A report on the removal of petroleum products from the coast of Tuapse has raised questions for authorities.

Authorities reported that more than 18,500 cubic meters of oil-contaminated soil have been removed from the coast of Tuapse. Telegram users inquired about where the collected soil is being taken.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," by May 4, according to Kuban authorities, more than 17,000 cubic meters of fuel oil, contaminated soil, and water-oil mixture had been collected in Tuapse, including more than 1,800 cubic meters in the past 24 hours.

05:26 05.05.2026

Volunteers identify challenges in cleaning Tuapse beaches from oil spills

Volunteers cleaning Tuapse beaches from oil spills are particularly challenged by shortages of food and equipment, as well as a shortage of respirators and bags. The girls participating in the cleanup admitted that they are not allowed into particularly contaminated areas.

In Tuapse, 18,538 cubic meters of contaminated soil and water-oil mixture have been collected and removed from the shoreline and river, the Kuban task force reported today on its Telegram channel.

"1,450 cubic meters – in the last 24 hours. Work at all sites is ongoing around the clock. Street cleanups are also continuing in the city – public spaces, squares, and sports grounds are being tidied up. The total team consists of 725 people and 66 pieces of equipment," the publication states.

"Caucasian Knot" is unable to verify the authorities' information about the number of participants in the oil spill cleanup.

Commentators on the Telegram channel "My Tuapse" (60,000 subscribers) asked about where The collected soil is being transported.

I wonder where and how the disposal takes place?

"I wonder where and how the disposal takes place?" wrote Lyudmila, among others. "Where did they take it?" asked Impressor. "Most likely to the neighbors in the area," responded Sergey.

"Where did they take it? Where? Why aren't they writing?" Anastasia Karukova wrote. "Why do you need to know where? What do you want to know for?" Irina asked in response. "For your own safety. And is this classified information?" – Anastasia Karukova responded.

Tuapse residents spoke about the consequences of another attack on the city

As a reminder, on May 1, a fire started on the territory of the sea terminal in Tuapse after a drone attack. It was extinguished on May 2. This was the fourth fire in Tuapse since April 16. Earlier, on April 24, after booms broke due to rising water levels in the Tuapse River, an oil spill occurred into the Black Sea.

A series of attacks on Tuapse's oil infrastructure has led to environmental consequences, according to the "Caucasian Knot" report "Fires and "oil rain": the main information about the environmental disaster in Tuapse".

A regional emergency regime is in effect throughout the Tuapse Okrug . For information on emergency assessment criteria, response levels, structures, and resources for dealing with the consequences, please see the Caucasian Knot's "Emergency Situation Regime" document "Emergency Situation Regime (ESR)".

Caucasian Knot has compiled materials on the "Eco-Disaster in Kuban" page.