In spite of government claims, oil extraction industry poses serious environmental risks on neighbouring communities in Albania. A new assessment of environmental pollution of the country’s oil extraction and processing hinterland around ​​Patos, Marinez and Roskovec reveals high levels of toxic and harmful elements in the air, water and soil.They significantly affect local people’s health. These threats and the ways to resolve them were the subject or a heated discussion at the Patos Municipality today, involving local authorities from the area, civic groups and people, University of Agriculture scientists.