ROMANIA
AGRICULTURAL POLLUTION CONTROL PROJECT
PROPOSAL FOR INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT
OF THE BOIANU-STICLEANU POLDER
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T A B L E OF C O N T E N T S
I N T R O D U C T I O N
EVALUATION OF AVAILABLE DATA AND RECOMMENDED LAND USE
AREAS RECOMMENDED FOR TREE PLANTING
AREAS RECOMMENDED FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PERMANENT PASTURES
TREE PLANTING PROGRAM WITH TEHNICAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND
INVESTMENT COSTS
PASTURE PROGRAM WITH TECHNICAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GRAZING
MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT COSTS
GUIDELINES FOR APPLYING THE CODE OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ON
LEASED LAND
TERMS OF REFERENCES FOR THE PREPARATION OF A CONSERVATION
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PROPOSED IEZER CALARASI NATURE RESERVE
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INTRODUCTION
Romania was, is and will be a country with extraordinary resources and agricultural,
natural and human potential.
The last few decades of both intensive and extensive agricultural exploitation led to
radical changes in the management of natural resources and also to a change in human mentality.
The programme of flood protection works, both along the internal rivers and along the
Danube (including some areas within the Danube Delta) also determined alterations of various
habitats and microclimates, the newly established agro-ecosystem tending to limit local and
regional biodiversity through uniformity. Subsequent reduction of food chains inevitably
determined significant reduction of biomass production in the area.
All these changes occurred within an acute pollution background also influenced by
climatic discrepancies, as it is already acknowledged that agriculture is both polluted and
polluting at the same time.
Therefore, the concept of "containing environmental externalities" has to be immediately
implemented, if we still want a relatively secure environment future.
This is also the goal behind the present project, offered to the Government of Romania,
by the Global Environmental Facility through the World Bank, as an immediate support to a real
pollution control in agriculture and also within wetland and nature reserve areas.
This project concentrates on seven rural human settlements and Boianu-Sticleanu polder
area (three of the communes have territorial administrative jurisdiction over the targeted areas
within the polder), where environment-friendly agricultural practices will be recommended,
integrated with measures aimed to restore wildlife biodiversity in the area, all these based of
course on the interests of local farmers and other stakeholders.
In addition to this, specific local natural assets would also be developed, such as the
wetland area, the archaeologically important "Boianu prehistoric culture", the Iezerul Calarasi
national level reserve and precious game species in the area.
Within the sinuous but nevertheless hectic context of Romanian transition (both from
social-economic and political point of view and also taking into account the need for ever
growing public awareness towards environmental protection issues and their involvement at
decision making levels), assuming responsibilities deriving from relevant international treaties
and conventions signed on behalf of Romania (some of these deemed as prerequisites of our
country's admission within the EU) justifies the need for this project, as a practical
environmental management and infrastructure exercise.
It is worth emphasizing that for the implementation of the commitment to environmental
protection, Romania assumed complex issues, at global level (Agenda 21 Rio de Janeiro,
Rammer Convention on wetlands, UN convention on climatic change etc.), at regional level
(Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity strategy, EC Convention for wildlife and
natural habitats conservation in Europe, Convention of Danube River Basin etc.) and at local
level (Convention on migratory species of wild animal conservation, Convention of biological
diversity, Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve etc.), all these somehow artificially limited, taking
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into consideration the systematic particularity of environmental factors which usually travel from
local levels to the global ones and vice versa.
As concerning the specific project task, the following objectives were identified to be of a
paramount importance:
a) reviewing the conclusions of the land-use suitability study and baseline survey in
order to identify degraded areas that should be taken out of agricultural land-use for
tree planting and permanent pasture purposes;
b) prepare implementation plan and investment cost estimates for the proposed tree
planting;
c) develop guidelines for the application of the Code of Good Agricultural Practices in
the polder area;
d) develop programme for regular monitoring of the quality of both irrigation and
drainage water (to check the nutrient balance);
e) prepare Terms of Reference for the elaboration of the Conservation Management Plan
for the proposed Iezer Calarasi nature reserve.
Project team consisted of:
John Cole - WB Consultant
Philip Metcalfe Consultant, ADAS, U.K
Arnold King Consultant, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Simon Turner Consultant, ADAS, U.K
Rameshar Kanwar Consultant, Iowa State University
Ion Toncea Consultant, Research Institute for Cereals and Industrial Crops Fundulea,
Romania
Constantin Rotaru Consultant, National Forestry Organization
Mateiu Codreanu Consultant, Land Reclamation Design Institute - Bucharest
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Evaluation of available data and recommended land use
For an accurate interpretation of available information, certain archives were accessed
(ISPIF Institute for Land Reclamation Studies and Projects-Bucharest, former IAS state
farms, information centres of the MAF and MWEP network), focusing on pedogenetical
evolution within the context of land-use and irrigation suitability.
A series of field trips and subsequent surveys were carried out in the polder area,
generating relevant data from local farmers and from management staff of agricultural
enterprises in the area; all this information was then analyzed and was the subject of debate by
the project Consultants.
Pedological and agrochemical studies elaborated by ICPA and OJSPA Ialomita, together
with hydrological and hydrogeological surveys carried out by ISPIF Bucharest, environmental
impact assessment studies carried out by the author (all having a succession of investment
implementation stages or direct connection to the surveys carried out in the polder area) showed
a slow evolution process of the soil (62% of the area is represented by undeveloped soils, 32%
by hydromorphic soils and the least representative are the mollic-type soils-only 6% of the area),
not at all unpredictable for this area with some of the youngest (geologically speaking) soils in
Romania.
The soil map is presented under Annex 1.
The vast majority of lands in this area have agricultural utilization.
In view of future predominant sustainable agricultural exploitations in this polder area
and in the context of ecosystem evenness sometimes tending towards uniqueness (agricultural
ecosystems which although policultural may still be limited in their biodiversity), some sensitive
and/or inadequate areas for efficient agricultural practices, were identified.
Generally, such sensitive features are related to ecological determinant factors, which can
be quantified in soil fertility losses or in biomass production capacity losses (through humus lost
due to wind erosion, through delayed spring husbandry works due to waterlogged areas and also
through changes in the chemical and physical characteristics of the soil profile such as texture,
structure etc. due to salinization and waterlogging processes).
A special category of sensitive areas is represented by those ecosystems or distinct
population of flora and fauna which are either protected by law, endemic or very rare. Such an
example is Iezerul Lake in Calarasi area, a very important ecosystem for the local biodiversity,
through the passage fauna and not only; this area has been proposed to become a nature reserve
of national importance (it is situated on the imaginary axis of migratory birds travel).
Within the polder area, there are no areas populated with endemic or protected species,
which should come as no surprise given the powerful human influence following the
construction of the embankment.
An ecosystem zoning of the polder area is presented (Annex 2), with notice that the
degraded areas were not plotted (those affected by domestic waste dumping and accompanied by
specific vegetation and fauna).
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Areas recommended for tree planting
By overlapping the soil map, the irrigation suitability map and the ecosystematic and
hydrogeological zoning maps and by correlating them with results of surveys carried out in the
project area, some areas resulted (Annex 3) of which are proposed to be reforested with tree
plantations (1,090 ha) of which 162 ha can also be considered as windbreaks. Also, about 300 ha
which can further be used as permanent pastures in the polder area were identified.
Previous confirmed research and specialized literature recommend for the southern part
of Romania specially for the Danube floodplain area for agricultural (cropped) land, an
optimum average forestry coverage coefficient of approx. 10%.
