Pollution hot spots

19/11/2013 00:00

Hundreds of thousands of cyanide wastes, chemicals, pesticides and heavy
metal remains are sleeping for decades in 31 areas considered as hot
spots.

Experts listed nine the nine most polluted areas, with Elbasan being on top of the list. The cost for removing them mounts up to 620 million EUR, and 320 million EUR for operative interventions.

On top of the list is the Ferrochrome Melting Plant in Elbasan. It has 400 cubic meters of industrial remains, very dangerous for the health. Experts declared that 38 million EUR are needed for a full rehabilitation of this area, and 250.000 of operative cost. Experts explained that the risk is when people have a physical contact with them. Families that live close to these areas are in danger.

The health ministry say that the concessionary companies need to pay the cost of rehabilitation. Most of these hot spots were caused by industrial activities, and they are owned by the Ministry of Industry and Energy. According to the law, these ministries are responsible for the full rehabilitation and final removal of these wastes.