Katowice province - a unique example of environmentally deteriorated region resulting from energy production

The Katowice Province covers only 2.1% of the total Polish area. From that relatively small part of the country the emission of SO2, CO, NOx and dust in comparison with all the country emission amounts to 20, 33, 16 and 15% respectively. The regional emission of dust is estimated to be 513 000 tons, emission of gaseous pollutants is more than 2.26 mln t per year. Local environment is mostly deteriorated by energy production sector including coal production. The following issuses can support the judgement: ca. 61% of the gaseous regional pollutants emissions and more than 50% of dust come from energy production sector; coal production necessitates water pumping, present daily discharge to surface waters is 7000 tons of Cl- and SO42- resulting in great water salinization; out of 94 mln tons of industrial wastes generated per year 87% comes from coal mines and power industry. Great accumulation of air pollution sources and high pollutant emissions deteriorate air quality. The main reason is very high suspended dust concentration as well as metals (Pb, Cd) and BaP concentrations in the ambient air. Some basic measures which must be implemented to improve environment quality in the Province are suggested in the paper. (author)