ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICTS IN TIMIȘOARA. CASE STUDY: GAS STATIONS

Abstract

The increase in the number of motor vehicles has led to a significant demand for fuel consumption, which has led to a need for more gas stations in urban areas. However, operating a gas station requires obtaining various permits, as they have the potential to negatively affect the natural or built environment or individuals residing or working nearby. Additionally, specific regulations must be followed when selecting a location to construct a gas station, including maintaining minimum distances from certain surrounding functional buildings. Gas stations in urban areas are often a source of environmental conflicts due to their flammable and explosive nature and the handling of hazardous substances on-site, mainly as they are usually situated close to residential, commercial, or office areas. To identify environmental conflicts related to gas stations and residential areas, a study was conducted on sixty operational and non-operational gas stations in the Timișoara area in 2023, most of them being located on the primary access routes into the city. The study revealed that 9.62% of the total gas stations in use did not comply with the minimum distance requirements from nearby urban functions as mandated by law. This non-compliance poses a potential risk to individuals residing or working near the gas station. Furthermore, a survey was conducted to identify the perceptions and attitudes of Timișoara inhabitants towards the acceptability of gas stations. A total of 141 questionnaires were completed to determine the awareness of the existence of a potentially conflicting association.