ANNUAL REPORT
on the Activities of the
ICPDR in 2000
Information
ICPDR ­ International Commission for the Protection
of the Danube River / Permanent Secretariat
Vienna International Centre, D0412
P. O. Box 500, 1400 Vienna / Austria
Tel: 0043-1-260 60-5738, Fax: 0043-1-260 60-5895
e-mail: icpdr@unvienna.org, www.icpdr.org

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Imprint
Owner: ICPDR­ International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River / Permanent
Secretariat, Design and Production: p:matter Vienna, e-mail: h_warmuth@yahoo.com; Photos:
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Print Tech Ltd., Hungary

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Foreword
2000 was the first year of full operation of the ICPDR Secretariat and its Expert Groups. After the
support formerly provided by the UNDP/GEF and the Phare multi-country programme phased out
in 1999 and 2000 respectively, the full responsibility for the implementation of the work program-
me remained with the Expert Groups and the Secretariat, which have since then proven their tech-
nical and managerial capacities.
The setting up of structures and the development of a work programme to coordinate the implemen-
tation of the EU Water Framework was a major achievement in 2000. At the 3rd Plenary Session
of the ICPDR in Sofia the implementation of the EU WFD was considered as the highest priority for
the ICPDR. It was agreed that the ICPDR would provide a platform for the co-ordination necessary
to develop and establish the River Basin Management Plan for the Danube River Basin.
The 2001-2005 Joint Action Programme for the Danube River Basin (JAP), which reflects the gene-
ral strategy for the implementation of the DRPC in the forthcoming five years, has been prepared.
The JAP defines large-scale and integrated measures for attaining a highly effective water quality
status in the Danube River Basin. The investment portfolio contains 252 projects for the reduction
of pollution from municipal, industrial and agricultural point sources as well as for the restoration
of wetlands and flood plains.
The accidents in Baia Mare and Baia Borsa confirmed the efficiency of the Accidental Emergency
Warning System of the ICPDR. However, the accidents have shown the need to develop preventive
measures and to prepare a basin-wide inventory of potential accident risk spots for the Tisza River
Basin and further for the whole Danube River Basin.
The transfer of the activities of the Bucharest Declaration to the ICPDR in accordance with Article
19 of the DRPC was another important milestone marking this period. The transfer ceremony was
held in June 2000 in Bucharest, where the first institutional and operational framework for the pro-
tection of international waters in the Danube River Basin had been established 15 years before.
We take this opportunity to thank the international organizations and cooperating agencies, in par-
ticular the European Commission and the UNDP/GEF, for the assistance provided in the past to build
the structures and mechanisms for regional cooperation of the ICPDR. We are further encouraging
international cooperation for the implementation of projects and programs of the ICPDR and we
invite all countries and international organizations to reinforce their joint measures and actions for
pollution control and the protection of aquatic ecosystems in the Danube River Basin and the wider
Black Sea region.
Emil Marinov
President of the ICPDR
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Contents
1.
ORGANIZATIONAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
6
2.
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND BUDGETARY SITUATION
8
3.
POLICY DEVELOPMENT ­ THE JOINT ACTION PROGRAMME
10
4.
WATER QUALITY AND HYDROLOGICAL SITUATION IN THE DANUBE RIVER BASIN
12
Hydrological Situation
12
Pollution Accidents
13
Improvements in Wastewater Treatment
14
Water Quality Trends
14
5.
WORK TOWARDS HARMONISED EMISSION POLICIES IN THE DANUBE BASIN
15
Updating of Emission Inventories for Municipal and Industrial Discharges
15
Development and Adoption of the ICPDR Recommendations
15
The ICPDR List of Priority Substances
15
6.
OPERATION OF THE DANUBE ACCIDENT EMERGENCY WARNING SYSTEM
16
Activities and Improvements of the AEWS in 2000
17
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Contents
7.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ICPDR INFORMATION SYSTEM
18
8.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE ICPDR
19
8.1 STUDY ON BIOINDICATORS
19
8.2 PREPARATION OF THE JOINT DANUBE SURVEY
19
8.3 INVENTORY OF ACCIDENT RISK SPOTS
20
9.
INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL COOPERATION
21
9.1 EC PHARE / TACIS MULTICOUNTRY PROGRAMME
21
9.2 PREPARATION OF THE NEW UNDP/GEF DANUBE PROJECT
21
9.3 REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM FOR SOUTH
22
EASTERN EUROPE
9.4 COOPERATION BETWEEN THE ICPBS AND THE ICPDR
23
ANNEX 1: COMPOSITION OF THE ICPDR IN 2000
23
ANNEX 2: OBSERVER STATUS AS OF 31.12.2000
25
ANNEX 3: FINANCIAL SITUATION
26
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1. Operational and
Institutional Framework
2000 was the first year of the full operation of
work, AQC, laboratory analysis and monitoring
the ICPDR including the activities of the Per-
data distribution.
manent Secretariat. The Seat Agreement bet-
ween the ICPDR and the Republic of Austria
- The Accident and Emergency Prevention and
was signed on 14 December 2000 and it is
Warning System Expert Group (AEPWS EG) was
expected to enter into force after its ratification
involved in the operation of the Danube
by the Austrian parliament by mid 2001. The
Accident Warning System giving priority to
organizational structure under the DRPC in
communication of alarm/ warning messages
2000 is shown below.
during accidental pollution incidents. An addi-
tional task of this EG was pollution prevention
In the Steering Group Meeting on 4 and 5
and precautionary control in the whole river
September 2000, all Contracting Parties reco-
basin.
gnized the need to establish cooperating relati-
ons with the FR of Yugoslavia. However, in
- The Emission Expert Group (EMIS EG) focus-
relation to Article 25 of the DRPC, and in regard
sed its activities on the reduction of pollution as
to Resolution 777/1992 of the Security Council
a result of the emissions into waters of the
and 47/1992 of the General Assembly of the
Danube and its tributaries. A priority issue was
United Nations suspending the participation of
harmonization with the EU water policies, e.g.,
the FR of Yugoslavia at the UN works, full
compliance with the EU WFD List of Priority
membership could not be granted. Considering
Substances. Steps necessary for preparing the
that all these restrictions have since then been
2001-2005 Joint Action Programme (JAP) in
lifted, and taking into account that the FR of
2000 were taken by EMIS/EG in 1999.
Yugoslavia is now also eligible for support by
the European Community, the ICPDR in its 3rd
- The ad-hoc River Basin Management Expert
Plenary Meeting welcomed the request of the
Group (RBM EG) defined and prepared the steps
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to accede to the
and activities the ICPDR should take in the
Danube River Protection Convention with all
2001-2004 period for the implementation of the
the rights and duties of a Contracting Party.
EU Water Framework Directive in the Danube
River Basin. In the ICPDR Plenary Session in
November 2000 this EG was transformed into a
In 2000, three standing and two ad-hoc Expert
permanent Expert Group based on its agreed-
Groups dealt with the technical issues arising
upon Terms of Reference.
from the implementation of the DRPC:
- The ad-hoc Strategic Expert Group (S EG) was
- The Monitoring, Laboratory and Information
mandated to deal with the administrative and
Management Expert Group (MLIM EG) was res-
financial matters in the build-up phase of the
ponsible for issues concerning water quality
ICPDR.
assessment and classification including the
operation of the Transnational Monitoring Net-
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In November 2000, an ad-hoc Ecological Expert
strial ecosystems and wetlands directly depen-
Group (ECO EG) was established with the aim to
ding on them. This ad-hoc expert group should
support the ICPDR activities related to the con-
also contribute to the implementation of the eco-
servation, restoration and sustainable manage-
logical issues of the EU Water Framework
ment of the aquatic ecosystems and those terre-
Directive.
Organizational Structure under the Danube River Protection Convention
CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES
International Commission for the
Protection of the Danube River - ICPDR
Permanent Secretariat (PS)
Programme Management Task Force (PMTF)
- Implementation of the Danube River
Protection Convention
- Supporting the ICPDR sessions
- Coordination and implementation of
- Decision making, management and
- Supporting Expert Groups, PMTF
donor supported activities
coordination of regional cooperation
- Coordinating Work Programme
- Development of financing mechanisms for
- Approval of annual work program and
- Supporting project development and
project execution
budget
implementation
- Monitoring the activities and evaluating the
- Maintenance of Information System
results or Expert Groups
