EPIRUS.
Elaionas Prevezas, 48100, Preveza
The Regional Unit of H.S.G.M.E. in Epirus was established in 1976, headquartered in Preveza, with responsibility for Epirus, Western Sterea Hellas and the Ionian Islands. Since 2000 it has been housed in modern, company-owned facilities with a total area of 1,100 m² in Elaiona, Preveza. Epirus, Aetoloakarnania and the Ionian Islands—the region where the Unit operates—constitute an area of major geological interest for H.S.G.M.E. Over its many decades of operation, and especially following the establishment of the Regional Unit, H.S.G.M.E. has played a decisive role in the development of the region.
PMH Facilities
Research activity of the Regional Unit of Epirus (ΠΜΗ) over its 45 years can be summarized as follows:
- Geological mapping at 1:50,000 scale.
- Exploration of solid fuels, in collaboration with the competent central directorate, for the identification and evaluation of lignite in Ioannina, Vonitsa, Katouna–Agrinio and the peat deposit in the Koroni basin (Preveza).
- Investigation and evaluation of mineral raw materials: phosphorite deposits in Ioannina–Preveza, rock salt at Monolithi (Ioannina), gypsum in Vryssella (Thesprotia), in Xiromero (Aetoloakarnania), etc.
- Assessment of the potential use of rock formations as aggregates, building stones, ornamental stones, and for many other applications.
- Hydrogeological research: a major contribution to solving drinking-water supply issues and improving quality of life across all municipalities and communities within its jurisdiction. Indicatively: the municipalities of Ioannina, Konitsa, Zitsa, Zagori, Souli, Parga, Ziros, Preveza, Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Vonitsa, and Amfilochia. Comprehensive hydrogeological studies have been delivered to the Regions of Epirus, Western Greece and the Ionian Islands—key tools for water resources management.
- Thermal waters and waters suitable for bottling have been—and remain—an important focus for the Unit.
- Participation in the identification and evaluation of geothermal fields in Konitsa and Sykies (Arta), with water temperatures of 30°C and 40°C respectively. Continued exploration for additional geothermal fields signals energy prospects for the wider region.
- Studies to address natural hazard events. Rapid interventions to tackle problems and minimize adverse impacts from frequent, intense landslides occurring within PMH’s area of responsibility.
- A large number of geotechnical and engineering-geology studies for the safe construction of road corridors (connections to the Egnatia Odos, etc.) and for addressing numerous landslide incidents.
- Showcasing, preserving and protecting geological–geomorphological heritage: inventory of geosites in Epirus, Aetoloakarnania and the Ionian Islands, and preparation of a geotourism map to support tourism development and beyond. In cooperation with local authorities and “Epirus Development S.A.”, the Vikos–Aoos Geopark was established in 2010, joining the European and Global Geoparks Network and receiving UNESCO certification.
- Environmental protection: to prevent soil and groundwater pollution, numerous studies were conducted for the siting of landfills (Χ.Υ.Τ.Α.), cemeteries, livestock units and other potential polluting facilities, along with environmental rehabilitation studies for uncontrolled disposal sites (Χ.Α.Δ.Α.) within PMH’s remit.
- Participation in committees defining quarry zones within PMH’s area of responsibility.
Chemical Analysis Laboratory
The Regional Unit of Epirus operates an accredited chemical analysis laboratory, carrying out chemical analyses of waters, rocks and ores. In particular, the laboratory performs:
- Chemical analyses of all types of geological samples.
- Chemical analyses and physico-chemical determinations on all types of water samples, with particular focus on drinking water.
Numerous municipalities and communities, as well as private clients and bottled-water companies, collaborate with our laboratories for ongoing quality control of drinking water. At the PMH lab, chemical determinations are carried out on a large number of water samples from across the country under the DIPYN project.
Other Activities
Beyond the above, staff of the Regional Unit have delivered presentations at numerous workshops, conferences and scientific events, effectively showcasing our research. We provide a wide range of educational talks in local schools (primary, lower and upper secondary) and environmental education centers (Filippiada, Konitsa, etc.), helping students discover the geology of the region and develop environmental awareness regarding the protection of our natural environment and water resources. Schools from across the area also visit the Unit to learn about H.S.G.M.E. activities. We participate in field trips organized by university geology departments in Greece, strengthening the scientific links between our research institute and higher education.
Recent Activity
In July 2020, the General Director of H.S.G.M.E., Mr. Andreas Tsokos, and the Deputy General Director of Projects, Mr. Dionysios Goutis, visited the Unit. They held a constructive discussion with PMH staff and were briefed by the Unit Head, Mr. Evangelos Nikolaou, on PMH activities and goals. Issues were also discussed, notably staffing shortages.
There was also a visit to the Deputy Regional Governor of Preveza, Mr. Stratos Ioannou, and the Mayor of Preveza, Mr. Nikolaos Georgakos. In September 2020, a round table was held in Aristi (Municipality of Zagori) by the “Boulouki” group on opportunities to use local stones in traditional constructions across Zagori. H.S.G.M.E. was represented by Mr. Konstantinos Laskaridis (Director of D.K.), Mr. Evangelos Nikolaou (Head of PMH) and Mr. Panagiotis Paschos (PMH geologist). Our contributions were considered crucial for the sustainable use of the area’s rock resources.
Regarding the ongoing implementation of our research projects by PMH:
- Field hydrometric measurements for October 2020 were carried out in the Water Districts of Epirus and the Ionian Islands under the DIPYN project.
- The inventory of hydrogeological boreholes was completed in the Municipalities of Ioannina and Ziros under the SAMY project.
- A supplementary geosite inventory was conducted under our agreement with Epirus Development, providing scientific support to the Vikos–Aoos Geopark.
- Within the cooperation protocol with the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, our Rapid Response Team conducted numerous site inspections in areas affected by landslides and other destructive phenomena in the municipalities of Zitsa, Parga, North Tzoumerka, Pogoni, Central Tzoumerka, Amfilochia, etc.
Read more about the PMH laboratory: