FINAL REPORT
Wetland Restoration and Pollution Reduction Project
Design of Nutrient Trapping Monitoring System
February 2002
FINAL REPORT
Wetland Restoration and Pollution Reduction Project
Design of Nutrient Trapping Monitoring System
February 2002
Reference 8427Prepared by:
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This report presents the design of an environmental monitoring plan. It is based on the Technical studies for the design of wetlands restoration and nutrient trapping executed by HPC- Bulgaria EOOD, and AQUATEST and Bulgarian representatives from the Central Laboratory of General Ecology of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences on behalf of the World Bank through the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW).
The design of a cost-efficient system to monitor the nutrient trapping of phosphates and nitrates through different environmental media (soil, water, plants, etc.) of the wetland areas treated by the project is proposed. Taking into consideration the recent accidents with the Romanian tailing ponds upstream of the Danube River and the heavily contaminated Timok River with heavy metals from Bor Mine, some suggestions for monitoring heavy metal concentrations are also included. Parameters to be measured, sampling points and frequency are recommended here in order to assure reliable data collection for computer modelling of nutrient trapping and cycling with regard to the climate, seasonal flooding and other variations.
The suggested monitoring plan provides the possibility for monitoring water quality, nutrient loading rates and other pertinent pollution parameters to be measured, and to monitor the impacts of the wetlands restoration on the biodiversity of the area. The water quality monitoring system in the wetland areas can be integrated and is compatible with the existing water quality monitoring system used by Bulgaria on the Danube River. On the basis of the collected results, decision making shall be possible on the further management of the ecosystem development.
In this Chapter an optimal environmental monitoring system scenario is proposed. This optimum scenario is based on the earlier project (Wetland Restoration And Pollution Reduction, Technical Studies For The Design Of Wetland Restoration And Nutrient Trapping, Alternative Scenarios). If the Beneficiary chooses a different scenario for restoration of the wetlands, the proposed monitoring system will need to be modified accordingly[1].
Alternative 4 was selected as the optimum scenario for restoration of wetlands and nutrient trapping at Belene Island. In this scenario, the maximum flooded level is raised to 20.0 meters (m) during the month of April. The natural flow through the wetlands can be sustained for about 30 days, if the Danube water level remains above 20.0 meters. Below this level the sluices must be closed to isolate the wetlands and prevent water from draining back to the Danube. In the event the water level rises above 20.0 m the sluices must be opened again to permit water to flow into the wetlands. Estimates for maximum water level and flood duration were based on an average hydrological year.
The height of the dike carrying a road lying north/south, which was constructed to provide protection for agricultural areas lying to the west, needs to be raised in order to sustain a 20.0 m water level. The flooded area will be approximately 1,289 hectares (ha).
At a water level of 20.0 m, an area of 1,289 ha will be flooded to an average depth of 0.36 m. The total volume of water retained in the flooded area is estimated to be 4.66 million cubic meters (MCM). The maximum evapo-transpiration rate from the wetlands is estimated at meters per second 1 m3/sec during summer months.
The optimal trapping of nutrients from river water in the wetlands is estimated assuming a retention period of 10-14 days. Under the selected alternative, the wetland system is capable of treating up to 3.9 m3/sec of water over a 14-day retention period. Taking the estimated evapo-transpiration (1 m3/sec) into account, the optimal inlet flow should be 4.9 m3/sec.
The required technical measures are as follows:
The dike separating the prison-managed agricultural land from the wetland on Belene Island, lying north/south, presently protects the agricultural land lying to the west from flooding. This dike must be raised and repaired in order to protect the agricultural land from the anticipated increased flooding of the wetland. To provide adequate flood protection, it will be necessary to raise the level of the existing dike, to a minimum height of 20.5 m for a length of 1990 m. The side slopes of the dike will be replanted with grass, and the dike crest can be reinforced to support a roadway (e.g., using compacted earth, gravel or roadway panels). A discharge pump, potentially a temporary pumping station, will be required at the low point along the west side of the dike to drain the agricultural land on the west side of the island. This water could be discharged into the wetland or returned to the Danube. This will require further investigation during the detailed design stage.
Dike sluices will be constructed on the north and south sides of Belene Island – at point F on the north side (569.3 rkm Danube) and at the design point A, on the south side (570.5 rkm Danube).
The inlets will be of similar design to the dike outlet, but doubled in top width, and built into the dike or within close vicinity, enabling safe access on top of the dikes. In addition, they will be equipped with coarse racks (to protect against fallen trees, debris, etc.).