Emission Issues
Monitoring, Laboratory
Accidental Emergency
Stratetic Expert Group
Ad-hoc Expert Group
Ad-hoc Ecological Expert
(EMIS/EG)
and Information
Prevention and Warning
(S/EG)
on WFD and RBM
Group (ECO/EG)
Management
System (AEPWS/EG)
(WFD/RBM)
- Point sources
(MLIM/EG)
- Implementation of
ecol. issues of EC
- Diffuse sources
- Accidental pollution
- Strategic issues
- Implementation of
- Joint action
- Trans National
incidents
- Legal issues
Water Framework
WFD
programmes
Monitoring Network
- AEWS operation
- Administrative and
Directive
- Evaluation of riverine
- Basic information
- Laboratory quality
- Accident prevention
financial issues
- River Basin
ecology and habitats
and guidelines
assurance
Management
- Determine need to
- Respective information
prepare `eco' annex
management
to the DRPC
Four meetings of the Programme Management
of the PMTF, had in the meantime obtained
Task Force (PMTF) were organised in 1998 and
observers status and started actually participating
1999 back to back with the Steering Group and
in the ICPDR meetings. Concerning donor repre-
the Plenary Sessions of the ICPDR. However,
sentatives, they had the possibility to participate
since the achievements of those meetings were
at the ICPDR meetings as invited guests. It was
deemed unsatisfactory, it was felt that the effi-
therefore agreed at the 3rd ICPDR Plenary
ciency of the PMTF meetings was rather limited.
Session in November 2000 that PMTF meetings
Most of the interested NGOs, who were members
should be suspended.
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2. Financial Contributions and
Budgetary Situation
The 1st Plenary Session of the ICPDR (Vienna,
expenditures per budget line are as follows:
29 October 1998) approved the budget for the
year 2000 providing an overall total of
9,829,357.00 ATS. States for which the DRPC
entered into force in the course of the years
1. Staff
t
5,145,000.-
1999 or 2000 were asked to pay 5% of this
2. Services
1,653,316.-
overall total. This money is considered as an
3. Equipment
333,500.-
input to the budgetary reserve in the Working
4. Other
1,000,000.-
Capital Fund (Financial Rules, Article 6.3).
5. Operational costs
833,600.-
Carried over balance
863,941.-
The final form of the budget contribution keys
for the year 2000 was proposed by the Steering
Overall total
9,829,357.-
Group of the Interim International Commission
in its 8th meeting held at Budapest on 26 to 27
All funds or financial provisions to support spe-
May 1998.
cial activities are considered as Special Con-
tributions. Thus, all financing of studies and
The contributions of the Contracting Parties
contributions to the purchase of equipment are
(CPs) for the year 2000 were made in three dif-
considered Special Contribution, and are ente-
ferent ways: 1) Outstanding carried over from
red separately in the ICPDR accounting system.
the year 1999, which was 742,911.08 ATS for
the year 2000. Out of this amount 490,320.37
ATS was paid, while the dues from Hungary ­
6,933.93 ATS and Moldova ­ 245,734.00 ATS is
still pending. 2) Regular payment of contributi-
ons 2000 was made by all CPs. 3) Contributions
of New CPs, which was duly paid by Bulgaria
­ 491,467.97 ATS and not paid by Moldova ­
491,468.00 ATS. Moldova is still facing financi-
al difficulties due to its transitional period.
The breakdown of budget expenditures is based
on the proposal made by the Consultant Bourel
Group, which had analysed several alternatives.
Since the year 2000 was the first real full year
of the new Secretariat, the actual expenditures
did not always match the planned figures.
Therefore, reallocations of funds were deemed
necessary and a budgetary revision was signed
by the President in November 2000. The final
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Austrian Support to Purchase
Study on Bio-Indicators
Equipment and Furniture
In the frame of the Balkan Task Force the
The Austrian Government has contributed
Austrian and German Governments have jointly
through the purchase of computer equipment to
decided to finance with ATS 451,776.43 a study
the development of the ICPDR Information Sy-
on bio-indicators in the Danube River to detect
stem. Since these funds were not fully utilised by
the impact of NATO bombing of industrial sites in
the project, the remaining amount was transfer-
the Yugoslavian stretch of the Danube River. The
red on 6 September 1999 to the Permanent
funds were transferred into the account of the PS
Secretariat for the purchase of furniture. This
on 22 and 29 October 1999, respectively. After
amount of ATS 43,018.97 was fully utilised
submission of the Final Report on 12 December
during the year for the purchase of the required
2000, a decision was made to pay 80% of the
office furniture.
contractual amount to Vituki, with the under-
standing that following the approval of the Final
Report by the concerned Expert Groups, the
remaining 20% would be paid in 2001. As a result
an amount of ATS 90,355.20 remained in the
Special Accounts.
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3. Policy Development:
The Joint Action Programme
The Joint Action Programme - JAP (January
use also for flood warnings, establishing classi-
2001 - December 2005) spells out the general
fied inventories of accident risk spots and deve-
strategy for the implementation of the Danube
loping preventive measures
River Protection Convention.
- Strengthening cooperation with the Danube
Particular consideration is given to:
Commission on preventing and controlling
pollution from navigation
- Developing a River Basin Management Plan
for the Danube River Basin, including an ana-
- Developing a voluntary agreement with the
lysis of the characteristics of the basin, a review
detergent industry concerning the use of phos-
of the impact of human activity, and an econo-
phate-free detergents
mic analysis of water use, in line with the
requirements of the EU Water Framework
- Minimizing the impact of floods by applying
Directive
the UN-ECE Guidelines on Sustainable Flood
Prevention and developing action programs for
- Maintaining and updating emission invento-
sustainable flood prevention
ries (point and diffuse sources of pollution) and
implementing large-scale measures for the
- Developing methodologies and establishing
reduction of pollution loads
domestic and basin-wide water balance.
- Restoring wetlands and flood plains to
900.0
improve flood control, increase nutrient
not specified
absorption capacities and rehabilitate
800.0
International Grant
International Loan
habitats and ecosystems
700.0
National Contribution
600.0
- Enhancing the operation of the
500.0
Transnational Monitoring Network
400.0
mill. EURO
(TNMN) to assess the ecological and che-
300.0
mical quality status of rivers, including
the establishment of respective water
200.0
quality classification
100.0
0.0
- Establishing lists of priority substances
D
A
CZ
SK
HU
SLO
HR
B&H
YU
BG
RO
MD
UA
and revising recommendations on BAT
and BEP to assure prevention or reduction of
In response to the above indicated policies and
those substances
strategies an investment programme has been
elaborated with inputs from all Danube coun-
- Operating and improving the accident emer-
tries and with the assistance of the UNDP/GEF ­
gency warning system (AEWS), considering its
the Five Year Nutrient Reduction Programme.
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The total investment foreseen in the 2001-2005
For the downstream countries in transition, the
period is estimated at about 4.404 billion EURO,
investment needs in relation to their per-capita
covering the following sectors:
income represent an enormous burden.
- Municipal wastewater collection and treat-
Countries affected by the Balkan crisis have the
ment plants: 3.702 billion EURO
highest investment needs. Many Danube coun-
tries are presently lacking the financial capaci-
- Industrial wastewater treatment: 0.2667 billi-
ty to respond to the investment needs and
on EURO
depend on financial support in responding to
the international and EU environmental stan-
- Agricultural projects and land use: 0.1126 bil-
dards.
lion EURO
The ICPDR Expert Groups shall perform tasks
- Rehabilitation of wetlands: 0.323 billion
related to the implementation of the proposed
EURO
actions and shall develop a harmonized time-
table for the implementation of the JAP. The
The total investment cost by country is presen-
final document of the JAP will be sho on the
ted in graphical form showing national contri-
ICPDR Homepage.
butions and other sources of financial support.
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4. Water Quality and Hydrological Situation
in the Danube River Basin
The long-term daily mean flow of the Danube
fall were observed. Total precipitation values in
River at its mouth is about 6500 m3s-1, which
2000 as well as the relative precipitation in 2000
represents an average annual discharge of 207
as compared to the long-term annual average
km3. The real mean flow and discharge in 2000
are shown in the following table:
were equal to the long-term average values.
Hydrological Situation
Country
Total annual precipitation Relative annual precipitation
in 2000 (mm)
in 2000 (%)
The annual precipitation in the
Germany
1211
103
upper Danube River Basin was
Austria
1040
103
slightly above the long-term
Hungary
402
67
average while in the lower