The role of such forest vegetation is a complex one, the extent of its effect being directly
related to the particular features of the location; for Boianu-Sticleanu, such particularities are:
perimetral disposition or on the directions of predominant regional or local winds, with
double role: first as crop protection strips (significantly alleviating the erosion effect of
strong winds in the polder area) and second as a filter against damaging atmospheric
pollutants (dust, sand particles, lightweight waste, various gas and industrial emissions)
and sound pollution agents and sources.
buffer elements within the ecosystem zoning, ensuring a high degree of biodiversity
required by a balanced food chain, able to provide optimum efficiency of biomass
production within the polder area.
biological drainage without negative side effects (settlements, leaching of useful
substances, migration of various pollutants including nitrates within the soil profile).
harmonious elements within the generally monotonous landscape of agroecosystems
which are known to be lacking vertical development
With the propose of minimizing the area and duration of shade, it is recommended that
internal buffer strips (aimed to protect cropped land, canals and access roads) should be
positioned along the direction of strong dominant winds and as close as possible to the road
platform or to the slope of the canal (whether excavated or constructed in cut and fill); also, the
forestry species used for such purpose should compensate the lack of vertical development
through an adequate compaction of their foliage (shrubs & bushes).
Such perimeter strips, relatively short but very dense, must also be created on permanent
pasture land or as boundaries of individually owned land plots within the Boianu-Sticleanu
polder area, ensuring a favorable habitat for wildlife biodiversity (including precious game
species).
The following criteria were considered for the selection of areas where agro-forestry
practices could be applied:
· Uneven terrain, with small or relatively large depressions
· Areas which may be flooded or land subject to temporary water logging, due to
variation of Danube river levels
· Eroded or potentially erodable areas
· Low productivity agricultural land
· Canal, stream or reservoir banks
· Inadequate crop growing micro-climate conditions (strong winds, frequent droughts,
early frost etc.)
· Special agricultural areas (high value crops, seed production parcels etc.)
· Land affected by chemical, industrial or agricultural pollution
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· Scarce fuel wood resources
· Reduced biodiversity
· Constant need for new revenue sources
· Fishing & hunting facilities
Following the above mentioned criteria a map (Map 1) showing areas where agro-forestry
practices can be applied was prepared (see Working Paper 4).
Tree planting program with technical recommendations and investment costs
Based on the map showing areas suitable for tree planting and in consultation with the local
landowners, some areas resulted which are proposed for planting with tree.
For the agricultural commercial societies, the following areas are proposed to be planted:
- for S.C. Agrozootehnica Mircea Voda, 150 ha with Euro-American poplar,
white poplar (Populus alba) and white willow;
- for S.C. Ceres S.A Ciocanesti, 840 ha with the same species;
- for S.C. Agroservcom Gradistea, 100 ha with Euro-American poplar, white
poplar and white willow;
However, a pedological survey on soil profiles is required, before recommending any tree
species (the water table level variations and soil carbonate content are very important
information).
Table 1: Tree Planting Program in Boianu-Sticleanu Polder
- hectares -
Project year
Owner
Total
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Mircea
Voda 10 15 40 40 45 150
Ciocanesti
10 50 150 250 380 840
Gradistea
10 15 20 25 30 100
Total
30 80 210 315 455 1090
The planting activity would have to be scheduled in time, so that the necessary saplings can be
made available along with the machinery required for soil bed preparation, hole digging and
husbandry of young plantations.
Reforestation schemes and arrangements
In the polder area, the following species would be used, arranged in accordance with the
following recommended schemes and located in favourable spots (from the geomorphology, soil,
surface and underground waters point of view):
1. Euro-American poplar - with a density of 625 saplings per hectare; arrangement scheme- 4
by 4 (distance between two consecutive saplings - 4m; distance between two rows - 4m).
2. White poplar - with a density of 1,670 saplings per hectare; arrangement scheme- 3 by 2
(distance between two consecutive saplings - 3m; distance between two rows - 2m).
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3. White willow - with a density of 1,250 saplings per hectare; arrangement scheme - 4 by 2
(distance between two consecutive saplings - 4m; distance between two rows - 2m).
Investment costs
The investment costs was calculated based on the specific investment costs utilized by the
National Forestry Regia during the year 2000. The costs for each specia and project year are
presented in the tables 2, 3, 4 and 5, below.
Table 2. Investment costs for planting 35 ha with White Willow
- thousand ROL -
Planting
Year
Total
commencing
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
2001 0 0 0 0 0 0
2002 0
47,000
16,000
5,500
5,500
74,000
2003
0
0
94,000 32,000 11,000 137,000
2004 0 0 0
94,000
32,000
126,000
2005 0 0 0 0
94,000
94,000
TOTAL
0
47,000 110,000 131,500 142,500 431,000
Table 3. Investment costs for planting 870 ha with Euro-American poplar
- thousand ROL -
Planting
Year
Total
commencing
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
2001
147,000 87,000 33,000 33,000 30,000 330,000
2002 0
245,000
145,000
55,000
55,000
500,000
2003
0
0
784,000 464,000 176,000 1,424,000
2004 0 0 0
1,274,000
754,000
2,028,000
2005 0 0 0 0
1,813,000
1,813,000
TOTAL
147,000 332,000 962,000 1,826,000
2,828,000 6,095,000
Table 4. Investment costs for planting 185 ha with White poplar
- thousand ROL -
Planting
Year
Total
commencing
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
2001 0 0 0 0 0 0
2002
0 280,000 82,500 27,500 27,500 417,500
2003 0 0
448,000
132,000
44,000
624,000
2004 0 0 0
504,000
148,500
652,500
2005 0 0 0 0
840,000
840,000
TOTAL
0
280,000 530,500 663,500 1,060,000 2,534,000
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Table 5. Investment costs for the tree planting in Boianu-Sticleanu Polder area
- thousand ROL -
Planting
Year
Total
commencing
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
2001
147,000 87,000 33,000 33,000 30,000 330,000
2002 0
572,000
243,500
88,000
88,000
991,500
2003 0 0
1,326,000
628,000
231,000
2,185,000
2004 0 0 0
1,872,000
934,500
2,806,500
2005 0 0 0 0
2,747,000
2,747,000
TOTAL
147,000 659,000 1,602,500 2,621,000 4,030,500 9,060,000
These costs are not including the VAT (19%).
For the details of this estimation see the Working Paper 4, Design of Agro-forestry program.
Pasture program with technical recommendations for grazing management and investment
costs
Some 300 ha of degraded agricultural land were identified in the polder area (Map 2). The land
belongs to the communas Cuza Voda (150 ha) and Gradistea (150 ha) and is used as natural
pasture.
As a contribution to the project, the MAFF has prepared two feasibility studies regarding the
rehabilitation of these lands and for the sustainable management of the communal pastures.
The conclusions of these studies will then be incorporated in the overall implementation plan for
the polder area.
Based on the first results of the feasibility studies, as an estimate, a lump sum of about 200,000
US$ should be included in the project cost estimate to cover the investment for sustainable use of
pastures demonstration.
For the preparation of the plan for sustainable management of the pastures, a specialized agency
should be contracted by the PMU.
Regular monitoring of the quality of both irrigation and drainage water
Design and implementation of an adequate, continuous monitoring system for Boianu-
Sticleanu polder area (Calarasi), as regarding the quality of irrigation water and drained water, in
view of the changes likely to appear in the nutrient balance (N, P, K), must start with a thorough
analysis of the irrigation and drainage scheme design, of the land use organization, of specific
regulations for operating existing land reclamation infrastructure, by correlating these with the
agricultural practices in the area and with the induced environmental impact, known and
forecasted for the following years.
One also has to take into account the local conditions and particularities (whether natural
or artificial, internal or/and borderly) occurring in time after the completion of the scheme and
which may equally influence the location of the control sections or of the verification keys.