The existing drainage pumping station in area B is to be decommissioned or moved to the west side of the north/south dike for drainage pumping of the agricultural land during planting season.
The total wetland area will be drained by two outlets D and E as follows:
The dike outlet will be of sluice type and contain double openings built into the dike. It will control water flow using a vertical lift gate with two outlets, using two sluices with manual striking of sluice boards. The boards could be made of wood or steel.
During low flow periods the outlet prevents gravitational drainage of the wetland area, during high flow periods it protects against over flooding of the wetland area. The outlet must be equipped with sluice board recesses, both from the Danube side and from the wetland side. This duplication provides the possibility for controlling flow during any necessary repair and maintenance of the outlet. Duplication of sluice board recesses also enables flexible operation. Another important function of this outlet is in the case of ecological incidents, when it is possible to separate the wetland from the Danube. Without a pumping station this outlet does not have the capability to control rainwater retention during periods of high flow in the Danube, which according to long-term averages occurs during a period of 2 months (April – May). During this time, the wetland area may be partially flooded with rainwater in addition to receiving flows from a maximum river flood of 20.0 m. In the event of floods above 20.5 m, both sides of the island may be flooded and drainage pumps on the west side may need to be operated for longer periods of time to evacuate water from agricultural lands.
The dike outlet will be of sluice type with double openings built into the dike. This is similar to the existing dike outlet. It is assumed that this dike outlet is functional; it is proposed to rehabilitate the outlet, which will result in improved operation and safety.
For intake of water into the new wetlands, it is necessary to construct channels from the above mentioned dike sluices into the flooded areas. The intake channel in area F will measure about 520 m, and in area A about 270 m.
As for the stream channel cross section, a bottom width of 2 m with slope gradients of 1: 1.5 and depth of 2 m is assumed with side slope protection using sown grass. To avoid very difficult maintenance due to limited accessibility, it is proposed to place cross fixation sills made from 40/60 cm cement boulders every 50 m with an average length of 7 m. These sills will stabilize the planned cross section profile.
Alternative 2 has been selected as the optimal scenario with the conditions agreed to during the December 2001 mission. Modifications included a reduction in the flooded area to exclude land that is located between Inlets A and B. Changes also included the reduction of the number of inlets and outlets to two inlets at points B and C and a primary outlet at point E. Point B shall be constructed to operate as an inlet and outlet. Points G and F will include temporary pumping stations to control spring floods. This scenario will flood approximately 900 ha of existing wetland and publicly owned land. This does not include the wetland area where the fishing ponds (owned by the Green Balkans) are located (about 500 ha), which will be maintained as wetlands and hydraulically connected to the proposed wetland area.
At a river elevation of 14.0 m, the area will be flooded to an average depth of 0.42 m. The total volume of water in the flooded wetland is estimated to be 4.36 MCM. The maximum evapo-transpiration from the wetlands is estimated at about 1 m3/sec during summer months. The maximum water level and flood duration are based on an average hydrological year.
As mentioned above, optimal nutrient trapping by the wetlands requires a retention period of 10-14 days. In the Kalimok and Brushlen area, the wetland system is capable of reducing the nutrient load at a flow rate of 3.9 m3/sec over a 14-day retention period. Taking evapo-transpiration (1 m3/sec) into account, the optimal inlet flow should be 5.0 m3/sec.
The required technical measures are as follows:
The selected scale of the flooding will be decreased by the construction of an inland dike system. The crest of this dike system will be approximately 14.5 m and will follow the water level in the wetland system (i.e., it will drain toward the east).
To conform to the routing of the main drainage channel, it will be necessary to construct an inland dike system. This will include a compacted earth dike constructed to a height of 14.5 m, gradient of 1: 1.5 and crest width of 4 m. The slopes and crest of these dikes will be protected with sown grass. In areas where the dikes will be used for passage (field roads) the dike crest should be topped with compacted gravel to permit use as a field road. The dikes will separate the wetland area from the agricultural land to the west and south.
The dike sluices at inlet points B (rkm 448) and C (rkm 442) will be constructed. The dike sluices and drainage pumping stations at points B (448 rkm), and at outlet point E (436 rkm) will be retained. The drainage pumping stations at points C and D are to be decommissioned. The dike sluice at point A is no longer required and should be decommissioned or removed. A new outlet will be constructed at point E. The drainage pumps at point B and E will be retained and used to drain agricultural land during spring. At points G and F and potentially near the Green Balkans fishery ponds, temporary pumps may be required to drain agricultural land, possibly draining excess water directly to the wetlands in the spring or perhaps used as a source of irrigation water.