Croatia
310
46
Danube area large deficits of rain-
Romania
431
66
In Germany and Austria, extensive precipitati-
was in April and June. In the downstream part
on occurred in March and July; the dry period
of the Danube River Basin, heavy rainfall and
occasional rapid snowmelts occurred in the
m3/s
beginning of the year causing flash floods with
7000
serious consequences. This situation also trigge-
red spill accidents in the Tisza River. On the
6000
other hand, in the next part of the year until
late autumn, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia,
5000
Croatia and Hungary suffered extreme
droughts. In Hungary, 2000 was the driest year
4000
in the 21st century. In August, the discharges of
Slovenian streams were about 52% lower than
3000
the long-term average. These hydrological con-
ditions resulted in an increased annual stream-
2000
flow in the upper Danube, which continuously
dropped reaching the level of the long-term
1000
average discharge as recorded in the Danube
Delta.
0
rkm
2000
1000 0
long-term annual average mean annual discharge 2000
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Pollution Accidents
The highest concentration measured in the
The major pollution accidents in 2000 were the
Bulgarian reach was 0.13 mg/l; the highest cya-
spills at Baia Mare (30 January) and Baia Borsa
nide concentration in the Danube Delta mea-
(10 March). The spill at Baia Mare (100,000 m3
sured by the UNEP/OCHA mission was 0.058
of wastewater containing cyanide and heavy
mg/l. The tailing dam burst at Baia Borsa resul-
metals) led to immediate and very severe effec-
ted in the release of 20,000 tons of heavy
ts on plants and aquatic life in the Tisza River.
metals containing sediments into the Novat
Due to the non-persistent nature of cyanide and
River, a tributary of the Viseu and the Tisza.
the relatively natural condition of the upper
This spill posed the greatest risk of medium-
Tisza River system, once the pollution plume
term impacts because of the persistency and the
had passed the river ecosystem was able to
accumulation ability of heavy metals. The long-
begin to recover. The chemical and biological
term effects of the Tisza accidents have to be
survey performed by the Landesamt für
investigated via specific surveys in future (e.g.,
Wasserwirtschaft Rheinland-Pfalz in the Tisza
Joint Danube Survey currently being prepared).
and the Somes in July 2000 did not identify any
remaining damages that might have originated
No other major relevant pollution events were
from the cyanide spill. The impact of cyanide
recorded in 2000. A general record of all acci-
pollution on the Danube mainstream was
dents in 2000 is given in Chapter 6.
remarkably reduced due to the dilution effect.
Peak Values of Cyanide Wave in the Tisza (HU)
(1. February 2000 to 11. February 2000)
RO
HU
YU
Danube
Somes
Tisza
40.00
35.00
30.00
25.00
20.00
15.00
10.00
Concentrations (mg/l)
5.00
0.00
0,0
00.0
00.0
800.0
7
600.0
500.0
400.0
300.0
200.0
1
The Tisza River km
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4. Water Quality and Hydrological Situation
in the Danube River Basin
Improvements in
Morave. Similarly, the extension of wastewater
`´
Wastewater Treatment
collection systems and an increase in the total
wastewater treatment capacity continued in
The continuous slight reduction in pollution
Hungary and Slovakia. In Romania, 1,441
loads in the Danube River Basin is a result of
WWTP were in operation out of which about
improvements in the wastewater treatment
50% worked properly. Another 24 units were
(mostly in the upper Danube) and of the chan-
under construction.
ges in industrial and agricultural activities
(mostly in the lower part of the basin). Intensive
Water Quality Trends
wastewater treatment in the upper part of the
basin (2,200 municipal biological wastewater
The general water quality, especially in the
treatment plants in the German part of the
upper part of the basin, was controlled by the
basin; 1,250 biological purification plants in
flow conditions. Reduction of emissions due to
Austria) has resulted in increased costs for each
the upgrading of WWTPs and changes in indu-
further decrease in pollution loads. Despite this
strial and agricultural practices have led to
fact, remarkable reduction in loads was achie-
slight improvements in some reaches of the
ved at two WWTP in Munich (Germany). In the
Danube (Austria). In principle, however, no sig-
Austrian Bundesland Kärnten, the urban WWTP
nificant changes in water quality were recorded
of the towns Spittal (110,000 PE) and Villach
in 2000.
(200,000 PE) were upgraded with P-elimination
equipment and the urban WWT plant of
Extreme accidental spills in the Tisza River
Klagenfurt (300,000 PE) was upgraded for N-
Basin caused a temporary deterioration in the
elimination. In the Czech Republic, activities
water quality of the Tisza River, but a rapid re-
continued on the reconstruction of WWTPs in
`´ `´ `´
covery was observed by the summer of 2000.
Prostejov, Prerov, Breclav and Hranice na
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5. Work towards Harmonised
Emission Policies in the
Danube Basin
Updating of Emission Inventories
- Recommendation on best available techniques
for Municipal and Industrial Discharges
in the chemical industry
- Recommendation on best available techniques
With contribution from all signatory States to
in the food industry
the Danube River Protection Convention, the
- Recommendation on best available techniques
first complete basin-wide emission inventories
in the chemical pulping industry
of point sources for 1996-1997 were finalized in
- Recommendation on best available techniques
2000. The estimations of the diffuse emissions
in the paper industry
were not yet available and were therefore not
included in the inventory.
In 2001, the recommendations will be published
in DANUBIS in all the administrative languages
Germany is currently funding a project to crea-
of the Danube catchment area, for the benefit of
te a harmonized inventory for point and non-
both the regulators (the local water authorities)
point (diffuse) sources of Nitrogen and
and the regulated entities (municipalities and
Phosphorous in the Danube River Basin. The
industries).
final results are expected in the summer of 2002.
The EMIS EG is currently initiating a revision of
The ICPDR List of Priority Substances
the emission inventories of municipal and indu-
strial discharges (point sources) with the refe-
The EMIS/EG had initially developed a Table
rence year 2000, which are due to be finalized
indicating the use/occurrence in the Danube
by 2002. In order to improve data collection and
Basin countries of the 32 priority substances
evaluation and allow the presentation of the
featuring on the draft List of the EU. The Table
data by geographical information systems (GIS),
was then further discussed and reviewed. The
geographical coordinates will be attributed to
final results of Component VI "Identification of
the discharge locations.
Sources and Amount of Pollution for the
Substances on the EU List of Priority Sub-
stances" of the PHARE Project ZZ 9725
Development and Adoption
"Strengthening of Water Quality Management in
of the ICPDR Recommendations
the Danube Basin" provided valuable support in
performing this task and in choosing the rele-
In 2000 the ICPDR adopted the following re-
vant parameters to be measured in the Joint
commendations/guidelines:
Danube Survey (foreseen to be carried out in
mid-2001). Based on the final EU List of Priority
- Recommendation concerning the treatment of
Substances, which should be adopted by the
municipal wastewaters including reporting for-
European Union in 2001, the ICPDR will also
mat
finalise its list by the end of the year 2001.
- Guidelines for the monitoring of wastewater
discharges
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6. Operation of the Danube Accident and
Emergency Warning System
Brief information on the accidents during which
boundary impact confirmed by at least one of
the AEPWS was activated is given below. The
the countries involved.
table contains only accidents having trans-
Site of Accident / Date
Affected River
Primary
International
Tranboundary
Pollutant
Satellite Messages
Impact
Romania/2000.01.30
Lapus-Szamos-
Cyanides
PIAC-05k
PIAC-08
RO:
Yes
Tisza
"Warning"k Belgrade
Sk:
Yes
H:
Yes
Yu:
Yes
Romania/2000.02.26
Kraszna
Color
PIAC-08k
PIAC-05
RO: No
"Warning"
H:
Yes
Romania/2000.03.10
Vaser (Viseu)-
Heavy metals
PIAC-08k
PIAC-05
RO: Yes
Tisza
"Warning"k PIAC-10
Ukr: Yes
PIAC-05k
PIAC-04
H: Yes
"Warning"k PIAC-08
k Belgrade
Hungary
Public media in
Uranium
PIAC-05k
PIAC-08
RO: No
reported pollution
ore
"Info?"
(False news
in Romania on the
PIAC-08k
PIAC-05
in public
Crisul Negru River,
"End-of Alert"
media)
which enters
Hungary
Czech Republic/2000.07.22 Dyje at Hodonice NH3 (ammo- PIAC-03k
PIAC-02
CZ:
Yes
- Thaya (Dyje)
nia)
"Warning"
A: Yes
PIAC-03k
PIAC-02
"End-of Alert"
Slovenia/2000.09.21-29
Krupa - Sava
Textile no
PIAC-07k
PIAC-06
SL:
Yes
toxic color
"Info?"
CR: Yes
PIAC-06k
PIAC-07
"Warning"
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Bosanski Brod -
Oil
PIAC-07k
PIAC-08
CR: Yes
2000.11.02
Sava
"Warning"
PIAC-07k
Sarajevo
Mrs. Bezdrob "Info?"
Bulgaria/2000.11.01
Danube ­ Novo
Oil
PIAC-09k
PIAC-08
BG:
Yes
Selo / Danube ­
"Info?"
845 and 634-38 km
PIAC-08k
PIAC-09
"End of alert"
- 16 -

