimated 2,948,171 rubles in damage.

Rosprirodnadzor had previously issued a compensation demand to the district administration, but it went unanswered. This prompted the lawsuit, with a court hearing set for June 29, 2026. Primorsky Krai has a history of pursuing legal action for environmental harm, including a recent claim by Vladivostok’s administration against Russian Railways for similar damages. The lawsuit aims to recover over 3.6 million rubles in total compensation for soil and forest damage. The case highlights ongoing efforts to address environmental violations in the region. A court decision will determine the financial responsibility of the district administration.