LEGAL ASPECTS AND PROBLEMS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN LATE 19th AND EARLY 20th CENTURY IN TOWN OSIJEK

Today one of the biggest challenges is protecting the environment through model based on waste and water utility management, a municipal water supply, waste water supply, drainage, wastewater treatment and disposal of municipal waste. Environment protection is a complex area in which local and regional self-government units are continuously gaining increased competences, obligations, and responsibilities. Based on relevant literature and archice sources, the author warns of problems with environmental protection, and its early warning signs dating back to early medieval times. Indeed, the problem receives its modern terms in Modern Era, namely, during the second half of 19th and early 20th century. Growth of economy, commerce and crafts, as well as building of roads and slow industrialization faced the town of Osijek with problems of environmental protection in various ways. Since these industries started to endanger environment, in 1884 Croatian parliament brought a Law on crafts, wich, naturally, had to be put in effect in Osijek too. Articles 25-36 give ruling on environment and ecology issues, as well as possible ways to deal with problems. The paragraphs listed 45 crafts and trades, that provized hazard to the environment: slaughterhouse, tanning, lime and whitewash, brickyard, candle and foundary, mineral oil refinery, soap produce, brewery, oil mill, sugar mill, hard liquor, silk plan, etc. Beside, environmental protection and clean streets were needed, as in the late 19th century Osijek had a Town embellishment society wich tried to form and build up citizens' awareness of ecology issues and the need for environmental protection.