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Activities and Improvements
In all its activities related to the Baia Mare and
of the AEWS in 2000
Baia Borsa accidents the AEPWS EG made con-
tinuous efforts to harmonize its work with the
Besides reporting overall satisfaction with the
findings, conclusions and recommendations of
operation of the AEWS during the Baia Mare
the Baia Mare Task Force (BMTF).
and other accidents, the AEPWS EG identified
and discussed several problems related to the
As a follow-up on the cyanide spill, a detailed
system's operational performance and made the
analysis of the AEPWS EG work was made
following improvements:
during the 21st AEPWS EG meeting (Brno 25-
26.02.2000). Based on the lessons learned, the
- Changes in the International Operations
experts proposed the following measures for
Manual to include the Secretariat in the opera-
improvement of the AEWS:
tional information flow;
1. Changes in the emergency information flows
- Introduction of the First Warning Message to
2. Recommendation on the adoption of the
be distributed via satellite communication
Standard Operational Procedures for sampling
system, with the following, more descriptive
and determination for emergency cases
information to be exchanged via e-mail, fax, etc.
3. Proposal on the role of the national referen-
ce laboratories
4. Proposal of projects to improve and upgrade
the AEWS tools
- 17 -

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7. Development of the
ICPDR Information System
With the fast-growing demand for information
The Danube PCU ended its activities by the end
in the Danube riparian countries and within the
of October 2000. A considerable amount of
different bodies of the ICPDR, it was necessary
information was transferred to the DANUBIS
to revise the information management policy of
website. This task was prepared and performed
the ICPDR. Earlier, only the MLIM/EG had a sub-
by the technical staff of the ICPDR PS and of the
group dealing with the special needs for infor-
Danube PCU.
mation for MLIM/EG. Once the ICPDR Infor-
mation System became operational, with the
EMIS Inventory
quickly increasing activities of the Permanent
The new version of the Emission Inventory was
Secretariat and those of the Expert Groups, this
first placed on a temporary website within the
solution proved to be insufficient and there was
Internal Working Area, where EMIS/EG mem-
an urgent need to design a new approach to deal
bers could check it. Explanatory Notes on the
with the information management problems of
interpretation of the content of the inventory
the whole ICPDR.
were prepared by the EMIS/EG. Once the
EMIS/EG has checked it, the new EMIS
In 2000, a new concept of access rights to the
Inventory will also be available on the Public
ICPDR Information System was introduced. The
Area of DANUBIS.
idea underlying this approach was to create a
forum for active participation of all ICPDR
TNMN Database
Expert Groups and of the Permanent Secretariat.
All data and programmes were transferred
through the Secretariat to the new Slovak TNMN
In order to satisfy the information needs within
Database Management Unit. Since numerous
the Danube River Basin (DRB) countries and to
discrepancies were detected in the process, the
better assist the different bodies of the ICPDR in
head of the unit proposed that the transfer of
their internal work, the folder structure was
TNMN Database into DANUBIS should be furt-
revised to include in the Information System a
her postponed.
newly created Public Area and an Internal
Working Area. The Public Area is where all
Bucharest Declaration Database
public information will be accessible to any
The database of the Bucharest Declaration was
public user browsing the website.
transferred from Romania to the Secretariat and
placed on a temporary website within the
The Internal Working Area is strictly reserved
Internal Working Area, where MLIM/EG mem-
for internal work of the PS and the Expert
bers could check it. An Explanatory Note on the
Groups (EG) to allow them to exchange inform-
interpretation of the content of the data-base
ation and prepare final documents and other
was prepared by the MLIM/EG. Once the
final information for the public. All databases of
MLIM/EG has checked all data, the database will
the Information System are part of the Internal
also be available in the Public Area of DANUBIS.
Working Area. This area is exclusively used by
registered users having special access rights.
- 18 -

