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Some ecological solutions for restoration of the city of Celje and its outskirts
8)
Pergamon
War. Sci. Tech. Vol. 37, No.8, pp. 229-234,1998. © 1998 fA WQ. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd Printed in Great Britain.
PH: S0273-1223(98)00253-4
0273-1223/98 $19'00 + 0-00
SOME ECOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS FOR RESTORATION OF THE CITY OF CELJE AND ITS OUTSKIRTS Milka Leskosek*, Nina Masat*, Ivan Erzen** and Andrej Ursic** * Mestna obcina Celje, (The Municipality of Celje), Trg celjskih knezov 9, 3000 Celje, Slovenia ** Zavod za zdravstveno varstvo Celje (Institute of Public Health Celje), Ipavceva 18, 3000 Celje, Slovenia ABSTRACT After World War II industrial production in Celje started to develop intensively. The desire for progress and aftluence was so strong that no attention was paid to the damage that was being caused to the environment. In Celje there was a considerable number of qualified people with the right qualifications, ranging from skilled manual workers to highly educated experts. However, the geographical position of the town was not suitable for the development of chemical, textile, timber and metal industries or iron works. Thus, the industrialisation and urbanisation caused extensive pollution of air, surface water, drinking water and soil. The growing environmental problems in the town required an improvement in the strategies to combat pollution. As a result, we have gained experience in the monitoring of pollution and the measures taken to reduce environmental pollution, as well as to decrease the intensity of pollution. Today, the construction of new production plants is strictly controlled. The main criteria for allowing construction of new industrial plants and introduction of new technological processes, are now the potential harmful effects of the new plant on the environment. © 1998 IAWQ. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd
KEYWORDS Air pollution; carbon monoxide; degasification; heavy metals; iron; manganese; nitrates; noise; recultivation; separation; soil pollution; sulphur dioxide; waste; water pollution. INTRODUCTION Celje is an old town, first mentioned in the times of Ancient Rome. Today, being the third largest town in Slovenia, Celje is a regional centre with 55,000 inhabitants. It is situated in a basin at the confluence of three rivers. In the vicinity, scattered around, there are six spas with thermal springs. Due to its geographical position in the basin, the winds in Celje are weak, thus causing temperature inversions. The town has been a centre for crafts, industry and tourism. After the second world war, rapid industrial development and intensive farming started in and around Celje. Before 1970 the pollution of air, surface and drinking water and soil was widespread in Celje. In 1976, intensive measurements and analyses started; after 1980 we started to reduce the worst of the pollution. Now, 20 years later, the first results can be seen. Great progress has been made concerning the awareness of the population and the involvement of politicians in solving the problems. People have become more aware of the problems and are now determined to live in a healthy environment. 229
230
M. LESKOSEK et ai.
The process of pollution reduction is selective - giving priority to the most polluted and health hazardous areas. Since 1990 priority has been given to the reduction of air and drinking water pollution. The following documents of pollution control strategies have been put into use: programme for reduction of air pollution energy-saving strategies in the town of Celje programme of de-gasification regional waste management policies programme for reduction of surface water pollution programme for recultivation and expansion of municipal waste disposal site. An ecological information network has been set up to provide information about the quality of air, surface waters and drinking water. AIR POLLUTION
The aim is to reduce emissions from all sources to an extent which would not exceed the maximum allowable concentrations. This means the enhancement of Celje's status from that of a fourth-class pollution area to a second one, according to Slovene regulations. Measures taken to reduce air pollution The measures taken to reduce air pollution since 1990 include the following: installation of devices to control air emissions abolition of outmoded technological processes introduction of gas and light fuel oil instead of coal in small domestic and large commercial and industrial furnaces the availability of short-term loans to modernise the heating systems in individual households and their connection to the local gas distribution network due to economic depression after the break-up of Yugoslavia a number of industrial plants with obsolete technology have fallen into disuse, which has resulted in less air pollution in the region. The results of the reduction of air pollution Sulphur dioxide. Since 1995 ambient air concentrations have not exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations (MAC).
Chart No. I. Average annual ambient air concentrations of S02 in Ilg/m3.
Black smoke. Since 1990 black smoke has been reduced due to widespread use of light fuel oil or gas instead of coal. Since 1993 the annual ambient air concentrations have not exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations.
Chart No.2. Average annual ambient air concentrations of black smoke in Ilglm3.
