Episode "Alert" declared in Canton Sarajevo

(Patria) - Based on measured concentrations of pollutants in the air and the weather forecast, the Expert Body for Coordination and Supervision concludes that the conditions for declaring the episode "Alert" for the area of Canton Sarajevo have been met, according to the Plan of Intervention Measures in Cases of Excessive Air Pollution in KS.

Measurements of pollutant concentrations in the air in the Canton Sarajevo area during the previous day at the automatic stations Otoka, Ilidža, and Ilijaš recorded exceedances of the limit value for PM10 (50 µg/m3). Other monitored pollutants did not record exceedances of daily or hourly limit values.

According to the synoptic forecast of the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute, precipitation is expected in the evening hours. However, the weather will be stable for the next three days, with no precipitation and very light winds. Also, there are conditions for temperature inversion in the morning and evening hours.

In the "Alert" episode, the following measures are taken: in zone A, in the municipalities of Stari Grad, Centar, Novi Grad, Novo Sarajevo, and Ilidža, below 700 meters above sea level, a ban on the movement of cars and trucks whose diesel engines have EURO1 standard or lower, with increased controls by inspection bodies and assistance from the Ministry of Internal Affairs; in all zones, intensification of road cleaning and washing with the application of wet calcium chloride; strengthening of inspection supervision over construction sites; reduction of temperature by at least two degrees Celsius at all heating plants from the list of legal and natural persons using solid fuels and heavy fuel oil for heating premises, with a recommendation for a possible switch to natural gas or electricity where technically possible; maximum increase in the capacity of environmentally friendly public transport; calling on legal entities to postpone the start of working hours, depending on their capabilities, in order to relieve the capacity of public transport and city roads; warning to risk groups of the population to reduce movement; warning to the population not to contribute further to air pollution through their behavior and activities; warning to school and preschool educational institutions that children should not stay outdoors outside the building during breaks, and that physical education classes should not take place in the schoolyard; warning that burning of waste and other non-vegetative material in open spaces is prohibited; increased inspection and other supervision over the implementation of all measures; warning that any burning of waste in households is punishable and calling to report such prohibited actions to the eco-phone 033/660-000 or the telephone of the Cantonal Operational Center for Civil Protection 121, for further action by the competent municipal and cantonal inspectorates.

The Expert Body for Coordination and Supervision will continue to continuously monitor the values of pollutants in the air and inform citizens about any changes.