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8. Special Activities
of the ICPDR
8.1 Study on Bioindicators
ICPDR. The major goal was to obtain compar-
able and reliable information on the occurrence
The Study on Bioindicators, Inorganic and
of specific substances (organic and inorganic
Organic Micropollutants in Selected Bioindi-
micropollutants) in different compartments of
cator Organisms in the River Danube was per-
the aquatic ecosystem (water, sediments, sus-
formed in 2000 by VITUKI Plc, Budapest,
pended solids, biota) for the whole length of the
Hungary, in co-operation with the ICPDR
Danube River.
Secretariat in Vienna. The activity was a follow-
up on the UNEP/OCHA Balkan Task Force
The intention was to use sampling and labora-
Mission, which investigated the environmental
tory expertise and resources in the Danube
impacts of the Kosovo conflict in FRY in 1999.
countries that have the necessary level of analy-
tical instrumentation, operating with proven
The major aim of the Study on Bioindicators
acceptable AQC procedures. The survey plan
was to investigate the accumulation of organic
also responded to the need to characterise the
and inorganic micropollutants in sediments and
water status as required by the EU Water
biota and to analyse the macrozoobenthos in the
Framework Directive, especially with respect to
Danube reach impacted by the Kosovo conflict.
the List of Priority Substances.
The Study was financially supported by the
governments of Germany and Austria and pre-
The Joint Danube Survey has the
pared and supervised by the ICPDR Secretariat.
following general aims:
- To produce a homogenous data set for the
The sampling mission was carried out on 17 - 23
Danube River based on a single laboratory an-
July 2000 by the VITUKI team with the support
alysis of specified determinants;
of Yugoslavian authorities. The samples were
- To identify and confirm specific pollution
analysed at VITUKI and at VUVH, Bratislava,
sources;
Slovakia. The findings, interpretations and con-
- To screen the water for pollutants as specified
clusions of the Study contributed to the map-
in the proposed EU Water Framework Directive;
ping of the quality status of the Danube reach,
- To provide a forum for riparian/river basin
which had until then been excluded from the
country participation for sampling and inter-
regular monitoring activities of the ICPDR
comparison exercises;
(Transnational Monitoring Network). The draft
- To facilitate specific training needs and impro-
final report on the Study was submitted to the
ve in-country experience;
MLIM Expert Group for assessment of results.
- To promote public awareness.
8.2 Preparation of the
With the Phare support, the MLIM EG in 2000
Joint Danube Survey
prepared general guidelines for the location of
stations, the selection of sample types and deter-
The Joint Danube Survey (JDS) was proposed by
minands as well as ships and staffing. These
the Monitoring, Laboratory and Information
guidelines were used to develop the JDS budget
Management Expert Group (MLIM EG) of the
model and the Cruise Manual.
- 19 -