Outlet E, rkm 436
The dike outlet will be of sluice type with double openings built into the dike and will also include a pump station. This is similar to the existing dike outlet and it is assumed that this dike outlet is functional. It is proposed rehabilitate this outlet to improve its operation and safety.
During low flow periods the outlet prevents gravitational drainage of the wetland. During high flow periods it protects against flow discharge into the wetland. The outlet must be equipped with sluice board recesses, both on the Danube side and on the wetland side. This will facilitate necessary repair and maintenance of the outlet. Duplication also enables more combinations for possible operation. Another function of this outlet is in the case of ecological incidents. It is possible to protect the wetland from potential contamination.
This inlet will be decommissioned or removed.
At the location of Point G and along the northern bank of channel Turchila 1, channel improvements are proposed to provide a basin that will receive drainage from the agricultural land to the west. A non-stationary pump (e.g., trailer or tractor mounted) or perhaps a small permanent pumping station could be used at this location to drain the agricultural land and discharge the water over the inland dike to the wetland area. The dike will be constructed to an elevation of 14.5 m to point F and on to point E. The terrain is only slightly raised in this area; therefore the wetland will not extend to the north of Nova Cherna.
In addition, in an easterly direction, it will be necessary to increase the crest of the field path to approx. 14.5 m on the southern edge of the future wetlands to the south of the original fish ponds, running along the drainage channel.
Close to the confluence of the smaller drainage channels with main drainage channel 2 and collection channel 5-0-2, taking in water from the north, it is necessary to separate the future wetland with new dikes from the original drainage system. This drainage system collects surface water from the southern part of the wetland and from the intake from Staro Selo. In these areas, a 745 m long dike will be built, which will protect the eastern most parts of the drainage system from flooding. The dike will connect with the inland dike around the wetland area and on the crest of this dike a field path will be constructed. The dike will be linked to the existing field path.
An existing system of drainage channels can be found in the wetland area. These channels also are the only areas within the existing wetland that have permanent (year-round) water flow. The channel flow direction must be reversed and directed to the east from the fishponds in order to discharge to the river through point E. Flow in the channels will be directed to the west from the fishponds to discharge to the river at point B. The flow profiles must be altered but the existing drainage network can be respected. As for the stream channel cross section, a 2 m bottom width of 2 m, 1: 1.5 slope gradient and 2 m depth is assumed with side slope protection using sown grass. To avoid very difficult maintenance, it is proposed that cross section sills made from 40/60 cm cement boulders be placed every 50 m with an average length of 7 m. These sills will stabilize the planned cross sectional profile.
The proposed monitoring points are based on the described optimal flooding scenarios in the Belene Island and Brushlen/Kalimok marshes. Monitoring points are proposed at all inlet/outlet structures, as well as in vegetated areas and within other ecosystems after the wetland restoration. Two surface water reference locations are identified in the Danube River at historic sampling locations; 30001007 for Belene and 3000109 for Kalimok/Brushlen. These two locations will be sampled for abiotic and some of the biotic parameters. Measurement of abiotic parameters will allow the determination of nutrient reduction over time.
In addition to the two reference locations, the mouth of the inlets and outlets will be designated sample locations. The third sample areas will include open water areas in the wetlands. The sample locations for each biotic and abiotic parameters at each location and their frequency are given in Tables 3.5.1 and 3.5.2. The monitoring points for the wetlands at Belene Island and Brushlen/Kalimok Marshes are shown on Figures 1 and 2, respectively.
· Dynamics of the depth of open water bodies; and,
· Land use changes, which may include spread of wetland vegetation
· Concentration of nutrients in sediment and water (nitrates, nitrites, ammonium, ortho-phosphate, total nitrogen, total organic carbon, total phosphorus) and their inflow and outflow;
· Water temperature, transparency, flow, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, oxygen saturation, hardness, alkalinity, conductivity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS);
· Concentration of heavy metals in sediment and water (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Hg, Ni, total chromium, As), as well as detergents, phenols, and cyanides in water only; and
· Content of oil-products (total petroleum hydrocarbon), total organic carbon (TOC), total halogenated organics (TOX) in the water and all other legally required parameter describing the water quality (Regulation No7 for the surface water quality).
· Microbiological indices.
· Phytoplankton
· Zooplankton
· Macroinvertebrates
· Macrophytes
· Fish
· Vegetation
· Terrestrial Invertebrates
· Reptiles and mammals
· Birds
Groundwater monitoring for metals and nutrients in the wetland areas and adjacent farmland. Groundwater level in the ten wells placed at each wetland will be monitored.