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Land reclamation works within the polder area
embanked area
22,873 hectares
drained area (open drains)
21,916 hectares
irrigated area
20,150 hectares
drained area (tile drains)
175 hectares
fisheries
740 hectares
Surface and sub-surface drainage in the area:
Open drains are canals 1.5 3.5 meters deep, located 400-800 meters one from the other,
grouped into 3 schemes: Boianu, Ciocanesti and Calarasi (Iezer).
Their design scheme provides for the water to be evacuated from Boianu I and Boianu II
local schemes into the mixed role canal (irrigation and drainage) Botu Dunaricii, which in turn
conveys excess volumes of water to the reversible pumping station also called Botu Dunaricii,
which evacuates this water into the Danube river.
From Ciocanesti local scheme, drained volumes of water are evacuated through the
Bogata pumping station into the Garla Mare natural canal which has multiple functions
(irrigation, drainage, replenishment water source for the Calarasi fish lake) and which flowing at
the bottom of the terrace, conveys surplus water to the Jirlau evacuation pumping station.
From the Iezer local scheme, water is taken by the C II collector, also with double
function (irrigation and drainage) and conveyed to the Jirlau pumping station, from where it is
evacuated into Borcea oxbow.
Irrigation infrastructure in the area:
The method of irrigation adopted is sprinkler, relying on buried pressure pipes, with
distance between two antennae of 648 meters. Sprinklers are Romanian made, of the ASJ 1 M
type. Application scheme is 18 x 24 and the cycle is 12 days.
Irrigation water is ensured from the following sources:
Galatui Calarasi irrigation scheme, with a syphon extracting water from the CA
supply canal which in turn abstracts water from the Danube, through the floating
pumping station located at Km 388+250
Botu Dunaricii canal which is linked to the Garla Mare natural canal by means of
watertable level variation, is supplied with water from the Danube through the Botu
Dunaricii reversible pumping station (situated at Km 394+800 on the Danube).
Ezerul Mostistea scheme, by gravity from the intake located near Dorobantu dam,
supplying Batrana Garla Mare canal.
A. Irrigation scheme design
It consists of the following elements of infrastructure:
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Danube embankment, supply canals, drainage canals (both categories of various ranks)
both artificial an natural, canals with combined operation or reversible type canals (for irrigation
and drainage) with interconnection facilities and all the ancillary equipment (hydraulic
structures) such as drainage pumping stations, reversible type pumping stations, culverts etc. and
an important conveyance facility (Annex 4).
Irrigation water is supplied from three distinct sources:
1. from the Danube river, by means of the floating pumping station (located at Km 388
+ 250) a 65 cu. m/s discharge is conveyed into CA I canal (constructed in cut and fill,
with an average height of 5 meters, lined with concrete slabs and crossing the polder
area from the south to the north on a length of 7.28 Km, up to the discharge point into
Galatui lake), from which an usable discharge of 8.86 cu. m/s is captured for the
polder area (7.66 cu. m/s through the intake siphon into the C II reversible canal and
the remaining 1.2 cu. m/s by pumping).
2. through the Batrana canal (linking Mostistea with Botul Dunaricii), the polder area
receives a 4 cu. m/s discharge, taken from Ezerul Mostistea (Barajul Dorobantu
intake) scheme.
3. through Botul Dunaricii reversible pumping station, a 6.5 cu m/s discharge is being
conveyed into the natural canal bearing the same name; this natural canal is joining
Batrana canal forming the Ciocanesti conveyance facility, which directs water to
Garla Mare natural canal (also situated at the bottom of the terrace).
Provision of irrigation water for various local schemes and/or plots is made in accordance
with the scattered landowners (contracts for the provision of irrigation water drawn, with
individuals, agricultural association or commercial societies) and with the cultivated crops (in
direct correspondence with the alternating drought periods); this is why certain problems may
appear when wanting to supply enough irrigation water to different locations within the polder
area, at any given moment, mainly for irrigating early crops and/or during very dry summers.
The economic advantage of recirculating water within the polder area requires careful
monitoring (from the ecological point of view) of its quality, in order to be able to minimize the
risk of potential pollution, salinization and other phenomena of soil degradation, generated by
irrigation water or by water from the surface drainage network. If only this, is sufficient grounds
for the need to closely link the two focalized factors to be monitored, the water and the soil.
B. Operation rules & regulations
Regulations required for the operation of land reclamation infrastructure (supply
networks, pumping stations, dykes, water in-field application equipment etc.) have to take into
account the opportunities of exploiting the polder area itself, both from the agricultural and from
the forestry point of view.
C. Environmental impact of agricultural exploitations and irrigation and drainage
schemes
Natural background
Boianu-Sticleanu polder area lies within the Danube floodplain, between Km 370+000
and Km 403+000, being approx. 29 Km long, with a minimum width of 5.5 Km to the west and a
maximum width of 13.0 Km to the east.
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To the east, the polder area is limited by Borcea Arm (Danube river oxbow) on a length
of 33.0 Km; to the west, Boianu-Sticleanu polder area is divided by Mostistea supply canal from
Oltenita-Surlari-Dorobantu embanked area.
Local conditions and particularities
Geomorphology of the area:
From the geomorphological point of view, Boianu-Sticleanu area is part of the Danube
flood-plain area.
The relief has a small general slope, being scattered with numerous micro-depressions
and lower areas.
The general difference in terrain elevation is of 6.2 meters (from a maximum elevation of
15.0 m to a minimum of 8.80 m).
Approx. 90% of the polder area has elevations between 9 and 12 meters. Geologically
speaking, the area lies on fine alluvial deposits, which in turn lie on sand and various layers of
gravel.
Deeper, the parent rock is constituted of dark marl, clay, sand, limestone and gritstone. In
the terrace area, some loess deposits have been identified, occasionally comprising layers of
sand.
Classification of the soils in the polder area:
Category I fine to course sand and slightly loamy sand plasticity index below 7 and
clay content below 15.
Category II clayish sand, sandy loam and sandy-clayish loam plasticity index value
below 20 and clay content below 30.
Category III - clayish loam, clayish- sandy loam plasticity index value between 15 and
25; clay content below 30.
Category IV loamy clay, sandy-clay plasticity index value below 45; clay content
below 60.
Category V greasy clay - plasticity index value below 45 and clay content below 60.
Category VI silty soils.
This classification was made for two surveyed depth intervals, one between 0-2 m and a
second one between 2-5 m..
The conclusion from the geotechnical survey was that for both depth intervals, the
predominant soil categories are IV and V.
Deeper, the layers of sand with gravel with average thickness between 2 and 26 meters,
can be found all over the polder area.
Hydrogeological conditions:
a) The aquifer
The hydrogeological survey (Annex 5 and 6) of the area showed the existence of two
lithological compounds as described below:
near the surface low permeability compound consisting of clay (occasionally loamy or
sandy) with thickness varying between 2 and 22 meters. In certain areas this compound is
not present or is alternating with lens of clayish sand (near the Danube embankments).
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deeper a more permeable compound consisting of two layers one upper layer made of
sand with variable texture (thickness between 2 and 24 meters) and the second, lower,
made of a mixture between sand and gravel and sometimes cobbles (thickness between 1
and 15 meters); in some areas, the upper sand layer may be missing.
This second compound represents the Danube floodplain aquifer, of quaternary age, which
has been identified up to depths of 11-31 meters.
The parent rock is represented by clay, marl, gritstoned sand and isolated limestone
intrusions.
b) Underground water:
The above mentioned aquifer contains water with ascension potential; this water may be
stabilized within the upper compound, at variable depths, according to natural factors (rainfall,
infiltration from the Danube etc.).
Danube significantly feeds this aquifer between April and June and drains underground water
from the area, at low levels (between September and October).
Precipitation directly influence the supply of this aquifer, but to a smaller extent, especially
where the relatively impervious upper compound is missing or is mainly constituted of sand.
