20 December 2019
19.12.2019 - The Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency has closely followed all developments related to media reports on air quality, which refer to various sources that are not authorized to monitor air quality in Kosovo.
The data published through these different platforms, such as web applications and smartphone applications, have also been analyzed, and furthermore, the extent of these monitoring networks, monitoring equipment, monitored indicators, legal basis, and other aspects related to this issue have been analyzed.
As a result of this effort, KEPA considers that:
According to Article 33 of the Law on Air Protection from Pollution (No. 03/160), air quality monitoring is carried out by the Ministry.
Public information on air quality is regulated according to Articles 25 and 26 of the Law on Air Protection from Pollution, which stipulates that public information is provided by the Ministry, while the indicators that must be monitored are defined in Article 3 of this law. The air quality standards are defined in Administrative Instruction No. 02/2011, while the function and scope of the air quality monitoring network is regulated according to Administrative Instruction (No. 15/2010) on the criteria for determining air quality monitoring points, the number and frequency of measurements, the classification of pollutants to be monitored, the methodology of work, the form and timing of data reporting. Therefore, AMMK notes that: The current monitoring of air quality by some organizations and companies is not in compliance with the Law on Air Protection from Pollution;
The monitored indicators, public information, and data reporting are not in compliance with the requirements of the Law on Air Protection from Pollution and other relevant legal acts.
The network coverage is not in accordance with the requirements of Administrative Instruction No. 15/2010.
The standards applied for air quality monitoring are not in line with Administrative Instruction No. 02/2011.
The equipment used for monitoring is not reliable and does not meet the required standards according to instructions and laws in force and according to EU regulations for measuring the relevant parameters.
Based on these findings, MMPH/AMMK requires that:
All organizations and companies must comply with the legal requirements for air quality monitoring, the coverage of the monitoring network, the standards and monitoring indicators, data reporting, and public information.
All platforms, such as web applications and smart applications that aim to inform the public about air quality, must be based on and use official data produced by AMMK, namely the Hydrometeorological Institute of Kosovo, as the only authorized institution responsible for monitoring air quality, or other monitoring networks that meet the conditions, norms, and standards stipulated by law. In cases of non-compliance with the aforementioned legal requirements, the MMPH, through the Environmental Inspectorate, will also take the necessary legal measures.