Some ecological solutions for the restoration of Celje
231
Air sediments. The quantities of total air deposition have decreased in all parts of the town since 1990.
Chart No.3. Average air deposition in ~g/mZ.
The content of cadmium in air sediments varies but since 1990 there has been a tendency towards decrease. The content of lead in air sediments has been decreasing since 1994 at all measuring points. The content of lead is the highest in the town centre. However, it does not exceed the maximum allowable concentrations. The content of zinc in air sediments has been decreasing since 1992 at all measuring points. In 1996, however, it exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations at two measuring points. Nitrogen doxide. Annual ambient air concentrations do not exceed maximum allowable levels.
Chart No.4. Average ambient air concentrations of NO Z in ~g/m3.
Suspended matter. Annual ambient air concentrations of suspended matter still exceed maximum allowable short-term and long-term values. 1995 65
1996 67
MAC = 70 /-lg/m 3 per year Chart No.5. Average annual ambient air concentrations of suspended matter in ~g/m 3.
I~:. conc. I I~.~4 I Ii.~5
1996 1.2
MAC - 10 mg 1m3 per 8 hours
Chart No.6. Average annual ambient air concentrations of CO in ~g1m3.
SURFACE WATER POLLUTION The aim is to improve the quality of surface waters from the fourth (the worst) and third quality class to the second quality class, according to Slovene regulations. Measures taken to reduce surface water pollution In most industrial plants, which used to burden the waters, wastewater treatment plants have been built. In addition, some industrial plants have fallen into disuse. In 1995 the factories were taxed for water pollution caused. Money collected from those taxes is used to build sewerage treatment plants. Sewage systems are being intensively built in the areas where rivers are most afflicted. The programme for reduction has been devised and the measures have been carried out since 1995. It has been estimated that all wastewater sources will be treated by the year 2005. Results of the measures Most rivers are polluted by domestic sewage as well as organic and inorganic pollutants from only partly treated or even untreated industrial wastewaters. The longest river, the Savinja is in the second quality class
M. LESKOSEK et al.
232
when it reaches Celje. Due to emissions of untreated sewage waters, it leaves Celje in the fourth quality class, but the results of chemical analyses show that the tendency towards increasing pollution has stopped. The process of improvement of surface water quality is in progress and according to plan it should be completed by 2005. DRINKING WATER 98% of the population is supplied by the local network water supply system which has three major wells: groundwater well at Medlog with a capacity of 150 lIs, the springs at Vitanje with a capacity of 200 lis and the deep well in the dolomite layer at Frankolovo with a capacity of 60 lis. The quality of the groundwater in Medlog is questionable and quantities from the other two water sources are insufficient. However, the groundwater well in Medlog is the only sufficient water well during long rainless spells. Research from 1980 showed that groundwater from Medlog contains manganese and iron. This has caused problems in the network system due to precipitation of manganese as manganese oxide on water pipes. This causes turbidity of water and as a result damage to household appliances (washing machines etc.). In 1983 high concentrations of nitrates were detected in the groundwater from Medlog. The concentrations were between 12 and 19 mg NIl; the maximum allowable concentration being IO mg NIl. Measures taken to improve drinking water quality By building a treatment plant we have succeeded in eliminating manganese and iron. This plant now collects water from seven wells. The water is first disinfected with ozone and then cleaned through sand filters. Further on in the process charcoal filters are used. After ozone treatment, the dissolved manganese is oxidised into insoluble manganese oxides and is removed from water in the sand filters. In this way iron is also removed from water. This layer of manganese oxide has catalytic capabilities and causes ozone decomposition into oxygen. In this way the ozone is completely removed from water. The use of charcoal filters is not necessary for ozone removal. This procedure has been patented. In 1980 the intensive control of potential sources of drinking water pollution started in the protection areas of all water wells. The measures taken were as follows: A sewage system has been built for all buildings and disused cesspits. Farm dunghills have been rebuilt to prevent the leakage of wastewater into the groundwater. Storage of oil products has been inspected and protected according to safety regulations. Plans have been made for proper fertilisation of farming ground in the vicinity of water wells. The construction of an additional piping system has solved the problem of nitrates. The water from the burdened water wells has been directed into industrial areas of the town. The residential and business areas are supplied by water sources that are not polluted by nitrates. Only in cases of greatest consumption the water contaminated with nitrates is added to other sources - mixing is carried out in a special shaft. After mixing the concentration of nitrites does not exceed 5 mg NIl.
