State of environment hotspots from mining and industry sector in Kosovo

Abstract

Contamination of water, soil, and air in many parts of the world, but also in Kosovo, is a serious
environmental problem, and a permanent risk to public health. The main purpose of this study is to identify
potential environmental hot-spots in Kosovo, to provide basic information about their condition, and to
provide information which could be used to initiate projects for developing more detailed studies. In this
study are presented separately groups hotspots in Kosovo such as: Hotspots from sanitary landfills, industry
and mining sector. These areas which are considered to have a significant impact on the environment and
public health are evidenced.
Environmental hot-spots were mainly created as a result of past industrial activities, caused by mining
activities, unmanaged old landfills, stored chemicals, waste oils, expired pesticides, and so on. Data for
preparation of the study were collected from site visits, meetings, and contacts with various governmental
and non-governmental institutions, from the projects carried out in this area, as well as from public
enterprises that manage these areas.
During the fieldwork in the entire territory of Kosovo, about 110 sensitive spots are evidenced, whereas, 28
areas with the potential for greater impact on the environment and threat to public health. The total surface of
these hotspots is about 9.94 km2 or 0.09% of the territory of Kosovo.