Residents' reports of foul odors in contrada San Domenico and the Ponte Valentino area, along with foam in the Calore river and dead fish, became the focus of a tense debate in Benevento's city council.
According to NTR24, the environmental issue was the thirteenth and final item on the council's agenda. Opposition councillors objected to that placement, left the chamber at the beginning of the sitting, and later returned for the environmental discussion.
During the debate, the opposition called for more accessible documents, data, inspections, and clear institutional answers on what had happened and what measures were being taken.
Environment Councillor Oberdan Picucci responded that the municipality had received the reports, activated checks through the competent bodies, and acted promptly within its powers. He said the administration was awaiting technical data and referred to an investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office, which limits what information can currently be disclosed.
The causes of the reported odors, river foam, and fish deaths have not been established in the available reporting. No technical test results, laboratory analyses, or findings from environmental, health, or judicial authorities were provided, and the current environmental status of the Calore and the affected areas remains unclear.