Results of the improvement of drinking water Quality The quantity of manganese and iron in drinking water does not exceed maximum allowable concentrations. The quantity of nitrates is always lower than maximum allowable concentrations. SOIL POLLUTION In 1989 research was performed to determine the extent of soil pollution in Celje. This was the first research of that kind in Slovenia. 126 soil samples (0-5 cm) were collected in squares of 2x2 km and Ix I km. They were analysed to find out the contents of As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Pb, Zn, Se, Ni, Ti, fluorides and the pH-value. Thirty selected samples were analysed to find out the content of organic compounds such as: alachlor,
Some ecological solutions for the restoration of Celje
233
metalochlor, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, parathion's derivatives, DDT, DOE, DOD, TOE, hexachlorbenzen, endosulphan, atrazine, simazine, sylvex, bromacil and PCB. The results show that the cadmium, lead and zinc levels in soil collected from the centre and on the outskirts of Celje exceed maximum allowable concentration. At some places increased contents of fluorides, arsenic and nickel have been found. Analysis of the contents of organic compounds in soil samples has shown slightly increased values of DDT, DOE, TOE and triazin, which did not exceed the maximum allowable level. In 1990 the research project entitled 'The influence of soil pollution on some plants' was carried out. The aim of the research was to find out which plants are suitable for cultivation in polluted areas. The results showed that lettuce, carrots, spinach, beet root and radish are not suitable for growing in the soil polluted by lead and cadmium. However, vegetables, fruits and forage plants, can be grown. Measures taken to reduce soil pollution The population in the areas exceedingly polluted by cadmium, lead and zinc were issued with instructions on how to take precautions. Measures to reduce soil pollution have not yet been carried out, due to their complexity and high costs. WASTE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL The aims of waste collection, treatment and disposal plan are: to reduce the quantity of waste which has to be landfilled to the lowest possible level to take measures that would prevent the negative affects of the landfill on the environment to build a modern centre for waste treatment and disposal to organise waste separation and waste collection in urbanized and all rural areas. The present situation The existing waste disposal site has been in use since 1970. Waste collected from five communities (a total population of 100,000) is landfilled at this site. Between 45,000 and 50,000 tonnes of waste material is landfilled there every year, the capacity of the landfill being sufficient for the next 5 years. The landfill has no leak proof base and leachate is not collected. Measures taken to improve the present situation collection of leachate has been organized and sedimentation tanks have been built; treatment of leachate is planned for the next phase degasification of a part of the landfill has began; the gas is burned on a torch landfill has been recultivated a special patio has been built to treat large waste electricity-driven scales for vehicles have been constructed a residential building has been bought in the vicinity of the dumping ground the extension to the landfill has a leak proof base and collection system for leachate ecological rent was attributed to the neighbourhood residential area prior to the restoration of the landfill roads have been built giving access to the dumping ground a project entitled 'Waste Treatment Centre' is being planned; Centre will serve an area with 150,000 inhabitants for a period of 30 years waste separation, waste treatment, composting of organic waste, temporary storage of hazardous waste and landfilling of residual waste will be carried out at the Centre the technological processes and the landfill have been planned in a way to reduce negative effects on the environment to the minimum.