Meteorological data collection will be done by the Regional Environmental agencies in Russe and Silistra. Since meteorological information is considered insufficient at the Kalimok/Brushlen site, the installation of a new station is proposed. An additional air monitoring station is not recommended for the Belene. Existing meteorological stations at Russe and Silistra should be upgraded. .
The details of the Monitoring Components are described as follows:
The parameters for each sample location, methods and the environmental monitoring points in the wetlands at Belene Island and in the region of Brushlen/Kalimok Marshes are shown in Tables 3.5.1 and 3.5.2 respectively.
· Space structure and changes of the habitats aerial borders
Infrared satellite imagery may be used to determine the increase in the wetland areas over time. Capability is assumed to exist within the MoEW to process and interpret satellite imagery. Images will be procured annually and processed covering the growing season in June or July. If possible, the images should be procured for about the same dates each year. If not the change in the vegetation cover will be determined based on a ground survey and processed using GIS. In addition, the sites will be mapped topographically in the initial year of the project. This mapping will assist in the design of the dikes and other physical structures and will assist in the construction of a data base to determine changes in biodiversity, land use and chemical concentrations over time.
· Dynamics of the bottom of the water basin
The dynamics of the bottom of the water basin may be evaluated by monitoring sedimentation. Sediment deposition can be measured annually using staff gauges in depositional areas.
The tables above outline abiotic parameters, measuring methods, frequency and proposed number of sampling points at Belene Island (Table 3.5.1) and at Brushlen/Kalimok (Table 3.5.2).
Water quality can be monitored of water flowing into the wetlands using data already collected at nearby measuring points by the Danube program for monitoring of the Danube River (Convention for Protection and Sustainable use of the Water from the Danube River). These nearby points are located at 300001007 after Nikopol for the Belene wetland and at point 300001009 after Russe for the region of Brushlen – Kalimok (two locations)[2].
Additional monitoring points at each water inlet and outlet (four locations at Belene and three at Kalimok/Brushlen) in the wetland areas are planned (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). At these additional monitoring points, the measured parameters will correspond with the parameters of the Danube program. The frequency and period of monitoring will be twice per year during early summer when Danube river water enters the wetland and flooding is at its peak, and in early fall when the water level is low.
Monitoring points in the deepest locations within primary open water areas in both wetlands are proposed. Three monitoring points are recommended for both Belene Island (Fig.1) and the wetland in the region of Brushlen/Kalimok (Fig. 2).
The frequency of sampling for abiotic parameters corresponds to those for the biotic parameter to be analyzed, twice per year. A total of seven and six locations will be sampled twice per year at the Belene and Kalimok/Brushlen Marshes , respectively, for abiotic parameters. Biotic parameters will be sampled at these locations and other specified locations determined during the initial field reconnaissance and based on the various habitat types.
It is recommended that monitoring of these parameters follow the methods used by the certified laboratories of the Executive Environmental Agency of the MoEW, certified in November 2000[3].
In addition to surface water sampling, soil and sediment sampling will be conducted to determine the build-up of constituents due to renewed flooding of the wetlands. A total of five locations will be sampled at each wetland area. These sites will include the three open water areas of each site and one each of the inlet and outlets. The soil and sediment will be analyzed for nutrients and metals and sampling will conducted once each year for the duration of the monitoring program.
Biotic parameters, their sample location, number of samples, frequency and sampling method are listed in Tables 3.5.3 and 3.5.4 for Belene and Kalimok/Brushlen.
Measuring microbiological parameters to determine the total number of microorganisms reveal the main characteristics of the microbial population, which changes considerably by drastic influence on the microflora. The total number of microorganisms as well as total and fecal coliform can be obtained from the water samples. These samples will be collected at the locations specified for the measurement of abiotic parameters.
Microorganisms will be sampled at the same locations as abiotic parameters, twice per year.
Insert Tables 3.5.1 – 3.5.4
Species diversity is estimated on the basis of the ratios of individual number/density of each type or total number/density of the individuals in the sample groups. The changes of these parameters show the general non-specific trends of the increase of the biodiversity in case of aggravation of the environmental conditions. The main diversity indices used is the Shannon Weiner index, where H = - S (Pilog(Pi)) and Pi is the number of individuals on any one species. The coefficient of the equality in the community is dependent on the individual type of diversity and the number of species (SPEC) in the monitored community: EVNS = HIND/log2 (SPEC). Increasing of these parameters shows optimization of the environmental conditions. The number of species found in a population is also a good indicator of water quality. The number of species of each biotype will be included in the data analysis. The indices of domination indicates the level of the quantity of predomination of different species in the community. Dominance is determined with the Evenness index, where E=H/logS (H is the diversity index and S is the number of species). It indicates the general non-specific trend to the appearance of dominant species in the community at the worst case environmental conditions and shows high correlation with the water quality parameters.