On some areas, specifically on low depressions, a seasonal phreatic table may be formed,
facilitated by the existence of sand deposits, separated from the main aquifer through lens of clay
and loamy clay.
Whenever heavy rainfall coincide with high watertable levels induced by the Danube, the
soil being saturated with irrigation water and the evacuation canals being in turn filled with water
for irrigation purposes (May to June), then consequences may be disastrous for the crops which
suffer from extended periods of waterlogging (the case in 1985 at Mircea Voda state farm).
Watertable levels variation in the polder and low terrace areas generally reflect the variation
of Danube river levels, with two major periods:
a rising in levels, beginning in November and ending in May.
a decrease in levels, starting in June and ending around October.
Maximum watertable levels are usually recorded soon after the maximum Danube river
levels between May and June, each year.
Water and Soil Quality Monitoring Program
An extensive soil and water quality monitoring program will be established for the proposed
project area, consisting of the biggest part of Boianu-Sticleanu polder area, in order to monitor
the changing quality of surface and ground water bodies that eventually are draining into the
Danube river.
Standardized water quality monitoring efforts are needed to provide decision-makers in Romania
and the public with reliable data on problems and trends in water quality of the Danube River, its
tributaries and the Black Sea.
The Environmental Protection Inspectorate (EPI) in Calarasi has an ongoing water monitoring
program to monitor the quality of Danube river at ten locations along the Romanian border.
EPI is collecting data on nitrate and phosphorus levels in addition to eight other parameters.
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The Directorate of Public Health in Calarasi collects weekly/monthly data on bacteria from
several drinking water wells throughout the Cararasi Judet and the Danube river.
Current ongoing efforts on collecting soil and water quality data are hampered by the lack of
adequate financial resources, state-of-the-art laboratory and monitoring equipment and chemicals
needed for the various analyses and maintenance of the existing water quality laboratories.
In addition to the ongoing efforts by the EPI and Directorate of Health in Calarasi, following will
be the specific soil and water monitoring activities of this project:
i)
A total of 10 new piezometers would be installed in the polder area, with the aim of
sampling ground water quality for nitrate, phosphorus, bacteria and pesticides; depth of
these piezometers will be decided after ground water aquifer survey is completed which
will include the depth of the watertable aquifers, direction of groundwater flow and
possible sources of groundwater contamination and at each of the 10 piezometer sites
soil samples will be collected for nitrate and phosphorus analyses.
ii)
Three drainage/irrigation canals in the Boianu-Sticleanu polder area along the Danube
river that drain into the Black Sea will be selected for extensive water sampling for
nitrate and phosphorus analyses.
iii)
Water samples will be collected at two different sites on the Danube river for nitrate,
phosphorus, pesticides and bacteria analyses (inlet and outlet of the polder).
iv)
In order to assess the impacts of GEF investments in the polder area through the
introduction of conservation tillage, crop rotation and manure management practices on
the water quality of Danube river, SWAT computer simulation model will be calibrated
and tested on selected sites in the polder and terrace area and simulations will be
conducted to predict the overall effect of management systems on the transport of nitrate,
phosphorus, and bacteria to Danube river.
v)
Project will purchase equipment for nitrate analyses to strengthen the existing capacity of
EPI for analysis of water (soil) samples as well as to support the monitoring work. The
project will coordinate this activity with other GEF projects in the Black Sea area.
Frequency of Sampling
The frequency for collecting soil and water samples will depend on the weather and cropping
pattern in the areas. A minimum of one water sample should be collected each month from each
of the surface water monitoring stations (rivers, irrigation/drainage canal), piezometers, and
drinking water wells. Water samples will be collected after every major rainfall greater than 7.5
cm per day or of greater intensity for water quality analyses (the greater likelihood of transport
of fertilizers, pesticides,soil particles and manure to surface water bodies will be with major rains
and surface water must be sampled for agricultural and bacteria pollutants).
The project should develop a quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) operational manual to
give detailed methodology on sample collection, transport, preservation, storage, and laboratory
analytical procedures for chemical and bacteria analyses.
Training
It is recommended that the staff of the EPA laboratory, who will be responsible for analytical
analyses for soil and water be trained in the analytical procedures and new laboratory equipment.
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Installation of Piezometers and Groundwater Sampling:
Piezometers or groundwater wells for water quality monitoring will be installed. The wells and
piezometers required throughout this project will be a 50 mm i.d. PVC pipe with a 0.25 - 0.5 mm
width slots. Each piezometer casing will be encased in a metal pipe with a concrete slab, a lock
and key mechanism.
All piezometers will be developed immediately after installation. The best way to develop these
piezometers/wells would be to purge them several times before use.
Surface Water Sampling
Surface water will be monitored and measured using simple flumes installed at selected
locations. Each flume collects water samples as a function of runoff flow volume. Surface
runoff from field plots will be analyzed for various agricultural and manure contaminants. Open
drains/irrigation channels will be sampled once a month to record both primary and secondary
flow.
Conservation Management Plan for the proposed Iezer Calarasi nature reserve
Characteristics of the ecotop and biogenesis
The Ecotop:
Boianu-Sticleanu polder area is situated within the Danube floodplain area, in the South-
Eastern part of Romania, at the crossing between the 27° meridian and 44° parallel.
This area, one of the youngest in our country (geologically speaking), was formed as a
result of sunken cretaceous relief formations, on which successive layers of sediments had been
deposited throughout the quaternary age.
Alluvial deposits are constituted of cobbles (deeper), coarse gravel, coarse to fine sand,
silt and clay in layers of variable thickness.
Loess deposits, of the wind erosion type are predominant to those formed by overlapped
layers.
Significant in terms of occupied area, are also the wetland and marsh deposits, made up
of mineral and organic decomposed matter.
Generally, running waters have considerable longer life than the stagnant waters, the
latter category could be easily dried or affected by siltation phenomenon. Also, due to powerful
processes of erosion and sedimentation, running streams may modify their course. To a certain
extent, this tendency may also be noticed at the Danube river, near the polder area, where the
right river bank was eroded and the left bank was influenced by sedimentation.
Danube river, a continental type river is a permanently running watercourse, its width
near the Boianu-Sticleanu area ranging between 800-2,500 m and having an average discharge of
6,000 cu. m/s.
The right bank, with sloped areas, is continuously eroded and with poor vegetation.
The left bank of the river has a small threshold like area, along which willow trees and
poplars grow and across which water overflows during floods, penetrating the floodplain area
which can be 5 to 13 Km wide.
15
The water velocity obviously determines the quality of sediments, this in turn influencing
the biogenesis in the area.
In sections with strong water currents and sandy bed, several plant species may find
adequate conditions, such as: Ranunculus, Potamogeton, Salix etc.
Near the banks vegetation is represented by perennials, capable of resisting the winter
and spring period, sometimes immersed in the water (Illippuris, Sparganium, Scirpus,
Ranunculus, etc.)
Some old stagnant water in the area (Boianu lake, Calarasi lake, areas of Garla Mare,
Beliane, Groapa din drum, etc.) may show various degrees of siltation.
For the initial siltation phase, predominant plant species are those from the family of
Ceratophyllum Chara; for the medium siltation phase, Potamogeton may appear.
During the next phase of this phenomenon, some species may appear in great number:
Butomus, Sagittaria, Alisma, Schoenoplectus etc.
Impact of the land reclamation works on the environment
Soils evolution in the area
Analysis of the soils evolution in the Boianu-Sticleanu polder area was based upon
existing specialized studies carried out by D.R.I.F.O.T Bucharest in 1969 (after the construction
of the embankment) and by I.C.P.A. Bucharest (Institute for Research in Pedology and
Agrochemistry) in 1990. By interpreting the pedological map drawn in 1969, the following 29
soil units were identified (sec map no.10 and ANNEX of SOILS)
By comparing pedological surveys carried out in 1969 and in 1990 (this elapsed time
represents a considerable service period for the existing land reclamation infrastructure in the
area), one could notice several changes that occurred in the areas with different irrigation
suitability potential:
- Areas previously occupied by land in class I and II of irrigation suitability decreased, due to
unreasonable irrigation application on land with low depth watertable, leading to settlement,
salinization and alkalinization phenomena.
