Increased Pollution: "Alert" Episode Declared in Sarajevo

The Minister of Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection of Sarajevo Canton, Čedomir Lukić, acting as the head of the Operational Staff, today issued an Order declaring the first episode – "Alert" – of increased concentrations of pollutants in the air in Sarajevo Canton, due to the presence of fog, temperature inversion with weak winds, and exceeding the permissible values of PM10 particulate matter concentration in the air, as well as the forecast of stabilizing weather conditions, it was announced from the relevant ministry, reports the Patria News Agency.

 

The measures were adopted due to the presence of fog, temperature inversion with weak winds, and exceeding the permissible values of PM10 particulate matter concentration in the air.

The measures being implemented within the "Alert" episode include:

- warning to at-risk population groups to reduce outdoor activity,

- appeals to drivers to reduce the use of private cars,

- ban on the movement of cars with engines below Euro 3 standard – increased controls by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This does not apply to police vehicles, inspection vehicles, Ministry of Defense vehicles, public transport, public utility companies, vehicles with diplomatic plates, and emergency vehicles (ambulance and fire brigade),

- warning that any burning of household waste is punishable and calling to report such illegal activities to the competent municipal and cantonal inspectorates in case of suspicion,

- intensification of activities by KJKP "Rad" and "Park" Sarajevo, as well as other operators in cleaning roads and other public areas to reduce PM10 dust emissions,

- call to the public not to further contribute to air pollution through their behavior and activities,

- call to legal entities, owners or users of boiler rooms or furnaces to take all necessary, technically feasible measures to reduce emissions into the air, including cleaning of chimney installations, and if necessary, postpone all operations that could worsen air quality,

- ban on traffic for heavy goods vehicles, with a total mass exceeding 3.5 tons, on the stretch from Otoka to Baščaršija in both directions, except during the periods from 10 AM to 3 PM and 12 AM to 6 AM. This does not apply to public transport vehicles, public utility companies, emergency vehicles, and delivery vehicles for food products. During the traffic ban, prohibition signs shall be placed on streets and approaches to the affected area,

- warning that all combustion plants over 1 MW using solid fuels and heavy oils for heating should reduce heat production by at least 2°C.

The aim of adopting this order is to prevent further air pollution and protect the health of the residents of Sarajevo Canton, according to the Ministry's statement.