TE Tuzla dust emissions spark protests and official inquiries

TE Tuzla dust emissions air pollution Elektroprivreda BiH environmental protest

Elektroprivreda BiH has confirmed a temporary increase in dust emissions at Block 4 of the Tuzla Thermal Power Plant (TE Tuzla) due to technical failures in the slag and ash transport system. The malfunction caused ash to accumulate in the electrofilter bins, reducing their efficiency and resulting in thick black smoke being released into the atmosphere.

The situation has sparked significant public concern and protests in Tuzla, with residents reporting heavy soot on vehicles and windows, as well as respiratory issues. Local officials, including Tuzla Mayor Zijad Lugavić and Federal Representative Admir Čavalić, have demanded immediate action, better transparency, and long-term investments in emission control technologies like desulfurization and denitrification.

Elektroprivreda BiH stated that shutting down Block 4 is currently not an option because it is the only operational production block while other units undergo maintenance. They noted that a shutdown would pose risks to the stability of the electrical energy supply and the restart process. Technical teams are currently working to clear the filters and stabilize the system.

Entities

Admir Čavalić · Elektroprivreda BiH · Termoelektrana Tuzla · Termoelektrana Tuzla · Tuzla · Tuzla City Council · Tuzla Thermal Power Plant · Zijad Lugavić

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The emission increase was caused by technical problems in the slag and ash transport system. rtvbpk.ba · 6yka.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Federal representative Admir Čavalić requested precise explanations from authorities following citizen concerns. rtvbpk.ba
[● 3 SOURCES] Block 4 is currently the only production block in operation at the Tuzla Thermal Power Plant. rtvbpk.ba · 6yka.com
[● 3 SOURCES] There was a temporary increase in dust emissions into the atmosphere at Block 4 of the Tuzla Thermal Power Plant. rtvbpk.ba · 6yka.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Shutting down Block 4 would pose significant risks to electricity production continuity and power system stability. 6yka.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Ash accumulated in the electrofilter baskets, reducing their efficiency. rtvbpk.ba · 6yka.com