234
M. LESKOSEK et al.
NOISE Levels of noise have not been measured systematically. The first estimations of the level of noise were made in 1982. After that measures were carried out partially, according to the building plans. Systematic measurements of the level of noise started in 1997. CONCLUSION A clean environment is the basis for healthy and happy lives for people and other living beings. We have only become aware of its importance to the environment now that we have already inflicted serious damage on it and are now paying a heavy price in order to remove consequences of environmental pollution in previous years. The restoration of the environment is a complicated project that should include experts from the natural sciences as well as technical, economical and political fields. The technological, economic, sociological and psychological know-hows are equally important. The basis for successful work is the right information about pollution of a particular segment of the environment and regular monitoring of the effects of the measures taken. Simultaneously with the measures to reduce pollution already inflicting damage on the environment, it is necessary to prevent further sources of pollution. The pollution of the environment has become a hindrance to further development. As a result, only energy-saving technologies should be used, which would enable us to use natural resources sensibly and reduce pollution. When planning and designing new buildings, they have to be carefully spaced and the communal infrastructure has to be expanded. Willingness, expertise, good organisation, creative co-operation of the parties involved and financial support are needed to find out the reasons for and to take measures against the consequences of pollution. Prevention is the best policy in ecology. If action is taken in time, the ill effect of pollution on the environment can be prevented. Celje has the right conditions to act efficiently and thus reduce the present degree of pollution and prevent new mistakes. REFERENCES Erzen, I. (1995). Cadmium and Lead in Plant Foods. Public Health Institute. Institute of Animal Breeding Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Celje (1990). Department of Animal Breeding. Instructions on What Preventive Measures to Take in the Areas Polluted with Cadmium, Lead and Zinc in the Celje Area. Jurak. I. (1994). Energy-saving Strategies in Celje. The Municipality of Celje. Jurak. I. (1994-1997). Gasilication Programme in Celje. The Municipality of Celje. Lolmik. F. (1991). Plant NutritiOll and Ecology (1991). The Impact of Air Pollution on Some Plants in Celje Region. Faculty of Biotechnology in Ljubljana. Department of Pedology. Lobnik. F. (1989) Plam Nutrition and Ecology (1989). Topic Map of Soil Pollution in Celje Region. Faculty of Biotechnology in Ljubljana. Department of Pedology. Milohnoja. M. (1991-1993). Report on Systematic Sanitary Control over Biological Residues in Animal Foods in Slovenia. Institute for Food Hygiene at the Veterinary Science Faculty. Leskosek. M. (1982.1989). Programme for Reduction of Drinking Water Pollution. Komunala Celje. Masat. N. (1993). Programmes for Reduction of Air Pollution. The Municipality of Celje. Podgorsek. T. (1995). Monitoring Of Surface Waters in the Celje Region. Nivo Celje. Podgorsek. T. (1993). The Assessment of Wastewater Management in the Region of Celje. Nivo Celje. Report of the Parliament of Slovenia (6/1 1966). Draft Reports on Environmental Status. Ursie. A. and Leskosek. M. (1996). Programme for Reduction of River Pollution with Communal Sewage in the Area of Celje. Public Health Institute. Ursie. A. (1990-1996). Reports on Air Pollution. Public Health Institute.
Pergamon
War. Sci. Tech. Vol. 37, No.8, pp. 229-234,1998. © 1998 fA WQ. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd Printed in Great Britain.
PH: S0273-1223(98)00253-4
0273-1223/98 $19'00 + 0-00
SOME ECOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS FOR RESTORATION OF THE CITY OF CELJE AND ITS OUTSKIRTS Milka Leskosek*, Nina Masat*, Ivan Erzen** and Andrej Ursic** * Mestna obcina Celje, (The Municipality of Celje), Trg celjskih knezov 9, 3000 Celje, Slovenia ** Zavod za zdravstveno varstvo Celje (Institute of Public Health Celje), Ipavceva 18, 3000 Celje, Slovenia ABSTRACT After World War II industrial production in Celje started to develop intensively. The desire for progress and aftluence was so strong that no attention was paid to the damage that was being caused to the environment. In Celje there was a considerable number of qualified people with the right qualifications, ranging from skilled manual workers to highly educated experts. However, the geographical position of the town was not suitable for the development of chemical, textile, timber and metal industries or iron works. Thus, the industrialisation and urbanisation caused extensive pollution of air, surface water, drinking water and soil. The growing environmental problems in the town required an improvement in the strategies to combat pollution. As a result, we have gained experience in the monitoring of pollution and the measures taken to reduce environmental pollution, as well as to decrease the intensity of pollution. Today, the construction of new production plants is strictly controlled. The main criteria for allowing construction of new industrial plants and introduction of new technological processes, are now the potential harmful effects of the new plant on the environment. © 1998 IAWQ. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd
KEYWORDS Air pollution; carbon monoxide; degasification; heavy metals; iron; manganese; nitrates; noise; recultivation; separation; soil pollution; sulphur dioxide; waste; water pollution. INTRODUCTION Celje is an old town, first mentioned in the times of Ancient Rome. Today, being the third largest town in Slovenia, Celje is a regional centre with 55,000 inhabitants. It is situated in a basin at the confluence of three rivers. In the vicinity, scattered around, there are six spas with thermal springs. Due to its geographical position in the basin, the winds in Celje are weak, thus causing temperature inversions. The town has been a centre for crafts, industry and tourism. After the second world war, rapid industrial development and intensive farming started in and around Celje. Before 1970 the pollution of air, surface and drinking water and soil was widespread in Celje. In 1976, intensive measurements and analyses started; after 1980 we started to reduce the worst of the pollution. Now, 20 years later, the first results can be seen. Great progress has been made concerning the awareness of the population and the involvement of politicians in solving the problems. People have become more aware of the problems and are now determined to live in a healthy environment. 229