- areas previously occupied by class III, IV and VI of irrigation suitability, remained more or
less the same.
As concerning the area affected by salinity, this decreased, but some areas with slight to
moderate alkalinity appeared.
From the 1990 pedological survey, one can find out that 6,260 ha are affected by slight
salinization and/or alkalinization processes, representing approx. 28% of the total polder area,
the existing potential of these phenomena being quite high in the area, as on wide surfaces,
watertable is very near to the surface, this enabling removal of existing salts.
16
Evolution of spontaneous and cultivated flora:
Until it was embanked, the Danube floodplain area had its vegetation influenced by
geological, hydrogeological, climatic and biological conditions and only to a small extent by
human induced factors. This environment was mainly aquatic, with scarce vegetation and with
some intermediate phases it reached the stage of stagnant waters, highly affected by siltation and
temporary flooded drylands.
After the embankment was constructed, the pace of vegetation development was
accelerated and sometimes, some phases were even leaped over. Changes were significant and
profound consisting mainly of tree cutting, scarification and drainage measures.
Cultivated plants (crops) are now occupying the most widely part of the polder area,
representing in fact the purpose of operating existing land reclamation infrastructure.
Although widely recognized for their high yield capacity, crops are nevertheless known
to simplify system relations, being more unstable than the components of natural ecosystems.
Due to the areas where waterlogging is a serious problem, crops are sometime very difficult to
husband, some aquatic vegetation (such as reed for example) being easily transformed into
weeds, often hard to be eradicated.
Natural pastures in the area, valuable from the livestock fodder point of view, are usually
surrounded by forests, cropped land, dyke banks or canal banks.
Aquatic vegetation, once predominant in this area, is now limited to the two large lakes,
neighboring wetlands and drainage canals.
Within the polder area, tree and shrubs are poorly represented, consisting mainly of a
relatively narrow strip between the embankment and Danube river, Boian woods and isolated
spots of poplar and willow trees.
The existing network of drainage canals creates a microclimate deemed favorable to
plants and to a significant number of animals (birds, reptiles, amphibians, etc.) which due to their
particular feeding habits consume many pests.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Existing land reclamation schemes in Boianu-Sticleanu Polder may have positive or
negative impacts upon the environment, but due to their particularities, such schemes may be
regarded as ecological measures, able to enforce soil conservation.
Positive impact
a) upon soils:
increased agricultural productions
improved water balance in the soil, due to reasonable irrigation application
increased areas where soils have good potassium and phosphorus reserves
smaller areas affected by salinization, due to complex irrigation, drainage and soil
treatment measures.
smaller areas affected by waterlogging
improving the soil air circulation capacity
soil conservation
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limitation of surface run-off potential by proper coverage with vegetation
increased humus content in the soil and better fertile potential
b) upon water:
ensuring crop water demand through irrigation
flood protection through embankments and drainage works
lowering watertable levels through surface and sub-surface drainage works avoiding
rainfall generated surface stagnant water volumes
alternative sources of irrigation water from drainage canals
drainage works in areas surrounding rice paddy fields avoid turning such areas into
marshes and keep watertable levels low.
drinking water sources by catchment of natural springs
c) on flora and wildlife:
irrigation ensures increased agricultural production
increased amounts of qualitative cereals and fodder stimulates livestock breeding in the
area
some species of birds temporarily occupy land with irrigation infrastructure for feeding
purposes
reshaping the vegetation cover (and simultaneously the number of animals and
microorganisms within) has beneficial consequences upon the soil organic matter
content, soil aeration and fertility potential.
d) on land-use categories
maintaining the size of cultivated areas by controlling erosion, salinization and
eutrophication phenomena.
e) on social and economic background:
land reclamation works facilitate economic development of relevant areas where they
were constructed
such works protect human settlements against dangerous calamities (floods etc.)
land reclamation works (through drainage networks) also contribute to the containment of
certain infectious disease (typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery etc.)
Negative impact
a) upon soils:
occurrence of secondary salinization phenomenon, either due to excessive irrigation
application not correlated with proper drainage measures, or by extensive use of
subirrigation
design and construction of unlined, or inadequately lined canals, leading to important
water seepage, settlement in areas with loess deposits, waterlogging or secondary
salinization.
seepage from irrigation application, generated by faulty equipment
poor management and improper operation of irrigation and drainage schemes
18
soil pollution by utilization of improper irrigation water (slurry from pig farms, industrial
pollutants, chemical fertilizers etc.)
underground tile drains buried at inadequate distances may lead to a moisture deficit in
the soil during dry summer periods.
b) upon water:
insufficient correlation between the method of irrigation, soil texture, slope, discharge
and intensity of rainfall etc.
eutrophication of surface waters due to phosphorus and nitrogen amounts
faulty drainage, seepage from irrigation, infiltration under dykes and other structures may
all generate waterlogging
irrigation using wastewater or insufficiently treated water may pollute surface and
underground waters
if evacuation is not managed properly, hazardous floods may be generated when existing
discharges from the drainage network occur simultaneously with exceptionally heavy
rainfall
c) on flora and wildlife:
some aquatic species may disappear when drainage works are constructed and operated
in the area
the existing biotop was affected during canal digging and during spreading of excavated
material, as the biological structure of the soil profile was modified
by reducing water content in the soil, some aquatic species of plants and animals
depending upon these were seriously affected
by replacing the willow trees with EuroAmerican type poplar trees, within the embanked
area, these trees have a shorter existence (only 8 to 10 years) and cannot represent a
favorable environment for diverse fauna and flora.
d) on land use categories:
extensive change of land use categories, such as from previous pasture or hay fields to
arable, may act as a disadvantage for the development of livestock breeding in the area
e) on social and economic factors:
extensive irrigation application may create the means for the transmission of infectious
diseases
some water sources may be polluted with toxic substances, with dangerous effects on
human health
Pollutants which can affect the soil and subsoil of the area
As potential pollution sources in this area, one can mention the following:
Industrial emissions (inorganic powders or ashes) from the Calarasi steel works
containing Zn, Cu, Fe, Mg etc.; amounts of such powders accumulated on the soil surface
are within tolerated pollution limits.
nitrates in the soil are a major reason of concern only when their amount exceed the value
needed for the crop nutrition; nitrates content in the ploughed layer of the soil does not
19
exceed the tolerated value i.e over 100 ppm; higher values can only be met in regions
with vegetable crops or unmanaged manure.
pesticides-according to previous soil test, these are no source of pollution in this area.
This area has not been irrigated with wastewater so far. Up to 1995, slurry from Cunesti
cattle breeding farm complex was discharged into the drainage collector located at the bottom of
the terrace. Presently, this livestock farm is undergoing a process of dissolution.
Change in the quality of underground and surface waters in the area
The chemistry laboratory analyzed a number of four water samples taken from drainage
canals, with the purpose of establishing the opportunity to use this water for irrigation. Based on
the results of these tests (complying with Romanian standard no. 9450/88, it was found that this
water is inproper for irrigation utilization, being aggressive towards concrete and of the
carbonate and sulphate type.
Environmental impact evaluation and conclusions
Soil samples taken from the area revealed traces of inorganic powders (ashes) coming
from the Calarasi steel works, namely zinc (0.8 to 1.6 ppm) and copper (4 to 6 ppm).
Iron and magnesium amounts found are deemed negligible.
Therefore, emissions deposited on the soil surface are within tolerated limits.