Macroinvertebrates phyto- and/or zooplankton communities and fish are used for assessment of biodiversity and impact of the environmental conditions in the freshwater basins.
General methods and procedures for sampling are comparable with OSO 7828/1985 and ISO 9391/1993. It is recommended to use quantitative sampling techniques in order to assure reasonable data comparison in accordance with ISO 8265/1988. These methods are described in detail by Usunov & Yaneva in National Program for Biomonitoring in Bulgaria, 1999, p.p. 150-156.
The sampling points, necessary materials, the costs and the analyses of the phytoplankton, zooplankton and macroinvertebrate samples are described in the corresponding chapters of this report.
The species composition, numbers of species, biomass and diversity indices (species diversity, similarity, evenness and dominance) of flora and fauna communities are an important aspect of monitoring.
Classical hydrobiological methods are recommended for sampling and analyses of each biological community. Phytoplankton sampling will be performed by collection of a water sample from the whole water column by means of plankton tube. The samples are concentrated by means of settling, centrifuging and filtering. Formalin or ethanol will be used for preservation. The counting of the phytoplankton species is performed in a Utermyol chamber or other suitable chamber with a microscope like a Toma or Byurker.
Preserved samples will also be used for determining the species composition of phytoplankton.
The samples should be collected from the open water areas. The sampling points will be the same as for the abiotic parameters (Table 3.5.1.) – Two inlets and two outlets, three open-water points for a total of seven, at Belene Island and six at Brushlen-Kalimok area. (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2)
Sampling frequency: Phytoplankton should be sampled twice a year in the spring and summer from a total of 14 and 12 samples (Belene and Kalimok/Brushlen) each year.
Equipment: Vehicles, plankton tube, plankton mesh from type Apstein with masses up to 47-50 mm; microscope with enlargement up to 70-2000, opposite microscope, laboratory instruments, reagents (formalin, KOH etc.- see Naydenov &Beshkova in National program for Biomonitoring in Bulgaria , 1999, pp 138-150).
The concentration of assimilative pigments (mainly of chlorophyll A) is a quantity measure for the development of phytoplankton and some indices (such as the pheophyton) characterize the physiological state of the phytoplankton populations. Both chlorphyll A and pheophyton will be analyzed from each phytoplankton sample.
The spectrophotometric method is suggested because it is the most readily available method for this type of analysis. Calculations can be done by following procedures in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, ASTM, 19th edition, 1995.
Samples should be collected from the same areas as the phytoplankton (seven samples at each wetland project site).
Sample Frequency: same as phytoplankton
Necessary equipment: Filters, tissue grinder, filter apparatus, acetone, spectrometer.
Implementation of general applied zooplankton method is recommended (Dimov, 1959). The samples are quantitative and are collected by means of a plankton net. At least 50 liters of water must be filtered for each sample. Detailed description of the method is given in Naydenov & Beshkova in the National Program for Biomonitoring in Bulgaria.
Frequency: It is suggested to make observations using the same frequency and at the same locations as for phytoplankton (seven and six total samples in the wetland areas). In the laboratory, processing will include the determination of the species composition, numbers, biomass and diversity indices (species diversity, similarity, evenness and dominance). The biomass will be calculated according to standard proportion between the size and weight in the zooplankton species.
Necessary equipment: Plankton net, microscope, sample containers, preservative (formalin).
The macroinvertebrate samples will be collected and analyzed for biodiversity. Samples will be processed in the laboratory after collection and preservation for species composition, numbers, biomass and diversity indices (species diversity, similarity, evenness and dominance). The significance as a water quality indicator is high because of the low mobility of benthic animals, and sensitivity. Moreover, the specificity of the influence of different kinds of pollution can be determined, in part, by the basis of specific changes in benthic communities.
Recommended sampling methods are comparable with the ISO standards. They are described in detailed in the National Program for Biomonitoring in Bulgaria, pp 150-156.