230
M. LESKOSEK et ai.
The process of pollution reduction is selective - giving priority to the most polluted and health hazardous areas. Since 1990 priority has been given to the reduction of air and drinking water pollution. The following documents of pollution control strategies have been put into use: programme for reduction of air pollution energy-saving strategies in the town of Celje programme of de-gasification regional waste management policies programme for reduction of surface water pollution programme for recultivation and expansion of municipal waste disposal site. An ecological information network has been set up to provide information about the quality of air, surface waters and drinking water. AIR POLLUTION
The aim is to reduce emissions from all sources to an extent which would not exceed the maximum allowable concentrations. This means the enhancement of Celje's status from that of a fourth-class pollution area to a second one, according to Slovene regulations. Measures taken to reduce air pollution The measures taken to reduce air pollution since 1990 include the following: installation of devices to control air emissions abolition of outmoded technological processes introduction of gas and light fuel oil instead of coal in small domestic and large commercial and industrial furnaces the availability of short-term loans to modernise the heating systems in individual households and their connection to the local gas distribution network due to economic depression after the break-up of Yugoslavia a number of industrial plants with obsolete technology have fallen into disuse, which has resulted in less air pollution in the region. The results of the reduction of air pollution Sulphur dioxide. Since 1995 ambient air concentrations have not exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations (MAC).
Chart No. I. Average annual ambient air concentrations of S02 in Ilg/m3.
Black smoke. Since 1990 black smoke has been reduced due to widespread use of light fuel oil or gas instead of coal. Since 1993 the annual ambient air concentrations have not exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations.
Chart No.2. Average annual ambient air concentrations of black smoke in Ilglm3.
Some ecological solutions for the restoration of Celje
231
Air sediments. The quantities of total air deposition have decreased in all parts of the town since 1990.
Chart No.3. Average air deposition in ~g/mZ.
The content of cadmium in air sediments varies but since 1990 there has been a tendency towards decrease. The content of lead in air sediments has been decreasing since 1994 at all measuring points. The content of lead is the highest in the town centre. However, it does not exceed the maximum allowable concentrations. The content of zinc in air sediments has been decreasing since 1992 at all measuring points. In 1996, however, it exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations at two measuring points. Nitrogen doxide. Annual ambient air concentrations do not exceed maximum allowable levels.
Chart No.4. Average ambient air concentrations of NO Z in ~g/m3.
Suspended matter. Annual ambient air concentrations of suspended matter still exceed maximum allowable short-term and long-term values. 1995 65
1996 67
MAC = 70 /-lg/m 3 per year Chart No.5. Average annual ambient air concentrations of suspended matter in ~g/m 3.
I~:. conc. I I~.~4 I Ii.~5
1996 1.2
MAC - 10 mg 1m3 per 8 hours
Chart No.6. Average annual ambient air concentrations of CO in ~g1m3.
SURFACE WATER POLLUTION The aim is to improve the quality of surface waters from the fourth (the worst) and third quality class to the second quality class, according to Slovene regulations. Measures taken to reduce surface water pollution In most industrial plants, which used to burden the waters, wastewater treatment plants have been built. In addition, some industrial plants have fallen into disuse. In 1995 the factories were taxed for water pollution caused. Money collected from those taxes is used to build sewerage treatment plants. Sewage systems are being intensively built in the areas where rivers are most afflicted. The programme for reduction has been devised and the measures have been carried out since 1995. It has been estimated that all wastewater sources will be treated by the year 2005. Results of the measures Most rivers are polluted by domestic sewage as well as organic and inorganic pollutants from only partly treated or even untreated industrial wastewaters. The longest river, the Savinja is in the second quality class
