Date:
Year 1998/1999
Location:
Ziar Valley, Slovakia
Responsible organisations:
District Office and Slovak Soil Fund in Ziar nad Hronom, Slovakian Ministry
of Environmental Protection.
Description:
The Ziar-Valley has been the center of mining activities, including ore
dressing and smelting, for several hundred years. The Aluminum Plant at Ziar
nad Hronom is a major source of pollution. The heavily contaminated soil is
not suitable for agricultural production, which is the most important
economic activity in the region. An assessment of feasible techniques of
soil rehabilitation were required.
The project dealt with assessment of pollution loads and a
search for economical methods for minimising the aluminum plant's pollution
effects on the food chain and the soil.
Objectives:
To assess the environmental load and elaborate feasible solutions leading to
ecological rehabilitation of the entire Ziar Valley.
Issues addressed:
Soil remediation, waste management and water protection.
Results achieved:
Based on soil sampling and chemical analysis, a priority list of potential
crops was developed. A waste management plan and water protection strategy
was also developed, based on the soil and chemical analysis and on a
cost/benefit analysis for optimal utilization of land. Effective and
practical measures leading to the optimal use of Ziar Valley's land and
water resources were identified.
Financing:
REC/Japan Special Fund
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