Bileća Barracks („Bilećkih boraca")
Above guideline valueMedia tested
Summary
The „Bilećkih boraca" Barracks is an active Ministry of Defence military complex in Bileća — about 20 km² with 52 buildings, used for training, accommodation and logistics of the BiH Armed Forces and for EUFOR and police training. Soil was tested. Contamination was assessed as low-to-moderate: several metals and metalloids, compounds linked to combustion, and legacy pesticides were above the level at which soil is no longer considered clean, but no parameter reached a level indicating a need for cleanup. Pollutants associated with oil, solvents and industrial oils stayed within the prescribed limits.
Assessment findings
Findings of concern
- Several metals and metalloids — cadmium, copper, nickel, selenium, zinc, arsenic, mercury and molybdenum — were in the soil above the level at which land is no longer considered clean, on the training and supporting areas including the mortar position, the area by the mechanical workshop and fuel pump, the area behind the dormitory pavilion, and the infantry shooting range.
- Compounds associated with combustion were in the soil above the level at which soil is no longer considered clean.
- The soil also contained legacy pesticides from earlier use, above the level at which soil is no longer considered clean.
- The complex lies in intensely karst terrain with a highly permeable carbonate base and weak natural filtration; rainfall infiltrates rapidly, so dissolved contaminants and fine particles can reach karst groundwater connected to the wider Trebišnjica and Bilećko jezero system.
Positive findings
- No parameter reached a level indicating a need for cleanup — no remediation-value exceedance was found anywhere in the soil.
- Pollutants associated with oil, solvents and industrial oils were within the prescribed limits in the soil.
- Lead, cobalt and chromium were within the prescribed limits in the soil.
Photo gallery
The project results have been submitted to the competent institutions as a basis for improving regulation and for strategic planning of further activities.
Legal basis
- Rulebook on limit and remediation values of polluting, harmful and hazardous substances in soil (Official Gazette of RS No. 82/21)