---

8. Special Activities
of the ICPDR
8.3 Inventory of Accident Risk Spots
implementation of short-term measures with the
aim of preventing similar accidents during the
The preparation of a Regional Inventory of
coming winter period should be carried out as
Potential Accident Risk Spots in the Tisza catch-
soon as possible.
ment area of Romania, Hungary, Ukraine and
Slovakia was initiated in response to the acci-
The BMTF received assurances from Ministers of
dental spills in the Tisza basin in 2000. The
the Environment of Romania, Hungary and
inventory was prepared using national criteria
Slovakia that they would undertake preventive
for activities with hazardous and polluting sub-
actions such as on-site risk assessment, im-
stances, and by arranging them into a prescribed
provement of safety, upgrading of operational
format table. The inventory lists 139 accident
and accident/emergency procedures and regular
risk spots, 42 of which have been characterized
surveillance of all sites including daily in-
as high-risk, and the remaining 97 as lower-risk
spection and tests in times of adverse weather
spots. 24 of the high-risk spots are present in
conditions.
Romania, 11 in Hungary, six in Ukraine and one
in Slovakia.
In order to also put under control accident risk
sites in other Danube countries, the ICPDR asked
The ICPDR Steering Group called upon the Baia
all Contracting Parties to elaborate national
Mare Task Force (BMTF) and the Governments
Inventories of Potential Accident Risk Spots so
of the Tisza Basin Countries to ensure the neces-
that a common basin-wide Inventory for the
sary follow-up in terms of a quick assessment of
whole Danube River Basin could be available in
the risk sites. The ICPDR also asked that the
the summer of 2001.
- 20 -

