Environmental planning in Magnesia prefecture, Greece

Abstract

The environmental planning of Magnesia Prefecture is studied in this work, aiming at the assessment of the environmental quality and the determination of the most appropriate objectives and priorities, for the achievement of the highest environmental protection level in the target area. Examination of air pollution sources showed that atmospheric pollution is mainly attributed to point sources, while the contribution of diffusion sources is negligible. In Pagasitikos Gulf, seawater pollution is increased, especially in the bay of Volos, in places where treated domestic and industrial wastewaters are discharged, and intense marine activities are developed (harbor of Volos). Moreover, significant pollution results from human activities such as drainage from rural areas, discharge of raw industrial wastewaters from olive processing units, and wastes from ships navigating in the area. Other important pollution problems include fresh water salination in coastal areas, and high concentration of nitrates, related to the overfertilization of farming lands. Sources of soil pollution include domestic and stockbreeding waste landfills, and uncontrolled landfills in Pelion area and in streams of Almyros. From the current study it is evident that significant environmental problems are detected in the Prefecture, and an integrated environmental planning program has to be developed, that will promote the preservation of the biodiversity and protect the natural resources, according to the principles of sustainable development.