Sampling points: In both wetlands a greater number of monitoring points is proposed due to the high rate of heterogenesses. In the first 2-3 years 10 sampling points are recommended for both Belene and Kalimok/Brushlen. (See Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) After the initial monitoring period, or as similarities are observed in the sampling stations, the number of sampling points may be reduced to the minimum typical habitats (a minimum of five is recommended and frequency may be reduced to once or twice per year). The samples can be collected with a standard bottom dredge or zoobenthos net. Sample methods should include taking a composite sample from three ponar or Eckman dredge grab samples in the deep water habitat type and netting for approximately 15 minutes in a shallow water habitat being careful to sample all habitats within the sample area (submerged logs, roots, substrate, submerged vegetation, etc).
Observations must be carried out twice each year (summer and fall) to collect a total of 20 samples per wetland area per year for the first 2-3 years and approximately 10 samples per area per year thereafter.
Equipment: Ponar or Eckman dredge, nets, sample containers, microscopes, sorting pans, composite pans, sorting tools, preservative (formalin).
The composition of wetland macrophytes includes various species of algaes (Chloropytina) and different hydrophytes (Ceratophylum, Potamogeton etc.). Their biodiversity, spatial distribution and maximum depth of inhabitancy can be used as indices for the characterization of environmental conditions in the water basin.
Considering the difficulties of these measurements, and the requirement for a highly qualified specialist, a direct measurement of the production of bottom macrophytes is not suggested despite of the fact that it represents a significant part of the total primary production in the water basin. This index can be assessed indirectly through the determination of the biomass of macrophytes.
Observations must be made once per growing season (June or July) using the transect method and frame method. Approximately 10 locations will be sampled for each site corresponding to the locations where macroinvertebrates are collected. The total biomass of macrophytes will be measured in a one meter square area at each sample point. The biomass can be compared from year to year with the types of macrophytes identified at the family level for each sample.
Fish constitute a significant part of the biodiversity of the wetlands and represent an important link in the food web of the wetland ecosystem, and economic impact on the area. In both wetlands, species diversity of the ichthyofauna (especially the presence of species with conservation status and/or economic value), the state of populations of monitoring species (see National Program of Biomonitoring in Bulgaria), dynamics of the fish production, migrations, spawning and trophy level as well as communities of fish parasites, are suggested parameters for monitoring.
Fish samples can be collected using a variety of sampling techniques: hoop-nets, electro-fishing and seining can be conducted at each sample location as needed to collect fish species of all trophic levels. Hoop nets will be baited and placed at each sample location over-night. Fish will be analyzed from each sample method and released live where possible. Fish that are injured or are covered with parasites or diseases will be preserved. In the event electro-fishing is used, the electro-fishing will be done for a set length of time (approximately 30 minutes per station). If all stations can be sampled using the same technique, then one technique can be used. Commercial and/or sport fishing should not be allowed in the wetland area for the first three years of the project. Fish should be sampled at least twice each year - in summer (when the flood water is high) and during the low water level in the fall (September).
A total of eight sample points are recommended for both Belene Island and Kalimok/Brushlen wetlands. Recommended sampling point locations should be situated in open-water habitat, shallow water, and channel habitats and at one of each of the inlet/outlet points. Field processing will include observations of species, numbers, weight, length, external parasites and diseases and age (estimated from weight/length) of the populations. Reproduction of fish in the wetlands area will be determined by the counting and identification of ichthioplankton collected in the zooplankton samples. Zooplankton sampling will be done twice a year for the first three years and may be reduced to annually in the fall.
Special note will be made of numbers, location and condition of protected fish species collected during the baseline survey.
Some fish tissue analysis may be conducted depending on the results of analysis of pollutants in the surface water and sediment.
Equipment: Hoop-nets, seines, dip nets, large fish holding containers (100 liter tubs), scale, measure-boards.
Monitoring of terrestrial vegetation in both wetlands includes observations of the biodiversity and state of the populations of rare and protected species, and investigations on some typical plant communities: flooded forests, freshwater reed beds, flooded meadows, ruderal communities, tree plantations and commercial herbs. The following observations should be undertaken:
· Commercially important species will be characterized according to the physiological method of Brown-Blanke. Frequency of the observations will be conducted in spring, summer and autumn;
· State of populations of rare, protected and economical valuable species including invasive species such as Indigo. Frequency of observations, spring, summer and autumn;
· Production, growth, dendrometric assessment. Observations at experimental sites. Frequency - once per year;
· Health status of monitoring species of trees. Observations in experimental sites. Frequency - once per year, in June;
· Content of heavy metals. Samples will be taken from five randomly selected experimental trees and from five representative experimental sites in reed habitats once every 2 years.
