New Plan of Intervention Measures Adopted for Cases of Excessive Air Pollution

(Patria) - The Government of Sarajevo Canton yesterday adopted a new Plan of Intervention Measures for cases of excessive air pollution in Sarajevo Canton.

The relevant Ministry of Communal Economy, Infrastructure, Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection of KS prepared the new Plan in cooperation with the World Bank Office in BiH and with the recommendations of a foreign consultant, after analyzing the measures taken so far, as well as comparing them with the experiences of other cities in Europe and beyond that have similar air pollution problems.

The key innovations are that the previous three episodes of excessive pollution have been reduced to two: "Warning" and "Alert". The "Standby" episode is abolished, and in addition to continuous measures, preventive measures have been introduced that should be implemented before the start of the heating season.

Due to the negative health effects of polluted air on the population, the thresholds for declaring episodes for PM10 particles have been lowered, so instead of 150 µ/m3, "Warning" will be declared at 90 µ/m3, and "Alert" instead of 300 µ/m3 at 200 µ/m3.

Based on research conducted in the previous period, and conclusions related to the participation of gasoline vehicles in air pollution, the measures related to restricting the movement of motor vehicles have been extended to these vehicles as well. Thus, in the "Warning" episode, the movement of vehicles with Euro 2 engines or lower is restricted, and during the "Alert" episode, vehicles with EURO 3 engines are also restricted.

Instruments for improving the coordination of those responsible for implementing the Plan are foreseen, as well as the obligation to plan financial resources for the implementation of the prescribed measures.

The measures implemented to reduce harmful emissions and the measures/activities implemented to protect the health of the population have been redesigned and separated.

The implementers of the measures and the subjects of control, as well as the necessary conditions for their implementation, have been better defined.

The relevant Ministry emphasized that responsibility in the implementation of measures, which has been lacking so far, should be insisted upon, as well as greater engagement of municipalities, and timely planning of budget funds for the implementation of prescribed measures.