Posted by finkployd in
Info
Wednesday, July 13. 2005
This is an adaptation of a map published in the latest edition of
Environment & Development Magazine.
(see here)
I've updated the Byblos, Batroun, & Amchit areas to better represent my water pollution impressions.
All other areas are accurate 'as is'.
I've defined water pollution as:
- Sewage (notable in: Beirut, Sidon, Tripoli)
- Garbage (notable in: Byblos)
- Chemical Dumps (notable in: Chekka)
- Debris [quarries and industrial] (notable in: Damour)
-finkployd
Continue reading "Going to the Beach in Lebanon? - Coastal Water Pollution Map"
Posted by finkployd in
Info
Wednesday, July 13. 2005
Also remember the Independent Environment Hotline (not government-run)
(01) 210 510
---
Mitri announces new environmental hotline
By Karine Raad
Daily Star staff
Friday, June 17, 2005
BEIRUT: Environment Minister Tarek Mitri unveiled a new hotline set up by the ministry to receive complaints and suggestions regarding the environment. The hotline's toll-free number is 1789, extension 492; from a land line 01/976555 extension 492, or fax 01/976530.
In a news conference, Mitri said implementing environmental protections and working toward the country's socio-economic development were interrelated.
He said: "Distinguishing between defending the environment and human beings is a cover created by some to violate the laws and serve their private interests."
Mitri slammed allegations that environmental issues are secondary to the country's reconstruction projects.
He said: "The costs of environmental destruction, which is estimated at $565 million, constitute a heavy annual loss, whereas care for the protection of environment on all levels does not cost that much."
"Based on this simple, scientific and numeric comparison, we stress the necessity of investing efforts in the care and protection of the environment," Mitri said.
Commenting on the ongoing official ban on rock and sand quarries, Mitri said the endorsement of the ministry's final draft of its master plan pertaining to the issue requires verification of geological technical standards.
Commenting on medical concerns raised by the level of industrial pollution in the Chekka area of North Lebanon, Mitri said the ministry is cooperating with environmental experts, activists and Balamand University to solve the problem.
The minister said that medical experts had diagnosed the spread of breast cancer in the area as being caused by the steel industry. Mitri added that supervision of emissions from smoke stacks at the area's various industrial plants is ongoing but that tests showed the pollution index is close to those set by international standards.
Concerning medical waste, Mitri said the Council for Development and Reconstruction had been entrusted with providing trucks for the transportation of such wastes. -dailystar
-finkployd
Posted by finkployd in
Info
Wednesday, July 13. 2005
Gaseous emissions alarm Dbayyeh residents
Area's inhabitants say 'coal factory' causing health problems
The Daily Star, May 06, 2005
Residents of the Zouk Kharab area in Dbayyeh have been complaining about gaseous emissions and nauseous smells suspected to be originating from a nearby coal factory.
The town's residents have repeatedly tried in vain to urge the authorities to put an end to these emissions, which they say are causing respiratory illness among the area's children and elderly.
One resident said: "We have been suffering regularly at night from chest tightness and shortness of breath."
Commenting on the issue, Dbayyeh Mayor Kabalen Ashkar said: "The edifice in question is a site for packing coal and not for manufacturing it."
But he confessed that "the owner of that edifice, Eli Mojaaess, has built a big depot, ignoring the permit he was granted to build only a tent and restore an old room."
But as packing coal reportedly does not cause odors similar to those residents are complaining of, their origins remain a mystery.
An expert from the Environmental Hotline has visited the area and detected the presence of sulfur dioxide - a dangerous air pollutant - in the air. High concentrations of the gas not only pose significant health threats, mainly on the respiratory system, but also cause serious environmental problems.
Hazarding a guess at the source of the emissions, the expert has come up with a theory of how coal is in fact being produced in Zouk Kharab.
The expert believes imported coal is first chopped and packaged for sale. The remains are next grinded into a thick paste by adding substances such as sulfur or gun powder. The paste is then cut into pieces and dried in a furnace. As the pieces are passed continuously through a drying oven, some of the coal burns in the fire of the furnace emitting sulfur dioxide.
The expert insisted that "the mixture in the air of sulfur dioxide and carbon soot resulting from grinding leads to even more serious effects on health."
But the owner of the alleged coal factory has spoken to the team from Environmental Hotline, refuting all accusations leveled against him.
Mojaaess said disputes within the municipality led an unknown party to burn trash close to his storehouse so that he gets the blame for the smells and emissions.
He stressed that he produces clean and natural coal mixed only with non chemical, plant-based glue, adding the coal is dried by sunlight in the open air.
The environmental team did not, however, notice during their tour of the factory the presence of any solar driers. But they did find a large container and a chimney, which could be a proof coal remains are indeed being burned at the factory.
According to Environmental Hotline, if nothing is done to stop the emissions, residents could begin to suffer from serious respiratory illnesses.
To solve the problem, the organization suggests moving the coal factory to a location outside the residential district of the area. It also proposed adopting cleaner methods of production, which are not only better for the environment, but also cheaper. -dailystar
-finkployd
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