Russian Attack on Dniester Hydroelectric Power Plant Leaks “Technical Oils” into the Dniester River, Threatening Drinking Water Quality

     Bombing emits pollution, usually air pollution, with the large amounts of smoke from the combustion of the weapons' propulsion systems, as well as the smoke, debris, and particulate pollution emitted from the explosions. The illnesses from the 911 attack cleanup are a clear example that such emissions can be very dangerous, both immediately and over time. The recent bombing of an oil storage facility in Iran by Israeli jets made a residual oily rain that coated the area. This is no doubt harmful. Other types of bombings can release contaminants into waterways, which is what happened recently when Russia bombed a hydroelectric plant in Ukraine on the Dniester River.

     A Russian attack on the Dniester Hydroelectric Power Plant caused oil products to be spilled into the river, creating an environmental threat to the adjacent country of Moldova. They deployed the army and water testing experts and appealed to the European Union for assistance. “Technical oils” were leaked into the river. Teams from Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine, as well as units of the Moldovan National Army, were dispatched to contain oil slicks and to perform water testing. Technical oils used at hydroelectric plants may include lubricants, gear oils, greases, hydraulic oils, and other special lubricants. 

     I recently wrote a post about sabotage that resulted in a leak of approximately 4,900 gallons of non-PBC transformer oil into a creek in West Virginia, and the extensive containment, water testing, and water system purging required to mitigate the incident. Something similar will be required here. 

     According to RBC Ukraine, the Moldovan Prime Minister noted:

"We are requesting support from our European partners for the swift mobilization of specialist teams and the necessary equipment to operate on the Dniester. This includes equipment for capturing, containing, and removing oil pollution from the water, as well as mobile stations for water quality testing," he said.

“Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder warned that settlements in northern Moldova could be left without a water supply. A yellow-level alert has already been declared in the area of Naslavcea village.”

     They also noted that the Dniester River is a major source of drinking water for two major cities:

“The Dniester River is one of the key sources of water supply for the cities of Odesa (Ukraine) and Chisinau (Republic of Moldova), and the contamination poses a serious threat to the population and aquatic ecosystems.”

     The bombing of civilian energy sites, such as the hydroelectric plant on the Dniester, is a clear violation of the Geneva Convention. Russia excels in committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. While the U.S. leadership has complained about so-called “rules of engagement,” for the most part, it follows them.

     According to Wikipedia:

“The Dnister HES (Ukrainian: Дністровська ГЕС, romanized: Dnistrovska HES) is a 702 MW hydroelectric power station at the Dnister near Novodnistrovsk, Ukraine. It was launched in commercial operation in 1981. Both Dnister Hydroelectric Station and Dniester Pumped Storage Power Station are operated by Ukrhydroenergo and compose the Dnister.” Cascade of power stations. Dnister HES-2 is located downstream and has a 40.8 MW capacity.”

     A Microsoft CoPilot AI summary notes:

“The Dniester Hydroelectric Plant plays a crucial role in Ukraine's energy infrastructure, contributing significantly to the national grid. Its operational history, capacity, and recent developments highlight its importance and the challenges it faces in the current geopolitical climate.”  

References:

 

Russia poisons river in two countries: Ukraine prepares appeal to UN. Kateryna Shkarlat. RBC Ukraine. March 13, 2026. Russia poisons river in two countries: Ukraine prepares appeal to UN

Dniester Hydroelectric Station. Wikipedia. Dniester Hydroelectric Station - Wikipedia