State Environment Inspectorate director Sreten Stojkovski revealed in a press conference that the daily average concentrations of suspended particles up to 10 micrometers exceeded the limit values in various areas including Centar, Gazi Baba, Karposh, Lisiche, Rektorat, Gjorche Petrov, Mladinovci, Bitola 2, Kichevo, Tetovo, Gostivar, Prilep, Ohrid, Veles 2, Kavadarci, Strumica, and Berovo.

He further noted that daily concentrations of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone remained within the defined limits across all monitoring stations in the country.

Stojkovski emphasized the Inspectorate’s adherence to the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning guidelines as the official reports guiding environmental actions in the country.

Regarding recent measurements by an accredited environmental laboratory Euromak Kontrol, he mentioned that the dust concentration assessments (PM10) conducted on December 18-19 met acceptable standards.

There were also investigations and analyses on December 19, 2023, by IGM Elenica Strumica and Euromak Kontrol related to emissions from the tunnel furnace at Elenica. However, due to the firm’s closure as of December 29, 2023, the results of these assessments have yet to be submitted.

Regarding the USJE cement plant, an emergency inspection verified that the emission levels at all points within the process and at the boiler house were within permissible limits. Stojkovski indicated that only furnace number 4 was operational as of January 1, while furnace number 3 was undergoing repairs and not in use.

Furthermore, following a report from a citizen in Gjorche Petrov Municipality, it was discovered that a heating boiler at the public transport enterprise (JSP) in Gjorche Petrov, Skopje, had a defect. The boiler underwent servicing, and emissions measurements conducted in early 2024 are awaiting results, as per Stojkovski’s statement.