---

9. International and
Regional Cooperation
9.1 EC Phare/Tacis Multicountry
9.2 Preparation of the New
Programme
UNDP/GEF Danube Project
The EU Phare Multicountry Programme ended in
In the frame of the UNDP/GEF Pollution
October 2000. The project entitled Strengthening
Reduction Programme a first outline for a new
Sustainability of Water Quality Management in
regional project (Strengthening the Implemen-
the Danube Basin (ZZ 97 25) was part of the
tation Capacities for Nutrient Reduction and
Strategic Action Plan Implementation Pro-
Transboundary Cooperation in the Danube River
gramme (SIP) of the Environmental Programme
Basin) had already been prepared in 1999.
for the Danube River Basin (EPDRB) as devel-
oped in 1996. The project aimed to guarantee
In order to apply for funding for the preparati-
the sustainability of ongoing long-term actions
on activities, a Project Document for the PDF-B
(MLIM, AEWS, etc.), enhance the accession pro-
Grant (Project Development Facility ­ block B)
cess and compliance with EU Directives, provide
was elaborated, endorsed by requesting count-
support for the implementation of the Danube
ries and approved by the GEF Secretariat in
River Protection Convention and back the com-
November 1999.
pletion of some actions. The important project
components were:
The PDF-B activities started in April 2000 and
continued throughout the year. Necessary infor-
- Component I: Implementation of the (pro-
mation was collected at national and internatio-
posed) Water Framework Directive.
nal levels and supporting documentation was
- Component II: Preparation of Guidance Notes
prepared. National experts and international
for Monitoring, Laboratory and Information
consultants were involved in the elaboration of
Management (MLIM).
the Project Brief.
- Component III: Strengthening the Danube
Accident and Emergency Warning System
The overall objective of the Danube Regional
(AEWS).
Project is to support the activities of the ICPDR
- Component IV: Management Action to support
required to provide a regional approach and glo-
the implementation of the Joint Danube Survey
bal significance to the development of national
(JDS).
policies and legislation and the definition of pri-
- Component V: Setting up a proficiency testing
ority actions for nutrient reduction and polluti-
organisation for the TNMN.
on control with particular attention to achieving
- Component VI: Identification of sources and
sustainable transboundary ecological effects
amount of pollution for substances on the EU
within the DRB and the Black Sea area.
Priority List of Chemicals.
The Project Brief was reviewed by HODs and -
following the incorporation of comments recei-
ved from the countries - submitted to the UNDP
and GEF Secretariat at the end of August 2000.
- 21 -

---

9. International and
Regional Cooperation
The project was technically cleared by the GEF
nube River Basin. The third group contains com-
Secretariat at the Bilaterals on 18th September
mitted projects from the Joint Action Pro-
2000. However, due to some financial con-
gramme for the Danube River Basin.
straints the Danube Regional Project was post-
poned for the next GEF Council meeting in May
2001.
9.4 Cooperation Between the
ICPBS and the ICPDR
9.3 Regional Environmental Recon-
The draft version of the Memorandum of
struction Program for Southeastern
Understanding between the International Com-
Europe
mission for the Protection of the Black Sea
(ICPBS) and the ICPDR, which was adopted by
The implementation of the Regional Environ-
the ICPDR during its 2nd Plenary Meeting in
mental Reconstruction Program for South-
Sinaia, was forwarded to the ICPBS for eval-
eastern Europe (REReP) is an important dimen-
uation. The ICPBS dealt with this document at
sion of the Stability Pact since environmental
its 5th Session and the amended version was
cooperation can significantly contribute to the
presented to the ICPDR Plenary Session in
Stability Pact objectives in the region. The Task
November 2000. It is expected that the Memo-
Force for the Implementation of the REReP had
randum of Understanding will be signed in
its initial meeting in Cavtat, Croatia on 6 to 7
2001. The GEF is expected to provide support for
July 2000 and the second meeting was held in
the implementation of the tasks addressed in
Brussels on 9 November 2000. Increased donor
this document. This will also assist the revital-
commitment was recognised in these meetings
isation of the ad-hoc Joint Technical Expert
and the Task Force welcomed the steps taken by
Group of the ICPBS and the ICPDR.
the donors to co-ordinate project financing.
Three groups of projects were identified for the
REReP support, all focused on the scope of work
of the ICPDR to assure pollution reduction in the
Danube River Basin with an effect on the Black
Sea. The first group contains projects from the
REReP Quick Start Projects portfolio, Priority
Area 4.1 "Participation in the ICPDR", which
were accepted by the REReP Task Force in
Brussels in November 2000. The second group
contains the other project proposals from the
"REReP Quick Start Projects" portfolio not under
the ICPDR label, but which are also considered
to contribute to pollution reduction in the Da-
- 22 -

---

Annex 1: Composition
of the ICPDR in 2000
PRESIDENT: Emil MARINOV,
Ministry of the Water, Forests and Envi-ron-
Deputy Minister, Ministry for Environment
mental Protection
and Water, Bd. Maria Luisa 22, BG-1000
Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria: Nikolai KOUYUMDZHIEV, Senior
Adviser, Ministry of the Environment
HEADS OF THE DELEGATIONS:
Germany: Fritz HOLZWARTH, Deputy
Moldova: Alexandru JOLONDCOVSCHI,
Director General, Bundesministerium für
Deputy Minister, Ministry of the Environment
Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit
and Territorial Development
Austria: Wolfgang STALZER, Director General,
Ukraine: Mykola STETSENKO, Deputy
Bundesministerium für Land- und Forst-
Minister, Ministry of the Environment and
wirtschaft, Sektion IV
Natural Resources
Bosnia-Herzegovina: Mehmed CERO,
European Community: Jean-Francois VER-
Secretary General, Federal Ministry of
STRYNGE, Deputy Director General,
Physical Planning and Environment;
DG/Environment European Commission
Borislav JAKSIC, Water Management Institute,
PERMANENT SECRETARIAT:
Republika Srpska
Joachim BENDOW, Executive Secretary
Czech Republic: Jaroslav KINKOR, Director of
Hellmut FLECKSEDER, Technical Expert for
the Water Protection Department, Ministry of
Water Management, Pollution Control
the Environment
Igor LISKA
`´ , Technical Expert for Water
Slovakia: Ivan ZAV
´ ADSKY, Director General,
´
Management, Water Quality
Ministry of the Environment
Károly FUTAKI, Information Management,
Hungary: Béla HAJÓS, Deputy State Secre-
Administration Officer
tary, Ministry of the Transport, Communi-
cation and Water
Mihaela POPOVICI, Technical Expert for Water
Management, Pollution Control (from 01.11.2000)
Slovenia: Mitja BRICELJ, Director of Nature
Protection Authority, Ministry of the Environ-
Marcela FABIANOVÁ, GEF Technical Support
ment and Physical Planning
Julia KÖLBLINGER, Support Staff, Finance &
Croatia: Zeljk
`´ o OSTOJIC
, Senior A
´
dviser on
Relation with Host Country Services
Water Protection, State Water Directorate
Marion SCHMERBACHER, Secretary
Romania: Liliana MARA, Director General,
- 23 -

