URGENT UPDATE: Air pollution levels from the Termoelektrana Pljevlja power plant have surged to alarming heights, raising severe health concerns for residents in Pljevlja. Officials from the URA party are sounding the alarm, reporting that the emissions are either unchanged or potentially worse than before the plant’s recent ecological reconstruction.
Authorities confirmed that the power plant was restarted on December 1, 2023, despite lacking essential operational permits. URA representatives stated that critical components required for environmental compliance were not operational, contradicting assurances given to the public about improved air quality following the eight-month shutdown.
In an official statement,
“EPCG and the Ministry of Energy have knowingly endangered the citizens of Pljevalja, who believed that the reconstruction would significantly improve the emissions situation,”
said a spokesperson from URA. This announcement has sparked widespread outrage among the local population, who are now facing the immediate repercussions of this governmental oversight.
The URA has been vocal about the lack of transparency regarding the power plant’s emissions, urging the responsible authorities to release air quality data immediately. They stress that both the desulfurization and denitrification systems are inactive, crucial technologies that would mitigate harmful emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxides.
Residents of Pljevlja are expressing fear and frustration, feeling betrayed by the very institutions meant to protect their health. URA has called for urgent inspections and accountability from the management of EPCG, led by Admir Šahmanović. They are demanding that if the emission levels are confirmed to be as high as they suspect, those responsible for the mismanagement must resign immediately.
The situation in Pljevlja has become critical. URA insists that the authorities must act swiftly to prevent further health risks. They are awaiting the results of an inspection and are prepared to escalate their demands for accountability if the data confirms their fears about the emissions.
As this situation develops, residents and environmental advocates are calling for immediate governmental action to safeguard public health. The implications of this ongoing crisis extend beyond just Pljevlja, as air quality issues continue to pose significant risks across the region.
Stay tuned for further updates as authorities respond to this urgent environmental crisis. The health and safety of the community depend on prompt action and transparency regarding the power plant’s operations.
