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An integrated cement plant is planned to be built at along the border of Menteşe and Yatağan districts of Muğla, a south-west province of Turkey.
The region in question is surrounded by settlements, vineyards, gardens, olive groves, farming areas, springs and the project is going to be located in a forest.
Fundamental threat for all species
Turkish Thoracic Society released a report titled "The effects on environment and human health of the integrated cement plant and raw material quarries to be built at Muğla Bayır/Deştin".
According to the report:
-The cement plant, 13 limestone and clay quarries and a concrete plant is planned to be built in forest
- At each stage of production of cement, various pollutants will be released into environment and cement itself is a pollutant
- The cement plant will have harmful effects on farming areas, olive groves, agriculture, and all animal husbandry including bee keeping
-The factory will cause various diseases and irreversible damage
There are species to be protected
According to report even the construction process of the factory will pose a danger to the habitat in region.
-Scientists warned about the ashes to be used during the construction of the factory
-Honeydew honey is an essential means of livelihood for the local residents. The forests which have a great importance for the production of honeydew honey should not be destroyed
-The Limestone quarries will cause heavy rainfall and over flooding
-Kazan Pond will be polluted since the construction and excavation waste will be dumped into the streams and agricultural areas
- 75 percent of the living species in the region are protected by the Berne Convention and should be conserved
Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
The report underlines that respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are observed in people who live close to cement plants.
"There has been a positive relation between cancer incidences, death toll and the distance of settlements to cement plants." report reveals.
The Turkish Thoracic Society also stated that "Environmental Impact Assessment Report" about the construction of the factory had not been prepared carefully and does not reflect the truth.
"The factory construction permit should be cancelled." Turkish Thoracic Society concluded.
(TY/TB/SD)
