The quality of the water channeled through the canal is poor, which affects both the quality of agricultural products grown on the irrigated land and the quality of drinking water used by the residents of Simferopol, Sevastopol, Kerch, Feodosiya and many other cities. Industry Industrial usage has created or exacerbated many environmental problems. Geological engineering has led to the appearance of sinkholes throughout the peninsula, as well as erosion and avalanches. Most of Crimea's cities, including well-known tourist centers such as Yalta, Gurzuf and Saki, suffer from high air pollution from vehicle exhaust. Cities such as Armyansk, Krasnoperekopok and Saki also suffer from air pollution from chemical plants.
Mining is a source of additional pollutants.
Many open-pit mines operate in the Crimean mountains to extract construction materials. These mines are destroying air and water quality, as well as the area's natural beauty. The region depends on forested mountain areas for the beauty and air quality of its tourist destinations. Unfortunately, the condition of these areas has declined over recent decades for a variety of reasons. Beechwood and hornbeen forests in the Crimean mountains are on the very edge of their geographical zone of existence, and even minor human activity can disrupt the natural functioning of these forest ecosystems.