M. LESKOSEK et al.
232
when it reaches Celje. Due to emissions of untreated sewage waters, it leaves Celje in the fourth quality class, but the results of chemical analyses show that the tendency towards increasing pollution has stopped. The process of improvement of surface water quality is in progress and according to plan it should be completed by 2005. DRINKING WATER 98% of the population is supplied by the local network water supply system which has three major wells: groundwater well at Medlog with a capacity of 150 lIs, the springs at Vitanje with a capacity of 200 lis and the deep well in the dolomite layer at Frankolovo with a capacity of 60 lis. The quality of the groundwater in Medlog is questionable and quantities from the other two water sources are insufficient. However, the groundwater well in Medlog is the only sufficient water well during long rainless spells. Research from 1980 showed that groundwater from Medlog contains manganese and iron. This has caused problems in the network system due to precipitation of manganese as manganese oxide on water pipes. This causes turbidity of water and as a result damage to household appliances (washing machines etc.). In 1983 high concentrations of nitrates were detected in the groundwater from Medlog. The concentrations were between 12 and 19 mg NIl; the maximum allowable concentration being IO mg NIl. Measures taken to improve drinking water quality By building a treatment plant we have succeeded in eliminating manganese and iron. This plant now collects water from seven wells. The water is first disinfected with ozone and then cleaned through sand filters. Further on in the process charcoal filters are used. After ozone treatment, the dissolved manganese is oxidised into insoluble manganese oxides and is removed from water in the sand filters. In this way iron is also removed from water. This layer of manganese oxide has catalytic capabilities and causes ozone decomposition into oxygen. In this way the ozone is completely removed from water. The use of charcoal filters is not necessary for ozone removal. This procedure has been patented. In 1980 the intensive control of potential sources of drinking water pollution started in the protection areas of all water wells. The measures taken were as follows: A sewage system has been built for all buildings and disused cesspits. Farm dunghills have been rebuilt to prevent the leakage of wastewater into the groundwater. Storage of oil products has been inspected and protected according to safety regulations. Plans have been made for proper fertilisation of farming ground in the vicinity of water wells. The construction of an additional piping system has solved the problem of nitrates. The water from the burdened water wells has been directed into industrial areas of the town. The residential and business areas are supplied by water sources that are not polluted by nitrates. Only in cases of greatest consumption the water contaminated with nitrates is added to other sources - mixing is carried out in a special shaft. After mixing the concentration of nitrites does not exceed 5 mg NIl.
Results of the improvement of drinking water Quality The quantity of manganese and iron in drinking water does not exceed maximum allowable concentrations. The quantity of nitrates is always lower than maximum allowable concentrations. SOIL POLLUTION In 1989 research was performed to determine the extent of soil pollution in Celje. This was the first research of that kind in Slovenia. 126 soil samples (0-5 cm) were collected in squares of 2x2 km and Ix I km. They were analysed to find out the contents of As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Pb, Zn, Se, Ni, Ti, fluorides and the pH-value. Thirty selected samples were analysed to find out the content of organic compounds such as: alachlor,
Some ecological solutions for the restoration of Celje
233
metalochlor, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, parathion's derivatives, DDT, DOE, DOD, TOE, hexachlorbenzen, endosulphan, atrazine, simazine, sylvex, bromacil and PCB. The results show that the cadmium, lead and zinc levels in soil collected from the centre and on the outskirts of Celje exceed maximum allowable concentration. At some places increased contents of fluorides, arsenic and nickel have been found. Analysis of the contents of organic compounds in soil samples has shown slightly increased values of DDT, DOE, TOE and triazin, which did not exceed the maximum allowable level. In 1990 the research project entitled 'The influence of soil pollution on some plants' was carried out. The aim of the research was to find out which plants are suitable for cultivation in polluted areas. The results showed that lettuce, carrots, spinach, beet root and radish are not suitable for growing in the soil polluted by lead and cadmium. However, vegetables, fruits and forage plants, can be grown. Measures taken to reduce soil pollution The population in the areas exceedingly polluted by cadmium, lead and zinc were issued with instructions on how to take precautions. Measures to reduce soil pollution have not yet been carried out, due to their complexity and high costs. WASTE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL The aims of waste collection, treatment and disposal plan are: to reduce the quantity of waste which has to be landfilled to the lowest possible level to take measures that would prevent the negative affects of the landfill on the environment to build a modern centre for waste treatment and disposal to organise waste separation and waste collection in urbanized and all rural areas. The present situation The existing waste disposal site has been in use since 1970. Waste collected from five communities (a total population of 100,000) is landfilled at this site. Between 45,000 and 50,000 tonnes of waste material is landfilled there every year, the capacity of the landfill being sufficient for the next 5 years. The landfill has no leak proof base and leachate is not collected. Measures taken to improve the present situation collection of leachate has been organized and sedimentation tanks have been built; treatment of leachate is planned for the next phase degasification of a part of the landfill has began; the gas is burned on a torch landfill has been recultivated a special patio has been built to treat large waste electricity-driven scales for vehicles have been constructed a residential building has been bought in the vicinity of the dumping ground the extension to the landfill has a leak proof base and collection system for leachate ecological rent was attributed to the neighbourhood residential area prior to the restoration of the landfill roads have been built giving access to the dumping ground a project entitled 'Waste Treatment Centre' is being planned; Centre will serve an area with 150,000 inhabitants for a period of 30 years waste separation, waste treatment, composting of organic waste, temporary storage of hazardous waste and landfilling of residual waste will be carried out at the Centre the technological processes and the landfill have been planned in a way to reduce negative effects on the environment to the minimum.