---

Annex 1: Composition
of the ICPDR in 2000
CHAIRMEN OF THE EXPERT GROUPS
Information Management ESG
AND SUBGROUPS
Ivica RUZIC
`´ ´, Professor

, "Ruder Bosk
`´ ovic"
´
Emission EG
Institute, Bijenicka 54, HR-10000 Zagreb,
Bernd MEHLHORN, Head of the Unit, Umwelt-
Croatia
bundesamt, Bismarckplatz 1, D - 14193 Berlin,
Germany
Accident and Emergency Prevention and
Warning System EG
Monitoring, Laboratory and
Dobri DIMITROV, Senior Scientist, National
Information Management EG
Institute of Meteorology & Hydrology, Forecasting
Liviu POPESCU, Head of the Department, ICIM
Dept., 66 Tzarigradsko Shose boul., BG - 1784
Research & Engineering Institute for Environ-
Sofia, Bulgaria
ment, Spl. Independentei nr 294, Sector 6, RO -
77703 Bucharest, Romania
Strategic EG
Knut BEYER, BMUNR, WA I 6B, Bernkasteler
Monitoring ESG
Straße 8, D ­ 53048 Bonn, Germany
Milan MATUSKA
`´
, Director of the Water
Protection Department, Ministry of the
River Basin Management EG
Environment Nam. L. Stura 1, SK - 812 35
Helmut BLOECH, European Commission,
Bratislava, Slovak Republic
DG/Environment, Rue de la Loi 200, B-1049
Brussels, Belgium
Laboratory Management ESG
Péter LITERÁTHY, Director, Water Quality
Institut, Water Resources Research Centre,
VITUKI RT, Kvassay Jenö ut 1, H - 1095
Budapest, Hungary
- 24 -

---

Annex 2: Observer Status
as of 31.12.2000
Danube Commission (for inland navigation)
Danube Environmental Forum
Mr. Danail NEDIALKOV, Director General
(DEF) - DAPHNE
Benczúr utca 25, H-1068 Budapest
DAPHNE, Hanulova 5/D,
844 40 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
World Wide Fund for Nature
(WWF International)
The Regional Environmental Center For
Mr. Philip WELLER, Director, Danube
Central and Eastern Europe (REC)
Carpathian Programme,
Mr. Jernej STRITIH, Ady Endre ut 9-11,
Ottakringer Str. 114-116,
H-2000 Szentendre, Hungary
A-1160 Vienna, Austria
International Commission for the Protection
International Association for Danube Re-
of the Black Sea (ICPBS)
search (IAD; in the framework of SIL)
Mr. Plamen DZHADZHEV, Dolmabahce Sarayi
Dr. Herta HEGER, (until 30.04.2000)
II, Harekat Kosku, 80680 Besiktas,
Dr. Meinhard BREILING, (since 1.5.2000)
Istanbul, Turkey
General Secretary, Schiffmühlenstr. 120
A-1220 Vienna, Austria
RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands
Mr. Tobias SALATHE, Regional Coordinator for
Europe, Rue Mauverney 28,
CH-1196 Gland Switzerland
- 25 -

---

Annex 3:
Financial Situation
A. CONTRIBUTIONS
According to the decision of the 1st Plenary
Meeting of the ICPDR (Vienna, October 1998)
the Transitional Contribution Keys and the
National Contributions to the ICPDR in 2000
were as follow:
BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2000 IN ATS
Contracting Parties
Contribution Key (%)
Contribution
Germany
16.50
1,621,844
Austria
16.50
1,621,844
Czech Republic
12.50
1,228,670
Slovakia
9.00
884,642
Hungary
12.50
1,228,670
Slovenia
12.50
1,228,670
Croatia
9.00
884,642
Romania
9.00
884,642
EC
2.50
245,733
Total Contribution1
100
9,829,357
Bulgaria2
5.00
491,468
Moldova2
5.00
491,468
Total Contribution3
10.00
982,936
Grand Total
110.00
10,812,293
1 As of original Approved Budget
2 Contributions of new CPs joining the Commission in 1999
3 Taking into account contributions of new CPs
- 26 -

---

Annex 3:
Financial Situation
B. EXPENDITURES
The end-of-the-year status of the Budgetary
Expenditures for the year 2000 originally ap-
proved by the 1st Plenary Session is given
below:
Approved
Expenditures
Engagements
Status as of
Budget
2000
31.12.2000
A. Administrative costs
1. Staff
5,145,00
4,954,428
136,682
53,890
2. Services
1,653,316
346,335
1,169,706
137,275
3. Equipment
333,500
314,383
0
19,117
4. Other
1,000,000
748,612
120,542
130,846
Sub-Total A
8,131,816
6,363,758
1,426,930
341,128
B. Operational costs
833,600
610,597
51,785
171,218
Total (A + B)
8,965,416
6,974,355
1,478,715
512,346
Carried over balance
863,941
0
0
863,941
Overall total
9,829,357
6,974,355
1,478,715
1,376,287
- 27 -

---