· Nutrient concentration will also be analyzed in five reed samples at each wetland area annually.
It must be noted that at Kalimok/Brushlen, vegetation monitoring of the parameters related to the forest communities and tree plantations will be initiated some years later, because at present the tree populations do not exit.
The proposed biological parameters, methods, frequency and number of sampling points at Belene Island and Kalimok/Brushlen marshland areas are shown in Table 3.5.3.
Species diversity, numbers of species with conservation status and monitoring species (National Program.) will be included in the monitoring program for both wetlands. Observations will be made by local biologists seasonally and recorded. The number and type of species will be documented based on observations during the sampling of other environmental media. No specific trapping of these species is proposed.
Birds are one of the most important and attractive components of the wetlands, and commonly bring visitors to the areas. Both Belene Island and Kalimok-Brushlen wetlands are included in the list of Important Bird Areas in Bulgaria. They have been areas of ornithological observations for a long time. The following parameters are included in the monitoring plan:
· Species composition and numbers of the birds, observations must be carried out using two methods: (i) Total account of all species of birds once during both the nesting and the winter seasons; and (ii) Relative account of birds along transects once during both the nesting and the winter seasons. Both these methods are applicable for both wetlands.
· Nesting assemblages. For species diversity, two methods can be used: (i) Plotting the nesting pairs on a map (on the base of experimental sites). According to this method, about 7-10 observations at each site during a nesting season is required; and (ii) Method of transects through typical habitats. At least two observations per transect during the nesting season are necessary. For community structure, information obtained from the above observations is useful to determine standard indices of dominance, spatial distribution of species on the territory of the experimental site, evenness etc.
The following actions shall be undertaken during the implementation of the proposed monitoring plan:
· Comparison with the measurements carried out by the National system for ecological monitoring of the Ministry of Environment and Water;
· Comparison with the measurements from the base hydrological and hydro geological network in Bulgaria at the National Institute for Hydrology and Meteorology by the Bulgarian Academy of Science (NIHM-BAS); and,
· Comparison with the measurements performed by the State Agency for observation of the Danube River.
A program of nutrient and metals concentration analyses of the ground water in the wetland and farmland areas is recommended to determine if and how the trapping of nutrients (and other chemicals) affects the farmland and crop production. Samples should be collected from five wells within each wetland area and five outside each wetland area. The groundwater at both sites will be monitored semi-annually for nutrients and metals (total of 20 samples per site per year). For comparison purposes, sampling should be performed prior to the start of the season and after harvest. Groundwater level will also be monitored in the wells during sampling. Groundwater level may be monitored more frequently if needed.
Equipment Needed: 10 wells per site, bailers for sampling the groundwater, sample containers and preservatives.
The meteorological data (i.e., air pressure, temperature, wind speed and direction, relative humidity, precipitation, pan evaporation) are the bases of the water balance modeling. Correct estimation of the meteorological conditions of the region under consideration and suitable choice and systematic collection of meteorological data are very important for the effective functioning of the monitoring system.
The climatic features of the regions can be determined on the basis of data from climatic stations at Belene, Ruse and Silistra from the National Meteorological Network.
In the region of interest, from Nikopol to Tutrakan, there are additionally 6 hydrometric stations on the Danube River. At each of these stations on daily basis in three-hour period meteorological data are measured by the State Agency for observation of Danube River. The data are reported and collected at the National institute for Meteorology and Hydrology - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
Quality control sampling will be conducted to ensure the reliability of the data. All field meters will be calibrated daily and the calibration will be recorded on the data forms. For all chemical analyses, one control (duplicate) sample will be collected for every ten samples. One matrix spike and matrix spike control sample will be collected for every 20 samples for the parameters of organic analyses. Quality control samples for biological media will include one control (duplicate) sample for every 10 for phytoplankton, chlorophyll, zooplankton, macroinvertebrate and fish.
Database development is a part of the process of collecting, analysis and presenting the monitoring results. All data should be complied in some computerized format (e.g., spreadsheets) at one central location where the analysis of the monitoring will be done.
With the compilation of a central database, a reliable means will be established for environmental assessment of nutrient trapping and biodiversity in the two wetland areas. An annual monitoring report will be prepared. The data collected from each of the agencies and experts will be compiled and assessed by the MoEW.
This structured database system shall allow for the connection between different data sources, connections with other databases and storage and treatment of a large amount of complex information.