234
M. LESKOSEK et al.
NOISE Levels of noise have not been measured systematically. The first estimations of the level of noise were made in 1982. After that measures were carried out partially, according to the building plans. Systematic measurements of the level of noise started in 1997. CONCLUSION A clean environment is the basis for healthy and happy lives for people and other living beings. We have only become aware of its importance to the environment now that we have already inflicted serious damage on it and are now paying a heavy price in order to remove consequences of environmental pollution in previous years. The restoration of the environment is a complicated project that should include experts from the natural sciences as well as technical, economical and political fields. The technological, economic, sociological and psychological know-hows are equally important. The basis for successful work is the right information about pollution of a particular segment of the environment and regular monitoring of the effects of the measures taken. Simultaneously with the measures to reduce pollution already inflicting damage on the environment, it is necessary to prevent further sources of pollution. The pollution of the environment has become a hindrance to further development. As a result, only energy-saving technologies should be used, which would enable us to use natural resources sensibly and reduce pollution. When planning and designing new buildings, they have to be carefully spaced and the communal infrastructure has to be expanded. Willingness, expertise, good organisation, creative co-operation of the parties involved and financial support are needed to find out the reasons for and to take measures against the consequences of pollution. Prevention is the best policy in ecology. If action is taken in time, the ill effect of pollution on the environment can be prevented. Celje has the right conditions to act efficiently and thus reduce the present degree of pollution and prevent new mistakes. REFERENCES Erzen, I. (1995). Cadmium and Lead in Plant Foods. Public Health Institute. Institute of Animal Breeding Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Celje (1990). Department of Animal Breeding. Instructions on What Preventive Measures to Take in the Areas Polluted with Cadmium, Lead and Zinc in the Celje Area. Jurak. I. (1994). Energy-saving Strategies in Celje. The Municipality of Celje. Jurak. I. (1994-1997). Gasilication Programme in Celje. The Municipality of Celje. Lolmik. F. (1991). Plant NutritiOll and Ecology (1991). The Impact of Air Pollution on Some Plants in Celje Region. Faculty of Biotechnology in Ljubljana. Department of Pedology. Lobnik. F. (1989) Plam Nutrition and Ecology (1989). Topic Map of Soil Pollution in Celje Region. Faculty of Biotechnology in Ljubljana. Department of Pedology. Milohnoja. M. (1991-1993). Report on Systematic Sanitary Control over Biological Residues in Animal Foods in Slovenia. Institute for Food Hygiene at the Veterinary Science Faculty. Leskosek. M. (1982.1989). Programme for Reduction of Drinking Water Pollution. Komunala Celje. Masat. N. (1993). Programmes for Reduction of Air Pollution. The Municipality of Celje. Podgorsek. T. (1995). Monitoring Of Surface Waters in the Celje Region. Nivo Celje. Podgorsek. T. (1993). The Assessment of Wastewater Management in the Region of Celje. Nivo Celje. Report of the Parliament of Slovenia (6/1 1966). Draft Reports on Environmental Status. Ursie. A. and Leskosek. M. (1996). Programme for Reduction of River Pollution with Communal Sewage in the Area of Celje. Public Health Institute. Ursie. A. (1990-1996). Reports on Air Pollution. Public Health Institute.