VIPOTNIK: AIR POLLUTION ISSUE MUST BE SOLVED SYSTEMATICALLY

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 3 /SRNA/ – The Minister of Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology of Republika Srpska, Bojan Vipotnik, told SRNA that the air pollution issue must be addressed in a systematic, multisectoral and continuous manner in order to achieve quality solutions and ensure that adopted regulations do not remain just a dead letter.

Vipotnik emphasized that strategic documents in the field of air protection have been adopted, and recalled that energy efficiency projects are being implemented in Republika Srpska, which significantly contribute to reducing harmful gas emissions.

He pointed out that power production Republika Srpska is primarily based on thermal power plants, which is why it is necessary for the power sector to be fully involved in solving these issues.

"Thermal Power Plants `Gacko` and `Ugljevik` are serious polluters, while the `Stanari` Thermal Power Plant, thanks to strong filters and modern technologies, operates below the permitted emission levels," Vipotnik said.

He recalled that the Ministry had on several occasions tried to introduce the "polluter pays" principle into the law, under which the two thermal power plants would pay a fee, but the funds would be returned to them to finance measures aimed at reducing pollution – the procurement of modern filters and purification systems.

Vipotnik also reminded that the Republika Srpska Government adopted information and a conclusion on the obligation to undertake sector measures and activities for the protection and management of air quality in Republika Srpska, under which all institutions are tasked with monitoring the situation on a daily basis and acting in accordance with their competencies.