Good topographic maps are required with correct delineation of the project boundaries and sufficient coverage of adjacent areas to monitor impact. If they do not exist then a survey needs to be done at an appropriate scale. Satellite imagery is useful for monitoring wetland change over time and an appropriate GIS should be constructed.
A concept for the database development includes:
· Data and information input and output;
· Data validation;
· GIS mapping;
· Modeling
The decision-making system contains:
· Identification;
· Model development; and,
· Interpretation.
The possibility of overlaying of different layers in order to undertake space analyses could be widely used.
The main users of this information will be:
· State authorities (Ministry of Environment and Water, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transport, State Agency of Danube River Observation, National Statistic Institute etc.)
· Local administration and authorities;
· Civil structures and non-governmental institutions; and,
· Public
The suggested data base information system allows inclusion of all kinds of information sources - text files, symbols, numbers, and charts such that the information can be illustrated in a number of ways.
The graphical data shall allow input in vector format in different layers and definitions, so that tables of different parameters for every layer shall be available. The table fields have different formats and length depending on the type of data - text, numbers, data etc.
The laboratory analyses data should be organized in tables with names and fields, measured parameters and the measuring time. The data should be collected for each point and presented in unified tables with a special code for every sampling point, as well as date, time, and sample collector of each sample.
Taking into account the formulated aims of the proposed database (the possibility to include additional information and other databases) a four level structure is suggested.
The highest level is used for connection with other users, creates crossovers with the laboratories performing sample analyses, reliable data storage, creation and modification of collected database etc.
The second level of the system includes data from standardized laboratory form sheets.
The third level contains generalized observations data. It shall contain the grade of the wetlands restoration, decision making by given conditions, cross over to the former status, analysis of attribute data and laboratory data, creating connections between different tables and spaces.
The fourth level shall be visualization of the analytical data in given formats for different users. These may include maps, tables, charts, written reports and etc. understandable for non-professionals.
The costs for the various tasks of the monitoring plan are included in the total cost estimate for the project. See cost estimate spreadsheet DT 1 sections I. A and I. B. and DT 2 sections I.C.1 through 5.
· National Program for Biomonitoring in Bulgaria, PHARE Program of the EC, Express and perspective methods for biological monitoring, Ministry of Environment and Water, Consortium BIOTA, 1999, Dr. Sw. Gerasimov & Assoc. Prof. Dr. D. Peev, Gea-Libris Press: 240 p.
· Lorenzen, C. J., 1966. A Method for the Continuous Measurement of in-Vivo Chlorophyll Concentration. - Deep Sea Res., 13: 223-227.
· SCOR-UNESCO, 1966. Determination of Photosynthetic Pigments ... in seawater. - Report of SCOR-UNESCO Working Group, 17, Paris: 69 p.
· Strickland, J. D. H. & Parsons, T. R., 1968. A Practical Handbook of Seawater Analysis. Bull. Fish. Res. Board Can., 167: 311 p.
· Utermoehl, H., 1958. Zur Vervollkommung der quantitativen Phytoplankton-methodic. - Mitt. Int. Ver. Theor. Angew. Limnol., 9: 1-38.
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 Environmental Monitoring system for the Brushlen - Kalimokand Belene Island wetlands 2
2.1 Overview on the proposed scenarios for wetlands restoration on Belene island 2
2.2 Overview of the proposed scenarios for wetlands restoration at Brushlen and Kalimok 4
3 Local environmental monitoring systems for the project wetland areas 7
3.1 Measuring points 7
3.2 An Outline of the Parameters Important for the Ecological Monitoring are Listed as Follows: 7
3.3 Meteorological Observations 8
3.4 Component: Space Structure 8
3.5 Component: Surface Water Quality Indices 11
3.6 Component: Flora and Fauna 12
3.7 Groundwater Monitoring 18
3.8 Meteorological Monitoring 18
3.9 Quality Control 19
4 Data-base Management, Information System and Reporting 20
4.1 Cartographic projection and coordinate system choice 20
4.2 Task decomposition 20
4.3 Output definition 20
4.4 Input definition 21
4.5 Data base design 21
5 Cost estimation 22
6 References 23
Annex 1 List of Tables
(1) For a schematic of the proposed restoration works in the two project sites, please refer to Annex 1.
(1) This needs to be revised on the basis of the latest survey in the Danube River supported by the ICPDR in 2001.
(2) It should be noted that for most of these parameters, there are alternative methods available developed by the MERCK Company. The latter are more streamlined and suitable for conducting in-situ field measurements. There are some disadvantages to the MERCK methods, such as relatively expensive reagents and methods that have unnecessarily low detection limits.