Nitrate and pesticide amounts are also below tolerated values within the soil.
From our point of view, salinization and/or secondary alkalinization present in the area
are not pollutant agents.
As a conclusion, on approx. 300 ha, some salinity prevention and control measures are
needed in this area, and by extrapolating this, such measures are required for a surface of approx.
700 ha at the level of the whole embanked (polder) area.
Recommendations
For the whole area of Boianu-Sticleanu polder, only a few hydro-agricultural
improvement measures are needed now, as this territory was projected for drainage and irrigation
ever since 1970.
Presently, a considerable area (approx. one third of the total) is moderately to strongly
affected by the waterlogging phenomenon, due to low depth watertable, in some cases even in
the form of swamp areas. Measures to control this phenomenon include:
control of watertable levels by proper evacuation of drained water (drainage canals
are presently silted on approx. 40% of their section and are invaded by reed type
vegetation (Tipha latifolia and/or Phragmites comunis);
reshaping and rehabilitation of existing open drains and collectors, seepage control by
lining the main supply canals (together with Manastirea and Galatui canals and
Batrana canal situated to the north) which stay full during irrigating seasons etc.
extension of drainage infrastructure in the area, by providing buried tile drains
especially for the areas formerly occupied by lake beds (heavy textured clayish soils).
careful correlation between irrigation application rates, watertable level variation and
the texture of the soil
20
Some agricultural techniques are also required:
varying the ploughing depth in order to avoid the "hardpan" occurrence
scarification on those areas where human induced settlement occurred (specifically
for the soils with clayish loamish textures) and on those where tile drains are
proposed to be installed.
salts leaching using supplementary irrigation application rates for those areas affected
by salinization
operation-type land levelling, recommended for those surfaces with uneven
topography and careful fertilizer application on soils with light texture (sandy-loamy).
Proposals for the reclamation and fertilization of salinized soils:
Soil leaching - applying water through suprairrigation during the vegetation season or
outside this period (application rates of 30,000 cu. m/hectare). On those areas
intended to be leached, prior tile drains installation is needed. Such soil leaching
treatments are recommended for a period of 4 years.
soil treatment using materials of the phosphogipsum type; prior to their application,
these soil treatment materials must be tested for adequate structure (moisture content,
granular size etc.). The required soil treatment application rate is of 10 tonnes of
phosphogipsum per hectare, in accordance with the findings of the pedological
surveys. The administered dose must not vary with more than 15% compared to the
exact amount needed to be applied. After the soil treatment application, a 20 cm no
till land preparation is needed, followed by a disk-harrowing. After this, a deep chisel
work is required.
Application of such soil treatment substances may be performed during:
summer time, as fodder crops are gradually being harvested
summer time, on the residue from cereals (stalks etc.)
autumn, before the land preparation
winter time, on frozen ground, for those areas with autumn wheat etc. (only
agrolimestone powder or a similar substance)
For the improvement of agricultural exploitations' efficiency, some fertilizing measures
are also needed, using chemical substances and manure.
Recommended quantities are:
manure approx. 30 tonnes/hectare
chemical fertilizers ammonium sulphate 150 kg/ha
Monitoring the effect of such measures is usually done by means of agrochemical
surveys, carried out once every three years.
The following crops are recommended to be cultivated on salinized soils:
perennials
sorgum, fodder sugar beet, barley, sugar beet, plaster clover (Melilotus
officialis)
wild camomile (Matricaria chamomila), crocus (Crocus banaticus)
alfa-alfa, oil seed rape, millet (Panicum miliaceum), white mustard (Sinapis
alba) etc.
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Conclusions
Before the embankments were constructed, the mechanism of the hydrographic network
was complex, depending on the watertable level variation, duration of floods and moments of
their generation etc.
Periodic replenishment of stagnant waters and ponds, together with occasional stronger
currents made the mineral and organic siltation process slower only below the multiannual value
line.
After the area was embanked, this mechanism became simpler, the floods were
eliminated, water circulation grew slower and level variations were significantly smaller, this
leading to a faster mineral and organic siltation process.
Impact of associated tree cutting, scarification and drainage measures was certainly
significant on the environment.
Alluvial soils in the area have to maintain their fertility potential by reasonable
application of fertilizers.
Land leveling, adequate drainage and reasonable irrigation utilization, together with
frequent replenishment of the water within open drains and collectors must be carefully
managed.
It is recommended that canals are populated with certain species of fish (phyto-carp etc.)
which can naturally control the number of aquatic plants (the main reason for drainage network
inefficiency).
A major concern should also be the periodic maintenance of canal slopes where weeds
can really create serious problems.
Guidelines to good agricultural practices in the polder area
Intensive agricultural practices and especially those implemented within enclosed or
semienclosed areas such as Boianu-Sticleanu polder do not give a single chance to
environmental protection or to ecosystem biodiversity.
Under such conditions, almost in every case, agriculture is to be found both as polluted
and polluting.
Such reversible phenomenon can also be found within the above mentioned polder area,
manifested through either diffuse or concentrated pollution from industrial and agroindustrial
centers, or through careless agricultural practices and lack of domestic waste and manure
management, practically leading to the contamination (to different degrees) of all the three basic
ecological components (air, water and soil).
Whereas pollution from "external" sources (i.e. to the polder) gradually decreased as a
result of major industrial shut-down (only Danube water quality may still be at risk in the case of
22
accidents occurring upstream), "internal" sources of pollution are still potentially hazardous,
with negative consequences to the local environment, to the communities located downstream
and ultimately to the Danube Delta and Black Sea area.
These "internal" sources of pollution are directly related to current agricultural practices
in the area and also to poor management of domestic waste in the polder area, in the neighboring
communities and in the terrace area.
In order to put an end to these ecologically unsound practices, one must have some
guidelines required for the implementation of good agricultural practices in the polder area,
which should comply with applicable Romanian legislation (Govt. Decision no. 964/2000) and
also with relevant EC requirements.
The Romanian Government issued a decision (no. 964/October 13, 2000) which
basically adopts a master plan designed to protect streams against nitrates pollution from
agricultural sources; it also defines a series of criteria required for the identification of those
water bodies already polluted with such substances and of potentially affected water courses,
simultaneously incorporating the Romanian version of the Code of Good Agricultural Practices.
A. TARGET:
Reducing nitrates pollution, preventing such pollution and implementing the
reasonable utilization of nitrogen based chemical fertilizers
Provisions (they have to be differentiated for each region, according to general or
particular conditions):
1. periods deemed inadequate for applying fertilizers to the field
2. specific fertilizer application technologies for geomorphologically particular terrains
(steep slopes, depressions, flooded areas, waterlogged areas, high watertable levels
etc)
3. field application technology for organic or synthesis fertilizers (dosage rates,
uniformity of application, compliance with regulations which define the tolerated
amounts of nitrogen compounds within surface and underground waters etc.)
4. proper utilization of land (crop rotation and optimum ratio between land occupied by
permanent crops and land occupied by annual crops)
5. maintaining minimum amounts of vegetation in the field, able to cover the land
during the winter season, in order to retain nitrogen.
6. drawing rotation plans and keeping soil records for each crop and each parcel
7. recommendations on the handling and storage of chemical fertilizers, including on the
delivery terms and conditions (not in bulk, only in durable, impervious bags of
various capacities, marked using damage proof labels stating the fertilizer type, its
chemical structure and concentration, degree of solubility, date of manufacture and
validity term etc.), special handling procedures, total quantity delivered, address of
the manufacturer etc.
8. information regarding the combined application of chemical fertilizers and manure,
in accordance with the soil nutrients balance and with the prognosticated crop
nitrogen requirement.
9. provisions described under 8) apply to all synthesis obtained substances, utilized in
agriculture.
10. as concerning the land reclamation works, the operation and maintenance regulations
will be followed in accordance with the natural water and soil resources'
23
preservation, specifically aiming to implement multiple request irrigation application
(targeted at the crop, the soil and the watertable levels) during the entire vegetation
season.
Proposed Code of Good Practices
for the Protection of Waters and Soils within Boianu Sticleanu Polder
(Adapted from I.Toncea)
This Code of Good Practices is a succesion of practical rules that should be obeyed by farmers
from the Boianu Sticleanu polder area:
1. Extension of agro-forestry systems such as windbreaks/shelterbelts, hedgerows, filter strips
and narrow vegetative barriers on land deemed as inadequate for agricultural purposes (with
periodic waterlogging, rich in soluble salts or exchangeable sodium or with low fertility
potential).
2. Cultivation of 25 30% of the arable area with annual and perennial leguminous crops.
3. Reduction of tillage depth by 5 10 cm and gradual replacement of the traditional moldboard
plough with conservation tillage and reduced tillage systems.
4. Combined utilization of existing drainage schemes, both for draining surplus water and for
the completion of crop water demand, associated with the accurate monitoring of water
quality and soil salinity.
5. Crop irrigation using conventional clean water and application rates in correlation with the
soil moisture storage capacity; for the case of applying irrigation prior to sowing, the tilth
depth would be of maximum 25 cm.
6. Crop fertilization using solid (organic semi-digested manure, compost, vegetable rotten
material, green fertilizers and bacterial fertilizers) and ecological fertilizers; liquid fertilizers
are forbidden from use.
7. The application rate for semi-digested manure and compost should be of maximum 10 t/ha
and year; for a 4 -5 year rotation, the maximum rate is 40 50 t/ha; manure would only be
applied during July October interval, as the main fertilizer, provided the watertable depth
is not too small, by even spreading on the land, immediately followed by soil incorporation
using the disk-harrow, after which the land is ploughed.
8. Leguminous seeds treatment using specialized bio-products (e.g.NITRAGIN) for peas,
beans, soya-bean, alfa-alfa, etc. Dosage: 4 bottles (200 250 ml each) for the amount of seed
required for one hectare.
9. Growing green fertilizers and incorporating them into the soil, together with the whole
residue amount (straw, sunflower stems, weeds, etc.)
10. Field burning of various straw, stems and other vegetal residues is definitely prohibited.
11. Accurate fertilizer dosage application, in accordance with the requirement of each crop,
adapted to the soil's agro-chemical indices and correlated with the previously used
agricultural technology.
12. The use of nitrogen-based and foliage-targeted fertilizers should only occur in the spring and
summer (during the vegetation season) and phosphorus & potassium-based fertilizers should
be applied during summer and autumn, prior to ploughing.
13. Fertilizers (ecological and organic) would only be spread using terrestrial mechanized means,
localized and in an evenly manner.
14. Unilateral nitrogen fertilization is forbidden and no un-wrapped organic or chemical fertilizer
amount should be allowed to be stored on the soil, not even on a temporary basis.
15. Within the Protected Area only authorized treatments and fertilizers should be used in the
way specified in their authorization; field spreading only using terrestrial means is advisable
too.
24
16. Any amount of manure and fertilizers, including their wrappings should only by deposited in
specially designated locations, previously approved by the Environmental Protection
Agency.
17. Grazing should be performed in dry soil conditions (outside March to April interval) and
during the winter season; it is preferable to graze only sheep and young cattle; the optimum
values of animal load are within the range of 1.5 2.0 livestock units per hectare.
25
ROMANIA
AGRICULTURAL POLLUTION CONTROL PROJECT
TERMS OF REFERENCE
DESIGN OF CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN
FOR THE IEZER CALARASI NATURE RESERVE
BACKGROUND
The Government of Romania has obtained a Grant from the Global Environmental Facility to
support an Agricultural Pollution Control Project. The ultimate goal of the project is to reduce
the discharge of nutrients and other agricultural pollutants into the Danube River, Danube Delta
and Black See through integrated land and water management.
One of the Project activities is to assist the Government of Romania to promote ecologically
sustainable land-use in the Boianu-Sticleanu Polder, including the preparation and
implementation of a Conservation Management Plan for the Iezer Calarasi area proposed to be
declared a nature reserve.
This area about 3,200 ha - which over 4 decades ago was natural wetland, is partly
administered by Calarasi municipality (20%) and by Cuza Voda commune (80%).
Local biodiversity is represented by birds (13 species, of which 7 are officially protected
according to the Berna and Bonn conventions on wildlife preservation) such as: the red-necked
goose (Branta ruficollis), the white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala), the common pelican,
(Pelecanus onoerotalus),the winter swan (Cygnus Cygnus), the small egret (Egretta garzeta), the
red heron (Ardea purpurea), the white stork (Ciconia ciconia).
Other unprotected species existing in the area include: Podicepes critatus cristatus, the sweet
water tern (Larus ridibundus), the moor hen (Fulia atra), the big and the small cormorant (Phala
crocorax carbo/ pygmaeus), the eastern flossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) etc.
Among mammals one can mention the otter (Lutra lutra) which is very sensitive to the water
quality and to the environment quality in general (for this reason being a precious bioindicator)
being itself a protected species (according to the Berna and Bonn conventions), the common
badger (Meles meles), the hare (Lepus capensis), the fox (Vulpes vulpes), the mole (Talpa
eurapaea), the muskrat (Ondata zibethica) and the common gopher (Cittelus citellus).
Among the reptiles one can mention: the grass lizard (Lacerta agilis), the river snake (Serpentes
ord.) and the sweet water turtle (Emys orbicularis).
The amphibians are represented by two common species: Rana esculenta and Bambina bambina.
The mollusk family is represented by snails (Limnea starynalis), oysters (Anodonta and Unio),
the bittern or mine drum (Botaurus stellaris and Hydrophilos piccus)
The fish are those characteristic to the Danube fed ponds such as the carp (Cyprinus carpio
carpio), the crucian (Carassius auratus gibelio), the pike (Esox lucines), the perch or zander
(Lucioperca lucioperca/sandra), the sheat fish (Silurus glanis) and the perk (Perca fluviatilis).
26
The vegetation is dominated by the sedge (Carex), the mace reed (Typha angustifera), the
common reed (Phragmites communis), the couch grass (Agropyrum repens), the Dutch rush or
shave grass (Equisetum hiemale) and the duckweed or frog foot (Lemna minor).
It is worth emphasizing that all the aforementioned species existing in the area are made
reference to in the Romanian Government Decision no. 236/24 November 2000 - Appendix 3,
for which reason, the designation of a special preservation area for migratory birds is necessary.
It is a fact that late in the autumn, flocks of rednecked ducks (rare, protected species) massively
transit the Iezeru Calarasi area, huge numbers deciding to rest within this spot, according to the
harshness of the winter season, as do all the other species of migratory birds.
These are enough grounds for formal declaration of this area as nature reserve. The formal
proposal for declaring Iezer Calarasi area as a natural reserve was made by the Calarasi County
Council and a favourable permit was issued by the Romanian Academy The Commission for
Nature Monuments Protection.
During the first stage, most of it already completed, this area would be declared as wetland
natural reserve, subject to applicable national legislation. In an ensuing stage, this area would be
governed by international regulations - as special protection migratory birds reserve, also taking
into account all the environmental protection conventions and treaties signed on behalf of
Romania (see annex --) and the Romanian Government Decision no. 236/24.11.2000 concerning
the statute of protected natural areas and the preservation of the wild flora and fauna.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of the consultancy assignment is to: (i) design and cost a Conservation
Management Plan for the proposed Iezer Calarasi nature reserve and (ii) prepare an indicative
four-year investment program.
The Conservation Management Plan will support the operation of Iezerul Calarasi area as a
nature reserve/special migratory birds protected area, thus providing solutions to the particular
ecological problems of this area, aimed to ensure its future conservation, preservation and
sustainable utilization as part of the national natural patrimony.
Simultaneously, such a plan has to be able to provide the keys to implement the actions that
derived from those environmental commitments assumed by Romania, such as preserving
wetland areas of international importance and the habitats of aquatic flora and fauna, together
with all the other components of relevant ecosystems and food-chains:
conservation of existing wildlife and especially the protection of rare or endangered species
of migratory birds;
preservation of natural habitats;
conservation of existing biodiversity of this area;
maintaining the ecological balance in the area
TASKS
The principal tasks are as follows:
(a) analyze the current situation and prepare an ecosystematic zoning of the nature
reserve area;
27
(b) prepare an inventory of local flora and fauna components;
(c) ecosystems identification (including those of borderline influence) and the
identification of their particular and significant components;
(d) identification of endemic, rare or protected elements belonging to the local species of
wildlife;
(e) development of a sustainable utilization of natural resources (biological and
belonging to the biotop);
(f) ensuring a systematic evolution through the conservation of biosphere life support
mechanisms;
(g) develop a program for permanent and adequate monitoring of the nature reserve
area;
(h) promotion of international scientific cooperation with the aim of eliminating the
risks of some wildlife species becoming extinct;
(i) quantifying the effects of the nature reserve operation, at local, regional and global
level.
(j) Provision of technical assistance required for the elaboration of the documentation
(scientific based study) needed to obtain the nature reserve status for Iezerul Calarasi
area (first at national level and thereafter at international level, as part of the national
and international network of protected areas).
OUTPUTS
(a)
basic study required for the adoption of proposed Iezer Calarasi nature reserve
area;
(b)
four-year program for ecological reconstruction and rehabilitation in the
nature reserve area;
(c)
Conservation Management Plan including rules and regulations to be enforced
within Iezer Calarasi nature reserve area (related to agricultural activities,
fishing, hunting and tourism);
(d)
endowment, training, public awareness and research facilities requirement;
(e)
a four-year plan for the implementation of the proposed Conservation
Management Plan by the responsible authority with the support of the Project
Management Unit;
In view of the previous tasks described, the following activities have to be implemented:
ecological campaigns performed in monitoring and investigation stations;
ecosystematic survey of the polder area;
defining the exact geographical location of the nature reserve;
creating a specialized data base, encompassing data and information on lakes, average
food-chain elements and soils in the area of the nature reserve;
designing an adequate size, buffer area surrounding the nature reserve;
setting up environmentally friendly agricultural exploitation technologies, suitable to be
applied within neighboring ecosystems;
elaborating a Code of Good Fishing Practices, as fisheries are active outside the crop
vegetation period;
proper design of land reclamation schemes within the polder area and their adequate
operation (including qualitative and quantitative monitoring of lake water and water from
adjacent canals, specifically those with combined, irrigation and drainage role);
identifying and ecologically rehabilitating those habitat regions which were disturbed or
altered (including through dredging operations);
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identifying extinct wildlife species and their natural habitats, in order to be able to
recolonize them in the future;
establishing the off-limits areas for hunting and fishing within the polder;
evaluating local implications of operating this nature reserve, as well as the consequences
for the wider floodplain and Danube Delta areas;
setting up the formal statute of this nature reserve, in full compliance with the applicable
relevant legislation;
elaborating an emergency intervention plan for various incidents and accidents occurring
in this area;
encouraging social and economic activities in the polder area, up to the limit of pollution
or disturbance to natural restored ecosystems, including the provision of incentives to
introduce agro-tourism by private investments ;
establishing adequate management of fisheries in the area;
promoting the development of sustainable agriculture in the polder area;
including this area within regional territorial development master plans;
continuous and efficient monitoring of the nature reserve area (parameters such as
condition of natural resources and biodiversity etc.) by using skilled personnel
(periodically trained), specialized sample collection d processing equipment and
communication and rapid intervention facilities;
including this area within regional Danube river basin and Black Sea environmental
protection programs;
establishing and developing professional ties with specialized NGOs;
making good use of all the opportunities capable of promoting and advertising this nature
reserve;
establishing facilities required for the national and international level data exchange,
processing and access (GIS etc.);
enforcing cooperation with other nature reserves situated in the Danube Delta and
floodplain areas, as well as with international similar reserves for any available support
for the efficient management of this area;
INPUTS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE ASSIGNMENT
Consultants inputs: The assignment requires a multidisciplinary team (conservation management
plan specialist, biologist, botanist, migratory bird specialist, fish farm specialist, environmental
specialist, agriculturist, soil specialist) with a total input of 18 men*month.
Distribution of tasks:
The Conservation Management Specialist will coordinate the work and will be responsible for
preparing the draft and final reports (6 months).
A biologist specialist will be recruited to carry out specific parts of the task (including the fauna)
(4 months).
A botanist specialist will be recruited to carry out specific parts of (b), (c), (d), (f), (g), (i), and (j)
of the task (1 month).
A migratory birds specialist will be recruited to carry out specific parts of (b), (c), (d), (f), (g),
(i), and (j) of the task (1 month).
A fish farm specialist will be recruited to carry out specific parts of (b), (c), (d), (f), (g), (i), and
(j) of the task (1 month).
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An environmental specialist will be recruited to carry out specific parts of (a), (c), (e), (f), (g), (i),
and (j) of the task (including land reclamation, NGO's, emergency intervention plan, ecological
reconstruction and rehabilitation) (two months).
An agriculturist will be recruited to carry out specific parts of (a), (b), (c), (i), and (j) of the task
(1 month).
A soil specialist will be recruited to carry out specific parts of (a), (i), and (j) of the task (1
month).
A topography specialist will be recruited to carry out specific parts of (a) and (j) of the
assignment (1 month).
REPORTING AND TIMING:
The consultant will report to the Manager of the PPU, who has overall responsibility for project
implementation. The PMU Manager will agree the work plan with the consultants at the start of
the assignment.
The Draft Report will be reviewed by the PMU Manager and the MWEP representatives and all
their comments will be incorporated into the Final Report.
The Draft Report will be submitted within 6 months after signing the contract and a Final Report
within 2 months after the PMU has approved the Draft Report (provided this deadline is agreed
by the PMU Manager).
All reports should be drawn in English and Romanian and should be submitted in two copies.
DOCUMENTS TO BE CONSULTED
- Proposals for Integrated Management of the Boianu-Sticleanu Polder, 2001
- Agenda 21, Rio de Janeiro, 1991
- The Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy-Council of Europe-1996
- Law no. 5/1991, regarding the Convention on wetland of international importance (M.Of.
18/26.01.1991)
- Law no. 13/1993, regarding the Convention for wildlife and natural conservation in
Europe (M.Of. 62/25.03.1993)
- Law no. 58/1994, regarding the Convention on biological diversity (M.Of.
199/02.08.1994)
- Law no. 13/1998, regarding the Convention on migratory species (M.Of. 24/26.01.1998)
- Law no. 111/1998, regarding Romania's adherence to the UN Convention for
desertification control (M.Of. 222/17.06.1998)
- Law no. 24/1994, regarding the UN Frame Convention on climatic changes (M.Of.
119/12.05.1994)
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ANNEXES AND MAPS
Annex 1 1990 Pedological Survey
Annex 2 Ecosystematic Zoning Map
Annex 3 Agriculturally Inadequate Areas, Proposed for Ecological Reconstruction
Annex 4 Land Reclamation Infrastructure
Annex 5 1975 Hydro geological Survey
Annex 6 1990 Hydro geological Survey
Map 1 Agro forestry Program, Boianu Sticleanu Area
Map 2 Sustainable Management of Pastures, Boianu - Sticleanu
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